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Test Kitchen Jobs in Batavia, IL (NOW HIRING)

Shakou Restaurants

Line and Prep Cook - PR

Park Ridge, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $18.25/hr

Responsible for the setup, operation, breakdown, and cleaning of all kitchen equipment. * Assists ... May be required to pass a written test regarding Shakou's menu. Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time and ...

Shakou Restaurants

Line and Prep Cook - BAR

Barrington, IL · On-site

$15 - $18.50/hr

Responsible for the setup, operation, breakdown, and cleaning of all kitchen equipment. * Assists ... May be required to pass a written test regarding Shakou's menu. Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time and ...

Omni Hotels & Resorts

Apprentice Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

... kitchen equipment, energy conservation, and/or general building operations. * Test, troubleshoot and perform basic repair on all types of equipment not limited to the following: plumbing (e.g ...

Shakou Restaurants

Sushi Chef - BAR

Barrington, IL · On-site

Responsible for the setup, operation, breakdown, and cleaning of all kitchen equipment. * Assists ... Must pass a written test regarding Shakou's menu. Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time and/or Part-Time ...

Shakou Restaurants

Sushi Chef - PR

Park Ridge, IL · On-site

Responsible for the setup, operation, breakdown, and cleaning of all kitchen equipment. * Assists ... Must pass a written test regarding Shakou's menu. Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time and/or Part-Time ...

Omni Hotels & Resorts

Apprentice Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18.25/hr

... kitchen equipment, energy conservation, and/or general building operations. * Test, troubleshoot and perform basic repair on all types of equipment not limited to the following: plumbing (e.g ...

MEDINAH COUNTRY CLUB

Cook II

Medinah, IL · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Test prepared foods to determine if food is properly cooked & seasoned. * Prepare all food items as ... the kitchen, walk-in coolers, and storage areas. * Maintain the cleanliness and safety of work ...

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Test Kitchen information

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How much do test kitchen jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for test kitchen in Batavia, IL is $25.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.58 and $29.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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.

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.
More about Test Kitchen jobs

What cities near Batavia, IL are hiring for Test Kitchen jobs?

Cities near Batavia, IL with the most Test Kitchen job openings:

Test Kitchen jobs near you
Infographic showing various Test Kitchen job openings in Batavia, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,710 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Line and Prep Cook - AH

Shakou Restaurants

Arlington Heights, IL • On-site

$15 - $18.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Description
Position Summary
The Line and Prep Cooks are responsible for cooking and preparing menu items as requested by customers, stocking necessary food preparation stations, and maintaining a clean working space during and after business hours. Additionally, Line and Prep Cooks ensure quality and proper food presentation in a timely manner. The line is always stocked, neat, clean, and safe.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Prepare and cook all food items to company specifications, as directed by the executive or head kitchen chef.
  • Prepare plate presentations, correctly set up according to tickets or as directed by the Executive Chef.
  • Change plates and/or wipe excess fluids from plates and garnishes, and place order in the expo window in proper order according to the computer ticket.
  • Wash and clean raw food products; following proper hold time standards for all heated products.
  • Inspect and clean food preparation areas, such as equipment and work surfaces or serving areas, to ensure safe and sanitary food-handling practices.
  • Follow all prescribed portioning controls and par levels and maintain food safety and quality standards.
  • Responsible for the setup, operation, breakdown, and cleaning of all kitchen equipment.
  • Assists with stocking and organizing daily and weekly deliveries and setting up the restaurant kitchen stations.
  • Wash dishes, sweep/mop floors, clean and maintain equipment, sanitize utensils, etc., as needed.
  • Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)
  • Report to work in a neat and clean uniform; maintain well-groomed hair and personal hygiene as established by company policy.
  • Food Handlers certificates are required.
  • Basic reading and writing skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Well-organized.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Multi-task oriented.
  • Ability to read a thermometer correctly and efficiently.
  • Ability to judge the quality and quantity of raw and cooked items.
  • Ability to learn restaurant menus and recipes.
  • Follow all prescribed portioning controls and par levels and maintain food safety and quality standards.
  • Comply with and execute all workplace safety and sanitation guidelines and procedures.
  • Promote a positive and collaborative employee culture designed to support customer needs.

Education and Experience
  • No previous Line or Prep Cook experience is necessary, but Line Cook experience is preferred.
  • Depending on experience, could be required to shadow another Line or Prep Cook as training.
  • May be required to pass a written test regarding Shakou's menu.

Full-Time/Part-Time
Full-Time and/or Part-Time
Location
Arlington Heights
This position is currently accepting applications.

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