SUMMARY OF POSITION The R&D Chef is a collaborative culinary leadership role working closely with Chef/Owner Jordan Kahn and the Director of Culinary to develop, refine, and bring ideas to fruition ...
SUMMARY OF POSITION The R&D Chef is a collaborative culinary leadership role working closely with Chef/Owner Jordan Kahn and the Director of Culinary to develop, refine, and bring ideas to fruition ...
Development Chef
Fullerton, CA · On-site
$70K/yr
Product Development Chef Employer Information Organization Name: Stir Foods LLC Website: www.stirfoods.com About Our Organization: We are the WOW flavor behind some of your favorite meal experiences.
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Development Chef
Fullerton, CA · On-site
$70K/yr
Product Development Chef Employer Information Organization Name: Stir Foods LLC Website: www.stirfoods.com About Our Organization: We are the WOW flavor behind some of your favorite meal experiences.
Business Development Chef
San Carlos, CA · On-site
$77K - $127K/yr
The Business Development Chef provides culinary leadership, engages Kagome's strategic customers in partnership with Kagome's Sales Teams, and provides product expertise in the development of world ...
Business Development Chef
San Carlos, CA · On-site
$77K - $127K/yr
The Business Development Chef provides culinary leadership, engages Kagome's strategic customers in partnership with Kagome's Sales Teams, and provides product expertise in the development of world ...
The Business Development Chef provides culinary leadership, engages Kagome's strategic customers in partnership with Kagome's Sales Teams, and provides product expertise in the development of world ...
The Business Development Chef provides culinary leadership, engages Kagome's strategic customers in partnership with Kagome's Sales Teams, and provides product expertise in the development of world ...
As a Research and Development Chef, you will play a pivotal role in conceptualizing and developing unique menu offerings that highlight our commitment to quality and creativity in the culinary arts.
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As a Research and Development Chef, you will play a pivotal role in conceptualizing and developing unique menu offerings that highlight our commitment to quality and creativity in the culinary arts.
R&D Chef
$89K - $110K/yr
JOB TITLE: R&D Chef FLSA STATUS: Exempt DEPARTMENT: Research and Development REPORTS TO: Director of Culinary Research & Development LOCATION: Lake Forest, CA Test Kitchen SALARY RANGE : $89,000 ...
R&D Chef
$89K - $110K/yr
JOB TITLE: R&D Chef FLSA STATUS: Exempt DEPARTMENT: Research and Development REPORTS TO: Director of Culinary Research & Development LOCATION: Lake Forest, CA Test Kitchen SALARY RANGE : $89,000 ...
R&D Chef
Lake Forest, CA · On-site
$89K - $110K/yr
JOB TITLE: R&D Chef FLSA STATUS: Exempt DEPARTMENT: Research and Development REPORTS TO: Director of Culinary Research & Development LOCATION: Lake Forest, CA Test Kitchen SALARY RANGE : $89,000 ...
R&D Chef
Lake Forest, CA · On-site
$89K - $110K/yr
JOB TITLE: R&D Chef FLSA STATUS: Exempt DEPARTMENT: Research and Development REPORTS TO: Director of Culinary Research & Development LOCATION: Lake Forest, CA Test Kitchen SALARY RANGE : $89,000 ...
Lab37 Robotics, is a technology company focused on the development and deployment of robots designed specifically for direct-to-customer food production. Our mission is to revolutionize the food ...
Lab37 Robotics, is a technology company focused on the development and deployment of robots designed specifically for direct-to-customer food production. Our mission is to revolutionize the food ...
Research & Development Chef
$75K - $110K/yr
Lab37 Robotics, is a technology company focused on the development and deployment of robots designed specifically for direct-to-customer food production. Our mission is to revolutionize the food ...
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Research & Development Chef
$75K - $110K/yr
Lab37 Robotics, is a technology company focused on the development and deployment of robots designed specifically for direct-to-customer food production. Our mission is to revolutionize the food ...
We're seeking an exceptionally creative, technically gifted, and passionate Research & Development Chef to join the leadership team of an acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurant. This is a rare ...
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We're seeking an exceptionally creative, technically gifted, and passionate Research & Development Chef to join the leadership team of an acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurant. This is a rare ...
