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Internship Research Development Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lifecycle Network

Research & Development Intern

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

This position is a part-time, paid internship with numerous opportunities and room for advancement, as well as extensive hands-on experience. What You Will Do Our 12-week paid internship program ...

Grande Cheese

Research & Development Intern

Fond Du Lac, WI · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Research & Development Intern The Custom Ingredients Group team is seeking a Research & Development ... This internship offers the opportunity to apply scientific principles in a real-world environment ...

Bell Flavors & Fragrances

Research Chef

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$50K - $100K/yr

Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. is seeking a creative and hands-on Research Chef to join our ... This role supports culinary innovation through concept development, prototype creation, recipe and ...

Bell Flavors & Fragrances

Research Chef

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$50K - $100K/yr

Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. is seeking a creative and hands-on Research Chef to join our ... This role supports culinary innovation through concept development, prototype creation, recipe and ...

Smule

Internship - Research Engineer

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$85 - $120/hr

If your path into research engineering came through audio software development, game engine programming, embedded systems, HPC, or another field, we want to hear from you. What You'll Be Doing:

Nestle

R&D Development Chef (Pasta, Pizza, Dough)

Solon, OH · On-site

$15.25 - $17.75/hr

Identify, own, and activate a Culinary Excellence/Culinary Education workstream within and across the broader Nestle Chef Network and the R&D community. * Maintain and continue to develop culinary ...

Grande

Research & Development Intern

Fond Du Lac, WI · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

This internship offers the opportunity to apply scientific principles in a real-world environment ... Work closely with R&D scientists to understand product development and contribute ideas ...

Grande

Research & Development Intern

Fond Du Lac, WI · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

This internship offers the opportunity to apply scientific principles in a real-world environment ... Work closely with R&D scientists to understand product development and contribute ideas ...

SigSauer

Intern, Research & Development

Exeter, NH

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

Intern, Research & Development * This is an internship for the fall 2026 semester (September-December). Relocation assistance is not available for this position. SIG SAUER, Inc . is a leading ...

SIG Sauer

Intern, Research & Development

Exeter, NH · On-site

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

Intern, Research & Development * This is an internship for the fall 2026 semester (September-December). Relocation assistance is not available for this position. SIG SAUER, Inc . is a leading ...

Sig Sauer

Intern, Research & Development

Exeter, NH · On-site

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

This is an internship for the fall 2026 semester (September-December). Relocation assistance is not available for this position. SIG SAUER, Inc . is a leading provider and manufacturer of firearms ...

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

As of Aug 26, 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 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 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 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Internship, and 50% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,436 per year, or $17 per hour.

R&D Chef Manager - Berkeley Culinary Center

Berkeley, IL

Whitsons Culinary Group
1 - 5K employees

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 60 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 68 rated caterers

People enjoy working here

Recommended by parents

Respectful managers

Learn more about Whitsons Culinary Groupexternal

$75K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

SUMMARY

The R&D Chef Manager serves as a key culinary partner and right hand to the Director of Culinary, Whitsons Culinary Group's Berkeley, IL facility. This role leads day-to-day culinary product development, operational support, and execution of customer samples. The R&D Chef Manager translates culinary vision into production-ready recipes and ensures consistent, high-quality execution from concept through manufacturing.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND DUTIES

  • Lead culinary product development - concepting, formulating, testing, and refining recipes from bench-top through kitchen trials to production-ready, scalable formulas, executing the culinary direction of Whitsons
  • Responsible for creating new meals for ALL sectors that we serve (Education, Residential/Senior, Shelters, Food Service, Retail, Transportation)
  • Own execution and quality of customer and sales sample requests, including client tastings and product presentations, as directed.
  • Provide operational support on the plant floor - troubleshooting production issues, scaling recipes, and partnering with QA and Operations to ensure formulas are manufacturable at scale.
  • Serve as a key deputy on culinary initiatives, representing culinary priorities and maintaining project momentum in the absence of their manager.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, QA, Procurement, and Production to move products from concept to launch.
  • Maintain accurate documentation and specifications for formulas, ensuring consistency across trials and production runs.
  • Develop and cost recipes to meet target food cost and margin goals, balancing quality with budget guidelines.
  • Ensure formulas comply with food safety and regulatory requirements (HACCP, FSMA, USDA/FDA), including writing product specifications and nutrition fact panels.
  • Evaluate shelf-life and packaging considerations during recipe development.
  • Source and evaluate ingredients, and build relationships with suppliers and vendors.
  • Track culinary and flavor trends and competitive products, including attending trade shows and food exhibitions, to inform development priorities.
  • Mentor and train junior culinary and kitchen staff.
  • Perform other culinary and operational duties as assigned by the Director of Culinary.

Apply today and help us power a production line that fuels excellence -Enhancing Life One Meal at a Time

This role offers a salary range of $75,000 - $90,000 annually, based on skills, experience, and location. Employees also receive a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, and time off.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

  • 5-10 years of progressive culinary or restaurant experience.
  • Culinary degree from an accredited culinary program.
  • Experience in food manufacturing and culinary R&D/product development strongly preferred.
  • Working knowledge of recipe scaling, food safety standards, and large-scale production processes.
  • Working knowledge of food safety and regulatory frameworks (HACCP, FSMA, SQF, USDA/FDA labeling requirements).
  • ServSafe or equivalent food handler certification required; HACCP certification a plus.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and timelines concurrently.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams.
  • Ability to work on-site at the Berkeley, IL facility; occasional travel required for trade shows, supplier visits, or customer sites.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND OTHER DETAILS

Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time exempt position. Typical work hours are Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., with additional hours as needed to meet business demands and production schedules. As an exempt position, it is expected that Team Member will devote whatever time necessary to accomplish the goals and responsibilities. This will often require extended work hours, evening, and/or weekend work.

Travel Requirements:

Periodic travel to production facilities, vendor sites, and industry events may be required.

Physical Demands of the Job:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the team member is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, talk, and hear; use hands and fingers to feel, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

The work is performed primarily in an operational or facilities-based environment, with regular presence in active areas such as kitchens, production spaces, warehouses, loading docks, or administrative areas within the facility. The noise level in the work environment may vary and can range from moderate to occasionally high, depending on location and operational activity.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the Company and employee and is subject to change by the Company as the needs of the Company and requirements of the job change. Employee's signature below constitutes an employee's understanding of the requirements, essential functions, and duties of the position.

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About Whitsons Culinary Group

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Whitsons Culinary Group, located in Islandia, NY, US, operates in the food service industry, offering a diverse range of services including school nutrition, residential and healthcare dining, prepared meals, emergency dining, and culinary education. First established in 1979, the family-owned company has built a reputation for its bespoke catering services, committed to delivering nutritionally balanced, tastefully diverse and quality assured meals. The company embraces a mission to enrich life one meal at a time, underlined by a focus on food quality, health, wellness, superior service, and social responsibility.

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Islandia, NY, US

Year founded

1979

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