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Research And 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

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 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 ...

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 ...

TATSU-YA

Research & Development (R&D) Sous Chef

Austin, TX · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Description Join the Tatsu-Ya Team as an R&D Sous Chef! At Tatsu-Ya, we're constantly pushing flavor forward. From new ramen builds and seasonal specials to innovative culinary concepts, our R&D team ...

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Research And Development Chef information

See salary details

$48.5K

$101.8K

$165K

How much do research and development chef jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for research and 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 Research and Development Chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research and Development Chef, you need expertise in culinary techniques, food science, and recipe development, often supported by a culinary degree or equivalent professional experience. Familiarity with product development tools, food safety regulations, sensory evaluation methods, and sometimes certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong collaboration skills help you innovate and work effectively across teams. These skills are vital to create appealing, safe, and commercially viable food products that meet consumer and market demands.

What are Research and Development Chefs?

Research and Development (R&D) Chefs are culinary professionals who create, test, and refine new recipes and food products for restaurants, food manufacturers, or hospitality companies. They work in kitchens and labs to innovate dishes, improve existing menu items, and ensure products meet quality, taste, and safety standards. R&D Chefs often collaborate with marketing, production, and nutrition teams to bring new culinary concepts to market. Their role combines creativity, technical culinary skills, and knowledge of food science.

How does a Research and Development Chef typically collaborate with other departments during the product development process?

A Research and Development Chef works closely with departments such as marketing, quality assurance, and production throughout the product development process. They often participate in cross-functional meetings to align culinary innovation with consumer trends, production capabilities, and regulatory requirements. Effective communication is essential, as the R&D Chef must translate creative ideas into scalable recipes while ensuring food safety and quality standards are met. This collaborative approach helps streamline the launch of new menu items or products and ensures that everyone is aligned from concept to commercialization.

What is the difference between Research And Development Chef vs Food Scientist?

AspectResearch And Development ChefFood Scientist
CredentialsCulinary degree, culinary certificationsDegree in food science, chemistry, or related field
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, R&D labs, food companiesLaboratories, research facilities, food manufacturing plants
Industry UsageFood product development, recipe innovationFood safety, quality control, product testing
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Research And Development Chefs focus on creating new recipes and culinary innovations, often working in kitchens and food companies. Food Scientists analyze food properties, ensuring safety and quality in labs. While both roles contribute to food product development, R&D Chefs emphasize culinary creativity, whereas Food Scientists focus on scientific analysis and safety protocols.

More about Research And Development Chef jobs
What cities are hiring for Research And Development Chef jobs? Cities with the most Research And Development Chef job openings:
What states have the most Research And Development Chef jobs? States with the most job openings for Research And Development Chef jobs include:
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Research And Development Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research And Development Chef job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 31% As Needed, 18% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 18% Temporary, 24% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,794 per year, or $48.9 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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