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

Lab37 • Los Angeles, CA

6d • 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 deployment. 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 manager will oversee 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; ability to design components, not just dishes.
• Experience working at speed: ability to develop, test, and iterate quickly without sacrificing quality.
• Methodical recipe developer: ability to build a quarterly roadmap, translate into weekly sprint schedules, stay organized, and test with intention.
• Ability to act as a consultant, assess kitchen operations, receive ratings feedback, identify improvement opportunities, and translate insights into the team's roadmap.
• Skill in gathering data continuously throughout the process and documenting 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 (Limited Time Offer) strategy, aligned with long-term business goals.
• Lead the R&D pipeline for both new and core brands.
• Own the full recipe pipeline: menu outline, component architecture, recipe parametrics, testing, scaling, and ensuring readiness for robotic kitchens.
• Develop and execute an LTO strategy that balances culinary innovation with the constraints of small, high-volume footprints.
• Develop, test, and iterate recipes from base testing through production-scale validation, considering COGS (Cost of Goods Sold) and labor.
• Parameterize and certify recipes for robotic systems.
• Build prep task libraries, order guides, and weekly production plans based on PMIX (Product Mix) models.
• Research supplier opportunities to reduce costs and improve ingredient quality.
• Build and maintain the component library, identifying cross-brand reuse opportunities for efficiency.
• Collaborate with Operations to establish and enforce standards for prep, presentation, and safety (HACCP).
• Partner with Brand Manager, Designer, Operations, and Tech teams to ensure flawless new launch execution in all kitchens.

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