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Culinary Research Development Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Plat Du Jour Inc

Nutritionist

Charlotte, NC · On-site

PDJ operates at the intersection of culinary excellence and operational discipline, combining chef ... Chef and Research & Development Chef to obtain accurate recipe formulations, ingredient ...

ATOMS Careers page

Culinary R&D Associate

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$70K - $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 own ...

Bell Flavors & Fragrances

Research Chef

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$50K - $100K/yr

Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. is seeking a creative and hands-on Research Chef to join our ... This role supports culinary innovation through concept development, prototype creation, recipe and ...

Lab37

Culinary R&D Associate

Los Angeles, CA

$70K - $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 own ...

ATOMS Careers page

Culinary R&D Associate

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$70K - $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 own ...

Bell Flavors & Fragrances

Research Chef

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$50K - $100K/yr

Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. is seeking a creative and hands-on Research Chef to join our ... This role supports culinary innovation through concept development, prototype creation, recipe and ...

Winston Industries LLC

R&D Culinary Specialist

Louisville, KY · On-site

$33K - $45K/yr

We're looking for an R&D Culinary Technologist to own how Winston equipment is tested, validated ... Well, at Winston, we have quite a few chefs in the house. It's awesome, but you need to be able to ...

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$46K

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

As of Sep 9, 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 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.

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 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.

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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 September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,794 per year, or $40.3 per hour.

Senior R&D Development Chef (Pastry/Baking)

Aurora, CO • On-site

Dessert Holdings Inc.
Manufacturing • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Dessert Holdings Inc.external

$70K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Research, formulate, and develop new bakery product concepts within time, cost, and processing requirements.

  • Construct proof of concept samples for new desserts to support innovation and sales; prepare and present samples and specifications for customer presentation and acceptance.

  • Consult with vendors and internal partners to verify SOPs for products being tested for manufacturing.

Dessert Holdings rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

218th of 445 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Senior R&D Development Chef (Pastry/Baking)


Dessert Holdings is the leading premium dessert company in the world. We craft artisanal, scratch-made desserts at scale, combining culinary innovation with the finest real ingredients. With a rich heritage spanning seven distinctive brands, we bring unmatched expertise and tailored solutions to our Retail and Foodservice partners.
Dessert Holdings is looking for a Senior R&D Development Chef to be based in our Aurora, CO location to use culinary knowledge and creative ability to develop new products for commercialization. From concept to prototype samples, this role is responsible for delivering products on time that meet taste, functionality, quality, and cost expectations. This position will be involved with documentation, formulations, pilot testing and commercialization touch points, vendor visits, ordering and testing raw materials, shelf-life studies, and kitchen/bench sanitation and cleanliness.
The typical hiring range for this role is $70,000 to $90,000 annually and is based on several factors such as education, work experience, skills, certifications, location, etc. In addition to pay, Dessert Holdings offers benefits such as a choice of comprehensive medical plans, dental and vision insurance, paid vacation and holidays, and retirement contribution to all eligible employees.
 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Research, formulate, and develop new bakery product concepts within time, cost, and processing requirements.
  • Construct proof of concept samples for new desserts to support innovation and sales; prepare and present samples and specifications for customer presentation and acceptance.
  • Stay current on culinary trends in desserts and baked goods and bring ideas into new product development.
  • Consult with vendors and suppliers, and internal partners like Quality, Sanitation, and Engineering to verify SOPs for products being tested for manufacturing.
  • Compile accurate and timely summaries, guidelines, test data, and trial plans.
  • Work with Supply Chain on sourcing new ingredients.
  • Improve product quality through ongoing review of formulation and ingredient parameters.
  • Maintain, organize, and keep refrigerators, freezers, and kitchen areas clean.
     

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Associate's Degree in Pastry Arts/Baking; food science training or degree is beneficial (or Red Seal designation in Canada)
  • At least 5 years of hands-on experience in baking/pastry arts with exceptional palate, sensory, recipe development, and baking skills
  • Prior product commercialization experience required
  • Ability to work self-directed with strong time management, organizational, multi-tasking, and communication skills
  • Computer savvy in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint
  • Ability to stand for extended periods and use tools and reach with hands and arms
  • Ability to lift up to 25 pounds, work around potential food allergens, and work in a variety of temperatures and with dampness or chemicals
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule including extended hours and weekends, as required
  • Ability to travel up to 10 to 20% throughout North America
     

About Dessert Holdings
Dessert Holdings is a collection of premium dessert companies and brands: The Original Cakerie, Lawler's Desserts, Atlanta Cheesecake Company, Steven Charles, Dianne's Fine Desserts, Kenny's Great Pies, and Willamette Valley Pie Company. Dessert Holdings is owned by Bain Capital, is headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, employs more than 3,500 people across ten manufacturing facilities, and is continuing its journey of rapid growth.


EEO Statement
Dessert Holdings and its related entities provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristics protected by law.

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