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Freelance Research Development Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Amy's

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 ...

The Dixboro Project

Executive Chef

Ann Arbor, MI

$95K - $120K/yr

Partner with Chef Partner Garrett Lipar on menu development, seasonal evolution, tastings, and research & development * Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing culinary team rooted in ...

The Dixboro Project

Executive Chef

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

Partner with Chef Partner Garrett Lipar on menu development, seasonal evolution, tastings, and research & development * Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing culinary team rooted in ...

The Dixboro Project

Executive Chef

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

Partner with Chef Partner Garrett Lipar on menu development, seasonal evolution, tastings, and research & development * Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing culinary team rooted in ...

The DIXBORO PROJECT

Executive Chef

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

Partner with Chef Partner Garrett Lipar on menu development, seasonal evolution, tastings, and research & development * Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing culinary team rooted in ...

Graspa Group

Chef

Miami, FL · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Strong knowledge of menu development across different cuisines and service styles (buffet, plated ... Research and source new ingredients, products, and culinary trends to keep offerings fresh and ...

Boar's Head Brand

Culinary Development Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$147K/yr

Additionally, the Culinary Development Chef will be responsible for developing and implementing new ... Maintain strategic accountability for all product development and research, including management ...

KAGOME, Inc.

Business Development Manager

Los Banos, CA · On-site

$77K - $127K/yr

... research and competitive analysis to uncover unmet needs and identify potential business segments ... Development Chef, to conceptualize and develop on-trend, scalable sauce solutions tailored to ...

Kagome Inc.

Business Development Manager

Los Banos, CA · On-site

Conduct market research and competitive analysis to uncover unmet needs and identify potential ... Partner with the Culinary Team, especially the Business Development Chef, to conceptualize and ...

Boar's Head Brand

Culinary Development Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$147K/yr

Additionally, the Culinary Development Chef will be responsible for developing and implementing new ... Maintain strategic accountability for all product development and research, including management ...

Solomon Page

Freelance Assistant Designer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$24.50/hr

The Freelance Designer plays a key role in day-to-day design development, technical execution, and coordination across multiple stakeholders. * Pay $24.50 Responsibilities: * Research and identify ...

Clemente Bar

Executive Sous Chef

New York, NY · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Work closely with the Chef De Cuisine and R&D Chefs to develop new dishes seasonally. * Assist in writing and costing recipes for the menu. * Develop new techniques for each dish as they become ...

Altius Search Group

Chef - Dim Sum

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

This role is focused on the research, development, and production of high-quality dim sum doughs ... Working from our central commissary kitchen, this chef will lead the development of innovative ...

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Freelance Research Development Chef information

See salary details

$14

$47

$132

How much do freelance research development chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance research development chef in the United States is $47.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $61.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Freelance Research Development Chef vs Research and Development Chef?

AspectFreelance Research Development ChefResearch and Development Chef
CredentialsCooking certifications, culinary degrees, specialized R&D trainingSimilar credentials, often with advanced culinary or food science education
Work EnvironmentIndependent, project-based, varies by client or companyIn-house or corporate kitchens, R&D labs within food companies
Employer & IndustryFreelance, consulting, food startups, product development firmsFood manufacturing, large food companies, restaurant chains

While both roles focus on food innovation and product development, a Freelance Research Development Chef works independently on diverse projects for various clients, offering flexibility and a broad scope. In contrast, a Research and Development Chef is typically employed full-time within a company, focusing on specific product lines and long-term development strategies.

More about Freelance Research Development Chef jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Research Development Chef jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Research Development Chef job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Research Development Chef jobs? The most popular types of Research Development Chef jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Research Development Chef jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Research Development Chef jobs include:
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Freelance Research Development Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance 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 $99,230 per year, or $47.7 per hour.

