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Full Time Research Development Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Conagra Brands, Inc.

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 ...

Conagra Brands

Associate Development Chef

Omaha, NE

$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 ...

O Positiv

Research & Development Manager

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$135K - $160K/yr

Your Role The Research & Development Manager is responsible for supporting the execution of product ... Job Type: Full-time * Pay based on prior experience * Position will be based out of Santa Monica ...

KMM

Research & Development Engineer

Lincoln, NE · On-site

A seeks a full-time Research and Development Engineer for our Consumer Products manufacturing facility in Lincoln, NE. Apply now at KawasakiCareers.com Please note: Sponsorship for employment visa ...

Westrock

Dir, Research & Dev

Evadale, TX · On-site

General Information Job ID ATR60583 Posting Job Title Director of Research and Development Locations TX Evadale Employment Type Full Time Date Posted 02-Apr-2026 Relocation Support No Description ...

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All JobsFull Time Research Development Chef Jobs

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 30, 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:
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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:
Full Time Research Development Chef jobs near you
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 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,794 per year, or $48.9 per hour.
Associate Development Chef

Associate Development Chef

Conagra Brands, Inc.

Omaha, NE • On-site

$59K - $78K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Conagra Brands rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 131 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

172nd of 389 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Reporting to the Culinary Director, you will cook, create, and innovate in our research & development kitchen where food is the star. You will lead culinary product development from concept through execution, crafting and refining recipes while partnering closely with food scientists to develop gold-standard formulations that will be commercialized at our plants. This role is deeply hands-on and highly visible, blending chef creativity with storytelling as you bring culinary inspiration to life for our leadership, customers and at events. You will coordinate research and development cuttings, drive flavor and technique, and serve as a culinary ambassador who translates trends and inspiration into compelling, customer-ready products.
A Taste of Your Responsibilities
  • Coordinate and execute innovation tastings, customer meetings, and culinary-focused events.
  • Collaborate with members of the culinary team and cross-functional partners to arrange culinary-centric business functions such as taste treks and culinary inspiration days.
  • Assist with customer meetings featuring food-focused discussions led by the culinary team.
  • Maintain inventory of ingredients used in the development process and proactively stage ingredients for development sessions, focusing on culinary innovation.
  • Input and maintain recipes on inter-department shared drives and actively update records for future reference.
  • Maintain kitchen operations, including sanitation, maintenance, and organization.

Ingredients Required for Your Success
  • Associate degree in culinary arts or a related discipline.
  • Two years of experience in a culinary-focused role.
  • Previous experience with hands-on cooking responsibility and accountability for purchasing, sanitation, inventory management, and ordering processes.
  • Strong culinary skills with an emphasis on savory cooking and current food trends.
  • Sanitation training and certification.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Analytical and logical problem-solving skills.
  • Collaborative approach with the ability to work effectively across all levels of the organization.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

#LI-Onsite
#LI-MH1
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Compensation
Pay Range:$59,000-$78,000
The annual salary listed above is the expected offering for this position. An employee's actual annual salary will be based on but not limited to: location, relevant experience/level and skillset, while balancing internal Conagra employees' equity. Conagra Brands will comply with applicable law regarding minimum salaries for exempt employees.
Our Benefits
We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role:
  • Health: Comprehensive healthcare plans, wellness incentive program, mental wellbeing support and fitness reimbursement
  • Wealth: Great pay, bonus incentive opportunity, matching 401(k) and stock purchase plan
  • Growth: Career development opportunities, employee resource groups, on-demand learning and tuition reimbursement
  • Balance: Paid-time off, parental leave, flexible work-schedules (subject to your location and role) and volunteer opportunities

Our Company
At Conagra Brands, we have a rich heritage of making great food. We aspire to have the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in food. As a member of our 18,000+ person team across 40+ locations, you are empowered to reach your potential, make an impact and own your career. We're in the business of building champions - within our people and our iconic brands like Birds Eye®, Slim Jim® and Reddi-Wip®.
Our focus on innovation extends beyond making great food, it also reflects our commitment to embracing new solutions that positively impact our team, the communities we serve and the health of our planet. Foodies Welcome.
Conagra Brands is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law. Reasonable accommodation may be made upon request.

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About Conagra Brands

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Conagra Brands (NYSE: CAG) is an approximately $11 billion company that combines a rich heritage of making great food with a sharpened focus and entrepreneurial spirit. We're transforming the way we operate to fulfill what consumers and customers want, in a smart, simple way. We're modernizing our iconic food brands, leveraging fresh opportunities and adapting to a changing landscape - all with a culture that's ready to capture growth and drive shareholder value.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1919

Social media

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