R&D Chef

Farmer's Fridge is a pioneering fresh food company dedicated to making fruits and vegetables accessible and approachable for everyone. Our innovative approach includes offering a variety of fresh, healthy, ready-to-eat meals and snacks through multiple channels: fresh food vending machines, wholesale partners, and an office pantry solution. We pride ourselves on delivering chef-curated meals to customers within seconds, ensuring that healthy eating is convenient and attainable at high-foot-traffic areas such as airports, hospitals, universities, and large office buildings where access to fresh, grab-and-go options is often limited. Our commitment to quality, food safety, and customer satisfaction is at the heart of everything we do. We prioritize the well-being of our employees and continuously strive to make a positive impact as we grow and scale our business nationwide.

The role of the R&D Chef at Farmer's Fridge is critical in shaping our menu and culinary offerings. As the creative force behind our evolving product lineup, you will be responsible for developing delicious and scalable recipes that fill both our core menu and rotating selections to keep our customers engaged. This position requires a hands-on, detail-oriented professional who thrives in a collaborative environment and enjoys balancing culinary creativity with operational constraints. Success in this role means designing recipes that are not only innovative and flavorful but also capable of mass production with consistency.

Reporting to the Director of Product Development, the R&D Chef works cross-functionally with teams including R&D Engineering, Merchandising, Marketing, and Procurement. This collaboration ensures that recipes align with strategic goals around cost, nutrition, shelf life, and brand standards while remaining feasible within the manufacturing environment. The position is based on-site in Chicago, IL, with occasional visits to the manufacturing facility to support pilot runs, troubleshooting, and first production runs.

This role offers a base salary ranging from $95,000 to $105,000, commensurate with experience, skills, and education. Additionally, eligible candidates may receive performance-based bonuses and equity awards, reflecting the company’s commitment to rewarding contribution and success. At Farmer's Fridge, you will be part of a forward-thinking team passionate about revolutionizing the food industry and improving people's lives through easier access to fresh food. The environment encourages continuous learning, innovation, and open communication, creating a workplace where your ideas and expertise will directly influence the company’s growth and culinary innovation.