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Recipe Development Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Support R&D Team Leads in conducting industrial product trials and first production launches. * Assist/Lead laboratory testing on packaging materials * Assist formulation team on recipe development ...

... on recipe development/analysis All other duties as assigned Position Requirements: EDUCATION HS Diploma or GED Pursuing bachelor's degree in Packaging or related degree SKILLS PC skills: windows ...

Kitchen Lead

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$17 - $21.50/hr

Experience in recipe development, costing, and execution in a high-volume setting * Strong communication and problem-solving skills * Passion for hospitality, creativity, and continuous improvement

Kitchen Lead

Ann Arbor, MI

$17 - $21.50/hr

Experience in recipe development, costing, and execution in a high-volume setting * Strong communication and problem-solving skills * Passion for hospitality, creativity, and continuous improvement

cook

Birmingham, MI · On-site

$13.25 - $18/hr

Ensure kitchen cleanliness and organization in compliance with health and safety regulations. * Assist in menu planning and recipe development with the culinary team. * Monitor inventory levels and ...

Line Cook

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$17 - $24/hr

... recipe development       •      Managing orders and inventory       •      Demonstrating a workable knowledge of food cost       • ...

Head Chef

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$52K - $65K/yr

Proven culinary skills, including menu planning, recipe development, and food preparation expertise * Leadership qualities, including team management, staff training, and collaboration abilities

Lead ideation, recipe development, bench testing, sensory evaluation, pilot production, field validation, and commercialization for new and improved products. * Create and control standardized ...

Corporate Chef

Bay City, MI · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Lead ideation, recipe development, bench testing, sensory evaluation, pilot production, field validation, and commercialization for new and improved products. * Create and control standardized ...

Corporate Chef

Hillsdale, MI · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Lead ideation, recipe development, bench testing, sensory evaluation, pilot production, field validation, and commercialization for new and improved products. * Create and control standardized ...

Head Chef

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$52K - $65K/yr

Proven culinary skills, including menu planning, recipe development, and food preparation expertise * Leadership qualities, including team management, staff training, and collaboration abilities

Corporate Chef

Hillsdale, MI · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Lead ideation, recipe development, bench testing, sensory evaluation, pilot production, field validation, and commercialization for new and improved products. * Create and control standardized ...

Cook

Troy, MI · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Provides input into recipe development and modification for regular and therapeutic menus. Identifies and communicates opportunities for waste reduction, service improvements and/or revenue ...

Cook

Troy, MI · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Provides input into recipe development and modification for regular and therapeutic menus. Identifies and communicates opportunities for waste reduction, service improvements and/or revenue ...

Corporate Chef

Bay City, MI · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Lead ideation, recipe development, bench testing, sensory evaluation, pilot production, field validation, and commercialization for new and improved products. * Create and control standardized ...

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Showing results 1-20

Recipe Development information

See Michigan salary details

$25.3K

$46.6K

$70.6K

How much do recipe development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for recipe development in Michigan is $46,559.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,000.00 and $52,300.00 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Recipe Development jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Recipe Development job openings:

Infographic showing various Recipe Development job openings in Michigan 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 $46,559 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

R&D Packaging Intern

BEL

Grawn, MI • On-site

$33/hr

Internship

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

8/3/26
Country: United States
Job Location: Traverse City
Job Family: Research / Development / Innovation
Type of contract: Internship
Working mode: On-site work
Job Id: 54054
R&D Packaging Intern
At Bel, we are not just a company-we are a company on a Mission, built on 160 years of bold innovation, family values, and a commitment to social purpose. With beloved brands like Babybel®, GoGo squeeZ®, The Laughing Cow®, and Boursin®, our snacking solutions bring more than joy; they want to serve as a force for good. Our U.S. Mission? To help close the critical 80% nutrition gap by making it easier for Americans to eat more fruits, veggies, and dairy as part of their daily lives.
The company has headquarters in Chicago and New York City and operates 4 manufacturing plants in Little Chute, WI; Brookings, SD; Traverse City, MI; and Nampa, ID. #IWorkForAllForGood
Job Summary:
The R&D Intern is responsible for supporting the R&D Project Leader / Manager in processes, trials, and analysis on packaging materials and finished products.
Job Responsibilities & Tasks:
  • Assist in validating packaging materials and specifications
  • Provide feedback on development and optimization of standard operating procedures
  • Perform routine analytical testing
  • Active participant in the R&D team and group projects
  • Prepare project results for the cross-functional project team
  • Assist project teams in collecting and analyzing data for various on-going studies
  • Support R&D Team Leads in conducting industrial product trials and first production launches.
  • Assist/Lead laboratory testing on packaging materials
  • Assist formulation team on recipe development/analysis
  • All other duties as assigned

Position Requirements:
EDUCATION
  • HS Diploma or GED
  • Pursuing bachelor's degree in Packaging or related degree

SKILLS
  • PC skills: windows, excel, word
  • Basic working knowledge
  • Able to deliver on time, with guidance
  • Basic troubleshooting skills
  • Excels in the management of personal tasks and objectives.
  • Actively contributes ideas for continuous improvement
  • Strives to execute agreed objectives
  • Able to follow instructions
  • Capable of effectively communicating (verbal & written) information to R&D Technicians/Scientists

PHYSICAL & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
  • Must be able work in normal office conditions and in the manufacturing plant.
  • Must be able to wear PPE
  • Occasional travel to suppliers may occur
  • Ability to lift 50lbs

Pay rate: $33/hr + one-time $1,500 housing stipend
Time Frame: January-June 2027 or June 2027 - December 2027