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Internship Culinary Research Development Jobs in Riverside, CA

Del Taco

R&D Associate Manager

Lake Forest, CA · On-site

$89K - $110K/yr

Director of Culinary Research & Development SALARY RANGE : $89,000 - $110,000 / Annual Position Summary: Seeking an innovative product developer with a growth mindset and a desire to create and ...

Del Taco, LLC

R&D Associate Manager

Lake Forest, CA

$89K - $110K/yr

Director of Culinary Research & Development SALARY RANGE : $89,000 - $110,000 / Annual Position Summary: Seeking an innovative product developer with a growth mindset and a desire to create and ...

Danaher

R&D Internships

Pomona, CA

By submitting your interest, you'll be among the first to know when internship opportunities open ... About R&D Roles at Danaher Are you driven by curiosity, discovery, and a desire to contribute to ...

Haliburton International

Culinary Chef

Ontario, CA · On-site

Summary Under the supervision of the Culinary Manager and in support of Haliburton's sales division ... and menu research, hands-on cooking and product development with live customer cooking ...

Solina

R&D Technician

Eastvale, CA

$19 - $26/hr

By constantly rethinking culinary solutions, we make food matter for people and the planet . If you ... Follows procedures toassurea clean,safeand organized R&D lab. * Maintains raw material ingredient ...

DEL REAL LLC

Senior Culinary Manager

Mira Loma, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Head of R&D Backup Position: Director of R&D * PURPOSE We are seeking an exceptional Senior Culinary Manager with deep expertise in authentic Mexican and Hispanic cuisine and proven experience in ...

CIBD

Research Intern

Orange, CA

The Research Internship Program is designed to provide you real-world experience that challenges ... Because each intern's professional development goals are unique, your experience at CIBD will be ...

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Internship Culinary Research Development information

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$2.2K

$6.7K

$8.1K

How much do internship culinary research development jobs pay per month?

As of May 30, 2026, the average monthly pay for internship culinary research development in Riverside, CA is $6,718.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $4,608.33 and $8,000.00 per month, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Internship Culinary Research Development, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Internship Culinary Research Development professional, you need a strong foundation in culinary techniques, food science, and recipe formulation, typically supported by culinary school coursework or a related degree. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food safety regulations, and software for recipe management or nutritional analysis is important. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for developing innovative recipes and collaborating with chefs and product developers. These skills ensure the creation of safe, high-quality, and marketable food products in a dynamic culinary environment.

What types of projects or tasks can I expect to work on as an intern in Culinary Research and Development?

As an intern in Culinary Research and Development, you can expect to assist with recipe testing, ingredient sourcing, sensory evaluations, and prototype development for new menu items or food products. You'll likely collaborate closely with chefs, food scientists, and marketing teams to support the creation and refinement of innovative dishes. Interns often help document results, maintain kitchen organization, and may participate in brainstorming sessions or presentations. This hands-on role is fast-paced and offers valuable exposure to both culinary techniques and the business side of food innovation.

What is an Internship in Culinary Research and Development?

An Internship in Culinary Research and Development is a hands-on training opportunity where students or recent graduates work with professional chefs, food scientists, or product developers to create and improve food products. Interns gain practical experience in recipe formulation, sensory testing, ingredient sourcing, and sometimes even food safety protocols. This role is ideal for those interested in the intersection of culinary arts and food innovation, and it provides valuable exposure to the process of bringing new food products from concept to market.

What is the difference between Internship Culinary Research Development vs Culinary Research Associate?

AspectInternship Culinary Research DevelopmentCulinary Research Associate
CredentialsEnrolled in culinary or food science programs, some certificationsBachelor's degree in food science, culinary arts, or related field
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, learning-focused, temporaryFull-time, professional research labs or R&D departments
Employer & Industry UsageFood companies, culinary labs, internships for studentsFood manufacturing, product development, research institutions
Search & Comparison IntentEntry-level, learning roles, internshipsEntry to mid-level research roles, professional positions

In summary, Internship Culinary Research Development is an entry-level, learning-focused position typically held by students or those new to the industry. In contrast, a Culinary Research Associate is a full-time professional role requiring relevant degrees and experience, working in established research environments.

