Kendall Square - Culinary Team Lead

About Noodle Lab

Noodle Lab brings the soul of Asian street food to fast casual dining. We're a locally owned, fast-growing concept with locations at Kendall Square in Cambridge and the Boston Public Market. Rooted in generations-old family recipes and a commitment to authentic, responsibly sourced ingredients, we craft exceptional noodle dishes that celebrate tradition and bold culinary innovation. From perfectly seasoned broths to hand-crafted toppings and house-made components, every bowl reflects our uncompromising commitment to quality, creativity, and the guest experience — served fast, priced fair, in a space that captures the energy of the street markets that inspired it. We believe great food is built by great teams, and we're always looking for passionate, driven people who want to be part of something delicious.

This role is ideal for an experienced culinary professional ready to take the next step into leadership — someone who leads by example, isn't afraid to jump on the line during a rush, and takes pride in developing the people around them. You'll have the flexibility to work at either or both of our Kendall Square locations, or the Boston Public Market. If you're excited about authentic flavor, fast-paced energy, and helping build a growing local concept from the kitchen up, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Do

Kitchen Operations & Expediting

• Oversee service on assigned shifts, ensuring all food is prepared, plated, and sent out accurately, consistently, and on time.
• Actively work the line alongside the team during prep and service — expediting, cooking, and supporting stations as needed.
• Monitor pace and quality throughout service, making real-time adjustments to keep the kitchen running smoothly during peak volume.
• Update prep and production lists based on inventory levels, anticipated business volume, and upcoming specials.

Team Leadership & Development

• Train, coach, and mentor new and existing team members on recipes, techniques, and service expectations.
• Provide real-time, constructive feedback during service and follow up on performance and skill development over time.
• Foster a respectful, team-oriented kitchen culture that reflects Noodle Lab's guest-first values.

Food Quality & Cost Control

• Uphold rigorous standards for consistency, presentation, and temperature on every dish leaving the kitchen.
• Support proper portioning practices and help minimize waste during prep and service.
• Assist with tracking food costs, inventory counts, and ordering support in coordination with kitchen leadership.

Kitchen Organization & Maintenance

• Ensure all kitchen areas remain clean, organized, and sanitary throughout each shift.
• Maintain proper labeling, storage, rotation (FIFO), and dating of all food items.
• Communicate equipment issues or maintenance needs promptly to the Culinary Team Leader or ownership.

Food Safety & Compliance

• Ensure full adherence to food safety and sanitation standards during all shifts you lead.
• Complete and sign off on HACCP logs and temperature checks as scheduled.
• Always Uphold Department of Health standards and all applicable local Health codes.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of culinary experience in a high-volume kitchen; fast casual or quick service experience strongly preferred.
• Proven experience expediting or leading a shift in a fast-paced service environment.
• Strong knowledge of cooking techniques, food safety practices, and day-to-day kitchen operations.
• Hands-on leadership style — comfortable both directing a team and working the line yourself.
• Ability to multitask and stay organized under pressure during high-volume periods.
• Detail-oriented, with a strong commitment to consistency and quality.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills; able to give and receive feedback professionally.
• Working knowledge of Asian cuisine, noodle dishes, broth-based preparations, and/or Southeast Asian street food concepts a significant plus.
• Availability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays as operationally required.
• Must be at least 18 years of age (or meet minimum age requirements per applicable local law).

Required Certifications

• ServSafe Food Handler Certification — Required (or willingness to obtain within 60 days of hire)
• ServSafe Allergens Certification — Required
• HACCP Certification — Preferred; applicants with existing certification given priority

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly Pay Rate: Commensurate with experience and certifications held
• Performance Reviews: Conducted regularly with opportunity for merit-based increases
• Scheduling: Flexible scheduling; full-time position
• Employee Meal Benefit: Discounted dining
• Paid Sick Leave: Provided as required by applicable federal, state, and local law
• Growth Opportunities: Clear path toward Assistant General Manager and beyond as Noodle Lab continues to grow and expand

Work Environment

• Fast-paced, high-volume kitchen and counter-service environment; extended periods of standing required.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs as part of routine kitchen and service duties.
• Exposure to high temperatures, commercial kitchen equipment, and fast-paced service conditions is expected.
• Requires the ability to work independently, lead a team under pressure, and actively participate in hands-on kitchen tasks simultaneously.