Kitchen Technologist, R&D

Who is Taco Bell?

Taco Bell was born and raised in California and has been around since 1962. We went from selling everyone’s favorite Crunchy Tacos on the West Coast to a global brand with 8,200+ restaurants, 350 franchise organizations, that serve 42+ million fans each week around the globe. We’re not only the largest Mexican-inspired quick service brand (QSR) in the world, we’re also part of the biggest restaurant group in the world: Yum! Brands. 

Much of our fan love and authentic connection with our communities are rooted in being rebels with a cause. From ensuring we use high quality, sustainable ingredients to elevating restaurant technology in ways that hasn’t been done before… we will continue to be inclusive, bold, challenge the status quo and push industry boundaries.   

We’re a company that celebrates and advocates for different, has bold self-expression, strives for a better future, and brings the fun while we’re at it. We fuel our culture with real people who bring unique experiences. We inspire and enable our teams and the world to Live Más.

At Taco Bell, we’re Cultural Rebels. Want to join in on the passion-fueled fun? Learn more about the career below. 

About the Job:

The Taco Bell Food Innovation Team (FIT) Team is seeking a capable and inspiring R&D Technician or R&D Technologist to join our awesome team! We are looking for the hungriest individuals who can contribute their unique personalities, talents, and perspectives to bring más flavor to our organization. The R&D Technician projects and day-to-day job duties will be in support of our Product Development team.

The Day-to-Day:

• Ingredient preparation for product development and showing needs
• Support for showings and presentations as well as any other kitchen needs organizing, managing samples and preparing shipments
• Support Kitchen Manager with large scale event planning and execution
• Plan and execute internal and external (small/large) franchise events including the TB events team and international
• Ingredient testing: co-ordinate & execute new ingredient testing/studies, starting with test planning, executing the test itself and summarizing all results
• Sensory support: help design and execute internal and external sensory tests. This includes ballot development, running the tests, data collection and report creation
• Conduct Competitive Audits for Menu Innovation team as needed
• Support extended Food Innovation Team in day-to-day operations as needed
• Be mentored with product development process and develop products on small scale
• Develop prototypes for Think Mas

Schedule:

• Full time position with 4-5 days in the Test Kitchen as needed and working from home when no in person kitchen work is required

Is This You?

• 2-4 years’ experience working in a test kitchen, food manufacturing facility, laboratory, or other related field
• Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Engineering, or another related field preferred
• Self-motivated, adapts easily to change
• Able to flex different communication styles for all audiences
• Proven ability to multi-task and prioritize in a deadline driven environment
• Open to domestic travel 10-20% of the time
• Experience with PowerPoint & Excel
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds
• Must be able to handle long periods of time on your feet and moving

Work-Hard, Play-Hard:

• Hybrid work schedule and year-round flex day Friday
• Onsite childcare through Bright Horizons 
• Onsite dining center and game room (yes, there is a Taco Bell inside the building) 
• Onsite dry cleaning, laundry services, carwash, 
• Onsite gym with fitness classes and personal trainer sessions 
• Up to 4 weeks of vacation per year plus holidays and time off for volunteering 
• Tuition reimbursement and education benefits 
• Generous parental leave for all new parents and adoption assistance program 
• 401(k) with a 6% matching contribution from Yum! Brands with immediate vesting 
• Comprehensive medical & dental including prescription drug benefits and 100% preventive care
• Discounts, free food, swag and… honestly, too many good benefits to name 

Salary Range: ­­$67,700-$79,700 annually + bonus eligibility + benefits

The above represents the expected salary range for this job requisition. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we'll consider your location, experience, and other job-related factors