Mgr Culinary Innovation
Washington, DC · On-site
... Pressure-test ideas against real kitchen constraints: station flow, equipment,staffing, and peak volume -Ensure execution consistency across varying restaurant volumes and teamcapabilities ...
Mgr Culinary Innovation
Washington, DC · On-site
... Pressure-test ideas against real kitchen constraints: station flow, equipment,staffing, and peak volume -Ensure execution consistency across varying restaurant volumes and teamcapabilities ...
Kitchen Manager
Annapolis, MD · On-site
Customer-Service: Kitchen managers might have to interact with customers. Being friendly and ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this provision ...
Kitchen Manager
Annapolis, MD · On-site
Customer-Service: Kitchen managers might have to interact with customers. Being friendly and ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this provision ...
Kitchen Manager
Alexandria, VA · On-site
Customer-Service: Kitchen managers might have to interact with customers. Being friendly and ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this provision ...
Kitchen Manager
Alexandria, VA · On-site
Customer-Service: Kitchen managers might have to interact with customers. Being friendly and ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this provision ...
Kitchen Manager
Clinton, MD · On-site
Customer-Service: Kitchen managers might have to interact with customers. Being friendly and ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this provision ...
Kitchen Manager
Clinton, MD · On-site
Customer-Service: Kitchen managers might have to interact with customers. Being friendly and ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this provision ...
Customer-Service: Kitchen managers might have to interact with customers. Being friendly and ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this provision ...
Customer-Service: Kitchen managers might have to interact with customers. Being friendly and ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this provision ...
Customer-Service: Kitchen managers might have to interact with customers. Being friendly and ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this provision ...
Customer-Service: Kitchen managers might have to interact with customers. Being friendly and ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this provision ...
Kitchen Manager
New Carrollton, MD · On-site
Customer-Service: Kitchen managers might have to interact with customers. Being friendly and ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this provision ...
Kitchen Manager
New Carrollton, MD · On-site
Customer-Service: Kitchen managers might have to interact with customers. Being friendly and ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this provision ...
Customer-Service: Kitchen managers might have to interact with customers. Being friendly and ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this provision ...
Customer-Service: Kitchen managers might have to interact with customers. Being friendly and ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this provision ...
Kitchen Manager
Beltsville, MD · On-site
Customer-Service: Kitchen managers might have to interact with customers. Being friendly and ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this provision ...
Kitchen Manager
Beltsville, MD · On-site
Customer-Service: Kitchen managers might have to interact with customers. Being friendly and ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this provision ...
Kitchen Manager
Rockville, MD · On-site
Customer-Service: Kitchen managers might have to interact with customers. Being friendly and ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this provision ...
Kitchen Manager
Rockville, MD · On-site
Customer-Service: Kitchen managers might have to interact with customers. Being friendly and ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this provision ...
Kitchen Manager
Olney, MD · On-site
Customer-Service: Kitchen managers might have to interact with customers. Being friendly and ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this provision ...
Kitchen Manager
Olney, MD · On-site
Customer-Service: Kitchen managers might have to interact with customers. Being friendly and ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this provision ...
Kitchen Manager
Takoma Park, MD · On-site
Customer-Service: Kitchen managers might have to interact with customers. Being friendly and ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this provision ...
Kitchen Manager
Takoma Park, MD · On-site
Customer-Service: Kitchen managers might have to interact with customers. Being friendly and ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this provision ...
Customer-Service: Kitchen managers might have to interact with customers. Being friendly and ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this provision ...
Customer-Service: Kitchen managers might have to interact with customers. Being friendly and ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this provision ...
Customer-Service: Kitchen managers might have to interact with customers. Being friendly and ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this provision ...
Customer-Service: Kitchen managers might have to interact with customers. Being friendly and ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this provision ...
Customer-Service: Kitchen managers might have to interact with customers. Being friendly and ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this provision ...
Customer-Service: Kitchen managers might have to interact with customers. Being friendly and ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this provision ...
Kitchen Manager
Oxon Hill, MD · On-site
Customer-Service: Kitchen managers might have to interact with customers. Being friendly and ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this provision ...
