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Internship Research Development Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Yum! Brands

Research & Development Chef

Plano, TX

Designs, plans, and manages R&D projects of varying complexity resulting in new or improved ... Chef's Council, Food Immersions, Supplier Summits, PR/Media launch events, Ops/ Market Tests. Plan ...

Vespertine

Research and Development Chef

Culver City, CA

$80K - $100K/yr

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 ...

GBC Food Services

R&D Sushi Chef

Richardson, TX · On-site

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 ...

GBC Food Services LLC

R&D Sushi Chef

Richardson, TX · On-site

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 ...

Standardmeat

R&D CHEF

Fort Worth, TX

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 ...

Standard Meat Company

R&D CHEF

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

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 ...

Amy's Kitchen, LLC

R&D Chef's Assistant

Santa Rosa, CA

$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 ...

Amy's Kitchen, Inc.

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 ...

Amy's

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 ...

Farmer's Fridge

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 ...

Conagra Brands

Development Chef

Omaha, NE

$63K - $93K/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 ...

Farmer's Fridge Careers

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 ...

Kagome Inc.

Business Development Chef

San Carlos, CA · On-site

Work with Kagome R&D managers and scientists to develop products/ideas/applications that meet ... Certified Research Chef or Certified Culinary Scientist, a plus * Years and Type of Related ...

Conagra Brands, Inc.

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 ...

KAGOME, Inc.

Business Development Chef

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$77K - $127K/yr

Work with Kagome R&D managers and scientists to develop products/ideas/applications that meet ... Certified Research Chef or Certified Culinary Scientist, a plus * Years and Type of Related ...

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Internship Research Development Chef information

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

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship research development chef in the United States is $17.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Internship Research Development Chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Internship Research Development Chef, you need a solid grounding in culinary techniques, food science, and recipe development, often supported by culinary school coursework or a related degree. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, recipe management software, and adherence to food safety standards is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, teamwork, and strong communication skills help you stand out in this collaborative and innovative environment. These skills are crucial for developing successful new products, ensuring quality, and effectively contributing to culinary research projects.

What types of projects and collaborations can an Internship Research Development Chef expect to participate in during their placement?

As an Internship Research Development Chef, you will typically be involved in hands-on projects such as developing new recipes, testing food prototypes, and assisting in sensory evaluations. Collaborations are common with cross-functional teams including food scientists, marketing specialists, and production staff, giving you exposure to the entire product development cycle. You may also participate in brainstorming sessions, pilot plant trials, and presentations to stakeholders, which helps build both creative and technical skills. This role is a great opportunity to learn from experienced chefs and food technologists while contributing to innovative culinary solutions.

What is an Internship Research Development Chef?

An Internship Research Development Chef is a culinary professional in training who works alongside experienced chefs and food scientists to create, test, and improve new recipes, food products, or menu items. This role combines hands-on kitchen experience with research and experimentation to develop innovative culinary concepts, often for restaurants, food manufacturers, or hospitality companies. Interns in this position learn about food science, ingredient functionality, and food trends, while gaining practical skills in recipe development and product testing. The internship is a valuable stepping stone for those interested in a culinary career focused on creativity and innovation.

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

AspectInternship Research Development ChefResearch and Development Chef
CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate, culinary or food science degreeProfessional culinary or food science certification, extensive experience
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, learning-focused, entry-levelFull-time, innovative kitchen or R&D department
Employer & IndustryFood companies, restaurants, hospitality industryFood manufacturing, product development, culinary innovation
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles, learning opportunitiesExploring professional R&D careers, advanced roles

The Internship Research Development Chef is an entry-level position focused on learning and supporting R&D projects, often held by students or recent graduates. In contrast, a Research and Development Chef is a seasoned professional responsible for creating and testing new food products. The internship provides foundational experience, while the R&D Chef leads innovation efforts in the industry.

