Culinary R&D Technician - Prototyping & Kitchen Ops

Golden West Food Group; Irving (TX); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday Pay

Paid Time Off

Health Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

401k

Job summary

Golden West Food Group in Irving, TX is seeking a Culinary Product Development Technician to support the Culinary Development Team and manage the day-to-day operations of the test kitchen.

The role focuses on benchtop development, testing, and optimization of products, while maintaining kitchen cleanliness, inventory, and cross-functional collaboration to move concepts toward commercialization. Experience in cooking and food safety is essential.

Qualifications

• Commercial kitchen experience required.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds and stand for extended periods.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to work independently.
• Positive can-do attitude and strong work ethic.
• Strong understanding of ingredient functionality and product formulation.
• Proficiency in laboratory techniques and familiarity with testing equipment.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Organization and time management
• Teamwork and communication
• Attention to detail and precision in tasks
• Adaptability to evolving priorities and timelines
• A proactive approach to identifying and resolving challenges.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a clean, sanitary, and organized kitchen environment always.
• Wash dishes, clean equipment, and perform daily and deep-cleaning tasks as needed.
• Monitor inventory levels and assist with ordering, receiving, and stocking supplies.
• Rotate inventory and ensure proper storage of food and supplies.
• Aid in incoming shipment organization.
• Organize kitchen workspaces, storage areas, refrigerators, and freezers.
• Assist with food prep, portioning, labeling, and packaging.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and sanitation regulations.
• Work collaboratively with team members to support efficient kitchen operations.
• Identify and communicate inventory shortages, equipment issues, or operational concerns.
• Assist in the preparation of prototypes for new product concepts.
• Conduct ingredient trials, material evaluations, and process optimization studies.
• Document formulation changes and maintain accurate records of development activities.
• Support quality assurance by analyzing new raw material samples and ensuring compliance with specifications.
• Prepare detailed reports, including test results, product specifications, and production guidelines for all products during the product lifecycle.
• Assist in the creation of manufacturing work instructions for new products being launched.
• Work with marketing, supply chain, and production teams to transition products from development to commercialization.
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Cooking experience

Food safety

Inventory management

Sanitation

Teamwork

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Time management

Attention to detail

Adaptability

Communication

Education

Culinary degree

Tools

Testing equipment

Job description

Golden West Food Group in Irving, TX is seeking a Culinary Product Development Technician to support the Culinary Development Team and manage the day-to-day operations of the test kitchen.

The role focuses on benchtop development, testing, and optimization of products, while maintaining kitchen cleanliness, inventory, and cross-functional collaboration to move concepts toward commercialization. Experience in cooking and food safety is essential.