Culinary R&D Associate
About the role
You're the culinary engine behind everything we build — new brands, core brands, and everything in between. You translate market opportunities and brand briefs into real food: the component systems, recipes, and operational playbooks that make our brands cook at scale. This isn't just an R&D role — you're helping define the culinary roadmap for a business with ambitions of X+locations, household-name brands, and the gold standard in digital-first dining.
Responsibilities
- Define and execute a cohesive culinary roadmap — new brands, core brands, and LTO strategy — aligned with our long-term goals: X+ locations, highly profitable, the gold standard in digital-first
- Lead the R&D pipeline for both new and core brands
- Own the full recipe pipeline: menu outline → component architecture → recipe parametrics → testing → scaling → kitchen ready
- Develop and execute an LTO strategy that balances culinary innovation with the realities of small, extremely high-volume footprints
- Develop, test, and iterate recipes from base testing through production-scale validation (COGS + labor); parameterize and certify for robotic systems
- Build prep task libraries, order guides, and weekly production plans from PMIX models
- Research supplier opportunities to reduce costs and improve ingredient quality
- Build and maintain the component library — identify cross-brand reuse opportunities to maximize efficiency
- Collaborate with Ops to establish and enforce elite standards for prep, presentation, and safety (HACCP)
- Partner with Brand Manager, Designer, Ops, and Tech to ensure new launches are executed flawlessly in every kitchen
Requirements
2 years culinary experience, with at least 4 years in a recipe development and culinary R&D. Strong and diverse knowledge of different cuisine types — you can crank out an amazing smash burger and turn around and dish out a green curry that feels like sitting on the streets of Bangkok. Strong systems thinking — you design components, not just dishes. Experience working at speed: you can develop, test, and iterate fast without sacrificing quality. Methodical recipe developer: you build a quarterly roadmap and translate into weekly sprint schedules, stay rigorously organized, and test with intention — only running tests that matter under requirements that are clearly defined upfront so nothing is wasted. Passion for building something new, not just executing someone else's playbook.
Qualifications
Strong culinary skills, with a proven track record of developing and executing successful recipes and menu concepts. Knowledge of robotics and automation technologies. Experience in food service operations and supply chain management. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Excellent communication and problem-solving skills. Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts, Food Science, or related field preferred.
Skills
Strong systems thinking and ability to design components rather than just dishes. Experience working at speed and being able to develop, test, and iterate quickly without sacrificing quality. Methodical approach to recipe development, including the ability to build a quarterly roadmap and translate into weekly sprint schedules. Passion for building something new and innovative, not just executing someone else's playbook.
Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision insurance (multiple plans, incl. HSA options). Company-paid life and disability insurance (short- and long-term). Voluntary insurance: accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity. Optional supplemental life insurance for self, spouse, and children. Pet insurance discount. 401(k). Health Savings Account (HSA). Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare, Dependent Care, Commuter). Time Off policies: Discretionary vacation days. 8 paid holidays per year. Paid sick time. Paid Bereavement leave. Paid Parental Leave. Benefits are subject to change at the company's discretion.