Quality Technician Internship at Starbucks | Food Science Internship 2025 – Apply Now
Dreaming of a career that combines your passion for coffee with science? The Coffee Quality Technician II position at Starbucks in Seattle offers a unique opportunity to apply your food science internship experience and quality control skills to one of the worldโs most beloved brands. As a quality technician, youโll ensure every cup of Starbucks coffee meets the highest global standards while growing your career in a company that values connection, innovation, and excellence.
About Starbucks:
Founded in 1971 in Seattle, Starbucks has become a global leader in coffee innovation, sustainability, and community engagement. With over 38,000 stores worldwide, Starbucks is known for its commitment to ethical sourcing, product quality, and partner (employee) well-being. The companyโs mission is simple yet powerful โ to inspire and nurture the human spirit โ one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time. Starbucks continues to lead the industry through its dedication to environmental responsibility, diversity, and education, including its renowned Starbucks internship and tuition programs.
Quality Technician Internship Details:ย
- Job Title: Coffee Quality Technician II โ Global Coffee
- Location: 2401 Utah Ave S #800, Seattle, Washington, United States
- Job ID: 250097752
- Category: Supply Chain Management
- Function: Green Coffee Quality
- Level: Individual Contributor
- Workplace Expectation: In-Office
- Pay Range: $23.94 โ $32.36 hourly
- Expiration Date: November 15, 2025
- Bonus Eligible: No
About the Role
As a Coffee Quality Technician II, youโll play a vital role in maintaining excellence in daily operations for the green coffee cupping room. Youโll lead planning, execution, and continuous improvement of quality protocols โ ensuring consistency, accuracy, and alignment with Starbucksโ global standards. This includes managing daily cupping sessions, conducting quality tests, data entry, and providing roasting support.
Key Responsibilities
Daily Cupping Sessions
- Oversee daily cupping programs, ensuring all sessions support quality evaluation and decision-making.
- Lead setup and sanitation protocols to maintain sensory and operational standards.
- Mentor and guide team members in cupping preparation and evaluation techniques.
Sample Management
- Direct the intake and prioritization of coffee samples, ensuring timely processing aligned with quality benchmarks.
- Establish and refine sample handling and evaluation consistency protocols.
- Lead the sample retention program.
Physical Testing
- Execute physical testing protocols including green grade, bean size, roasted color, and moisture.
- Record and maintain test data in relevant systems.
Quality Programs
- Champion the evolution of Green Coffee Quality programs aligned with global standards.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to support supply chain and sourcing goals.
- Identify and implement workflow and documentation improvements to enhance efficiency and data integrity.
Database Management
- Ensure timely and accurate data entry across Oracle, Smartsheet, and Excel systems.
- Drive initiatives to improve data accuracy and reporting capabilities.
Skills Required:ย
- Skills in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and Teams.
- Strong attention to detail and multitasking ability.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
- Experience gathering and reporting operational and quality metrics.
- 2 years of coffee experience and sensory evaluation skills (cupping).
- 1 year of experience in food science or a related field.
- Physical ability to perform standing and walking tasks.
- A true passion for coffee quality and sensory excellence.
Education & Experience Required
- Bachelorโs degree or equivalent experience preferred in Food Science, Quality Assurance, or related discipline.
- Prior food science internship or Starbucks internship experience is a plus.
Benefits & Perks
As a valued Starbucks partner, you and your family will enjoy:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Life insurance and disability coverage
- Paid parental leave and family expansion reimbursement
- Paid vacation and sick time (starting at 1 hour per 25 hours worked)
- Eight paid holidays and two personal days per year
- 401(k) plan with employer match
- Discounted company stock program (S.I.P.) and Starbucks equity (Bean Stock)
- Emergency savings incentives and financial well-being tools
- Tuition coverage for a first-time bachelorโs degree via the Starbucks College Achievement Plan (in partnership with Arizona State University)
- Student loan management support, backup care, and DACA reimbursement
Note: Benefits may vary by state and are subject to local laws and collective bargaining agreements.
Compensation for Quality Technician Job
The base pay range for this role is $23.94 โ $32.36 per hour, depending on job-related experience, skills, and location. Compensation decisions reflect individual qualifications and internal equity.
