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Contractual Research Development Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Crumbl

Research & Development Chef

Provo, UT · On-site

Under the direction of the Director of Research & Development the R&D Chef will execute daily tasks meant to elevate current recipes or bring new concepts to life as well as any projects needed to ...

Crumbl

Research & Development Chef

Provo, UT · On-site

Under the direction of the Director of Research & Development the R&D Chef will execute daily tasks meant to elevate current recipes or bring new concepts to life as well as any projects needed to ...

Crumbl

Research & Development Chef

Provo, UT · On-site

Under the direction of the Director of Research & Development the R&D Chef will execute daily tasks meant to elevate current recipes or bring new concepts to life as well as any projects needed to ...

Lab37

Research & Development Chef

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$75K - $110K/yr

This isn't just an R&D role -- you're helping define the culinary roadmap for a business with ambitions of X+locations, household-name brands, and the gold standard in digital-first dining. You'll ...

Del Taco, LLC

R&D Chef

Lake Forest, CA · On-site

$89K - $110K/yr

JOB TITLE: R&D Chef FLSA STATUS: Exempt DEPARTMENT: Research and Development REPORTS TO: Director of Culinary Research & Development LOCATION: Lake Forest, CA Test Kitchen SALARY RANGE : $89,000 ...

Del Taco

R&D Chef

Lake Forest, CA · On-site

$89K - $110K/yr

JOB TITLE: R&D Chef FLSA STATUS: Exempt DEPARTMENT: Research and Development REPORTS TO: Director of Culinary Research & Development LOCATION: Lake Forest, CA Test Kitchen SALARY RANGE : $89,000 ...

Zippy's

Research and Development Chef

Waipahu, HI · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Research and Development Chef REPORTS TO: Food Solutions General Manager STATUS: Exempt DATE: July 2026 LOCATION: Food Solutions POSITION SUMMARY: The Research and Development Chef is responsible for ...

KAGOME, Inc.

Business Development Chef

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$77K - $127K/yr

Work with Kagome R&D managers and scientists to develop products/ideas/applications that meet ... Certified Research Chef or Certified Culinary Scientist, a plus * Years and Type of Related ...

Plat Du Jour Inc

Nutritionist

Charlotte, NC · On-site

... Chef and Research & Development Chef to obtain accurate recipe formulations, ingredient specifications, and portion weights for all products requiring nutritional analysis Analyze and produce ...

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Contractual Research Development Chef information

See salary details

$48.5K

$101.8K

$165K

How much do contractual research development chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for contractual research development chef in the United States is $101,794.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contractual research development chef?

A Contractual Research Development Chef is a culinary professional hired on a contract basis to create, test, and refine new recipes, menu items, or food products for restaurants, food manufacturers, or hospitality businesses. Their work involves innovation in cooking techniques, food presentation, and ingredient sourcing to meet specific client needs or market trends. They often collaborate with product development teams, conduct taste tests, and ensure new offerings are both delicious and cost-effective. This role is crucial for organizations looking to stay competitive by regularly updating their menus or product lines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contractual research development chef?

To thrive as a Contractual Research Development Chef, you need extensive culinary expertise, a strong background in food science, and experience with recipe development, often supported by a culinary degree or relevant certifications. Familiarity with kitchen technology, food safety regulations, and product development software is typically required. Creativity, adaptability, and effective collaboration with cross-functional teams are essential soft skills for success. These skills enable the chef to innovate, ensure product quality, and efficiently meet client or company objectives in a dynamic food industry environment.

How does a contractual research development chef typically collaborate with product development teams to create new menu items or food products?

As a Contractual Research Development Chef, collaboration with product development teams is a core part of the role. Chefs work closely with food scientists, marketing professionals, and supply chain specialists to conceptualize, test, and refine new recipes or products. This often involves participating in brainstorming sessions, conducting taste tests, providing feedback on ingredient sourcing, and ensuring that new items meet both culinary standards and production feasibility. The chef acts as a bridge between culinary creativity and practical implementation, ensuring that the final product aligns with brand goals and consumer preferences.

What is the difference between Contractual Research Development Chef vs Research and Development Chef?

