ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Test Kitchen Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Khepri Kitchen

Lead Baker

Mount Prospect, IL · On-site

$26 - $29/hr

... kitchen * Maintain consistent quality, presentation, and production standards * Collaborate with ownership and the culinary team on seasonal menu development * Develop and test new baked goods ...

Costco Wholesale Corporation

Kitchen Clerk

Morris, IL · On-site

Weighs, measures, and tests products to ensure quality standards, including temperature, weight, and fat tests. Records findings on reports. * Sets up the machine for daily production and assembles ...

Actalent

Space Planner/Kitchen Designer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$24 - $31/hr

Coordinate equipment layouts, kitchen designs, service areas, and operational spaces * Review shop ... It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of ...

New

Senior Lifestyle

Utility Worker

Park Ridge, IL · On-site

$18/hr

Previous kitchen experience preferred. * Must pass a state, federal background check and drug test. Additional Information Senior Lifestyle offers a comprehensive benefits plan to eligible team ...

Senior Lifestyle

Utility Worker

Park Ridge, IL · On-site

$16/hr

Previous kitchen experience preferred. * Must pass a state, federal background check and drug test. Additional Information Senior Lifestyle offers a comprehensive benefits plan to eligible team ...

Senior Lifestyle

Utility Worker

Lincolnwood, IL · On-site

$17/hr

Previous kitchen experience preferred. * Must pass a state, federal background check and drug test. Additional Information Senior Lifestyle offers a comprehensive benefits plan to eligible team ...

Breakers at Edgewater Beach

Utility Worker

Chicago, IL · On-site

Previous kitchen experience preferred. * Must pass a state, federal background check and drug test. Additional Information Senior Lifestyle offers a comprehensive benefits plan to eligible team ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsTest Kitchen JobsTest Kitchen Jobs in Illinois

Test Kitchen information

See Illinois salary details

$12

$24

$38

How much do test kitchen jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for test kitchen in Illinois is $24.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.57 and $27.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are test kitchen jobs?

Test kitchen jobs focus on the preparation and use of ingredients, particularly when trying to create a new recipe for others to follow. These positions typically involve a significant amount of culinary expertise, and you may be asked to taste and cook a wide variety of new or unfamiliar foods. Many test kitchen jobs have additional requirements based on the needs of the company. For example, test kitchens for chain restaurants need to set up a supply chain for every ingredient, so there may be limits on the types of ingredients available. Other restaurants may work with less skilled chefs, so the recipes must be written to accommodate these skill levels. Balancing the creation of good food with operational limitations is one of the most important aspects of a test kitchen job.

How do I get a job in a test kitchen?

To get a job in a test kitchen, candidates typically need relevant culinary or food science experience, strong tasting and evaluation skills, and familiarity with recipe development and testing. Many positions require a culinary degree or related certification, along with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment and collaborate with a team.

What is a test kitchen?

A test kitchen is a professional space where chefs, food scientists, and culinary experts develop, test, and refine recipes, food products, and cooking techniques before they are released to the public. These kitchens are often used by food companies, restaurants, magazines, and appliance manufacturers to ensure quality, consistency, and safety. The work in a test kitchen involves experimenting with ingredients, adjusting cooking methods, and documenting results to create reliable and replicable recipes.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a test kitchen, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in a test kitchen often face challenges such as tight deadlines for recipe development, balancing creativity with strict nutritional or cost guidelines, and ensuring recipes are reproducible at scale. Collaboration with chefs, food scientists, and marketing teams is essential, as feedback loops can be fast-paced and iterative. Staying organized, maintaining clear documentation, and being open to constructive critique can help navigate these challenges and contribute to successful product launches.

What is the difference between Test Kitchen vs Test Engineer?

AspectTest KitchenTest Engineer
Required CredentialsExperience with testing tools, basic scripting, sometimes certifications in quality assuranceEngineering degree, certifications in testing or quality assurance, technical expertise
Work EnvironmentSoftware development teams, quality assurance labs, agile environmentsDevelopment teams, R&D departments, product testing labs
Industry UsageSoftware development, DevOps, continuous integrationSoftware, hardware, manufacturing industries
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared for testing roles in software projectsCompared for technical testing and quality assurance roles

Test Kitchen is primarily a testing tool used by developers and QA teams to automate and manage testing environments, especially in software development. Test Engineer, on the other hand, is a professional role involving designing, executing, and managing testing processes. While both focus on testing, Test Kitchen is a tool, and Test Engineer is a job title requiring broader technical skills and certifications.

More about Test Kitchen jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Test Kitchen jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Test Kitchen jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Test Kitchen jobs in Illinois? For Test Kitchen jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Test Kitchen jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Test Kitchen jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Test Kitchen jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Test Kitchen job openings:
Test Kitchen jobs near you
Infographic showing various Test Kitchen job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 35% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,056 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Lead Baker

Khepri Kitchen

Mount Prospect, IL • On-site

$26 - $29/hr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • Competitive salary
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Paid time off
  • Training & development
  • Employee discounts

Lead Baker
Khepri Kitchen | Mount Prospect, IL
Full-Time | Scratch Kitchen | Leadership Opportunity

Khepri is seeking an experienced, passionate Lead Baker to oversee our bakery program and help shape the future of our seasonal menu. This is a hands-on leadership position for someone who loves creating from scratch, mentoring others, and bringing fresh ideas to the table.
You’ll lead daily bakery production, collaborate on menu development, oversee one baker, and play an important role in catering and special events. We’re looking for someone who takes pride in quality, consistency, creativity, and teamwork.
Compensation:
90-Day Probationary Period
  • Starting at $26-29/hour (based on experience)
  • Full-time position
  • Performance review after 90 days
After Successful Completion
  • Performance reviews + potential pay increase + transition to a full-time salaried position based on performance and experience
  • Growth opportunities within the company
Responsibilities:
  • Lead all daily bakery production in a scratch kitchen
  • Maintain consistent quality, presentation, and production standards
  • Collaborate with ownership and the culinary team on seasonal menu development
  • Develop and test new baked goods, pastries, desserts, and specialty menu items
  • Execute daily prep schedules and production planning
  • Oversee catering bakery production and custom orders
  • Supervise, train, and mentor one baker while creating a positive team culture
  • Manage bakery inventory, ordering, and ingredient organization
  • Monitor food costs, minimize waste, and maintain efficient production
  • Ensure all food safety and sanitation standards are consistently followed
  • Work closely with front-of-house to ensure product availability and communication
  • Assist with special events, holiday offerings, and menu launches
Qualifications:
  • 3+ years of professional baking experience
  • Leadership or supervisory experience preferred
  • Strong understanding of bread, pastries, desserts, laminated doughs, and seasonal baking
  • Excellent organizational and time-management skills
  • Creative mindset with a passion for recipe development- unique flavor pairings + offerings
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
  • Weekend availability required
What We’re Looking For:
  • Passionate about scratch baking and quality ingredients
  • Excited to collaborate and contribute creative ideas
  • A supportive leader who enjoys mentoring others
  • Detail-oriented and highly organized
  • Reliable, self-motivated, and takes ownership of their work
  • Committed to continuous learning and helping our bakery evolve
If you’re ready to help build an exceptional bakery program while leading a small team in a collaborative, community-focused kitchen, we’d love to meet you.