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Recipe Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

AI Algorithm Developer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$161K - $221K/yr

Design and implement deep learning models for semiconductor process optimization (recipe inputs → ... Write clean, maintainable, scalable code following software engineering best practices * Apply ...

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Recipe Developer information

See California salary details

$15

$37

$63

How much do recipe developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for recipe developer in California is $37.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $58.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much money does a recipe developer make?

The average salary for a recipe developer ranges from $40,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer. Freelance recipe developers may charge per project or hour, with rates typically between $20 and $100 per hour. Advanced skills, a strong portfolio, and industry connections can lead to higher earnings.

How do I become a recipe developer?

To become a recipe developer, gain experience in cooking and food preparation, often through culinary education or self-study, and develop a strong portfolio of tested recipes. Skills in food science, creativity, and familiarity with kitchen tools and food safety standards are important, and many professionals also have backgrounds in nutrition or culinary arts. Building a network and showcasing your work through social media or food blogs can help attract opportunities.

How much does a recipe developer earn?

The average salary for a recipe developer ranges from $40,000 to $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Senior or specialized recipe developers with culinary or food science backgrounds can earn higher salaries, and some may work freelance or as consultants for food companies or media outlets.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A recipe developer can earn $10,000 or more per month through freelance work, creating popular recipes, or working with food brands, often requiring strong culinary skills, creativity, and a portfolio. Success depends on experience, reputation, and the ability to monetize content via social media, blogs, or product development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Recipe Developer position, and why are they important?

A Recipe Developer needs strong culinary knowledge, creativity in food preparation, and attention to detail, often supported by experience in professional kitchens or a degree in culinary arts. Familiarity with tools like recipe management software, nutritional analysis programs, and sometimes food photography equipment is common. Excellent communication, adaptability, and collaborative skills help in working with chefs, editors, and marketing teams. These abilities ensure the creation of innovative, accurate, and appealing recipes that meet organizational and audience needs.

What does a Recipe Developer do?

A Recipe Developer creates, tests, and refines recipes for restaurants, food brands, cookbooks, and media outlets. They ensure recipes are accurate, flavorful, and replicable by home cooks or professional chefs. Their work often involves researching ingredients, testing multiple variations, and documenting precise instructions. Some Recipe Developers also style food for photography, collaborate with chefs, or adapt recipes for dietary needs.

What does a typical day look like for a Recipe Developer?

A typical day for a Recipe Developer often involves brainstorming and researching new recipe concepts, testing and refining dishes in the kitchen, and carefully documenting measurements and methods. The role also includes writing clear instructions, collaborating with food stylists or photographers, and sometimes coordinating with nutritionists or marketing teams to ensure recipes meet specific requirements. Communication and teamwork are essential since Recipe Developers may receive feedback from editors or culinary leads and need to adjust recipes accordingly. This dynamic mix of creative, hands-on, and collaborative work makes each day varied and rewarding.

What are the most commonly searched types of Recipe Developer jobs in California? The most popular types of Recipe Developer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Recipe Developer jobs? Cities in California with the most Recipe Developer job openings:
Infographic showing various Recipe Developer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $78,735 per year, or $37.9 per hour.

Culinary R&D Manager, Robotic Kitchen Product

ATOMS Careers page

Los Angeles, CA

$80K - $134K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Who we are 

Lab37 Robotics, is a technology company focused on the development and deployment of robots designed specifically for direct-to-customer food production. Our mission is to revolutionize the food industry by creating innovative robotic solutions that enhance efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction. We are passionate about pushing the boundaries of technology to deliver cutting-edge products that meet the evolving needs of our clients.

Role overview

You're the culinary engine behind everything we build - new brands, core brands, and everything in between. You translate market opportunities and brand briefs into real food: the component systems, recipes, and operational playbooks that make our brands cook at scale. This isn't just an R&D role - you're helping define the culinary roadmap for a business with ambitions of 100+ locations, household-name brands, and the gold standard in digital-first dining. You'll own the full pipeline from first sketch to production-ready, and launch execution.

