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Full Time Research Development Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

The R&D Sushi Chef leads the development and execution of innovative sushi offerings in collaboration with the Executive R&D Chef. This role is responsible for creating new sushi rolls and seasonal ...

The R&D Sushi Chef leads the development and execution of innovative sushi offerings in collaboration with the Executive R&D Chef. This role is responsible for creating new sushi rolls and seasonal ...

Summary The R&D Chef supports the development and commercialization of innovative food products by combining culinary expertise with manufacturing and customer insights. This role partners closely ...

Summary The R&D Chef supports the development and commercialization of innovative food products by combining culinary expertise with manufacturing and customer insights. This role partners closely ...

The R&D Chef's 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 ...

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(s). This role will carry out all R&D activities on the production floor working to ensure proper ...

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(s). This role will carry out all R&D activities on the production floor working to ensure proper ...

R&D Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

As the R&D Chef at Farmer's Fridge, you will be the creative engine behind our ever-evolving menu. You'll create delicious and scalable recipes to fill our core menu as well as building velocity and ...

This role is deeply handson and highly visible, blending chef creativity with storytelling as you ... You will coordinate research and development cuttings, drive flavor and technique, and serve as a ...

R&D Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

As the R&D Chef at Farmer's Fridge, you will be the creative engine behind our ever-evolving menu. You'll create delicious and scalable recipes to fill our core menu as well as building velocity and ...

Development Chef

Omaha, NE · On-site

$63K - $93K/yr

This role is deeply hands-on and highly visible, blending chef creativity with storytelling as you ... You will coordinate research and development cuttings, drive flavor and technique, and serve as a ...

Associate Development Chef

Omaha, NE · On-site

$59K - $78K/yr

This role is deeply hands-on and highly visible, blending chef creativity with storytelling as you ... You will coordinate research and development cuttings, drive flavor and technique, and serve as a ...

Associate Development Chef

Omaha, NE · On-site

$59K - $78K/yr

This role is deeply handson and highly visible, blending chef creativity with storytelling as you ... You will coordinate research and development cuttings, drive flavor and technique, and serve as a ...

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Full Time Research Development Chef information

See salary details

$48.5K

$101.8K

$165K

How much do full time research development chef jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time research development chef in the United States is $101,794.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Full Time Research Development Chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Full Time Research Development Chef, you need expertise in culinary techniques, recipe development, and a background in food science or culinary arts, often supported by formal training or relevant certifications. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food safety standards, and recipe management software is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong collaboration skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are crucial for innovating new menu items, ensuring product consistency, and successfully leading cross-functional culinary projects.

What are Full Time Research Development Chefs?

Full Time Research Development Chefs are culinary professionals who focus on creating, testing, and perfecting new recipes, menu items, and food products for restaurants, food manufacturers, or hospitality companies. They blend culinary expertise with research and development skills to innovate and improve food offerings, often working closely with marketing, nutrition, and production teams. In this full-time role, they may also oversee product trials, ensure flavor consistency, and keep up with current food trends to meet consumer demands.

What are some common challenges faced by a Full Time Research Development Chef when creating new menu items or products?

A Full Time Research Development Chef often faces challenges such as balancing creativity with cost-effectiveness, ensuring new recipes meet both flavor and nutritional standards, and adapting dishes to various production environments. Collaboration with cross-functional teams—like marketing, procurement, and quality assurance—is essential to ensure that new products are feasible for large-scale production and align with brand standards. Additionally, staying updated with food trends and regulatory requirements can be demanding but is crucial for long-term success.

What is the difference between Full Time Research Development Chef vs Full Time Culinary Scientist?

AspectFull Time Research Development ChefFull Time Culinary Scientist
CredentialsCooking certifications, culinary degreesFood science degrees, certifications in food safety
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, R&D labs in food companiesLaboratories, food testing facilities, R&D departments
Employer & IndustryFood manufacturing, hospitality, product developmentFood industry, research institutions, product innovation
Search & Comparison IntentYes, often compared for product development rolesYes, related to food innovation and research

Full Time Research Development Chefs focus on creating new recipes and culinary concepts, often working in kitchens or food companies. Culinary Scientists, on the other hand, combine food science and technology to develop and improve food products in labs. Both roles require culinary or food science credentials and are integral to food innovation, but they differ mainly in their work environment and approach to product development.

More about Full Time Research Development Chef jobs
What cities are hiring for Full Time Research Development Chef jobs? Cities with the most Full Time 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 Full Time Research Development Chef jobs? States with the most job openings for Full Time Research Development Chef jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Full Time Research Development Chef jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Full Time Research Development Chef jobs are:
Infographic showing various Full Time Research Development Chef job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,794 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

Research and Development Chef

Vespertine

Culver City, CA

$80K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


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.

More detail about Vespertine part of Sprout LA, please visit https://culinaryagents.com/entities/83505-Vespertine