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Contractual Research Development Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Conagra Brands

Associate Development Chef

Omaha, NE · On-site

$59K - $78K/yr

This role is deeply handson and highly visible, blending chef creativity with storytelling as you ... You will coordinate research and development cuttings, drive flavor and technique, and serve as a ...

Amgen

OR · On-site

External Research & Development Director What you will do In this vital role you as the Business ... contractual agreements for certain projects. The candidate will be responsible for leading ...

Home Chef

Executive Chef, Production (Contract)

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$68K - $94K/yr

Attend weekly meetings with R&D chefs in order to give feedback on recipes or ingredient specifications * Review meal ratings weekly and assess areas for performance improvement Documentation and ...

Home Chef

Executive Chef, Production (Contract)

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$68K - $94K/yr

Attend weekly meetings with R&D chefs in order to give feedback on recipes or ingredient specifications * Review meal ratings weekly and assess areas for performance improvement Documentation and ...

Jobgether

Our partner is looking for a Head of Research & Development (R&D) based in Netherlands. This is a ... This processing is based on legitimate interest and pre-contractual measures under applicable data ...

Renown Health

Research Analyst

Reno, NV · On-site

$31.19 - $43.68/hr

Position Purpose A subject area expert in billing and contractual research compliance, this ... The position is responsible for research budget development in accordance with coverage analysis ...

Maple Hospitality Group

Chef de Cuisine

Chicago, IL

$135K - $150K/yr

Who You Are The R&D Chef is the culinary architect for the brand, bridging the gap between Michelin-caliber artistry and multi-unit scalability. This role demands a rare hybrid of elite creativity ...

Renown Health

Research Analyst

Reno, NV · On-site

Position Purpose A subject area expert in billing and contractual research compliance, this ... The position is responsible for research budget development in accordance with coverage analysis ...

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All JobsContractual Research Development Chef Jobs

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 Jun 15, 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 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.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contractual Research Development Chef, and why are they important?

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.

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.
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Contractual Research Development Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contractual Research Development Chef job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,794 per year, or $48.9 per hour.
Research & Development (R&D) Sous Chef

Research & Development (R&D) Sous Chef

Ramen Tatsu-Ya

Austin, TX • On-site

$50K - $67K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Join the Tatsu-Ya Team as an R&D Sous Chef!
At Tatsu-Ya, we're constantly pushing flavor forward. From new ramen builds and seasonal specials to innovative culinary concepts, our R&D team helps shape the future of the brand. If you're passionate about food, creativity, and culinary innovation, we'd love to hear from you.
Perks Include:
  • Competitive Salary
  • Paid On-the-Job Training
  • Advancement Opportunities
  • Free Meals During Shifts
  • Discounts at all Tatsu-Ya locations
  • Family Meal
  • Creative, collaborative culinary environment
Benefits:
  • Paid Sick Time
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Opportunities for travel, trainings, and culinary development

What is the job? As the Research & Development (R&D) Sous Chef, you will support the development, testing, and execution of new menu items, recipes, and culinary initiatives across the Tatsu-Ya brand. Working closely with the Corporate Chef and cross-functional teams, you'll help ensure every product meets our standards for flavor, consistency, quality, and operational execution.
What You'll Do:
  • Support the Corporate R&D team in developing, testing, and refining new culinary concepts and recipes
  • Execute recipe testing, sensory evaluations, tastings, and product trials
  • Maintain detailed documentation of recipes, ingredient specs, testing procedures, and results
  • Assist with seasonal menu updates, LTOs, and ongoing product improvements
  • Ensure recipes are scalable, consistent, and operationally efficient across multiple locations
  • Assist with ingredient sourcing, vendor coordination, and culinary research
  • Maintain cleanliness, organization, and food safety standards within the test kitchen
  • Collaborate with Operations and Training teams during rollouts and implementation of new products
  • Monitor culinary trends, emerging techniques, and ingredient innovations to contribute fresh ideas

Requirements
  • 3-5 years of culinary experience in a high-volume kitchen environment
  • Previous experience in R&D, menu development, or culinary innovation preferred
  • Strong understanding of cooking techniques, flavor profiles, and ingredient functionality
  • Excellent organization, communication, and time management skills
  • Culinary degree or equivalent professional experience preferred
  • Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, allergens, and dietary restrictions
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work in fast-paced kitchen environments
  • Ability to travel as needed for trainings, openings, or culinary support

Ready to help shape the future of Tatsu-Ya? Apply now to join our R&D team and bring bold ideas, big flavors, and culinary creativity to the table.

Apply