What are popular job titles related to Internship Culinary Research Development jobs in Riverside, CA? For Internship Culinary Research Development jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Internship Culinary Research Development jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Internship Culinary Research Development jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Internship Culinary Research Development jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Internship Culinary Research Development job openings:
Internship Culinary Research Development jobs near you
R&D Associate Manager

R&D Associate Manager

Del Taco

Lake Forest, CA • On-site

$89K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Del Taco rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 87 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

36th of 104 rated fast food restaurants

Job description

JOB TITLE: R&D Associate Manager
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
DEPARTMENT: Research & Development
REPORTS TO: Director of Culinary Research & Development
SALARY RANGE: $89,000 - $110,000 / Annual
Position Summary:
Seeking an innovative product developer with a growth mindset and a desire to create and inspire the food culture at Del Taco. This position is responsible for the execution of the innovation pipeline. This includes product design and experimentation, leveraging consumer insights throughout development, commercialization with cross functional partners, and presenting progress to leadership for feedback and alignment throughout the innovation process. The R&D Associate Manager will play a key role in bringing Del Taco Innovation to life!
Essential Job Functions / Duties:
  • Contribute to an innovative, curiosity-driven, food forward mindset in the organization
  • Design, develop, and test new products to ensure they meet ideal customer experience in restaurant. (hold time, temperature, product yields, shelf life, texture, etc.)
  • Lead the development and alignment of product culinary gold standards and specifications to ensure high quality standards throughout commercialization.
  • Partner with Finance to develop cost for new products.
  • Supports the team to maintain Marketing and Research & Development plans and timelines, including key tasks and milestones to meet project due dates.
  • Attend and provide assembly and expertise for new product photoshoots & commercials.
  • Collaborate effectively with cross functional partners and suppliers (Operations, Supply Chain, Consumer Insights, Finance) to move projects forward and to work through identified issues.
  • Present product updates to key stakeholders as we move through the innovation process
  • Access emerging culinary and industry trends to explore ways to apply the learning to Del Taco projects.

Skills and Experience
  • Proven hands-on product developer and implementer of innovation projects
  • Proven sensory knowledge to test and establish ideal product characteristics (culinary gold standard) that are communicated and delivered in end-product to consumer
  • Ability to work closely with suppliers in developing and improving processes to achieve commercial viability for products
  • Demonstrates a practical approach of product development and operational systems, supplier food processing, and the impact of distribution chains
  • Proven track record of working with and influencing cross-functional partners
  • Must work well with diverse groups and support a working team relationship
  • High energy, positive, proactive, and flexible team player
  • Strong analytical/investigative and troubleshooting skills
  • Ability to manage multiple projects from start to finish while maintaining priorities and details
  • Able to work independently, proactively, and communicate with the team (verbal and written)
  • Proficient in Outlook, Word, Excel, and Powerpoint

Education & Work Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Culinary, or related field with 5-7 years product development experience in restaurant industry.

Tools & Technologies
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite: PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook Email
  • Able to communicate clearly over email and phone

Licenses / Permits Required
  • ServSafe Manager Certification (can be obtained once hired)
  • Food Handler's Certificate (can be obtained once hired)
  • Valid Driver License and reliable transportation

Additional Requirements
  • Requires mainly working from the corporate office/test kitchen environment located in Lake Forest, CA; Monday - Friday
  • Extended periods of standing and working in kitchen
  • Approximately 10% - 20% travel required, training sessions and meetings are a part of the job
  • May perform other responsibilities as assigned. Responsibilities and duties may change when circumstances dictate. (e.g., emergencies, changes in workload, rush projects, other tasks)

LIST TYPES OF EQUIPMENT USED ON THIS JOB:
Kitchen and Office equipment

What Del Taco employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About Del Taco

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We proudly work harder to make fast, awesome fresh Mexican food accessible to everyone, creating delightful moments for our guests. Working at Del Taco, you'll feel proud that you are part of an iconic brand, where we actually grill, shred and chop fresh ingredients. You'll feel proud that you have a chance to grow and earn more as you work through a realistic and achievable career path. It's not about JUST DOING IT, It's about BEING THE BEST at doing it. Learn more about being the best you can be.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Lake Forest, CA, US

Year founded

1964

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