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Full Time Research Development Chef Jobs in Houston, TX

Koch Industries

R&D Analytical Chemist

Katy, TX · On-site

Reporting to the R&D Analytical Team Leader, the team supports a wide variety of stakeholders ... At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ...

River Oaks Country Club

Sous Chef

Houston, TX · On-site

$45K - $61K/yr

Join the Sous Chef Opening Team for the menu R&D for two new restaurants and 4 concepts currently ... Full-time hourly position | Convenient location | Employee Parking Onsite | Full Benefits & PTO ...

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All JobsResearch Development Chef JobsFull Time Research Development Chef JobsFull Time Research Development Chef Jobs in Houston, TX

Full Time Research Development Chef information

See Houston, TX salary details

$46.3K

$97.2K

$157.6K

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

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time research development chef in Houston, TX is $97,210.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,000.00 and $111,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a full time research development chef?

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 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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research Development Chef jobs in Houston, TX?

The most popular types of Research Development Chef jobs in Houston, TX are:

What are popular job titles related to Full Time Research Development Chef jobs in Houston, TX?

For Full Time Research Development Chef jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Full Time Research Development Chef jobs in Houston, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Full Time Research Development Chef jobs in Houston, TX are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Full Time Research Development Chef jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Full Time Research Development Chef job openings:

Full Time Research Development Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Research Development Chef job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $97,210 per year, or $46.7 per hour.

Food Research & Development Specialist

Tay Ho

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:

We are seeking a Food Research & Development Specialist to support product innovation, formulation, and continuous improvement within our food manufacturing operation. This role bridges creativity and execution, working closely with Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain to develop, test, scale, and commercialize food products that meet quality, safety, cost, and regulatory standards.

You will play a hands-on role in benchtop development, pilot trials, and production scale-up, ensuring concepts move efficiently from idea to shelf.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Develop and refine food formulations for new products, line extensions, and reformulations.
  • Conduct bench-top, pilot, and plant trials, documenting procedures, observations, and results.
  • Partner with Operations and Engineering to support scale-up and commercialization of R&D concepts.
  • Work closely with Quality and Regulatory teams to ensure products meet FDA, USDA, GMP, HACCP, and labeling requirements.
  • Perform ingredient evaluations, shelf-life studies, sensory testing, and cost optimization analyses.
  • Maintain accurate formulation records, specifications, SOPs, and trial documentation.
  • Support supplier collaboration, ingredient sourcing, and evaluation of alternative raw materials.
  • Troubleshoot product and process issues related to texture, flavor, stability, yield, or shelf life.
  • Assist in maintaining R&D lab organization, safety standards, and sanitation protocols.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across product quality and manufacturing efficiency.

Qualifications:

Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Nutrition, or a related field.
  • 2+ years of experience in food R&D, product development, or food manufacturing.
  • Hands-on experience with formulation, testing, and basic lab equipment.
  • Strong documentation and organizational skills.
Preferred
  • Experience supporting pilot plant or commercial-scale production.
  • Familiarity with thermal processing, emulsions, sauces, beverages, or dry blends (adjust based on product type).
  • Knowledge of nutritional labeling, regulatory compliance, and ingredient statements.
  • Working knowledge of food safety systems (GMP, HACCP, SSOPs, and SOPs)
  • Experience with sensory panels and shelf-life testing.
  • Proficiency with formulation software or Excel-based costing models.
Ideal Candidate Will Be:
  • Curious, methodical, and detail-oriented.
  • Comfortable balancing creativity with operational constraints.
  • Strong cross-functional communication skills.
  • Able to manage multiple projects and timelines simultaneously.
  • Solutions-focused with a continuous improvement mindset.
Why Join Craftory?

Craftory is reimagining how heritage-rich flavors are shared with the next generation. We produce ready-to-eat broths, soups, and proteins in shelf-stable Tetra Recart packaging. With product lines like Simmer Craft organic broths and Craft Cuts luncheon meats, we serve consumers seeking comfort foods.

Well established food manufacturing in Southern Cali. We specialize in Vietnamese meatball, sausage to retail and food service. We have been in the industry for over 38 years.

Education:{"credentialcategory":"bachelor degree","@type":"EducationalOccupationalCredential"}Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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