Japanese Specialty Cuisine Cook

About us

Since 1942, SkyChefs has taken culinary excellence to new heights. As a trusted partner to the nation’s leading airlines and retailers, we proudly deliver millions of meals and exceptional service experiences every year across 43 sites throughout the United States. Built on a legacy of operational excellence, culinary expertise, and continuous innovation, we are committed to setting the industry standard in aviation culinary, airline services, last-mile logistics, and retail commerce. From the kitchen to the runway, our teams work together to deliver quality, reliability, and service at every altitude.

Our people are the heart of everything we do. At SkyChefs, a career is more than a job – it’s an opportunity to grow, lead, and make an impact in a fast-paced, team-driven environment. Join America’s first, foremost, and finest and take your career to new heights.

About the role

Bring authentic flavors to the skies! As a Specialty Cuisine Cook specializing in Japanese cuisine, you’ll craft scratch-made dishes that celebrate regional authenticity for our airline partners. This role is all about precision and passion, ensuring every meal meets exacting airline specifications while delivering exceptional quality, safety, consistency, and presentation. From preparation to plating, you’ll create in-flight dining experiences that feel truly world-class.

Conversational Japanese language skills are preferred. This is an onsite role at a SkyChefs facility located near IAH - George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Relocation assistance to Houston is available for this opportunity.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook complete authentic meals from scratch, including entrees, side dishes, sauces, and specialty items for a specific designated airline customer.
• Execute authentic recipes with consistency and efficiency, following detailed portioning, seasoning, and presentation standards set by each airline client.
• Plate dishes according to menu specifications, ensuring all components are flight-ready, visually appealing, and securely packaged.
• Adhere to all airline, HACCP, and food safety regulations, including proper handling, labeling, and temperature control of food items.
• Coordinate with other kitchen stations to ensure timely production and delivery of complete meal components.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of workstations, equipment, and storage areas throughout each shift.
• Assist with menu presentations, chef tables, cycle changes, recipe testing, and implementation of new airline menus or seasonal offerings.
• Monitor inventory levels, report shortages, and support waste reduction initiatives.

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of professional cooking experience in a high-volume or specialty kitchen environment, preparing authentic Japanese specialty cuisine.
• Ability to read, write, and speak Japanese at a beginner level or higher to understand recipes and interface with the customer.
• Proficient in authentic Japanese cooking techniques and preparing corresponding regional cuisine.
• Ability to follow airline plating guides, recipe specifications, and food presentation standards.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and timing to meet pre-determined Kitchen Ready Time.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards (HACCP).
• Ability to work a pre-determined schedule that meets daily production timelines.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and work in a hot or refrigerated kitchen environment.
• Able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs, including hot pans of food.

Prior airline catering experience, culinary degree, formal training, internship program, or on-the-job training are preferred.

Schedule

• Work 5 consecutive days with 2 consecutive days off (Wednesday & Thursday).
• Day shift: 4:00 AM – 2:00 PM, with average work hours of 10-12 hours per day as business dictates.
• Operations run 24/7, 365 days a year.