ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Culinary Research Development Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Amy's

R&D Chef's Assistant

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$26 - $36/hr

The R&D Chef's Assistant will spend some of their day working in the production areas of the plant ... Culinary technical degree, or five to seven years related experience and/or training; or equivalent ...

Amy's Kitchen, Inc.

R&D Chef's Assistant

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$26 - $36/hr

The R&D Chef's Assistant will spend some of their day working in the production areas of the plant ... Culinary technical degree, or five to seven years related experience and/or training; or equivalent ...

Taylor Nicole Professional

Be Seen First

Chocolatier & Confectionery Development Chef

Torrance, CA · On-site

$25 - $26/hr

Passion for innovation and product development Keywords Chocolatier, Chocolate Maker, Confectionery Chef, Confectionery Development, Chocolate Development, Product Development Chef, R&D Chef, Pastry ...

New

Taylor Nicole Professional

Be Seen First

Chocolatier & Confectionery Development Chef

Torrance, CA · On-site

$25 - $26/hr

Passion for innovation and product development Keywords Chocolatier, Chocolate Maker, Confectionery Chef, Confectionery Development, Chocolate Development, Product Development Chef, R&D Chef, Pastry ...

New

CoralTree Hospitality

Executive Chef

Portland, OR

$75K - $104K/yr

Provides visionary leadership and management of the culinary research and development process from ... Prior experience as an Executive Chef. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Possess ...

New

Acxion

Culinary R&D Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

ABOUT THE ROLE We're seeking a highly creative, client-facing, and commercially minded Culinary R&D Manager to join our culinary innovation team. This role sits at the intersection of culinary ...

RiverPlace Hotel

Executive Chef

Portland, OR · On-site

$75K - $104K/yr

... management of the culinary research and development process from product creation through ... Qualifications Prior experience as an Executive Chef. Excellent verbal and written communication ...

New

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsCulinary Research Development Chef Jobs

Culinary Research Development Chef information

See salary details

$46K

$83.8K

$133K

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

As of Jul 24, 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.
More about Culinary Research Development Chef jobs
What cities are hiring for Culinary Research Development Chef jobs? Cities with the most Culinary Research Development Chef job openings:
What states have the most Culinary Research Development Chef jobs? States with the most job openings for Culinary Research Development Chef jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Culinary Research Development Chef jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Culinary Research Development Chef jobs are:
Culinary Research Development Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Culinary Research Development Chef job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,794 per year, or $40.3 per hour.
DIRECTOR OF CULINARY OPERATIONS

DIRECTOR OF CULINARY OPERATIONS

Mendocino Farms

El Segundo, CA • On-site, Remote

$140K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Mendocino Farms rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

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

There is no "I" in Mendo Mendocino Farms is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. Mendocino Farms will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories for employment in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring. * Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

What Mendocino Farms employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply