Culinary R&D Manager, Robotic Kitchen Product - Los Angeles, CA

Lab37 • Los Angeles, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Lab37 Robotics is seeking a Culinary R&D Manager to be the culinary engine behind their robotic food production technology. This role involves translating market opportunities and brand briefs into tangible food products, including component systems, recipes, and operational playbooks for large-scale food production. The position is crucial in defining the culinary roadmap for a business aiming for over 100 locations and establishing itself as a leader in digital-first dining. The responsibilities span the entire product pipeline, from initial concept to production readiness and launch execution.

Requirements

• 8+ years of culinary experience.
• At least 4 years in recipe development and culinary R&D.
• Strong and diverse knowledge of different cuisine types.
• Strong systems thinking, with the ability to design components, not just dishes.
• Experience working at speed, developing, testing, and iterating quickly without sacrificing quality.
• Methodical recipe developer with experience building quarterly roadmaps and translating them into weekly sprint schedules.
• Rigorous organization and intentional testing practices to avoid waste.
• Ability to gather data continuously and document with precision and detail for production-ready recipes.
• Passion for building something new.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute a cohesive culinary roadmap, including new brands, core brands, and LTO strategy, aligned with long-term business goals.
• Lead the R&D pipeline for both new and core brands.
• Own the full recipe pipeline, from menu outline and component architecture to recipe parametrics, testing, scaling, and kitchen readiness.
• Develop and execute an LTO strategy that balances culinary innovation with the constraints of small, high-volume production footprints.
• Develop, test, and iterate recipes from base testing through production-scale validation, ensuring COGS and labor efficiency.
• Parameterize and certify recipes for robotic systems.
• Build prep task libraries, order guides, and weekly production plans based on PMIX models.
• Research supplier opportunities to reduce costs and improve ingredient quality.
• Build and maintain the component library, identifying cross-brand reuse opportunities for maximum efficiency.
• Collaborate with Operations to establish and enforce high standards for prep, presentation, and safety (HACCP).
• Partner with Brand Manager, Designer, Operations, and Tech teams to ensure flawless execution of new launches in every kitchen.
• Act as a consultant to kitchen operations, analyze feedback, identify continuous improvement opportunities, and translate these into the team's roadmap.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (multiple plans, incl. HSA options).
• Company-paid life and disability insurance (short- and long-term).
• Voluntary insurance: accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity.
• Optional supplemental life insurance for self, spouse, and children.
• Pet insurance discount.
• 401(k).
• Health Savings Account (HSA).
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare, Dependent Care, Commuter).
• Discretionary vacation days.
• 8 paid holidays per year.
• Paid sick time.
• Paid Bereavement leave.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• Equity awards.
• Annual performance-based bonus.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed