Full-Time Production Assistant APPLY NOW

Department: Coffee Roasting & Production

Reports To: Production Manager

Employment Type: Full-Time

Location: Metric Coffee — Chicago, IL

Position Summary

Metric Coffee is looking for a dedicated, passionate, and team-minded coffee professional to join our team as a Full-Time Production Assistant. This is an opportunity to work across multiple areas of coffee production while developing deeper skills in quality control, fulfillment, equipment operation, and coffee education.

The ideal candidate has a passion for quality coffee, a commitment to excellence, strong attention to detail, and a willingness to contribute wherever the team needs support. This position will work closely with the Roasting Manager and Production team to ensure coffee is roasted, packaged, fulfilled, and delivered to our retail and wholesale customers to Metric’s standards.

The Production Assistant will also have opportunities to interact directly with customers, support coffee education, and assist with classes, tastings, and other customer-facing activities as needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of professional coffee industry experience preferred.
• Previous coffee roasting and cupping experience preferred.
• Experience in coffee production, fulfillment, or warehouse operations is a plus.
• Strong interest in specialty coffee and a desire to continue developing technical coffee knowledge.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively as part of a team.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Mechanical aptitude and an interest in learning to operate and troubleshoot production equipment.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced production environment.
• Ability to communicate professionally with coworkers, customers, wholesale partners, and vendors.

Responsibilities

Coffee Roasting & Production

• Assist with the daily production of roasted coffee under the direction of the Production Manager.
• Support the Production Manager in all aspects of production.
• Follow established roast profiles, production schedules, and quality standards.
• Operate and monitor production equipment as trained.
• Assist with troubleshooting equipment issues and communicate maintenance concerns to the appropriate team members.
• Monitor production needs and adjust workflow based on demand.
• Maintain accurate production records and use software such as Roaster Tools.
• Receive and unload coffee and other production deliveries.

Packaging, Fulfillment & Inventory

• Package roasted coffee accurately and efficiently.
• Manage product fulfillment, shipping, and wholesale allocations.
• Assist with inventory counts and communicate inventory needs to the Roasting Manager.
• Help maintain accurate product and material inventory.
• Ensure finished products meet Metric’s quality and packaging standards.
• Maintain an organized, clean, and efficient production workspace.

Cleaning & Facility Maintenance

• Complete daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning and maintenance tasks.
• Maintain a safe and organized roasting and production environment.
• Follow all established safety procedures and equipment operating standards.
• Assist with general roastery organization and upkeep as needed.

Customer Interaction

• Interact with retail and wholesale customers in a knowledgeable and professional manner.
• Assist with or lead coffee classes, tastings, cuppings, and educational events.
• Support wholesale and retail customers when production responsibilities allow.
• Represent Metric Coffee professionally both inside and outside of the roastery.

Schedule & Work Environment

• Full-time position with a typical Monday–Friday production schedule.
• Early morning start times are required.
• Schedule may vary based on production demands, events, classes, and business needs.
• This is a physically demanding position in an active coffee production facility.
• Ability to repeatedly lift and move bags, boxes, and other materials is required.
• Ability to work around loud equipment, heat, dust, and repetitive motions is required.
• Must be comfortable standing and moving for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to safely lift and carry heavy coffee bags and production materials.

What We’re Looking For

The right person for this position is someone who:

• Takes pride in producing high-quality coffee.
• Is curious and excited to continue learning.
• Has a positive attitude and is willing to step in and help wherever needed.
• Can balance production responsibilities with customer service and education.
• Has strong attention to detail and follows through on tasks.
• Is dependable, organized, and accountable.
• Communicates clearly and works well with a diverse team.
• Has an interest in the technical and mechanical aspects of coffee roasting.
• Understands that every part of the production process contributes to the final customer experience.

Benefits

• Full-time employment.
• Paid Time Off & Sick Time.
• Metric covers 50% of Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance.
• Employee discounts.
• Opportunities for professional development and continued education within the coffee industry.

About Metric Coffee

Metric Coffee is committed to producing exceptional coffee while building a thoughtful, inclusive, and responsible company. We believe great coffee is the result of strong relationships, attention to detail, curiosity, and a commitment to doing things the right way.

At Metric, we welcome diversity and celebrate that our communities include individuals from all backgrounds, identities, and walks of life. We strive every day to foster an environment of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility that supports our employees, customers, and communities. We know that embracing diversity makes us stronger, enriches our culture, and allows us to grow together.

We encourage candidates with diverse backgrounds, identities, skills, and abilities to apply.