Test Kitchen Associate

We are looking for a part time Test Kitchen Associate to join a Contract opportunity supporting coffee product quality and innovation in Torrance, California. This position is ideal for someone who brings hands-on coffee knowledge, a strong quality mindset, and the ability to evaluate products through both technical and consumer-focused lenses. You will contribute to structured testing, performance analysis, and cross-functional collaboration that helps shape new coffee experiences for the manufacturing sector.

Responsibilities:

• Carry out repeatable product trials and validation activities while following established test methods with a high level of accuracy.

• Use connected testing platforms and software tools to assess prototype coffee equipment and capture performance results.

• Review coffee products and brewing experiences from the perspective of varied end users, from new consumers to experienced enthusiasts.

• Interpret test findings by combining observational feedback with measurable data, then share practical recommendations for product refinement.

• Handle specialized kitchen and laboratory instruments to measure extraction, temperature, volume, and other performance indicators.

• Partner with product development and testing colleagues across regions to align evaluation practices and maintain consistent quality standards.

• Provide market-informed input on coffee preferences, brewing habits, and consumer expectations within North America.

• Create organized records, summary reports, evaluation documents, and support materials that clearly communicate test outcomes.

• Keep the test kitchen clean, orderly, and ready for daily testing activities and equipment use.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts, Coffee Science, Food Science, or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience in a relevant setting.
• At least 2 years of experience in specialty coffee, beverage product evaluation, coffee training, roasting, or food and beverage research and development.
• Solid knowledge of espresso preparation, brewing techniques, coffee equipment operation, and specialty coffee standards.
• Demonstrated ability to follow detailed procedures consistently and produce dependable test results.
• Comfort using software applications, connected devices, and basic data analysis tools in a testing or quality environment.
• Experience working with measurement or lab-style equipment is strongly preferred.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills with the ability to document results in a thorough and accurate manner.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Word.

Compensation

$21.00-$23.00 Hourly

About Us

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