What you'll do

  • Define and execute a cohesive culinary roadmap - new brands, core brands, and LTO strategy - aligned with our long-term goals: 100+ locations, highly profitable, the gold standard in digital-first
  • Lead the R&D pipeline for both new and core brands
  • Own the full recipe pipeline: menu outline component architecture recipe parametrics testing scaling kitchen ready
  • Develop and execute an LTO strategy that balances culinary innovation with the realities of small, extremely high-volume footprints
  • Develop, test, and iterate recipes from base testing through production-scale validation (COGS + labor); parameterize and certify for robotic systems
  • Build prep task libraries, order guides, and weekly production plans from PMIX models
  • Research supplier opportunities to reduce costs and improve ingredient quality
  • Build and maintain the component library - identify cross-brand reuse opportunities to maximize efficiency
  • Collaborate with Ops to establish and enforce elite standards for prep, presentation, and safety (HACCP)
  • Partner with Brand Manager, Designer, Ops, and Tech to ensure new launches are executed flawlessly in every kitchen

What we are looking for 

  • 8+ years culinary experience, with at least 4 years in a recipe development and culinary R&D.
  • Strong and diverse knowledge of different cuisine types - you can crank out a badass smash burger and turn around and dish out a green curry that feels like sitting on the streets of Bangkok.
  • Strong systems thinking - you design components, not just dishes
  • Experience working at speed: you can develop, test, and iterate fast without sacrificing quality
  • Methodical recipe developer: you build a quarterly roadmap and translate into weekly sprint schedules, stay rigorously organized, and test with intention - only running tests that matter under requirements that are clearly defined upfront so nothing is wasted.
  • Can put on a consultant hat, go into kitchen operations, and/or receive ratings feedback, identify opportunities for continuous improvement, and translate those insights into the team's roadmap.
  • You gather data continuously throughout the process to capture every necessary output, and you document with precision and detail so the final recipe lands production-ready, the first time
  • Passion for building something new, not just executing someone else's playbook

Why join us

  • Demand for online food delivery is growing really fast! In the last 5 years, just in the US, the overall market has expanded 10X from $10B to $100B, and could expand to $500bn- $1T by 2030.
  • Changing the restaurant industry: You'll be part of a team that helps restaurants succeed in online food delivery. 
  • Collaborative environment: You will receive support and guidance from experienced colleagues and managers, helping you to learn, grow and achieve your goals, and you'll work closely with other teams to ensure our customer's success.

What else you need to know

Our work environment is fast-paced and dynamic, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and fun. We believe that a stimulating and enjoyable workplace is key to driving innovation and achieving excellence. At Lab37 Robotics, every team member plays a vital role in shaping the future of food production, and we are committed to supporting our employees' growth and success. 

Pay and benefits: We are looking for best in class for both talent and work ethic and provide benefits and pay to match.

Join us at Lab37 Robotics and be a part of a forward-thinking company that's transforming the way the world approaches food.

The base salary range for this role is $80,000 - $134,000 per year.

Actual compensation will be determined on an individual basis and may vary depending on experience, skills, and qualifications.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package. You may also be eligible for equity awards and an annual performance-based bonus.

Benefits Summary (USA Full-Time Exempt Employees):

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance (multiple plans, incl. HSA options).
  • Company-paid life and disability insurance (short- and long-term).
  • Voluntary insurance: accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity.
  • Optional supplemental life insurance for self, spouse, and children.
  • Pet insurance discount.
  • 401(k).
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare, Dependent Care, Commuter)
  • Time Off policies:
    • Discretionary vacation days
    • 8 paid holidays per year
    • Paid sick time
    • Paid Bereavement leave
    • Paid Parental Leave

Benefits are subject to change at the company's discretion.
Atoms accepts applications on an ongoing basis.

Ready to join us as we serve those who serve others? 

#LI-Onsite