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Recipe Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ATOMS Careers page

Culinary R&D Associate

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$70K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Own the full recipe pipeline: menu outline → component architecture → recipe parametrics → ... recipe development and culinary R&D. * Strong and diverse knowledge of different cuisine types ...

ATOMS Careers page

Culinary R&D Associate

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$70K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Own the full recipe pipeline: menu outline component architecture recipe parametrics testing ... recipe development and culinary R&D. * Strong and diverse knowledge of different cuisine types ...

Lab37

Culinary R&D Associate

Los Angeles, CA

$70K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Own the full recipe pipeline: menu outline component architecture recipe parametrics testing ... recipe development and culinary R&D. * Strong and diverse knowledge of different cuisine types ...

Lab37

Culinary R&D Associate

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$70K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Own the full recipe pipeline: menu outline → component architecture → recipe parametrics → ... recipe development and culinary R&D. * Strong and diverse knowledge of different cuisine types ...

PAFCO

R&D Coordinator

Vernon, CA · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Coordinate benchtop and plant trials for new seafood products (fresh, frozen, value-added, ready-to-eat, etc.). * Assist with recipe development, reformulation, and cost optimization. * Prepare ...

PACIFIC AMERICAN FISH CO INC

R&D Coordinator

Vernon, CA · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Coordinate benchtop and plant trials for new seafood products (fresh, frozen, value-added, ready-to-eat, etc.). * Assist with recipe development, reformulation, and cost optimization. * Prepare ...

Veeco

Process Development Engineer (20020)

San Jose, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Plan and execute engineering experiments , including recipe development, process adjustments, and data collection per defined objectives. * Monitor and analyze results in real time; use statistical ...

Alila Marea

Culinary Supervisor

Encinitas, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Collaborate with the Chef de Cuisine on menu changes and new recipe development, ensuring alignment with guest preferences. - Inventory Management: Help manage food inventory and supplies, ensuring ...

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Showing results 21-40

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Recipe Development information

See California salary details

$28.6K

$52.7K

$79.9K

How much do recipe development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for recipe development in California is $52,718.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,900.00 and $59,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in recipe development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Recipe Development, you need a strong culinary background, creativity in food pairing, and a solid understanding of nutrition and food science, often supported by a culinary degree or relevant experience. Familiarity with recipe management software, food costing tools, and kitchen equipment is typically required. Attention to detail, adaptability, and excellent communication skills help you refine recipes and collaborate with chefs, clients, or brands. These skills ensure the creation of innovative, reliable, and appealing recipes that meet both culinary standards and consumer expectations.

What are some common challenges faced in a recipe development role, and how can they be managed?

One of the main challenges in recipe development is balancing creativity with practicality, as recipes must be both innovative and reproducible by home cooks or commercial kitchens. Developers often need to test multiple iterations to ensure consistency, flavor, and clarity in instructions. Managing feedback from taste testers, nutritionists, and editorial teams is also key, requiring strong communication and flexibility. Staying organized and documenting each version meticulously helps streamline the process and minimize errors.

What is recipe development?

Recipe development is the process of creating, testing, and refining recipes to achieve desired flavors, textures, and presentation. This involves experimenting with ingredients, cooking methods, and measurements to ensure the final dish is both delicious and reliable. Professionals in recipe development often work for food brands, magazines, or restaurants, ensuring recipes are innovative, accurate, and easy for others to follow. The process may also include considering dietary restrictions, nutrition, and food trends.

What skills do you need to be a recipe development?

Recipe development requires strong culinary skills, creativity, and knowledge of food science to create and test new recipes. Attention to detail, proficiency with kitchen tools and ingredients, and the ability to adapt recipes based on feedback are essential. Good organizational skills and understanding of nutrition can also be beneficial.

What are the qualifications to get a recipe development job?

The qualifications to get a recipe development job depend greatly on your career path. If you start in the restaurant or fine dining industry, you may get a book deal to write about your restaurant’s food or ingredients. This requires years of patience and success as a cook. Others study food science or nutrition in college or at a culinary institute. Other recipe developers may have no formal background in food or food science, but they combine their passion for cooking with their writing skills and develop recipes for their audience.

How much do recipe developers get paid?

Recipe developers typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Freelance recipe developers may charge per project or hour, with rates ranging from $20 to $100 or more per hour. Skills in food science, culinary arts, and food photography can influence earning potential.

How do you become a recipe developer?

To become a recipe developer, individuals typically gain culinary skills through formal education or hands-on experience in kitchens, and develop a strong understanding of food science and flavor pairing. Building a portfolio of tested recipes and proficiency with food photography or writing can also help establish credibility in the field.
More about Recipe Development jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Recipe Development jobs in California?

The most popular types of Recipe Development jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Recipe Development jobs in California?

For Recipe Development jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Recipe Development jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Recipe Development jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Recipe Development jobs?

Cities in California with the most Recipe Development job openings:

Recipe Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recipe Development job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,718 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

Viennoiserie Production Lead

SIGHTGLASS COFFEE ROASTERS LLC

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Overview

This position leads both the creative direction and daily operations of the viennoiserie program at our Sycamore Cafe, partnering with the Kitchen Manager to develop new products while ensuring consistent execution, quality, and efficiency across the pastry program.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the creative development of viennoiserie/laminated doughs and pastry offerings, including seasonal items, flavor pairings, and new product launches
  • Own end-to-end execution of the viennoiserie and pastry program, from recipe development and testing to production planning and daily output
  • Set and maintain production standards, pars, and workflows for viennoiserie and pastry items in partnership with the Kitchen Manager
  • Lead, train, and mentor pastry team members on lamination technique, product standards, and creative execution
  • Partner with the Kitchen Manager and leadership team on menu planning, costing, and rollout of new pastry items
  • Manage viennoiserie and pastry ingredient ordering, inventory, and waste tracking to meet cost and quality targets
  • Troubleshoot and problem-solve production or quality issues, adjusting technique or process as needed
  • Adhere to policies, standards, and systems set by the company and management team.

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities):

  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in a professional pastry kitchen, including experience in a lead or supervisory role
  • Proven ability to lead a team and set production standards, not just execute them
  • Strong recipe development skills, able to conceptualize, test, and scale new viennoiserie items
  • Experience balancing creative product development with operational demands (cost, consistency, speed)
  • Leadership or mentorship experience in a professional kitchen preferred
  • Advanced knowledge of lamination technique and viennoiserie production
  • Able to obtain and/or maintain any government required licenses, certificates, or permits; ServSafe certification/Food Handler's Certificate
  • Must be able to legally work in the United States

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

  • Able to work 8+ hour shifts while standing or walking for extended periods of time
  • Able to commit to regular early morning shifts (5AM)
  • Able to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the business, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
  • Able to grasp, lift and carry up to 50 pounds as needed
  • Able to maneuver effectively around the kitchen, restaurant office, and up/downstairs

Benefits:

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage for all full-time employees - 80% contribution to base plan monthly premium.
  • 401(k) plan.
  • Paid time off.
  • Free coffee at any Sightglass cafe and a weekly bag of beans.
  • Discounts on food, merchandise, extra bags of beans, and more.

***

Sightglass is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We deliver an ever-evolving and consistently excellent coffee experience. We approach coffee holistically, establishing relationships at every step. We stay true to our welcoming and resourceful culture.

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