ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Food Test Kitchen Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Denny's Inc.

Associate Test Kitchen

Spartanburg, SC · On-site

$14.20 - $19.58/hr

JOB SUMMARY This position reports to the Manager of Food Science and Commercialization and is ... Daily general and heavy cleaning of all test kitchen equipment and test kitchen area; includes ...

Denny's

Associate Test Kitchen

Spartanburg, SC · On-site

$14.20 - $19.58/hr

JOB SUMMARY This position reports to the Manager of Food Science and Commercialization and is ... Daily general and heavy cleaning of all test kitchen equipment and test kitchen area; includes ...

Denny's (DFO, LLC)

Associate Test Kitchen

Spartanburg, SC · On-site

$14.20 - $19.58/hr

JOB SUMMARY This position reports to the Manager of Food Science and Commercialization and is ... Daily general and heavy cleaning of all test kitchen equipment and test kitchen area; includes ...

Denny's

Associate Test Kitchen

Spartanburg, SC · On-site

$14.20 - $19.58/hr

JOB SUMMARY This position reports to the Manager of Food Science and Commercialization and is ... Daily general and heavy cleaning of all test kitchen equipment and test kitchen area; includes ...

America's Test Kitchen

Assistant Editor

Boston, MA · On-site

$56K - $58K/yr

We at America's Test Kitchen believe food media can be a powerful force for social change. We are passionate about building an inclusive workforce that represents many different cultures, backgrounds ...

Leprino Foods Company

R&D Test Kitchen Cook

Denver, CO

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

A Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Dairy Science, or a related field; or ... test kitchen, pilot plant, or manufacturing environment. * An ability to safely operate food ...

Leprino Foods Company

R&D Test Kitchen Cook

Denver, CO · On-site

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

A Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Dairy Science, or a related field; or ... test kitchen, pilot plant, or manufacturing environment. * An ability to safely operate food ...

Grey Dog Media LLC

Food Stylist

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

Style food and sets for photography and video in collaboration with our Test Kitchen and creative teams. * Develop, test, and edit recipes for print, digital, and video projects. * Source and prep ...

Capitol Food Company

R&D Technician

La Mirada, CA

$18 - $22/hr

Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesPerform bench tests using mixers, fryers, ovens, proofers, and other food-service or test-kitchen equipment.Prepare ingredients, samples, and food products ...

America's Test Kitchen

VP, Product & Design

Boston, MA · On-site

America's Test Kitchen ( ATK) and Food52 are seeking a visionary and pragmatic VP, Product & Design ... in food. In this role, you will own the product and design vision, strategy, and execution across ...

Nole

Culinary Assistant

Metairie, LA · On-site

Culinary Support - Test kitchen set up/break down, organization of inventory in test kitchen ... External guest satisfaction - Responsible for resolving concerns of food quality effectively and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsManufacturing JobsFood Manufacturing JobsFood Processor JobsFood Test Kitchen Jobs

Food Test Kitchen information

See salary details

$8

$15

$19

How much do food test kitchen jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for food test kitchen in the United States is $15.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $16.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food test kitchen?

A Food Test Kitchen is a specialized facility where chefs, food scientists, and culinary experts develop, test, and refine recipes and food products before they are released to the public or used in restaurants and food manufacturing. In a test kitchen, new food ideas are experimented with to ensure taste, quality, and consistency. These kitchens play a key role in product innovation, food safety, and quality control, helping companies create successful and appealing food items.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a food test kitchen role?

Success in a Food Test Kitchen requires a solid background in culinary arts, food science, and recipe development, often supported by a relevant degree or professional experience. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, food safety standards, and software for recipe formulation or nutritional analysis is typically essential. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong teamwork and communication skills help professionals innovate and collaborate effectively. These skills and qualities ensure the creation of safe, appealing, and market-ready food products through efficient experimentation and testing.

What are the typical challenges faced by professionals working in a food test kitchen environment?

Professionals in a food test kitchen often encounter challenges such as balancing creativity with strict food safety standards, managing time effectively to meet development deadlines, and adapting recipes for large-scale production while maintaining quality and taste. Collaboration with chefs, food scientists, and marketing teams is frequent, requiring strong communication skills. Additionally, staying up-to-date with trends and consumer preferences is vital to ensure new product concepts are relevant and successful.

What is the difference between Food Test Kitchen vs Food Scientist?

AspectFood Test KitchenFood Scientist
CredentialsTypically culinary or food industry certifications, culinary degreesAdvanced degrees in food science, chemistry, or related fields
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, product development labs, testing facilitiesLaboratories, research facilities, manufacturing plants
Employer & IndustryFood companies, product development firms, culinary startupsFood manufacturing, research institutions, academia
Common Search/ComparisonFocuses on recipe testing, product development, culinary experimentationFocuses on food safety, quality control, scientific research

While both roles involve working with food, a Food Test Kitchen primarily focuses on recipe development and product testing in a culinary setting. In contrast, a Food Scientist conducts scientific research to improve food safety, quality, and innovation. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers identify the right career path or job opportunity in the food industry.

