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Culinary Research Development Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As an R&D Chef, you will be at the forefront of our culinary innovation, responsible for conceiving and developing cutting-edge food products and recipes that resonate with consumer preferences and ...

Summary The R&D Chef supports the development and commercialization of innovative food products by ... This role partners closely with Culinary, Sales, R&D, FSQA, and Operations to bring concepts from ...

As an R&D Chef, you will be at the forefront of our culinary innovation, responsible for conceiving and developing cutting-edge food products and recipes that resonate with consumer preferences and ...

Apply Early

Summary The R&D Chef supports the development and commercialization of innovative food products by ... This role partners closely with Culinary, Sales, R&D, FSQA, and Operations to bring concepts from ...

Development Chef

Omaha, NE · On-site

$63K - $93K/yr

Reporting to the Culinary Director, you will cook, create, and innovate in our research ... You will lead culinary product development from concept through execution, crafting and refining ...

Development Chef

Omaha, NE · On-site

$63K - $93K/yr

Reporting to the Culinary Director, you will cook, create, and innovate in our research ... You will lead culinary product development from concept through execution, crafting and refining ...

R&D Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

Support culinary-related marketing & menu events (e.g. our annual "Chopped" competition, supplier cuttings, PR events, etc.). Who You Are... * 5+ years of experience in food R&D or culinary product ...

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 ...

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 ...

R&D Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

Support culinary-related marketing & menu events (e.g. our annual "Chopped" competition, supplier cuttings, PR events, etc.). Who You Are... * 5+ years of experience in food R&D or culinary product ...

Apply Early

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 ...

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 ...

Apply Early

Reporting to the Culinary Director, you will cook, create, and innovate in our research ... You will lead culinary product development from concept through execution, crafting and refining ...

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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 3, 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:
Infographic showing various Culinary Research Development Chef job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $83,794 per year, or $40.3 per hour.
[US-DC] R&D Chef

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


HelloFresh rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 22 rated food delivery companies


Job description

R&D Chef

Factor_ a brand of HelloFresh is seeking an R&D Chef.   As an R&D Chef, you will be at the forefront of our culinary innovation, responsible for conceiving and developing cutting-edge food products and recipes that resonate with consumer preferences and align with our company's strategic goals. Your role demands a distinctive fusion of culinary mastery, food science acumen, and a deep awareness of evolving market trends. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, you will contribute to the creation of market-leading culinary concepts that capture the essence of our brand and cater to the diverse tastes of the mass market.

You will ... 

  • Innovate and experiment with culinary concepts, ingredients, and techniques to create unique and marketable food products in line with company objectives.
  • Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, production, and quality control, to ensure seamless integration of R&D initiatives into the overall product strategy.
  • Conduct thorough research on consumer trends, market demands, and competitor offerings to inform and inspire the development of new and differentiated culinary concepts.
  • Utilize your expertise in food science to optimize recipes for taste, texture, and shelf stability while adhering to quality standards and cost parameters.
  • Lead tastings, presentations, and discussions to communicate the value proposition of R&D initiatives, incorporating feedback from internal stakeholders and external partners.
  • Stay abreast of industry advancements, emerging technologies, and evolving consumer preferences to continuously refine and elevate the company's culinary offerings.

You are...

  • You are a visionary culinary professional with a passion for pushing the boundaries of flavor, texture, and presentation, consistently demonstrating a creative and forward-thinking mindset.
  • Possessing a strong blend of culinary expertise and food science knowledge, you are adept at translating conceptual ideas into tangible and market-ready products that meet both culinary and business objectives.
  • Your keen understanding of consumer trends enables you to anticipate and respond to evolving tastes, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of the culinary landscape.
  • As a collaborative team player, you thrive in cross-functional environments, effectively communicating and integrating feedback to refine and enhance culinary concepts.
  • Detail-oriented and quality-focused, you bring precision to the development process, balancing creativity with a commitment to meeting stringent quality standards and cost considerations.
  • With a proactive and adaptable approach, you embrace continuous learning and stay informed about industry advancements, emerging technologies, and scientific innovations in the food sector.
You have...
  • A proven track record of successfully developing and launching innovative food products that have gained market acceptance.
  • Strong culinary and food science background with a minimum of 5 years of experience in a similar R&D role within the food industry.
  • Ability to analyze and interpret consumer trends, translating insights into actionable and marketable culinary concepts.
  • Exceptional project management skills, ensuring timely and efficient execution of R&D initiatives from ideation to product launch.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex culinary concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Proficiency in staying current with industry advancements, scientific research, and emerging technologies related to food product development.

You'll get... 

  • Competitive salary, 401k with company match that vests immediately upon participation, and company equity plan based on role
  • Generous PTO, including sabbatical, and parental leave of up to 16 weeks
  • Comprehensive health and wellness benefits with options at $0 monthly, effective first day of employment
  • Tuition reimbursement for continuing education (upon 2 years of service)
  • Up to 85% discount on subscriptions to HelloFresh meal plans (HelloFresh, Green Chef, Everyplate, and Factor_)   
  • Access to Employee Resource Groups that are open to all employees, including those pertaining to BIPOC, women, veterans, parents, and LGBTQ+
  • Inclusive, collaborative, and dynamic work environment within a fast-paced, mission-driven company that is disrupting the traditional food supply chain

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the responsibilities. However, the Company reserves the right to adjust, modify, or reassign work tasks and responsibilities as needed to meet changing business needs, operational requirements, or other factors.

#Factor #JD1008

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About HelloFresh

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

HelloFresh is a meal-kit company based in Berlin, Germany. It is the largest meal-kit provider in the United States and also has operations in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, as well as Europe (Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, Italy, Ireland, Spain and Scandinavia). HelloFresh’s mission is to change the way people eat forever by helping consumers save money with every meal, democratizing access to high-quality food, allowing everyone to enjoy a varied and tasty diet, and reducing food waste through CO2 neutral delivery of every box.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US