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Internship Research Development Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Internship Research Development Chef job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 16% Internship, 60% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 9% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,436 per year, or $17 per hour.
Research & Development Chef

Research & Development Chef

Yum! Brands

Plano, TX

Other

Posted 27 days ago

Yum! Brands rating

3.9

Company rating: 3.9 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

What You'll Be Serving Up:

Designs, plans, and manages R&D projects of varying complexity resulting in new or improved products & processes. Works directly with CI, Marketing, cross-functional teams, and suppliers to support the KFC US Innovation pipeline.

Here's How You'll Spice Things Up:

 Leads the identification of appropriate vendors and preparation of technical brief at onset of project.

Leads the development, evaluation, and revision process for product prototypes.

Design, coordinate and execute consumer/sensory tests and in-market research tests research using common sensory and consumer research protocols, including proper documentation, managing food and packaging inventory, review and execute with support of team to ensure smooth delivery/execution, interpretation of results and communication of next steps both internally and externally.

Develops operational procedures and specifications for new products which yield a food safe and consistent quality product. This includes identifying new smallwares (if needed), identifying appropriate in-store packaging, development and validation of cooking/holding procedures and testing of ingredients for all approved equipment.

Conducts yield analysis and depletion work and communicate results to cross-functional team.

Supports KFC/YUM nutritional goals by developing products which meet defined nutritional goals through theoretical and final lab analysis to validate consumer nutritional profiles of new/improved products.

Completes the required documentation and records for all testing and development conducted in the labs.

Secure formulas/specifications, develop packaging labels, and identify appropriate shelf life while partnering with commercialization.

Plan, execute & support: Chef's Council, Food Immersions, Supplier Summits, PR/Media launch events, Ops/ Market Tests.

Plan, execute & support product demos; NCAC, Innovation Day, Innovation WIP, LT WIP

Leads assigned AVA projects (Alternate Vendor Approval)

Travel as needed to support product development, consumer testing, etc.

Supports rapid innovation testing with key franchisees to accelerate the innovation process and reduce time between concept and commercialization.

What You Bring to the Table:

  • Education:
    • Bachelor's degree from an accredited 4-year university, preferably in Food Science or related field.
  • Experience:
    • 4+ years of relevant work experience required with Bachelor's.
    • Experience in a Product Development position for a quick service restaurant brand ($500M+ in size),  creating and commercializing successful new product offerings preferred.
  • Skills
    • Excellent oral and written communication skills to engage and align cross-functional stakeholders; ability to present effectively.
    • Strong analytical skills to interpret data and form action-able recommendations.
    • Exceptional project management capabilities, including driving great outcomes in a fast-paced environment.
  • Mindset:
    • Relentless in the pursuit of excellence and maintaining high standards.
    • Resourceful and adaptive in ambiguous situations with a proven ability to operate "in the grey."
    • Resilient in the face of obstacles and persistent in driving towards results.
    • Thrive in a collaborative environment and excel at inspiring and developing team members.

What's In It for You:

Education - Bachelors degree preferred in Food Science.

Experience

5+ years R&D/technical experience.

Successful leading projects with minimal coaching.

Strong product development mindset.

Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interface directly with higher levels of management.

Self-motivated with a strong drive for results and intellectual curiosity.

Strong oral and written communication skills.

Must be able to meet deadlines and work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

KFC Corporation, based in Plano, Texas, is one of the few brands in America that can boast about having a rich, 60-year history of success and innovation. In fact, KFC is the world's most popular chicken restaurant chain and a division of Yum! Brands, the world's largest restaurant company.
 
Yum! Brands, Inc., based in Louisville, Kentucky, has over 45,000 restaurants in more than 135 countries and territories and is one of the Aon Hewitt Top Companies for Leaders in North America. In 2018, Yum! Brands was recognized as part of the inaugural Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index. The company's restaurant brands - KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell - are global leaders of the chicken, pizza and Mexican-style food categories. 
More important than our size is our commitment to breakthrough innovation and the success of our employees. We're proud of the unique culture we've built, one where everyone can be their best self, make a difference and have fun! We believe in our people, trust in their positive intentions, encourage ideas from everyone, and have actively developed a workforce that is diverse in style and background.

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