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Culinary Research Development Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

mendocinofarms

DIRECTOR OF CULINARY OPERATIONS

$140K - $180K/yr

Job Title: Director of Culinary R&D Reports to: Chief Operations Officer Location: Looking for ... Collaborate with our R&D Chef to refine recipes, ensuring they are operationally executable at ...

Kettle Cuisine

Culinary R&D Assistant

Lynn, MA · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Job Summary The Culinary R&D Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting research and development chefs in creating innovative products. Responsibilities include maintaining a clean and organized ...

KETTLE CUISINE LLC

Culinary R&D Assistant

Lynn, MA · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Job Summary The Culinary R&D Specialist plays a crucial role in supporting research and development chefs in creating innovative products. Responsibilities include maintaining a clean and organized ...

FCH Enterprises Inc

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 ... This role combines culinary creativity, production practicality, sensory evaluation, cost awareness ...

New

Zippy's

Research and Development Chef

Waipahu, HI

$85K - $100K/yr

Research and Development Chef REPORTS TO: Food Solutions General Manager STATUS: Exempt DATE: July ... This role combines culinary creativity, production practicality, sensory evaluation, cost awareness ...

New

FCH Enterprises Inc

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 ... This role combines culinary creativity, production practicality, sensory evaluation, cost awareness ...

New

Vespertine

Chef Assistant

Culver City, CA

This employee will work directly with the Research and Development chef and Culinary Director to accomplish preparation and execution tasks necessary to successfully update the menus across ...

Vespertine

Chef Assistant

Culver City, CA

This employee will work directly with the Research and Development chef and Culinary Director to accomplish preparation and execution tasks necessary to successfully update the menus across ...

Vespertine

Chef Assistant

Culver City, CA

$18.47/hr

This employee will work directly with the Research and Development chef and Culinary Director to accomplish preparation and execution tasks necessary to successfully update the menus across ...

Stir Foods

Development Chef

Fullerton, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

Product Development Chef Employer Information Organization Name: Stir Foods LLC Website: www ... Culinary Reports To: Director of Culinary R&D Job Location: Orange/ Fullerton, CA Hours/Week:

Kagome Inc.

Business Development Chef

San Carlos, CA · On-site

Certified Research Chef or Certified Culinary Scientist, a plus * Years and Type of Related ... Well developed in communications skills, both oral and written * Directly interfaces with internal ...

KAGOME, Inc.

Business Development Chef

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$77K - $127K/yr

Certified Research Chef or Certified Culinary Scientist, a plus * Years and Type of Related ... Well developed in communications skills, both oral and written * Directly interfaces with internal ...

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Culinary Research Development Chef information

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$46K

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$133K

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

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for culinary research development chef in the United States is $83,794.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,500.00 and $117,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a culinary research development chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Culinary Research Development Chef, you need expertise in culinary arts, food science, and recipe development, often supported by a culinary degree and relevant industry experience. Familiarity with food safety regulations, R&D kitchen equipment, and product development software is highly beneficial. Creative problem-solving, attention to detail, and strong collaboration skills help you excel in innovating and refining new food products. These abilities ensure successful product launches that meet quality, safety, and market expectations.

What is the difference between Culinary Research Development Chef vs Food Scientist?

AspectCulinary Research Development ChefFood Scientist
CredentialsCulinary degree or culinary certifications, culinary experienceDegree in food science, chemistry, or related field
Work EnvironmentTest kitchens, culinary labs, food companiesLaboratories, research facilities, manufacturing plants
Industry UsageDevelops new food products, recipes, and flavorsResearches food properties, safety, and quality

The Culinary Research Development Chef focuses on creating new recipes and food products through culinary expertise, often working in test kitchens. In contrast, a Food Scientist conducts scientific research on food properties, safety, and quality, typically in laboratory settings. Both roles are essential in food innovation but differ in their approach and daily tasks.

How does a culinary research development chef typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the product development process?

