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Research And Development Chef Jobs in California

Support menu development, seasonal transitions, and R&D initiatives * Train, mentor, and develop culinary staff * Uphold sanitation, safety, and organizational systems * Collaborate closely with Chef ...

Executive Chef

Los Angeles, CA

$77K - $106K/yr

Support menu development, seasonal transitions, and R&D initiatives * Train, mentor, and develop culinary staff * Uphold sanitation, safety, and organizational systems * Collaborate closely with Chef ...

Kitchen Chef

Carson, CA · On-site

$24/hr

... R&D roles as the brand expands Health benefits and 401(k) after probation period Real creative input in new dishes and menu features Team meals and a family-first, no-ego environment Location: 637 ...

VP of Culinary

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$180K - $220K/yr

This role reports directly to our CEO and initially will manage a team of two (Culinary Director + R&D Chef). Responsibilities include: * Define and execute a cohesive culinary roadmap that aligns ...

Executive Sous Chef

Torrance, CA

$67K - $86K/yr

The ideal candidate is a creative leader who excels at menu development, recipe standardization ... presentation. • Research and incorporate contemporary Korean food trends while honoring ...

The Chef De Cuisine will also drive menu research and development for all food outlets, ensure menu development timelines are met, direct and manage all BOH staff to achieve executions expectations.

$74K - $102K/yr

The Chef De Cuisine will also drive menu research and development for all food outlets, ensure menu development timelines are met, direct and manage all Back of House (BOH) staff to achieve ...

Chef De Cuisine

San Pablo, CA

$74K - $102K/yr

The Chef De Cuisine will also drive menu research and development for all food outlets, ensure menu development timelines are met, direct and manage all Back of House (BOH) staff to achieve ...

The Chef De Cuisine will also drive menu research and development for all food outlets, ensure menu development timelines are met, direct and manage all BOH staff to achieve executions expectations.

Sous Chef

Beverly Hills, CA

$57K - $77K/yr

The Sous Chef serves as a leader, mentor, and role model within the kitchen, ensuring that every ... Support menu research and development initiatives. * Contribute ideas that elevate the culinary ...

Sous Chef

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

$57K - $77K/yr

The Sous Chef serves as a leader, mentor, and role model within the kitchen, ensuring that every ... Support menu research and development initiatives. * Contribute ideas that elevate the culinary ...

Sous Chef

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

$57K - $77K/yr

The Sous Chef serves as a leader, mentor, and role model within the kitchen, ensuring that every ... Support menu research and development initiatives. * Contribute ideas that elevate the culinary ...

Executive Chef - EC

Laguna Beach, CA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

The Executive Chef is responsible for the development and oversight of the overall strategic vision ... Use market research to develop new products and ensure consistency in food delivery and standards.

Growth path to Sous Chef or R&D roles as the brand expands * Health benefits and 401(k) after probation period * Real creative input in new dishes and menu features * Team meals and a family-first ...

We're hiring for a Chef de Cuisine or Executive Sous Chef (depending on experience) to help us ... Support R&D and menu development as needed, depending on the project WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR * Prior ...

Showing results 21-40

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:
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.

$70K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Six Flags rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 527 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 58 rated theme parks


Job description

The Executive Sous Chef is responsible for coordinating the production of food for all inpark locations, picnics and catering events, and central productions. It is inherent that the Executive Sous Chef possesses the ability to quickly and authoritatively delegate job tasks to a large work force, making certain that all staff who is undertaking duties is performing them efficiently and safely. Essentially, he or she is responsible for planning and directing food preparation in the kitchen as well as supervising a large degree of kitchen staff, ready to seize control of any situation at a moment’s notice. The Executive Sous Chef must have comprehensive knowledge of managing PAR levels, budgets, and scheduling as well as other administrative tasks.

Salary range: $70,304 - $90,500 / annually 


  • Ensures that all food and beverage product in the park is consistently produced in accordance with established quality standards including taste, temperature, and presentation; taking immediate appropriate corrective actions as deficiencies are detected to control levels of production, waste and spoilage.
  • Collaborates with Executive Chef on menu development to ensure park menus keep pace with changing public tastes, trends, and food cost goals, including the research, development, testing and sampling of new recipes and putting the chosen recipes into production by park staff.  Maintains all product and menu information throughout the park.
  • Develops and executes yearly budget for assigned cost centers which meets or exceeds goals for revenue generation, cost control (cost of goods, other costs & labor) and profit margins.  This includes conducting weekly and quarterly inventories to accurately identify costs and opportunities for improvement.
  • Ensures that all facilities and employees meet all health and safety guidelines established by law and the Company, taking immediate corrective actions as appropriate. This includes conducting routine inspections of employees and facilities to ensure all Health Code requirements are consistently being met and appropriately corrected; and implementation and maintenance of appropriate temperature logs for food and equipment at all park facilities.
  • Orders food and supplies according to attendance projections and utilization levels to ensure timely availability of needed items; maintains inventory levels using FIFO method in all park facilities; takes appropriate and immediate corrective actions to address temporary shortages and immediate meets.
  • Manages all aspects of the employment relationship with assigned staff members including hiring, training, coaching, counseling, daily oversight, performance management, scheduling, timekeeping, oneonone weekly staff meetings, adherence to all Six Flags and park policies and procedures, and legal compliance with all local, state and federal laws.
  • Communicates department status to Executive Chef as needed, but at least daily. This includes operational issues, employee concerns, guest complaints, special requests, losses, and any other relevant reports in order to maintain daily operations.
  • Demonstrates and enforces a commitment to guest service in all aspects of daily work including the work of assigned staff, ensuring staff follows all established guest service guidelines.
  • Ensure that all product for picnics and catering events are ordered on a timely manner.  Also, assist in all picnic and catering events as needed.
  • Adheres to and enforces all Six Flags and specific Park policies and procedures, including safety, attendance and EEO
  • policies, and demonstrates commitment to customer service in all aspects of employment.
  • Other duties may be assigned.

Education    

Associate's Degree (2 year College or Tech School) Culinary Arts   

                                                          

Experience     

6 10 Years Related Experience Culinary/Food & Beverage 

                                    

Minimum Age

At Least 21 Years of Age

                                                                                                                                     

                                                             

Qualifications:

  • Working knowledge of international cuisine and food products, ability to match wine and beer with food to create appropriate pairings.
  • A minimum of 2 years experience as a pastry chef is hightly desired.
  • Knowledge of major kitchen equipment, including stoves, bakery ovens, refrigeration, industrial mixers, slicers, and dish machine.
  • Must read, write and speak fluent English. Bilingual in English and Spanish highly desired.
  • Extensive knowledge of multistage banquet events, ability to organize multiple outlets
  • Ability to work nights, weekends and holiday periods to meet business needs.
  • Ability to pass a mandatory (or random) drug test, per Company policy, unless prohibited by state or provincial law.
  • Ability to pass a background check, if 18 years of age or older, which may include, but is not limited to, credit, criminal, DMV, previous employment, education and personal references, per Company policy, unless prohibited by federal, state, or provincial law.

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