Kitchen Manager
Oxon Hill, MD · On-site
Customer-Service: Kitchen managers might have to interact with customers. Being friendly and ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this provision ...
Kitchen Manager
Bowie, MD · On-site
Customer-Service: Kitchen managers might have to interact with customers. Being friendly and ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this provision ...
Kitchen Manager
Bowie, MD · On-site
Customer-Service: Kitchen managers might have to interact with customers. Being friendly and ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this provision ...
Kitchen Manager
Takoma Park, MD · On-site
Customer-Service: Kitchen managers might have to interact with customers. Being friendly and ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this provision ...
Kitchen Manager
Takoma Park, MD · On-site
Customer-Service: Kitchen managers might have to interact with customers. Being friendly and ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this provision ...
Kitchen Manager
Oxon Hill, MD · On-site
Customer-Service: Kitchen managers might have to interact with customers. Being friendly and ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this provision ...
Quick apply
Kitchen Manager
Oxon Hill, MD · On-site
Customer-Service: Kitchen managers might have to interact with customers. Being friendly and ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this provision ...
Kitchen Manager
Gaithersburg, MD · On-site
Customer-Service: Kitchen managers might have to interact with customers. Being friendly and ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this provision ...
Kitchen Manager
Gaithersburg, MD · On-site
Customer-Service: Kitchen managers might have to interact with customers. Being friendly and ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this provision ...
Test Kitchen information
See Washington, DC salary details
$14.97 - $17.70
2% of jobs
$17.70 - $20.42
9% of jobs
$22.90 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$20.42 - $23.14
15% of jobs
$23.14 - $25.86
18% of jobs
The median wage is $26.70 / hr.
$25.86 - $28.59
19% of jobs
$31.14 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$28.59 - $31.31
13% of jobs
$31.31 - $34.03
9% of jobs
$34.03 - $36.75
6% of jobs
$36.75 - $39.48
4% of jobs
$39.48 - $42.20
2% of jobs
$42.20 - $44.92
2% of jobs
$14
$28
$44
How much do test kitchen jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for test kitchen in Washington, DC is $28.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.88 and $32.40 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?
| Aspect | Test Kitchen | Test Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | Experience with testing tools, basic scripting, sometimes certifications in quality assurance | Engineering degree, certifications in testing or quality assurance, technical expertise |
| Work Environment | Software development teams, quality assurance labs, agile environments | Development teams, R&D departments, product testing labs |
| Industry Usage | Software development, DevOps, continuous integration | Software, hardware, manufacturing industries |
| Common Search/Comparison | Often compared for testing roles in software projects | Compared 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 Washington, DC? The most popular types of Test Kitchen jobs in Washington, DC are:
What are popular job titles related to Test Kitchen jobs in Washington, DC? For Test Kitchen jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Test Kitchen jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Test Kitchen jobs in Washington, DC are:
Full-time
Dental, Vision, Life, PTO
Re-posted 2 days ago
Job description
At CAVA we make itdeliciously simple to eat well and feel good every day.We are guided by a Mediterranean heritage that's beenperfecting how to eat and live for four thousand years. We prioritizeauthenticity, curiosity, and the pursuit of excellence in everything we do. Weare working towards somethingbig together.
Wefoster a culture built on five core values:
Generosity First, Always: We lead with kindness. Our best workhappens when we act in service of others.
Constant Curiosity: We are eager to learn, grow, andexplore beyond the obvious.
Act with Agility: We welcome change; it's the onlyconstant. We embrace, adjust, adapt.
Passion for Positivity: We greet each day with warmth andpossibility.
Collective Ambition: We have high aspirations that areachieved when we work together with a shared purpose.
TheRole
TheDirector ofOperations Innovationsits within Ops Services and is responsible fortranslating culinary vision into scalable restaurant execution.
Partnering closely with the Culinary team (who owns ideation), this roleensures new menu items are operationally sound, executable at volume, and readyfor system-wide rollout. You will lead the testing and validationprocess-proving concepts in real restaurant environments before they scaleacross the system.
This role is accountable for ensuring innovation works on the line, duringpeak, with real teams-balancing guest experience, throughput, labor, and foodquality.