Culinary Research Development Chefs frequently work alongside food scientists, marketing professionals, and production teams to create innovative recipes and products. This collaboration often involves participating in brainstorming sessions, conducting taste panels, and iterating on formulations to meet both culinary standards and production feasibility. Clear communication and openness to feedback are essential, as these chefs must balance creativity with technical constraints and market demands. Strong teamwork skills ensure that concepts move smoothly from kitchen prototypes to large-scale manufacturing.

What is a culinary research development chef?

A Culinary Research Development Chef is a professional chef who specializes in creating and developing new recipes, food products, and menu items for restaurants, food manufacturers, or culinary brands. They combine their culinary expertise with food science to innovate and improve flavors, textures, and nutritional value. These chefs often work in test kitchens, collaborating with food scientists, marketing teams, and production staff to ensure new products are delicious, safe, and commercially viable. Their work helps bring new food concepts from idea to table, often influencing food trends and industry standards.
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Culinary Research Development Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Culinary Research Development Chef job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,794 per year, or $40.3 per hour.

DIRECTOR OF CULINARY OPERATIONS

mendocinofarms

Remote

$140K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Job Title:                                 Director of Culinary R&D

Reports to:                            Chief Operations Officer

Location:                                 Looking for candidates that live in Dallas, TX but would also consider LA based candidates 

FLSA Status:                         Exempt

Compensation:                   $140,000 – $180,000 per year plus a 15% annual bonus

Summary:

At Mendocino Farms, we don’t just sell sandwiches – we Sell Happy! 

The Director of Culinary R&D will be responsible for leading menu innovation and product development at Mendo, ensuring that every new item reflects our brand values and delights our guests. This role requires a strong balance of creativity, project management, and cross-functional collaboration. Working closely with the COO and CMO, this individual will oversee tastings, consumer insights, and menu launches to drive culinary relevance and differentiation across our locations.

Responsibilities:

Menu Development & Innovation

  • Research, develop, and test new menu items that align with Mendo’s food philosophy and brand strategy.
  • Collaborate with our R&D Chef to refine recipes, ensuring they are operationally executable at scale.
  • Balance innovation with practicality, considering cost, supply chain, and execution feasibility.

 

Consumer Insights & Market Research

  • Analyze guest feedback, sales data, and market trends to inform culinary innovation.
  • Work with Marketing to conduct guest panels, surveys, and competitive analysis.
  • Identify emerging food trends and adapt them into Mendo’s menu while maintaining our unique culinary identity.

 

Product Testing & Optimization

  • Plan and coordinate internal and external tastings, ensuring structured feedback loops.
  • Partner with Operations to test and refine new products in select stores before system-wide rollout.
  • Ensure all new items meet Mendo’s high standards for quality, taste, and consistency.

 

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Work closely with Marketing, Operations, and Supply Chain to ensure smooth menu launches.
  • Partner with Supply Chain to source high-quality, cost-effective ingredients that align with new menu innovations.
  • Collaborate with Supply Chain on vendor selection and procurement strategies to support new product development.
  • Provide clear documentation and communication on new menu items to ensure proper execution.
  • Support Training teams in educating restaurant teams on the story and execution of new dishes.

 

Strategic Planning & Budget Management

  • Develop a long-term menu innovation roadmap aligned with business goals.
  • Manage the R&D budget, balancing cost-effectiveness with innovation.
  • Optimize supplier relationships to support new product development.

 

Requirements:

  • Deep understanding of food trends, ingredient sourcing, and consumer preferences.
  • 5+ years of experience in culinary R&D, menu development, or product innovation.
  • Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
  • Experience working cross-functionally with Marketing, Operations, and Supply Chain.
  • Data-driven approach to innovation, using insights to guide decision-making.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills.
  • Passion for culinary innovation and bringing food to life in a way that excites both guests and operators.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts, Food Science, Marketing, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

Benefits:

At Mendocino Farms, we believe Selling Happy starts from within.  That’s why we offer:

  • Competitive Salary
  • Annual Bonus
  • Meal Privileges—because food should make people feel good!
  • Comprehensive Health Benefits & 401k Plan with Company Match
  • Paid Vacation to recharge and fuel your best self

 Physical Requirements:

  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
  • Sitting / standing 8-14 hours.
  • Hand use: single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling
  • Work requires the following motions: bending, twisting, squatting, and reaching

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