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Internship Recipe Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Internship Recipe Developer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

$23

$40

How much do internship recipe developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship recipe developer in Chicago, IL is $23.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.09 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Internship Recipe Developer do?

An Internship Recipe Developer assists in creating, testing, and refining recipes for food publications, brands, or food companies. Their responsibilities may include researching food trends, helping with food styling, writing clear recipe instructions, and ensuring recipes are reproducible by home cooks. They often work under the guidance of senior recipe developers or chefs and may also help with food photography or video shoots. This internship is a great way to gain hands-on experience in both culinary arts and food media.

Is it hard to be a recipe developer?

Being a recipe developer requires creativity, culinary skills, and knowledge of food science, which can involve trial and error to perfect recipes. The job often demands attention to detail, testing, and iteration, but the difficulty varies based on experience and the complexity of recipes being created.

What is the difference between Internship Recipe Developer vs Recipe Developer?

AspectInternship Recipe DeveloperRecipe Developer
CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate, may have culinary or food science backgroundProfessional experience, culinary or food science degree often required
Work EnvironmentInternship programs, entry-level settings, often in food companies or test kitchensFull-time roles in food companies, restaurants, or product development labs
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by companies to train and evaluate potential future employeesEstablished professionals creating recipes for products, menus, or publications

The main difference is that an Internship Recipe Developer is an entry-level position aimed at gaining experience, often held by students or recent graduates. A Recipe Developer is a full-time professional responsible for creating and testing recipes, requiring more experience and expertise. Internships serve as a stepping stone toward becoming a full Recipe Developer in the food industry.

How much do recipe developers get paid?

Recipe developers typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced developers or those working for large companies can earn higher salaries. Compensation often includes skills in culinary arts, food science, and recipe testing tools.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Internship Recipe Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Internship Recipe Developer, you need a solid understanding of culinary techniques, creativity in food preparation, and basic nutrition, often supported by culinary coursework or hands-on kitchen experience. Familiarity with recipe development software, food photography tools, and digital publishing platforms is typically required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to accept and apply feedback are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the creation of innovative, accurate, and appealing recipes that meet audience needs and support brand goals.

How to get a job as a recipe developer?

To become a recipe developer, build a strong culinary background through cooking experience, food science knowledge, or culinary education. Develop a portfolio of tested recipes, gain experience through internships or freelance work, and demonstrate creativity and attention to detail. Familiarity with food photography, social media, and recipe writing can also enhance job prospects.

What types of projects or assignments can I expect as an Internship Recipe Developer?

As an Internship Recipe Developer, you'll typically work on creating, testing, and refining recipes under the supervision of experienced culinary professionals. Your daily responsibilities may include brainstorming new recipe ideas, assisting in kitchen tests, documenting results, and helping to style food for photography or video. You may also collaborate with marketing or editorial teams to ensure recipes align with brand guidelines and target audiences. This hands-on role provides valuable exposure to the collaborative and creative process of professional recipe development.

What do you need to be a recipe developer?

To be a recipe developer, you typically need a strong knowledge of cooking techniques, food science, and recipe formulation. Culinary training or a degree in food science can be beneficial, along with experience in the kitchen and skills in food photography or writing. Familiarity with kitchen tools and the ability to test and refine recipes are also important.
What are the most commonly searched types of Recipe Developer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Recipe Developer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Internship Recipe Developer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Internship Recipe Developer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Internship Recipe Developer job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,056 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Sr Scientist, R&D - Product Development

Kraft Heinz Company

Glenview, IL • On-site

$89K - $112K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Kraft Heinz rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 122 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

231st of 434 rated food and drinks producers


Job description


Role
This is a technical leadership role providing direction for and execution of projects across our North American - Elevate Growth Team. The candidate will be identifying, scoping and driving technical projects to meet business initiatives focused on innovation and renovation. This candidate should have a proven record of executing work plans and driving for results. This includes understanding the business need, designing, and executing tests, analyzing data, drawing conclusions, documenting, communicating results, and commercializing products. Proven communication and teamwork skills are essential in this role, which operates in a cross-functional environment. The candidate must also have a strong technical background and be able to apply prior learning or scientific principles to new situations. This position requires an individual to manage multiple assignments/tasks concurrently and demonstrate the ability to complete work with minimal guidance. Exhibiting a collaborative mindset and applying innovative solutions are a must.
Key Components
  • Responsible for developing and commercializing new products and renovating existing products across the Sauces & Condiments portfolio.

  • The candidate will be scoping and/or driving highly technical and complex projects to meet the business' platform and innovation objectives.

  • Opportunities may exist to lead junior developers on projects.

  • Conduct feasibility assessments, prototype development, costing, supervision of factory trials, development of recipe and factory documentation, recipe and label development, technical approval, shelf-life assessment and technical support for initial factory production.

  • Apply prior learning or scientific principles to new situations.

  • Manage multiple assignments/ tasks concurrently and demonstrate the ability to complete work with minimal guidance.

  • Exhibiting a collaborative mindset and applying innovative solutions are a must.

Requirements
  • BS/MS in Food Science or Chemical Engineering

  • Minimum of 5 years in a Technical Function (which can include internship work)

  • Solid understanding of food chemistry, analytical testing, formulations, and processing used in food manufacturing

  • Sauce and condiment experience preferred

  • Understanding of ingredient functionality and interrelationship of ingredients, process, and packaging

  • Excellent communication, influencing, project management and problem-solving skills

  • Ability to lead, coach and motivate others

  • Manage multiple assignments/tasks concurrently with the ability to question the priority of work

  • Strong understanding of Design of Experiments

  • Willingness to travel 30%

Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz' strategy and values.
New Hire Base Salary Range:
$89,800.00 - $112,200.00
Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.
The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors
Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family's needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.
Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.
You'll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:
  • Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments
  • Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training
  • Emotional - Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
  • Financial - 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)
Glenview R&D Center, Heinz Innovation Center
Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com for assistance.

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