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Test Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ... a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For ...

The test strategies will support manufacturing of High Speed cable assemblies based on standards ... Hiring Philosophy All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes ...

Chef Manager

Buford, WY · On-site

$40K - $60K/yr

TEST JOB, DO NOT APPLY! We are seeking a Chef Manager to join our team! You will thrive in a fast-paced environment and dedicate time to expanding our clientele base to establish the restaurant ...

Mechanical Test Technician

Lisle, IL · On-site

$50K - $80K/yr

At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ... a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For ...

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Test Chef information

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How much do test chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for test chef in the United States is $24.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $31.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a test chef?

Test Chefs are culinary professionals who develop, test, and refine recipes for restaurants, food manufacturers, or culinary research and development teams. Their work involves experimenting with new ingredients, techniques, and presentation styles to create dishes that meet quality, taste, and safety standards. Test Chefs often collaborate closely with product developers, kitchen staff, or marketing teams to ensure new menu items or food products are consistent and appealing before they reach customers. They play a crucial role in innovation within the food industry, ensuring that recipes are both delicious and feasible to produce on a large scale.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a test chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Test Chef, you need strong culinary expertise, creativity in recipe development, and a background in food science or a related culinary qualification. Familiarity with kitchen testing equipment, recipe management software, and knowledge of food safety regulations are typically required. Attention to detail, adaptability, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for collaborating with product development teams and providing clear feedback. These skills ensure that recipes and products are consistently high-quality, innovative, and suitable for large-scale production.

How does a test chef typically collaborate with product development and quality assurance teams in a food manufacturing environment?

A Test Chef works closely with product development teams to create and refine recipes that meet market trends and company standards. They also partner with quality assurance teams to ensure that new products are both safe and consistent in taste, texture, and appearance when produced at scale. Effective communication and documentation are key, as a Test Chef must translate culinary concepts into processes that can be replicated in large-scale production while maintaining quality. Regular tastings, feedback sessions, and production trials are common collaborative activities in this role.

What is the difference between Test Chef vs QA Tester?

AspectTest ChefQA Tester
CredentialsCooking certifications, culinary trainingQuality assurance certifications, testing courses
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurantsSoftware labs, testing environments
Industry UsageFood service, hospitalitySoftware, technology
Primary FocusCreating and testing recipes, menu developmentExecuting test cases, identifying bugs

While a Test Chef specializes in culinary testing and recipe development within the food industry, a QA Tester focuses on software quality assurance by testing applications for bugs and issues. Both roles require attention to detail and structured testing processes, but they operate in different industries and environments.

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What states have the most Test Chef jobs?

States with the most job openings for Test Chef jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Test Chef jobs?

For Test Chef jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Test Chef job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,225 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Research & Development Chef

New York, NY • On-site

$78K - $107K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

We are seeking a highly organized, creative, and detail-oriented Culinary Coordinator & Test Kitchen Manager to support Chef Daniel and the Corporate Culinary Team. This multifaceted role combines food styling, recipe development, culinary operations, event coordination, and administrative support while ensuring the smooth operation of the test kitchen and assisting with restaurant openings and brand expansion initiatives.

Someone that is passionate about food, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and is equally comfortable cooking in the kitchen, organizing large-scale culinary projects, and supporting media appearances and special events.

Key Responsibilities

Food Styling & Recipe Testing

  • Research, develop, test, and refine recipes for Corporate Chefs and Chef Daniel.
  • Prepare, cook, and style food for editorial photo shoots, cookbooks, magazines, newspapers, digital media, and special events.
  • Scale and convert metric recipes into smaller imperial portions for publication while maintaining consistency and accuracy, including pastry recipes.
  • Test and standardize recipes to ensure quality across all culinary concepts and publications.

Test Kitchen Management

  • Oversee the daily operation and organization of the test kitchen.
  • Maintain cleanliness, inventory, equipment, culinary tools, and cookbook library.
  • Schedule kitchen usage for corporate chefs and culinary teams.
  • Test and standardize recipes for company brands, (eg Cuisine Boulud and Épicerie Boulud) supporting brand expansion and consistency.

Corporate Culinary Support

  • Coordinate logistics and production schedules for television appearances, podcasts, demonstrations, and media events.
  • Assist Corporate Chefs with menu planning, recipe development, and concept creation for both existing and new restaurants.
  • Prepare meeting notes and project updates for the Corporate Culinary Team.
  • Support administrative functions including recipe costing, menu editing, ordering, production schedules, and mise en place (MEP) documentation.

 

 

Culinary Events & Special Projects

Working alongside the Culinary Manager to coordinate:

  • Food preparation and production
  • Equipment and rental needs
  • Recipe costing and budgeting
  • Event décor and presentation
  • Tasting stations and culinary demonstrations
  • Press and promotional events
  • Expense reporting for non-catering culinary functions
  • Travel with Corporate Chefs if needed to execute off-site events and special culinary experiences.
  • Provide operational support for visiting chefs, including ordering, equipment coordination, and kitchen preparation.

 

Restaurant Openings

  • Research products, ingredients, and culinary concepts for new restaurant projects.
  • Develop menu descriptions and coordinate food photography.
  • Record, organize, and maintain recipes using SharePoint and standardized documentation systems.
  • Assist with restaurant openings, kitchen organization, staff training, and service support across New York locations.
  • Assist the culinary manager with proofreading menus and internal culinary materials to ensure consistency with company standards.

 

Qualifications

  • A minimum experience of 5 years in a professional savory or pastry kitchen in the restaurant industry with understanding of different styles of cuisine.
  • Strong recipe development, testing, and food styling skills.
  • Exceptional organizational and project management abilities.
  • Experience with menu development, recipe costing, and culinary documentation.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Excel, and SharePoint and similar document management systems.
  • Ability to multitask and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
  • Flexibility to travel and work evenings or weekends for special events as needed.
  • Passion for culinary excellence, innovation, and hospitality.

 
The Dinex Group LLC is an equal opportunity employer. The Dinex Group LLC does not discriminate in employment with regard to race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service or any other characteristic protected by law.