Executive Chef

Pantera Capital; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 99,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Medical, Vision, Dental

401(k) Retirement Plan

Job summary

SpaceXAI is seeking an Executive Chef to lead and oversee multiple kitchen outlets, ensuring consistency across services and coordinating VIP experiences for guests and staff.

You will work with the executive chef to conceptualize outlets, train teams, and manage daily operations with a hands-on, proactive approach.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency, plus culinary degree or 6+ years in industry.
• 2+ years in a multi-outlet operation; ability to stand long hours.
• ServSafe or equivalent manager certification required.

Responsibilities

• Set and enforce standards in multiple kitchen outlets.
• Support executive chef with operations and staff development.
• Ensure food safety and workplace safety compliance.
• Plan cost per head targets and VIP openings.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team management

Safety compliance

Training staff

Education

Culinary degree

High school diploma

Tools

Microsoft Office

Outlook

Job description

SpaceXAI’s mission is to create AI systems that can accurately understand the universe and aid humanity in its pursuit of knowledge. Our team is small, highly motivated, and focused on engineering excellence. This organization is for individuals who appreciate challenging themselves and thrive on curiosity. We operate with a flat organizational structure. All employees are expected to be hands‑on and to contribute directly to the company’s mission. Leadership is given to those who show initiative and consistently deliver excellence. Work ethic and strong prioritization skills are important. All employees are expected to have strong communication skills. They should be able to concisely and accurately share knowledge with their teammates.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Executive Chef plays a vital role in the company, contributing directly to SpaceXAI’s success and historical milestones by overseeing teams in multiple outlets fueling the workforce overall and with a particular emphasis on the higher‑end food experiences to the company’s guests and/or VIPs. This individual works with the executive chef to conceptualize and oversee multiple outlets and services, ensure consistency across all offerings, and coordinates out‑of‑this‑world employee engagement activities. This position requires a versatile set of restaurant industry skills, an imagination without bounds and a lot of "can-do" attitude.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Follow, set, and enforce standards of operation in multiple kitchen outlets environments and service formats
• Support executive chef and/or sous chef/s with operation, team development, and overall department in its entirety
• Enforce both food and general workplace safety in all food services areas
• Train staff on work planning materials, safety protocols, and health inspection guidelines
• Oversee hiring and disciplinary decisions for their team, keeping in mind overall wellbeing of all food services
• Coordinate successful openings of new outlets, with particular emphasis on VIP experiences
• Continue operation of new outlets throughout the entirety of there existence once in regular day‑to‑day operation
• Plan and meet cost per head targets at their site and/or outlets set by executive chef
• Support hiring, development, retention and overall team management for all food service’s staff

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• Culinary degree and 4+ years of industry experience; or 6+ years of industry experience
• 2+ years of experience in a multi‑outlet operation facility
• Kitchen and or dining area renovation/construction experience
• Ability to carry large heavy items, such as dishes in tubs or trays unassisted (up to 25 lbs.)
• Must have or be able to obtain a ServSafe/equivalent state‑recognized manager level food handler certification
• Able to stand for long periods of time – up to 8 hours a day
• Able to perform frequent bending, stooping, and lifting of objects
• Must be able to work all shifts and available for extended hours and/or weekends
• Must participate in internal leadership and development training
• Must be willing to travel occasionally
• Valid Drivers License
• Valid Food Managers Certification

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Culinary degree
• Proficiency in use of Microsoft Office and Outlook software
• Experience in a corporate environment
• Experience with high volume or batch cooking
• Experience leading a group of 20 or more team members
• Advanced knowledge of kitchen equipment and safe kitchen operations
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

$100,000 - $165,000 USD

Base salary is just one part of our total rewards package at SpaceXAI, which also includes equity, comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short & long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, and various other discounts and perks.

• equity, comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short & long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, and various other discounts and perks

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceXAI is an equal opportunity employer. For details on data processing, view our Recruitment Privacy Notice.