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product development assistant, Food R&D

Starbucks
United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 12 Aug 2026

About the role

Now Brewing – product development assistant, Food R&D! #tobeapartner

 

From the beginning, Starbucks set out to be a different kind of company. One that not only celebrated coffee and the rich tradition, but that also brought a feeling of connection. We are known for developing extraordinary leaders who share this passion and are guided by their service to others.

 

This is an opportunity to support the team who imagines, develops, commercializes, and optimizes food at Starbucks. In R&D, we aspire to be the indisputable leader in breakthrough innovation. Our mission is to create food and beverage experiences that nurture love, connection, and inspiration for people every day. Come join our team and help create amazing foods that will surprise and delight our customers and make our baristas proud to serve them!

 

As a Product Development Assistant, you will…

Contribute to Starbucks success by helping product developers with tasks and assessments needed to create and optimize food items. You will support the Culinary and Food R&D team by:

·       Handling incoming and outgoing shipments, opening boxes and organizing samples as they arrive

·       Monitoring and keeping all the food R&D kitchen and labs organized and stocked as needed for project work.

·       Conducting shelf-life studies from storing samples to setting up testing and reporting results to the product developers

·       Gathering and reporting analytical data as needed for project work.

·       Preparing for and supporting tastings, including product guidance and other sensory tests

·       Assisting with presentations and product samplings for leadership as needed

 

We’d love to hear from people with:

·       An associate degree or higher in Food Science, Culinary or other related fields

·       Food and beverage preparation experience. Barista experience a plus

 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

·       Knowledge of Microsoft office programs

·       Basic knowledge of math and science

·       Good organizational skills, ability to multi-task.

·       Ability to follow direction, seek guidance as necessary and provide regular progress report.

·       Ability to communicate clearly, verbally and in writing.

·       Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

·       Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

·       Ability to deliver excellent customer service with attention to details

·       Ability to build positive and effective working relationships with other team members

 

 

As a Starbucks partner, you (and your family) will have access to medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, and other voluntary insurance benefits. Partners have access to short-term and long-term disability, paid parental leave, family expansion reimbursement, paid vacation from date of hire*, sick time (accrued at 1 hour for every 25 hours worked), eight paid holidays, and two personal days per year. Starbucks also offers eligible partners participation in a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, a discounted company stock program (S.I.P.), Starbucks equity program (Bean Stock), incentivized emergency savings, and financ

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Company

Starbucks

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