Coffee Equipment Technician

Pacific Coffee Research is a women-owned, Hawaiʻi-based institution dedicated to advancing the coffee industry through collaboration, innovation, and skill-building. As Hawaiʻi’s only full-service coffee center, we offer professional education and training, equipment sales and services, and coffee roasted at origin with a deep commitment to uplifting the diverse voices and lives that shape the supply chain.

OUR MISSION

To illuminate the coffee supply chain through inclusive education, community collaboration, and a holistic approach to industry advancement.

OUR VISION

To create a more equitable, informed, and sustainable global coffee industry by connecting people through education, transparency, and collaboration.

Pacific Coffee Research is seeking a Coffee Equipment Technician to install, maintain, and repair the commercial coffee equipment we sell and support. This role is ideal for a hands-on troubleshooter with espresso, mechanical, or electrical experience who takes pride in keeping our partners' cafés running. The Equipment Technician will split time between customer sites and our internal service bench, working closely with the lead technician and the Roasting Department to deliver dependable service and consistent beverage quality.

Position Title: Coffee Equipment Technician

FLSA: Part-time, hourly (non-exempt) 

Department: Equipment & Technical Services

Start Date: Immediately

Reports To: Lead Equipment Technician and Operations Manager

• Hours: 10-15 hours/week, Monday–Friday, with occasional early-morning or after-hours calls to keep cafés open. This role has the flexibility and potential to grow into a full-time position.
• On-Call: Rotating emergency on-call coverage from time to time. In general, you manage your schedule
• Pay: $25.00–$30.00/hour, depending on experience
• Tools & Phone: Company-provided tools, parts inventory, testing equipment, and cell phone.
• Vehicle: When using your own vehicle, mileage will be reimbursed according to the IRS rate. When your vehicle is not available, a company vehicle will be provided.
• Housing Support: The potential to support relocation is open for discussion.

• Installations: Deliver, install, and commission new espresso machines, grinders, batch brewers, and water filtration systems at customer sites. Confirm plumbing, electrical, and drainage requirements with customers and contractors ahead of install day, then dial in equipment and train café staff on daily operation and cleaning.
• Preventative maintenance: Schedule and perform routine PM visits (gaskets, screens, valves, descaling, water filter changes, grinder burrs, calibration of temperature and pressure). Keep accurate service histories so partners know what was done and what's due next.
• Major repairs: Diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and electronic faults on commercial coffee equipment, on-site and on our service bench. Read wiring diagrams and schematics, and use a multimeter and pressure gauges to test components safely. Use PCR technical partners for further troubleshooting as needed.
• Emergency service calls: Respond quickly to equipment-down calls and keep partners informed until the issue is resolved.
• Parts sourcing & inventory: Track parts inventory at the roastery and log parts used on every job. In some cases, identify, quote, and order replacement parts from manufacturers and distributors. 
• Bench work & refurbishment: Bench-test, rebuild, and refurbish used or traded-in equipment for resale or loaner use.
• Service documentation: Complete clear service reports, time logs, and parts records using Google Workspace (email, calendar, and inventory spreadsheet) so jobs can be invoiced accurately.
• Customer care: Be the friendly, professional face of Pacific Coffee Research in our partners' cafés. Recommend upgrades or replacements when equipment is no longer worth repairing, and support equipment sales conversations with technical expertise.
• In-house equipment support: Assist the Roasting Department with maintenance on the roastery and cupping lab equipment as needed.
• Quality partnership: Participate in quality control cuppings.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe service bench and tool inventory.
• Communicate effectively with leadership and team members regarding service schedules, parts needs, and customer issues.
• Work with 220 V and steam boilers

Required

• 1+ years of hands-on experience servicing equipment: coffee/espresso technician, appliance or foodservice equipment repair, HVAC/refrigeration, electrician, mechanic, or similar trade
• Working knowledge of basic electricity (voltage, amperage, resistance) and ability to read a multi-meter, equipment schematics and wiring diagrams
• Comfort with plumbing and water systems: fittings, valves, pumps, and water filtration
• Comfortable with high voltage equipment and pressurized boilers
• Strong troubleshooting skills and the patience to work a problem through to a lasting fix
• Valid driver's license, clean driving record, and ability to pass a motor vehicle record check
• Working knowledge of Google Suite (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Drive) and comfort logging work on a phone or tablet
• Strong communication skills and a professional, customer-first attitude
• Ability to work independently and manage a daily route of service calls

Preferred

• Direct experience with commercial espresso equipment and grinders 
• Service experience with our partner manufacturers: La Marzocco, Rancilio, Bunn, Fetco, Mahlkönig and Mazzer. 
• Experience with other manufacturers coffee machines 
• Experience with batch brewers and commercial water treatment
• Manufacturer or factory service certifications
• Barista experience or confidence preparing espresso and filter coffee to specialty standards
• Familiarity with coffee roaster maintenance (gas, burners, exhaust, and afterburners)
• SCA coursework, especially Barista Skills or equipment-focused modules

As the service program grows, there is potential for expanded responsibilities in:

• Factory training and manufacturer certifications, paid by Pacific Coffee Research
• Leading equipment installations and consulting new café projects
• Customer equipment training and education workshops in our lab
• Roaster maintenance and roasting support
• Growing into a Lead Technician role 
• Access to SCA certificate courses at steeply discounted rates
• Free coffee and employee discounts on coffee and equipment
• Service area: Currently Hawai’i Island with potential to grow to inter-island travel and support.

This role splits time between customer sites (cafés, restaurants, hotels, and resorts) and our coffee lab service bench. Customer sites can be busy, tight, and working during service hours. The lab is enclosed but open-air and not air conditioned. Driving between service calls is expected.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 60 lbs, and to safely move heavier equipment with a partner or dolly
• Ability to kneel, crouch, and work in tight spaces under counters and behind equipment
• Ability to stand or drive for extended periods (ie. Hilo)
• Exposure to hot water, steam, electrical components, heat, noise, and roasting byproducts (PPE is provided)

Email your cover letter and resume to [email protected]