AspectContractual Research Development ChefResearch and Development Chef
CredentialsCulinary certifications, food safety, and possibly project managementCulinary certifications, food safety, and innovation skills
Work EnvironmentContract-based, project-specific settings, often with multiple clientsIn-house or corporate kitchens focused on product development
Employer & Industry UsageFood manufacturing, consulting firms, contract kitchensFood companies, restaurants, hospitality industry
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding contract-based culinary R&D rolesIn-house culinary innovation roles

The Contractual Research Development Chef typically works on a project basis for multiple clients, focusing on developing new food products under contract. In contrast, the Research and Development Chef is usually employed full-time within a company, dedicated to ongoing product innovation. Both roles require culinary expertise and food safety knowledge, but their work settings and employment structures differ significantly.

What cities are hiring for Contractual Research Development Chef jobs?

Cities with the most Contractual Research Development Chef job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Research Development Chef jobs?

The most popular types of Research Development Chef jobs are:

What states have the most Contractual Research Development Chef jobs?

States with the most job openings for Contractual Research Development Chef jobs include:

Contractual Research Development Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contractual Research Development Chef job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,794 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

Research & Development Chef

Crumbl

Provo, UT • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Under the direction of the Director of Research & Development the R&D Chef will execute daily tasks meant to elevate current recipes or bring new concepts to life as well as any projects needed to uphold Crumbl's efforts to produce the best desserts in the World. 
 
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Ability to hear the description of a new idea or receive a brief of a concept and can execute the project to create an accurate recipe. 
  • Responsible for helping the Director of Research & Development with special projects. Special Projects will require knowledge and execution of both baking cookie and dessert recipes.
  • Execute recipes that adhere to the Crumbl Standards and are based on the priority of the dessert Calendar as directed by R&D leaders.
  • Document and note all developments, projects, and recipes to report to the manager of Research & Development, Director of R&D, and other leaders in appropriate internal communication tools.
  • Assists testing team and product management team to ensure quality execution of dessert recipes for assessment and testing.
  • Ability to simultaneously follow a recipe and be organized with notes on changes. 
  • Write new recipes with weight, processes, and insights as recipes are being developed.
  • Cleaning, organization, and maintenance of the Test Kitchen alongside other bakers.
  • Ability to pivot and take constructive criticism.
Qualifications
  • Minimum 2 years experience in a fast-paced, creative, professional culinary setting. 
  • A comprehensive understanding of cookies/pastry is required. 
  • Formal culinary degree/education is required
  • An understanding of general food science
  • Exemplary decorating skills and attention to detail when it comes to quality standards
  • Utah Food Handlers Permit will be needed and we can help with the process if you don't have a UT permit.
  • Excellent communication skills; written and verbal
  • Highly organized and self-motivated
  • Time management skills 
  • Demonstrated ability to create structure and prioritize work
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced, results-oriented culture
  • Flexible and adaptable; able to work and thrive in ambiguity
  • Team player

Benefits & Perks

- Medical, dental, and vision benefits
- 15 days PTO/year
- 10 paid holidays
- Paid parental leave
- Personal phone bill reimbursement
- Gym reimbursement
- Corporate DoorDash DashPass membership
- Regular company and team activities
- 401k with competitive matching contribution plan
- Excellent opportunities for career growth
- Work in a hyper-growth company

Crumbl was founded in 2017 by Jason McGowan & Sawyer Hemsley in Logan, Utah. It is now the fastest-growing cookie company in the nation with over 1000 locations in the USA and Canada. Crumbl is powered by cutting-edge technology, iconic branding, delicious desserts, and passionate people.

Crumbl HQ and franchisees provide employment for over 26,000 people across the United States, and all of our franchises are owned and operated by independent members of the local community.

Crumbl's 200+ unique cookie flavors rotate weekly and are served in our famous pink box! 

Crumbl is an equal opportunity employer. Crumbl provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, marital status or veteran status.

Recruitment Agencies: Crumbl HQ doesn't typically partner with 3rd party recruitment resources. If we require assistance on this search we will contact selected partners directly; we do not accept unsolicited candidate submissions.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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