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Research And Development Chef Jobs in California

Haliburton International

Culinary Chef

Ontario, CA · On-site

The Corporate Chef's position combines food and menu research, hands-on cooking and product development with live customer cooking presentations and demonstrations. Haliburton Corporate Chef's must ...

Compass Group

Executive Chef

Greenbrae, CA · On-site

$115K - $120K/yr

Take advantage of outstanding career growth, professional development, and advancement ... Research customer preferences and develops a menu which incorporates local foods and flavors.

Compass Group

Executive Chef

Greenbrae, CA

$115K - $120K/yr

Take advantage of outstanding career growth, professional development, and advancement ... Research customer preferences and develops a menu which incorporates local foods and flavors.

Jose Andres Group

Head Chef

Culver City, CA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Head Chef Lead and manage all restaurant operations in partnership with the General Manager to ... Work with Home Office support (Culinary Operations Director, Director of Restaurants, R&D, finance ...

CCL Hospitality Group

Executive Chef

Greenbrae, CA · On-site

$115K - $120K/yr

Take advantage of outstanding career growth, professional development, and advancement ... Research customer preferences and develops a menu which incorporates local foods and flavors.

José Andrés Group

Head Chef

Culver City, CA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Head Chef Lead and manage all restaurant operations in partnership with the General Manager to ... Work with Home Office support (Culinary Operations Director, Director of Restaurants, R&D, finance ...

MEZZE CULVER CITY LLC

Head Chef

Culver City, CA

$80K - $100K/yr

Description Head Chef Lead and manage all restaurant operations in partnership with the General ... Work with Home Office support (Culinary Operations Director, Director of Restaurants, R&D, finance ...

Belmont Village

Chef Manager In Training

San Diego, CA · On-site

$75K/yr

... research-based programming with best-in-class care and a resident-centered approach. Our ... Belmont Village is dedicated to the growth and development of our team members, offering a wide ...

Salted

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 ...

Auberge Collection

Chef de Cuisine

Napa, CA

$86K - $118K/yr

The CDC works closely with the Executive Chef to bring Bear's culinary vision to life while ... Culinary Leadership & Menu Development Menu Planning & Innovation Lead all menu planning, R&D, and ...

Auberge Collection

Chef de Cuisine

Napa, CA · On-site

$86K - $118K/yr

The CDC works closely with the Executive Chef to bring Bear's culinary vision to life while ... Culinary Leadership & Menu Development • Menu Planning & Innovation Lead all menu planning, R&D, ...

Stanford University

Sous Chef

Stanford, CA · On-site

$58K - $79K/yr

Stanford University is one of the world's leading teaching and research universities. Founded in ... Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: -Ability to suggest and execute creative menu development ...

Wayve

Research Scientist, Wayve Labs

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$230K - $380K/yr

Bespoke learning and development opportunities * Relocation support with visa sponsorship ... Benefits such as an onsite chef, workplace nursery scheme, private health insurance, therapy, daily ...

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Showing results 41-60

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 8, 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.

Culinary Chef

Haliburton International Foods, Inc

Ontario, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Summary
Under the supervision of the Culinary Manager and in support of Haliburton's sales division, the Corporate Chef's primary role is to work with key food service account culinary/menu innovation executives on product and menu concept initiatives. The Corporate Chef's position combines food and menu research, hands-on cooking and product development with live customer cooking presentations and demonstrations. Haliburton Corporate Chef's must be naturally passionate about food, culinary arts and the food service industry.
Essential Duties & Job Responsibilities
  • Works primarily with assigned food service chain accounts across all menu categories.
  • Gains and can demonstrate knowledge of customer operations, menus, initiatives, goals and objectives.
  • Develops solid working relationships with customer contacts through rapport building, earning trust and being the customer's "go to" culinary contact.
  • Develops a track record for eliciting positive customer responses including scheduling presentations, inclusion in work sessions, requests for products and invites to other activities relating to customer initiatives.
  • Works on a variety of projects including menu concept development, product development, customer work sessions and other company and customer related projects as needed.
  • Becomes a subject matter expert relative to Haliburton's processing and product capabilities.
  • Takes the lead on assigned culinary presentations ensuring seamless execution through adequate advance planning, organization, thorough communication, practice and appropriate time management practices.
  • Conducts compelling and engaging presentations with confidence in group or private settings.
  • Proactively generates new product and menu concepts for assigned accounts and in support of other team member accounts as determined by the Director of Culinary.
  • Collaborates and works with other team members and cross-functional teams in a productive, professional and thoughtful way.
  • Cooks with a high degree of execution particularly while under pressure and during customer presentations.
  • Generates new innovative product gold standards and finished products.
  • On a more limited basis may work with specific retail and/or industrial accounts.
  • Responsible for food prep as needed based on a dynamic flow of projects initiated by customers, Haliburton marketing and special events.
  • Is willing to attend and support trade shows and special events as needed.
  • Adheres to and models good manufacturing practices (GMPS) at all times.
  • Maintains clean and organized workspace and practices "clean as you go" standard at all times.
  • Cooks, preps and grocery shops as needed to support individual and/or team presentations.
  • Prepares ingredients for and assists or performs complete menu and product cuttings.
  • Performs culinary product application tests as needed.
  • Utilizes approved forms and follows approved development processes and protocol.
  • Maintains Haliburton departmental appearance, behavior and attitude standards at all times.
  • Contributes to an atmosphere of mutual trust, teamwork and honesty.
  • Is food savvy and naturally passionate about food, culinary innovation and the restaurant industry in general.
  • All other duties as assigned and needed.

Minimum Qualification Requirements
Education & Experience
  • Associate's degree in culinary arts required
  • Bachelor's degree in relevant field strongly preferred
  • 3 or more years related experience in food industry required

Cooking & Oher skills
  • Strong culinary skills
  • Basic understanding of food science and technical application
  • Thorough working understanding of commercial restaurant cooking equipment.

Communication, Interpersonal and Professional Skill
  • Computer savvy, including proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Outlook
  • Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communications skills, including the ability to lead effective, dynamic and engaging meetings and presentations and to create clear and concise reports as needed.

Other Information & Requirements
FLSA Status: Exempt
Travel Requirements: Ability to travel on occasion as required for purposes such as vendor visits, etc.
Driving Requirements: Valid driver's license and clean driving record as needed for occasional business travel.
Physical Demands/work environment
Ability to sit for extended periods of time at a computer workstation; use hands and motor skills on a frequent basis for functions such as keyboard data entry input; clear vision to read and interpret documents, reports, and information on a computer screen, etc. Ability to stand and walk for long periods of time and occasionally required to climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and withstand strong odors from the foods being processed.
Pre-Employment
Applicants must successfully pass a pre-employment background check and drug screen as a condition of any offer of employment to ensure compliance with Drug Free Workplace policies
Haliburton proudly supports diversity in the workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law.

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