How do I get a job in a food test kitchen?

To work in a food test kitchen, candidates typically need a background in culinary arts, food science, or a related field, along with strong tasting and sensory evaluation skills. Relevant experience, attention to detail, and knowledge of food safety standards are also important, and some positions may require certifications such as ServSafe. Applying through company websites or industry job boards and demonstrating culinary expertise can improve chances of securing a position.

How to become a food test kitchen tester?

To become a food test kitchen tester, candidates typically need a background in food science, culinary arts, or related fields, along with strong tasting and sensory evaluation skills. Experience in food development, attention to detail, and the ability to follow specific testing protocols are important. Some positions may require certifications or training in food safety and quality assurance.

What cities are hiring for Food Test Kitchen jobs?

Cities with the most Food Test Kitchen job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Food Test Kitchen jobs?

For Food Test Kitchen jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Food Test Kitchen jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Test Kitchen job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 32% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,047 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Associate Test Kitchen

Spartanburg, SC • On-site

Denny's Inc.
Food Services and Drinking Places • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Denny's Inc.external

$14.20 - $19.58/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Denny's rating

4.6

Company rating: 4.6 out of 10

Based on 262 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

This position reports to the Manager of Food Science and Commercialization and is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness, organization and day to day equipment operation and inventory storage of the test kitchen.

Essential Functions (Key Responsibilities)

  • Daily washing of dishes and maintenance of kitchen.
  • Daily general and heavy cleaning of all test kitchen equipment and test kitchen area; includes grills, fryers, freezers/coolers, dry storage, counter space, walls, shelves, etc..
  • Assist in the production of all product demonstrations and product tests.
  • Daily receiving and assigning proper storage of all incoming product samples and other miscellaneous freight. Update and share the product inventory log at the end of each day.
  • Other miscellaneous duties as assigned. To include:
    • Assist vendors with setting up for presentations
    • Schedule donation pick-ups with local Soup Kitchen
    • Off-site errands (i.e. grocery store, mailing, dry ice pick up, restaurant pick up, linen pick up and return)
    • Mail packages to appropriate destinations for Product Development team members
    • Some cook/prep may be required on occasion
    • Pull product and ingredients for various test kitchen functions including support for Product Development, Training, Marketing, Purchasing and Operations
    • Other miscellaneous duties assigned

Education & Experience Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • 2 to 3 years of BOH experience in a restaurant or hospitality environment. MS Office and Excel preferred.

Required Knowledge & Skills

  • Good verbal and organizational skills.
  • Must be able to work independently and in a very fast paced and quickly changing environment.
  • Must be flexible and have the ability to work within very tight time constraints.
  • Must be able to operate and maintain industrial kitchen equipment.
  • Must be able to lift at least 40lbs and stand for prolonged periods of time.
  • Must be able to work in cold environments, 32 or below, for an extended period of time (this is required for inventory and cleaning if industrial freezers and coolers).
  • Must be able to work extended hours as needed.
  • Position requires own transportation and must be willing to use personal vehicle for test kitchen errands (grocery, etc.) Gas mileage is reimbursable.

The typical pay range for this role is:

Minimum:$14.20 - Maximum:$19.58

Please note that this range represents the pay range for all positions in the job grade within which the position falls. This job posting is not a promise of any specific pay for any specific employee as the actual pay will take into account a range of factors, including location and experience.

Denny's, Inc.is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of age, race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, sex, sexual orientation,gender identity,disability,genetic information,military or veteran's status, criminal background, or any other characteristic protected by Federal, State, or local law.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process shouldcontact 864-597-8000. PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT THIS NUMBER TO CHECK THE STATUS OF YOUR APPLICATION.

Denny's, Inc. participates in E-Verify. We will provide the Social Security Administration, and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. For more information on E-Verify, please contact the DHS at 888-897-7781 or dhs.gov/e-verify. Please note that we do not use this information to pre-screen job applicants.

What Denny's employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Denny's logo

About Denny's

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We are the classic American diner and proud of everything that means. Since 1953, we've served quality food and healthy portions at a fair price. No matter where we are, our light is always on, inviting guests around the world into a place where everyone is welcome. Our Denny's family is our most important asset. We trust, support and respect each other and work together for the greater good. We recognize the contributions of all. "Open" means so much more than just being open 24/7. It means being open to all people, appetites and budgets. It says we're open-minded and open to new ideas. Honest, warm and inviting. "Open" is the way we think and act every hour of every day.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Spartanburg, SC, US

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All Denny's Jobs

Apply