Partner with the Culinary Team, especially the Business Development Chef, to conceptualize and develop on-trend, scalable sauce solutions tailored to prospective customer needs. Co-create compelling ...
Partner with the Culinary Team, especially the Business Development Chef, to conceptualize and develop on-trend, scalable sauce solutions tailored to prospective customer needs. Co-create compelling ...
Business Development Manager
Los Banos, CA · On-site
$77K - $127K/yr
Cross-Functional Collaboration: • Partner with the Culinary Team, especially the Business Development Chef, to conceptualize and develop on-trend, scalable sauce solutions tailored to prospective ...
Business Development Manager
Los Banos, CA · On-site
$77K - $127K/yr
Cross-Functional Collaboration: • Partner with the Culinary Team, especially the Business Development Chef, to conceptualize and develop on-trend, scalable sauce solutions tailored to prospective ...
Executive Sous Chef
$120K - $140K/yr
This is a hands-on leadership role focused on service execution, team development, operational excellence, and maintaining the highest culinary standards. Qualifications * 3+ years as a Chef de ...
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Executive Sous Chef
$120K - $140K/yr
This is a hands-on leadership role focused on service execution, team development, operational excellence, and maintaining the highest culinary standards. Qualifications * 3+ years as a Chef de ...
Corporate Executive Chef
$120K - $130K/yr
Strong background in menu development, food costing, P&L management, and operational systems ... Mentor chefs and kitchen leaders while ensuring consistency in food quality, presentation, and ...
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Corporate Executive Chef
$120K - $130K/yr
Strong background in menu development, food costing, P&L management, and operational systems ... Mentor chefs and kitchen leaders while ensuring consistency in food quality, presentation, and ...
Executive Chef of Restaurants
$150K - $175K/yr
Yes but prefer local International, Chef-Led Hospitality Group is looking for an Executive Chef of ... Strong foundation in systems-driven organizations, including SOP development, team structure, and ...
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Executive Chef of Restaurants
$150K - $175K/yr
Yes but prefer local International, Chef-Led Hospitality Group is looking for an Executive Chef of ... Strong foundation in systems-driven organizations, including SOP development, team structure, and ...
Executive Sous Chef
$75K - $85K/yr
Executive Sous Chef Location: Palm Desert, CA Salary: $75,000-$85,000 base + bonus eligibility ... Strong fine dining experience with a passion for culinary excellence, team development, and ...
New
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Executive Sous Chef
$75K - $85K/yr
Executive Sous Chef Location: Palm Desert, CA Salary: $75,000-$85,000 base + bonus eligibility ... Strong fine dining experience with a passion for culinary excellence, team development, and ...
New
Sous Chef - Hotel - San Francisco, CA
$75K - $80K/yr
Collaborate with the Head Chef in creating and updating menu items. * Contribute innovative ideas ... Train and mentor culinary team members, ensuring proper skill development. * Oversee daily kitchen ...
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Sous Chef - Hotel - San Francisco, CA
$75K - $80K/yr
Collaborate with the Head Chef in creating and updating menu items. * Contribute innovative ideas ... Train and mentor culinary team members, ensuring proper skill development. * Oversee daily kitchen ...
Executive Chef, Culinary Development and Research
Santa Cruz, CA · On-site
$82K - $113K/yr
The Executive Chef, Culinary Development & Research is responsible for supporting culinary innovation through recipe development, product testing, menu implementation, operational standardization ...
New
Executive Chef, Culinary Development and Research
Santa Cruz, CA · On-site
$82K - $113K/yr
The Executive Chef, Culinary Development & Research is responsible for supporting culinary innovation through recipe development, product testing, menu implementation, operational standardization ...
New
Manufacturing R&D Culinary Assistant
Santa Rosa, CA · On-site
$26 - $36/hr
The Manufacturing R&D Culinary Assistant will assist the R&D Chef and R&D Staff in the prepping and executing (cooking) of various tests and tastings, and will assist with all other food preparation ...
Manufacturing R&D Culinary Assistant
Santa Rosa, CA · On-site
$26 - $36/hr
The Manufacturing R&D Culinary Assistant will assist the R&D Chef and R&D Staff in the prepping and executing (cooking) of various tests and tastings, and will assist with all other food preparation ...
