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Internship Research Development Chef Jobs in Chicago, IL

Maple

Maple & Ash Chicago - Chef De Cuisine

Chicago, IL · On-site

$135K - $150K/yr

Who You Are The R&D Chef is the culinary architect for the brand, bridging the gap between Michelin-caliber artistry and multi-unit scalability. This role demands a rare hybrid of elite creativity ...

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 ...

NuMat

R&D Process Development Engineer

Chicago, IL

Summary Title: R&D Process Development Engineer Location: Chicago, IL  Compensation: Competitive ... Demonstrated self-direction -- clear evidence you've owned something end to end (an internship or ...

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 ...

Numat

R&D Process Development Engineer

Chicago, IL

Summary Title: R&D Process Development Engineer Location: Chicago, IL Compensation: Competitive ... Demonstrated self-direction - clear evidence you've owned something end to end (an internship or ...

Numat

R&D Process Development Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Summary Title: R&D Process Development Engineer Location: Chicago, IL Compensation: Competitive ... Demonstrated self-direction - clear evidence you've owned something end to end (an internship or ...

Danaher

R&D Internships

Aurora, IL

By submitting your interest, you'll be among the first to know when internship opportunities open ... About R&D Roles at Danaher Are you driven by curiosity, discovery, and a desire to contribute to ...

Danaher

R&D Internships

Gary, IN · On-site

By submitting your interest, you'll be among the first to know when internship opportunities open ... About R&D Roles at Danaher Are you driven by curiosity, discovery, and a desire to contribute to ...

Danaher

R&D Internships

Hammond, IN · On-site

By submitting your interest, you'll be among the first to know when internship opportunities open ... About R&D Roles at Danaher Are you driven by curiosity, discovery, and a desire to contribute to ...

Danaher

R&D Internships

Chicago, IL · On-site

By submitting your interest, you'll be among the first to know when internship opportunities open ... About R&D Roles at Danaher Are you driven by curiosity, discovery, and a desire to contribute to ...

Danaher

R&D Internships

Aurora, IL · On-site

By submitting your interest, you'll be among the first to know when internship opportunities open ... About R&D Roles at Danaher Are you driven by curiosity, discovery, and a desire to contribute to ...

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All JobsResearch Development Chef JobsInternship Research Development Chef JobsInternship Research Development Chef Jobs in Chicago, IL

Internship Research Development Chef information

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

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship research development chef in Chicago, IL is $17.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $19.81 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.

What are popular job titles related to Internship Research Development Chef jobs in Chicago, IL? For Internship Research Development Chef jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Internship Research Development Chef jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Internship Research Development Chef jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Internship Research Development Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Internship Research Development Chef job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% Internship, 40% Full Time, 43% Part Time, and 3% Summer. Highlights an 94% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,504 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

Maple & Ash Chicago - Chef De Cuisine

Maple

Chicago, IL • On-site

$135K - $150K/yr

Other

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Join Maple Hospitality Group, where culinary excellence meets unparalleled service. Led by renowned restaurateur Jim Lasky and two-Michelin-starred Chef Danny Grant, known for his innovative approach to fine dining, we're building a team of passionate food lovers dedicated to creating iconic destinations.
We believe success hinges on impeccable food, world-class service, and one-of-a-kind dining experiences. As we expand across Chicago, Scottsdale, Dallas, Santa Barbara, Miami, Boston and New York, you'll find endless opportunities for growth, travel, and continuing education.
Our culture is built on four core principles:
  • Generosity: Always give more, exceed expectations.
  • Excellence: Deliver exceptional work with unmatched expertise.
  • Fun: Love what you do, laugh often, and enjoy the journey.
  • Fail Fast: Learn from mistakes, adapt, and keep improving.

Who You Are
The R&D Chef is the culinary architect for the brand, bridging the gap between Michelin-caliber artistry and multi-unit scalability. This role demands a rare hybrid of elite creativity and industrial-grade operational discipline. You will transform abstract inspiration into scalable, profitable, and breathtaking culinary reality, ensuring the brand's North Star remains elite as it expands.
We are seeking a chef who views operations not as a constraint on creativity, but as the vehicle that allows world-class food to reach thousands of guests daily. You must possess the artistic ego to create something beautiful and the professional humility to ensure it can be executed perfectly by others.
Culinary Innovation and Michelin-Caliber Excellence
  • Creative R&D: Drive the evolution of the brand through constant experimentation, pushing the boundaries of technique and flavor to maintain a best-in-class reputation.
  • High-End Execution: Ensure every new dish meets the aesthetic and technical rigor of James Beard/Michelin-caliber dining.
  • Menu Engineering: Optimize menus for profitability and guest experience, ensuring innovation is balanced with strict $P&L$ and food cost targets.

Systems and Scalability
  • SOP Architecture: Translate complex, high-end dishes into precise, scalable Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for multi-unit consistency.
  • Operational Flow: Identify bottlenecks in production and re-engineer workflows to improve speed without sacrificing artistry.
  • Strategic Sourcing: Vet elite suppliers to secure ingredients that meet the brand's uncompromising standards for quality, sustainability, and cost.

Leadership and Flagship Oversight
  • Flagship Stewardship: Maintain a strong, hands-on presence at Maple & Ash Chicago to ensure the core brand identity is consistently executed.
  • Global Implementation: Lead the rollout of new concepts across all markets, personally training kitchen leadership to ensure flawless execution.
  • Quality Audits: Conduct rigorous inspections across all locations to enforce food safety, sanitation, and brand integrity.

Collaboration and Performance
  • Direct Partnership: Work closely with Chef Danny Grant and the Culinary Director to align vision with execution.
  • Financial Performance: Drive improvements in food cost and labor efficiency, aligning culinary decisions with organizational financial goals.
  • Cross-Functional Communication: Partner with marketing on launches and maintain clear lines of communication with Executive Chefs across all locations.

Who We Are Looking For
The Pedigree
  • Elite Experience: 4+ years of senior culinary leadership. Prior experience in Michelin-starred or James Beard-awarded kitchens is essential.
  • Visionary Thinking: A deep passion for culinary trends, food science, and high-end plate composition.
  • Systems Mindset: The ability to move fluidly between the lab (creativity) and the office (data, costing, and logistics).

The Skills
  • Technical Mastery: Exceptional butchery, saucier, and modern technique skills.
  • Financial Acumen: Advanced knowledge of menu costing, inventory management, and labor optimization.
  • Leadership: Highly organized and disciplined, with the ability to thrive in a high-accountability environment.
  • Mobility: Willingness to travel as needed to support openings and ongoing operations.

Apply