Manufacturing R&D Culinary Assistant

Amy's

Santa Rosa, CA • On-site

$26 - $36/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
About Amy's
At Amy's Kitchen, we're more than just a food company- we're a family-owned, proudly independent organic, and vegetarian food company on a mission. As a Certified B Corporation®, our purpose is clear: to make it simple and enjoyable for everyone to eat well.
We're committed to crafting authentic, mouthwatering dishes using only the finest organic ingredients sourced with care. From farm to table, we ensure top-notch quality in every bite, making healthy eating accessible and convenient for all. At Amy's, we're not just serving meals; we're serving up a taste of goodness, one delicious dish at a time.
Shift: 1st | 5am start time
Pay: $26-36/hr.
Location: 2330 Northpoint Parkway, Santa Rosa, CA 95407
Amy's Perks:
  • A fun and safe atmosphere where teamwork is encouraged
  • Weeks of on-the-job training for your new role
  • Discount on Amy's products
  • Opportunities to grow and advance your career
  • Competitive compensation and benefits package
  • Affordable Amy's meals on-site for lunch and dinner
  • Bonus incentives based on attendance and safety
  • Referral Bonuses
  • Safety Shoe Program, covered by Amy's
  • 401k program (up to 4% contribution matching after 1 year)
  • Parental Leave Program
  • Education reimbursement; scholarship Program
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) and Unpaid Time Off options

SUMMARY
The Manufacturing R&D Culinary Assistant will assist in the development of all new and reformulated products for Amy's Kitchen. They will assist in the preliminary preparation, cooking and assembling of new products. 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 in the R&D Kitchen as needed. The Manufacturing R&D Culinary Assistant will spend some of their day working in the production areas of the plant(s). This role will carry out all R&D activities on the production floor working to ensure proper scale-up of recipes.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Includes the following, other duties may be assigned as needed.
  • Learn and understand the processes for manufacturing our products.
  • Execute recipe cooking in kitchen during scale-up.
  • Maintain R&D samples in holding freezer, making sure all products are organized.
  • Learn and understand formulations and batch sheets.
  • Execute all types of batch sheets and/or formulations, following standard procedures and ensuring that all pertinent information is accurate and properly documented.
  • Track all recipe changes and other pertinent information needed for scale-up activities.
  • Check all ingredients and intermediate foods to verify they match batch sheet requirements, and are made to standard.
  • Independent troubleshooting of scale up issues. Report back to management with recommendations to address issues.
  • Understand the safe use of all equipment (Current equipment as well as new/test equipment units).
  • Instruct production staff on use of equipment for all new production runs.
  • Taste products frequently ensuring they are meeting R&D standards.
  • Execute all instructions given to them by R&D manger and chef.
  • It is the responsibility of all employees to uphold the mission of the Amy's Food Safety and Quality Policy. This includes following all Food Safety and Sustainability programs and participating in all required training.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Strong working knowledge of Amy's Kitchen manufacturing and production processes.
  • Must have ability to communicate effectively.
  • Strong English Skills (both written and verbal) required.
  • Must have ability to multi-task and prioritize.
  • Team oriented.
  • Ability to take initiative; self starter.
  • Basic computer skills/knowledge.
  • Basic math skills.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
  • Culinary technical degree, or five to seven years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

LANGUAGE SKILLS
  • Ability to read and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or government regulations.
  • Ability to write business correspondence.
  • Ability to effectively present information to coworkers at a peer level and respond to questions from coworkers, supervisors or managers.

MATHMATICAL SKILLS
  • Ability to work with basic mathematical concepts (addition, subtraction, etc.)
  • Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY
  • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
  • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral , diagram, or schedule form.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to stand and walk, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, talk or hear, and taste or smell. The employee will occasionally push, pull, lift and/or move 50 - 65 pounds, and
team lift over 100 pounds. No specific vision abilities are required for this position.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
While performing the essential functions of the job the employee may be exposed to and/or work near
moving mechanical parts, wet and/or humid conditions or extreme cold. The noise level is usually
moderate. The position requires frequent movement, reaching, stretching, lifting, pulling, pushing and
rapid movements.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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