Culinary R&D Associate

Lab37; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k)

Discretionary vacation days

Paid sick time

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Lab37 in Los Angeles is seeking a Culinary Developer to lead culinary innovation for new and core brands. You will define the culinary roadmap, oversee recipe development from initial conception to production, and create operational playbooks to ensure flawless execution across locations.

The ideal candidate has 2 years of culinary experience and strong knowledge of diverse cuisines. This role offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits in a dynamic work environment.

Qualifications

• 2+ years culinary experience and 4 years in recipe development.
• Strong knowledge of diverse cuisines.
• Ability to develop and iterate at speed.
• Focused on building and testing with intention and clarity.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute culinary roadmap for brands.
• Lead R&D pipeline for brands.
• Own full recipe pipeline from outline to testing.
• Research supplier opportunities to enhance quality.

Skills

Culinary experience

Recipe development

Systems thinking

Speed in development

Methodical testing

Consulting in kitchen operations

Data gathering

Passion for innovation

Job description

Who we are

Lab37 Robotics, is a technology company focused on the development and deployment of robots designed specifically for direct-to-customer food production. Our mission is to revolutionize the food industry by creating innovative robotic solutions that enhance efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction. We are passionate about pushing the boundaries of technology to deliver cutting‑edge products that meet the evolving needs of our clients.

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?

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