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Research And Development Chef Jobs in California

Lab37

Research & Development Chef

Los Angeles, CA

$75K - $110K/yr

This isn't just an R&D role -- you're helping define the culinary roadmap for a business with ambitions of X+locations, household-name brands, and the gold standard in digital-first dining. You'll ...

Del Taco, LLC

R&D Chef

Lake Forest, CA

$89K - $110K/yr

JOB TITLE: R&D Chef FLSA STATUS: Exempt DEPARTMENT: Research and Development REPORTS TO: Director of Culinary Research & Development LOCATION: Lake Forest, CA Test Kitchen SALARY RANGE : $89,000 ...

Del Taco

R&D Chef

Lake Forest, CA · On-site

$89K - $110K/yr

JOB TITLE: R&D Chef FLSA STATUS: Exempt DEPARTMENT: Research and Development REPORTS TO: Director of Culinary Research & Development LOCATION: Lake Forest, CA Test Kitchen SALARY RANGE : $89,000 ...

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 ...

Lab37

Research & Development

Los Angeles, CA

Culinary R&D Associate, Robotic Kitchen Product Lab37 Robotics, is a technology company focused on ... In this role, you will work directly under our senior chefs to help bring new brands and menu ...

Lab37

Research & Development

Los Angeles, CA

$20 - $28/hr

Culinary R&D Associate, Robotic Kitchen Product Lab37 Robotics, is a technology company focused on ... In this role, you will work directly under our senior chefs to help bring new brands and menu ...

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 ...

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 ...

Stir Foods

Development Chef

Fullerton, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

Product Development Chef Employer Information Organization Name: Stir Foods LLC Website: www ... Director of Culinary R&D Job Location: Orange/ Fullerton, CA Hours/Week: Monday through Friday 40 ...

Amy's

Manufacturing R&D Culinary Assistant

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$26 - $36/hr

The Manufacturing R&D Culinary Assistant will assist the R&D Chef and R&D Staff in the prepping and executing (cooking) of various tests and tastings, and will assist with all other food preparation ...

Kagome Inc.

Business Development Manager

Los Banos, CA · On-site

Conduct market research and competitive analysis to uncover unmet needs and identify potential ... Partner with the Culinary Team, especially the Business Development Chef, to conceptualize and ...

KAGOME, Inc.

Business Development Manager

Los Banos, CA · On-site

$77K - $127K/yr

... research and competitive analysis to uncover unmet needs and identify potential business segments ... Development Chef, to conceptualize and develop on-trend, scalable sauce solutions tailored to ...

Altius Search Group

Chef - Dim Sum

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

This role is focused on the research, development, and production of high-quality dim sum doughs ... Working from our central commissary kitchen, this chef will lead the development of innovative ...

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All JobsResearch And Development Chef JobsResearch And Development Chef Jobs in California

Research And Development Chef information

See California salary details

$47.9K

$100.5K

$162.8K

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

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for research and development chef in California is $100,461.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,500.00 and $115,000.00 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 is a research and development chef?

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.

What are popular job titles related to Research And Development Chef jobs in California? For Research And Development Chef jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research And Development Chef jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Research And Development Chef jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Research And Development Chef jobs? Cities in California with the most Research And Development Chef job openings:
Research And Development Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research And Development Chef job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $100,461 per year, or $48.3 per hour.

Research & Development Chef

Lab37

Los Angeles, CA

$75K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Lab37 Robotics, is a technology company focused on the development and deployment of robots designed specifically for direct-to-customer food production. Our mission is to revolutionize the food industry by creating innovative robotic solutions that enhance efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction. We are passionate about pushing the boundaries of technology to deliver cutting-edge products that meet the evolving needs of our clients.


Role Overview

You're the culinary engine behind everything we build — new brands, core brands, and everything in between. You translate market opportunities and brand briefs into real food: the component systems, recipes, and operational playbooks that make our brands cook at scale. This isn't just an R&D role — you're helping define the culinary roadmap for a business with ambitions of X+locations, household-name brands, and the gold standard in digital-first dining. You'll own the full pipeline from first sketch to production-ready, and launch execution.

Responsibilities
  • Define and execute a cohesive culinary roadmap — new brands, core brands, and LTO strategy — aligned with our long-term goals: X+ locations, highly profitable, the gold standard in digital-first
  • Lead the R&D pipeline for both new and core brands
  • Own the full recipe pipeline: menu outline → component architecture → recipe parametrics → testing → scaling → kitchen ready
  • Develop and execute an LTO strategy that balances culinary innovation with the realities of small, extremely high-volume footprints
  • Develop, test, and iterate recipes from base testing through production-scale validation (COGS + labor); parameterize and certify for robotic systems
  • Build prep task libraries, order guides, and weekly production plans from PMIX models
  • Research supplier opportunities to reduce costs and improve ingredient quality
  • Build and maintain the component library — identify cross-brand reuse opportunities to maximize efficiency
  • Collaborate with Ops to establish and enforce elite standards for prep, presentation, and safety (HACCP)
  • Partner with Brand Manager, Designer, Ops, and Tech to ensure new launches are executed flawlessly in every kitchen
Qualifications
  • 3+ years culinary experience, with at least 4 years in a recipe development and culinary R&D.
  • Strong and diverse knowledge of different cuisine types — you can crank out a badass smash burger and turn around and dish out a green curry that feels like sitting on the streets of Bangkok.
  • Strong systems thinking — you design components, not just dishes
  • Experience working at speed: you can develop, test, and iterate fast without sacrificing quality
  • Methodical recipe developer: you build a quarterly roadmap and translate into weekly sprint schedules, stay rigorously organized, and test with intention — only running tests that matter under requirements that are clearly defined upfront so nothing is wasted.
  • Can put on a consultant hat, go into kitchen operations, and/or receive ratings feedback, identify opportunities for continuous improvement, and translate those insights into the team’s roadmap.
  • You gather data continuously throughout the process to capture every necessary output, and you document with precision and detail so the final recipe lands production-ready, the first time
  • Passion for building something new, not just executing someone else's playbook
Additional Information

Our work environment is fast-paced and dynamic, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and fulfilling work. We believe that a stimulating and enjoyable workplace is key to driving innovation and achieving excellence. At Lab37 Robotics, every team member plays a vital role in shaping the future of food production, and we are committed to supporting our employees’ growth and success.

Pay and benefits: We are looking for best in class for both talent and work ethic and provide benefits and pay to match.

Join us at Lab37 Robotics and be a part of a forward-thinking company that’s transforming the way the world approaches food production.

More detail about Lab37 part of Lab37, please visit https://culinaryagents.com/entities/681860-Lab37