Manufacturing R&D Culinary Assistant
Santa Rosa, CA · On-site
$26 - $36/hr
The Manufacturing R&D Culinary Assistant will assist the R&D Chef and R&D Staff in the prepping and executing (cooking) of various tests and tastings, and will assist with all other food preparation ...
Manufacturing R&D Culinary Assistant
Santa Rosa, CA · On-site
$26 - $36/hr
The Manufacturing R&D Culinary Assistant will assist the R&D Chef and R&D Staff in the prepping and executing (cooking) of various tests and tastings, and will assist with all other food preparation ...
Development Chef information
See California salary details
$32.6K - $41.5K
2% of jobs
$41.5K - $50.5K
8% of jobs
$57.4K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$50.5K - $59.5K
19% of jobs
$59.5K - $68.5K
20% of jobs
The median wage is $68.8K / yr.
$68.5K - $77.4K
16% of jobs
$84.3K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$77.4K - $86.4K
13% of jobs
$86.4K - $95.4K
5% of jobs
$95.4K - $104.3K
11% of jobs
$104.3K - $113.3K
2% of jobs
$113.3K - $122.3K
2% of jobs
$122.3K - $131.3K
2% of jobs
$32.6K
$76.4K
$131.3K
How much do development chef jobs pay per year?
As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for development chef in California is $76,424.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,700.00 and $89,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is the difference between Development Chef vs Sous Chef?
| Aspect | Development Chef | Sous Chef |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Culinary degree, culinary certifications | Culinary degree, culinary certifications |
| Work Environment | Research and development kitchens, innovation labs | Restaurant kitchens, food service establishments |
| Employer & Industry | Food companies, product development firms | Hotels, restaurants, catering services |
| Primary Focus | Creating new recipes, product development | Managing kitchen operations, preparing dishes |
The main difference between a Development Chef and a Sous Chef lies in their focus and work environment. Development Chefs primarily work in research and development settings, creating new recipes and food products, while Sous Chefs are hands-on kitchen leaders managing daily kitchen operations in restaurants or hotels. Both roles require culinary credentials, but their responsibilities and workplaces differ significantly.
How does a Development Chef collaborate with other departments to create new menu items?
A Development Chef works closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, procurement, and operations, to develop innovative menu items that align with brand objectives and operational capabilities. This often involves conducting taste panels, sourcing new ingredients, and ensuring recipes are scalable for production. Regular communication and collaboration with these departments are essential to ensure that new dishes meet cost, quality, and consistency standards before being rolled out to restaurants or retail outlets.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Development Chef, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Development Chef, you need strong culinary expertise, creativity in recipe development, and a solid understanding of food safety regulations, often supported by formal culinary training and relevant certifications. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food production management systems, and nutritional analysis software is typically expected. Strong project management, collaboration, and communication skills set outstanding Development Chefs apart. These abilities ensure innovative yet practical menu concepts that meet business goals and delight customers.
What is a Development Chef?
A Development Chef is a culinary professional who specializes in creating and testing new recipes, food products, and menu items for restaurants, food manufacturers, or catering businesses. They blend creativity with technical expertise to innovate dishes that meet specific market trends, dietary requirements, and brand standards. Development Chefs often work closely with food technologists, marketing teams, and suppliers to ensure new products are both delicious and commercially viable. Their work may involve research, taste testing, and refining recipes to achieve the best possible result for consumers.
What are the most commonly searched types of Development Chef jobs in California? The most popular types of Development Chef jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Development Chef jobs in California? For Development Chef jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Development Chef jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Development Chef jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Development Chef jobs? Cities in California with the most Development Chef job openings:
Full-time
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Job description
SUMMARY OF POSITION
The R&D Chef is a collaborative culinary leadership role working closely with Chef/Owner Jordan Kahn and the Director of Culinary to develop, refine, and bring ideas to fruition across Destroyer, Meteora, and Vespertine. This position supports the creative process through thoughtful execution, translating concepts into fully realized dishes, systems, and experiences.
The R&D Chef shepherds ideas through all phases of development, including sourcing and ordering, testing and iteration, organization and timeline management, documentation, and hands-on support through training and implementation. The role requires sensitivity to creative intent, strong technical skill, and disciplined follow-through to ensure ideas are expressed clearly, consistently, and sustainably within each restaurant.