WhatYou'll DoLeadOperational Testing & Validation
-Design and execute ops tests (6-8 restaurants) to validate in-store execution
-Scale successful items into market tests (20-40 restaurants) to assessperformance at volume
-Define clear success metrics across incidence, labor, food cost, and guestexperience
TranslateCulinary Vision into Execution
-Partner with Culinary to convert concepts into simple, repeatable builds andprep systems
-Pressure-test ideas against real kitchen constraints: station flow, equipment,staffing, and peak volume
-Ensure execution consistency across varying restaurant volumes and teamcapabilities
ProtectThroughput & Labor Efficiency
-Evaluate and optimize impact on speed of service, ticket times, and linecomplexity
-Identify and eliminate friction points before broader rollout
-Make clear tradeoffs to maintain operational simplicity at scale
DriveData-Informed Decisions
-Partner with Analytics to assess PMIX, labor impact, food cost, and guestfeedback
-Deliver clear go / iterate / stop recommendations based on performance
EnableField Execution
-Partner with Training to develop clear, operator-friendly SOPs and rolloutmaterials
-Ensure test restaurants and field teams are set up for clean execution andfeedback loops
-Incorporate field insights into iteration and final recommendations
Cross-FunctionalAlignment
-Partner with Supply Chain to validate ingredient readiness and operationalfeasibility
-Align across Culinary, Ops, and Marketing from concept through rollout
-Act as the bridge between test kitchen and restaurant reality
WhoYou Are
-Operator-first mindset with deep understanding of restaurant workflows
-Experience in high-volume environments and scaling execution
-Practical, decisive, and able to simplify complexity quickly
-Credible with field teams and grounded in real restaurant conditions
-Comfortable making tradeoffs to protect throughput and performance
WhatWe're Looking ForMinimumQualifications
-5-8+ years of experience in restaurant operations, culinary operations, or menuinnovation
-Experience testing and rolling out initiatives across multi-unit restaurantsystems
-Strong understanding of throughput, labor models, and station design
-Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives from concept throughexecution
PreferredQualifications
-Experience in fast-casual or QSR environments at scale
-Exposure to menu testing, pilots, or test-and-learn environments
-Strong understanding of menu economics (PMIX, COGS, labor impact)
-Experience working closely with field operations teams
OperatorAccountability
Thisrole is based out of our Washington DC Collaboration Center and accountable forensuring new menu items are proven to work in real restaurant conditions-duringpeak-before national rollout.
Physical Requirements:
Abilityto maintain stationary position to be able to operate a computer and otheroffice equipment
Mustbe able to identify, analyze and assess details
Forcertain positions, must be able to occasionally move or transport items up to50 pounds
Abilityto communicate with others and exchange information accurately and effectively
Constantlypositions self and move about to support ordinary restaurant or food productionsupport or office operations, as applicable
Abilityto work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner
What we offer:
Competitive salary, plus bonus andlong-term incentives*
Early Wage Access!
Unlimited PTO, paid parental leave, pluspaid opportunities to give back to the community
Health,Dental, Vision, Telemedicine, Pet Insurance plus more!
401kenrollment with CAVA contribution
Company-paidSTD, LTD, Life and AD&D coverage for salaried positions*
FreeCAVA food
Casualwork environment
The opportunity to be on the ground floorof a rapidly growing brand
- All exempt and non exempt employees are eligible for benefits. Benefits are effective the 1st of the month following 30 days of service and you have until the day before the effective date to enroll. A new hire can enroll in our benefit program by selecting a link that is emailed directly to the new hire at their personal email address once hired.
- Please note that visa sponsorship is not available.
- The posting range is an all cash range.
*Indicates qualifyingeligible positions only
CAVA - Joining "A culture, not aconcept"
As an equal opportunityemployer, CAVA considers applicants for all positions without regard to race,color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, height, weight, maritalstatus, sexual orientation, familial status, genetic information or any othercharacteristic or protected classes as defined by federal, state, or local law.
California applicants: Please visitourNotice atCollectionandPrivacy Policyto learn about our informationpractices in the job application and employment context.