Feast & Fettle is seeking a Research & Development Chef. This operations role ensures that what starts in R&D shows up on Members’ tables—producing kitchen-ready recipes that are flawless, consistent, and ready for scale.

The R&D Chef translates new dishes coming out of the R&D test kitchen into operational reality. They validate, refine, and adapt recipes for high-volume execution—preserving flavor, quality, and care at every step. With a strong foundation in culinary technique and a systems-minded approach, they bridge kitchen creativity and production precision, ensuring every menu item can be delivered with confidence. 

The R&D Chef for Large Scale Development will report to the Culinary Director, and manage the R&D Chef for Small Scale Development.

What is F&F?

What began as a private chef’s business in 2016 has blossomed over the years into the Northeast’s leading premium, fully-prepared meal delivery service. Each day at Feast & Fettle, we pour love and care into preparing, packing, and personally delivering weekly menu items to our cherished Member base across the Northeast. Our mission is both simple and expansive: to nourish everyday life. This speaks to the quality of our food, our community engagement, and how our service gives Members the space needed to devote more energy to what matters most in their lives.

We believe accomplishing this mission begins with nourishing the lives of our employees. Among our benefits, all F&F employees enjoy a free meal plan, wellness and education stipends. We are committed to fostering a positive and empowering environment in which everyone brings their best selves to work, contributing to the continuous betterment of the company. And it’s our culture that really sets us apart from other organizations in the food & hospitality industry. Through reducing barriers folks may be showing up with, we work to provide meaningful growth opportunities for all.

By joining us at F&F, you become part of a transparent cross-department team centering joy and ambition—on an exciting growth trajectory which we engage with mindfulness and care. We grow in service of sustainable profitability, mutual support, and thorough maintenance of the superior quality our Members expect.

Key Responsibilities

Recipe Scaling & Testing

• Translate R&D recipes into large-scale production formulas by utilizing the most effective combinations of equipment and machinery

• Optimize ingredient ratios, cooking methods, and prep techniques for efficient batch cooking

• Conduct yield and waste analysis to improve food cost and reduce variability

• Perform line testing and validate operational readiness with the Prep, Production and Packout teams

• Monitor ingredient behavior at scale and adjust formulas for consistency and performance

Process Development & Operational Integration

• Identify inefficiencies, labor constraints, and friction points in production workflows

• Create and maintain detailed SOPs for scaled recipes, equipment use, and line setup

• Work with Procurement to evaluate ingredient reliability, scaling performance, and sourcing impact

• Test and validate new equipment that improves production efficiency

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Ensure all recipes meet quality, safety, and regulatory standards, including allergen and labeling requirements

• Implement validation protocols for large-scale testing, including visual, textural, and organoleptic standards

• Document product attributes including viscosity, pH, Brix, sodium levels, and yield tolerances

• Work with Quality and Ops teams to resolve recipe and process issues during scale-up

Cross-Department Collaboration

• Serve as technical liaison between R&D, Production, QA, Procurement, and Culinary teams

• Train production teams on new menu items and process changes

• Use kitchen team feedback and member data to refine recipes

• Lead cross-functional pilots and post-launch reviews to measure product success

Qualifications & Skills

• 5+ years of experience in culinary R&D, high-volume production, or food manufacturing

• Strong knowledge of batch cooking systems, recipe scaling, and industrial equipment

• Proven experience with process optimization, yield tracking, and cost management

• Expert at documenting recipes, procedures, and production specifications

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills across kitchen, operations, and quality contexts

• Excellent communication, leadership and collaboration skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in meal prep, catering, central kitchen, or commissary operations

• Knowledge of food production and recipe management software

• Understanding of FDA/USDA requirements and food safety standards

• Background or coursework in food science (e.g., ingredient functionality, heat transfer, product stability)

• Ability to apply scientific methods to validate product quality at scale

What You Get

• Salary: Competitive and commensurate with experience

• Benefits 

Our benefits are built to nourish your growth, well-being, and everyday experience—just like our service does for our Members.

• Free Feast & Fettle Meal Plan ($160/week): All F&F team members enjoy the benefit of the same high-quality nourishment we deliver to our Members.

• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance (70% company-paid): Comprehensive care that’s accessible and affordable.

• Paid Time Off (accrued): Encouragement to rest and recharge, with time that grows as your tenure does.

• 401(k): Invest in your future with a retirement plan that supports your long-term goals.

• Wellness Reimbursement ($50/month): Use it for what fills your cup—gym memberships, mental health apps, etc.

• Professional Development Reimbursement ($1,000/year): Level up your skills with courses, conferences, or certifications that keep you learning.

• Paid Parental Leave: Support during life’s biggest transitions—family comes first here.