Culinary R&D Associate

Lab37

$70K — $110K *
Food & Beverages
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 2+ years of culinary experience, with 4+ years in recipe development and culinary R&D.
  • Diverse culinary knowledge, capable of creating various dishes from burgers to curries.
  • Strong systems-thinking mindset focused on component design rather than just individual dishes.
  • Proven ability to work quickly without sacrificing quality in recipe development.
  • Methodical and organized approach to recipe testing with a focus on efficient and intentional execution.
  • Ability to analyze kitchen operations for improvement and apply insights to team goals.
  • Detail-oriented documentation skills to ensure recipes are production-ready on the first attempt.
  • Passion for innovative culinary creation rather than just execution.

Responsibilities

  • Define and implement a culinary roadmap aligned with long-term business goals.
  • Lead the R&D pipeline for both new and established brands.
  • Manage the entire recipe pipeline from concept to production-ready.
  • Develop and execute a strategic approach to limited time offerings (LTOs).
  • Test and scale recipes for high-volume production while ensuring quality.
  • Create detailed prep task libraries and production plans to maximize efficiency.
  • Research and collaborate on supplier opportunities to enhance ingredient quality.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance with HSA options.
  • Company-paid life and disability insurance.
  • Voluntary insurance options for accidents, critical illness, and hospitalization.
  • Pet insurance discount available.
  • 401(k) plan offered.
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) available.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare, dependent care, and commuting costs.
  • Discretionary vacation days and 8 paid holidays per year along with sick time and parental leave.
Full Job Description
Role Overview

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. You'll own the full pipeline from first sketch to production-ready, and launch execution.

What you'll do
  • 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


What we are looking for
  • 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 a badass 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.
  • Can put on a consultant hat, go into kitchen operations, and/or receive ratings feedback, identify opportunities for continuous improvement, and translate those insights into the team's roadmap.
  • You gather data continuously throughout the process to capture every necessary output, and you document with precision and detail so the final recipe lands production-ready, the first time
  • Passion for building something new, not just executing someone else's playbook


What else you need to know

Our work environment is fast-paced and dynamic, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and fulfilling work. We believe that a stimulating and enjoyable workplace is key to driving innovation and achieving excellence. At Lab37 Robotics, every team member plays a vital role in shaping the future of food production, and we are committed to supporting our employees' growth and success.

Join us at Lab37 Robotics and be a part of a forward-thinking company that's transforming the way the world approaches food production.

The base salary range for this role is $70,000 - $110,000 per year.

Actual compensation will be determined on an individual basis and may vary depending on experience, skills, and qualifications.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package. You may also be eligible for equity awards and an annual performance-based bonus.

Benefits Summary (USA Full-Time Exempt Employees):
  • 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.
Atoms accepts applications on an ongoing basis.

Ready to join us as we serve those who serve others?

#LI-Onsite

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