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Research And Development Chef Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

Zippy's

Research and Development Chef

Waipahu, HI · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Research and Development Chef REPORTS TO: Food Solutions General Manager STATUS: Exempt DATE: July 2026 LOCATION: Food Solutions POSITION SUMMARY: The Research and Development Chef is responsible for ...

Sysco

Sales Representative

Hilo, HI · On-site

$48K - $81K/yr

... or Chef looking for career development opportunities? Join Sysco's World Class Sales Team and ... Research customer business needs and develops a mix of products and service to meet needs.

Sysco

Sales Representative

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$47K - $78K/yr

... or Chef looking for career development opportunities? Join Sysco's World Class Sales Team and ... Research customer business needs and develops a mix of products and service to meet needs.

Sysco

Sales Representative - Hawaii Hilo

Hilo, HI

$48K - $81K/yr

... or Chef looking for career development opportunities? Join Sysco's World Class Sales Team and ... Research customer business needs and develops a mix of products and service to meet needs.

Sysco

Sales Representative

Lihue, HI · On-site

$47K - $78K/yr

... or Chef looking for career development opportunities? Join Sysco's World Class Sales Team and ... Research customer business needs and develops a mix of products and service to meet needs.

BOOZ, ALLEN & HAMILTON, INC.

$99K - $225K/yr

We need your experience to lead the development and implementation of security solutions that will ... You'll use your curiosity for technology and market trends to further research and develop security ...

New

All JobsResearch And Development Chef JobsResearch And Development Chef Jobs in Hawaii

Research And Development Chef information

See Hawaii salary details

$50.4K

$105.8K

$171.4K

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

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for research and development chef in Hawaii is $105,759.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,500.00 and $121,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

How much do research and development chefs make?

Research and development chefs typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer size. Senior R&D chefs or those working for large food companies can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $100,000 with specialized skills and certifications.

How to become a research and development chef?

To become a research and development chef, individuals typically need a culinary degree or extensive cooking experience, along with knowledge of food science and product development. Skills in experimentation, creativity, and understanding of food safety are essential, and experience in a professional kitchen or food industry is often required. Certifications in food safety or culinary innovation can also enhance prospects.

What are popular job titles related to Research And Development Chef jobs in Hawaii?

For Research And Development Chef jobs in Hawaii, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Research And Development Chef jobs in Hawaii look for?

The top searched job categories for Research And Development Chef jobs in Hawaii are:

What cities in Hawaii are hiring for Research And Development Chef jobs?

Cities in Hawaii 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 Hawaii as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,759 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Research and Development Chef

FCH Enterprises Inc

Waipahu, HI • On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

POSITION TITLE: Research and Development Chef
REPORTS TO: Food Solutions General Manager
STATUS: Exempt
DATE: July 2026
LOCATION: Food Solutions
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Research and Development Chef is responsible for developing innovative food products, improving existing recipes, and translating culinary concepts into scalable, consistent, and commercially viable products. This role combines culinary creativity, production practicality, sensory evaluation, cost awareness, and strong documentation to support new product development, customer needs, operational efficiency, and brand standards.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Develop, test, and refine new recipes, product concepts, ingredients, fillings, toppings, sauces, baked goods, prepared foods, and menu items based on business needs, customer requests, seasonal opportunities, and market trends.
  • Improve existing formulas for taste, texture, appearance, yield, shelf life, cost, production efficiency, consistency, and customer satisfaction.
  • Conduct benchtop trials, production tests, taste panels, and product evaluations; document results, adjustments, costing notes, sensory feedback, and final recommendations.
  • Translate culinary concepts into standardized formulas, procedures, specifications, and production-ready instructions that can be consistently executed at scale.
  • Partner with Production, Purchasing, Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Leadership to support product development, commercialization, customer tastings, and launch readiness.
  • Evaluate ingredients, substitutes, and processing methods to support product quality.
  • Support product rollouts by preparing samples, presenting product concepts, troubleshooting development or production challenges, and training production team members on new recipes and preparation standards.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Scheduling:
  • Must be available to start work as early as 5am and stay until work is complete. Typical schedule is Monday-Friday but must be available on weekends and holidays as needed
  • No less than 45 hours per week.

Physical Ability:
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds,
  • Standing for extended periods

Mental Ability:
  • Good decision-making skills (uses independent judgment)
  • Teaching / Coaching skills (able to provide guidance, support, and nurturing)
  • Planning / Organizational skills
  • Evaluation skills

Pre-Employment Requirements:
  • Must pass pre-employment physical, TB or Mantoux test, and drug screening.

Environmental Conditions:
  • Air Conditioned office environment
  • Occasional time spent in the Commissary production areas

Education:
  • High School diploma or GED

Experience:
  • One year in a supervisory position (preferred)
  • Knowledge and experience with basic computer skills
  • Prior experience in a manufacturing environment (preferred)

Desired Skills:
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Excellent communication skills oral and written
  • Active listening skills
  • Self - development skills (desire and ability to learn)
  • Positive attitude and willingness to change
  • Knowledge and experience in various cooking methods and equipment

Desired Attributes:
  • Demonstrates the company's Core Values of "Commitment, Humble, Integrity, Passionate, Supportive".
  • Self-motivated
  • Action-oriented (exercising initiative to follow-up and follow through)
  • High level of accuracy
  • Detail oriented (must be very accurate)
  • Ability to work under minimal supervision
  • Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
  • Team player

Disclaimer:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Salary Description
$85,000 - $100,000

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