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Research And Development Chef Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Talis Group, Inc.

Foodservice R&D Specialist

Louisville, KY · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Talis Group's client, a respected and innovative company searching for a Foodservice R&D Specialist who combines hands-on chef experience with a passion for research and product development. This is ...

Winston Industries LLC

R&D Culinary Specialist

Louisville, KY · On-site

$32K - $43K/yr

We're looking for an R&D Culinary Technologist to own how Winston equipment is tested, validated ... Well, at Winston, we have quite a few chefs in the house. It's awesome, but you need to be able to ...

Winston Industries LLC

$90 - $120/hr

We're looking for an R&D Culinary Technologist to own how Winston equipment is tested, validated ... Well, at Winston, we have quite a few chefs in the house. It's awesome, but you need to be able to ...

Winston Industries LLC

R&D Culinary Specialist

Louisville, KY · On-site

$33K - $45K/yr

We're looking for an R&D Culinary Technologist to own how Winston equipment is tested, validated ... Well, at Winston, we have quite a few chefs in the house. It's awesome, but you need to be able to ...

CRAFTS & VINES LLC

Kitchen Associate

Covington, KY · On-site

$15 - $18.50/hr

Training & development * Employee discounts * Flexible schedule * Free food & snacks Benefits/Perks ... Collaborate with the chef to create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the ...

CV in

Chief Operating Officer (Northern)

Eastern, KY · On-site

We offer chef-crafted, science-backed Mains and functional Drizzles designed to support lifelong ... Partner with Culinary, Veterinary Nutrition, R&D, and Product to bring new physical products from ...

FHLB Des Moines

$60 - $100/hr

... 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 Consultant - USBL - US

Louisville, KY

... 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

... 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.

FHLB Des Moines

$65 - $95/hr

... 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

... 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

... 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

... 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.

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All JobsResearch And Development Chef JobsResearch And Development Chef Jobs in Kentucky

Research And Development Chef information

See Kentucky salary details

$42.1K

$88.4K

$143.3K

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

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for research and development chef in Kentucky is $88,411.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,300.00 and $101,200.00 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 Kentucky?

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

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

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

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

Cities in Kentucky 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 Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,411 per year, or $42.5 per hour.

Foodservice R&D Specialist

Talis Group, Inc.

Louisville, KY • On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Do you love creating, testing, and improving food while working with cutting-edge commercial kitchen equipment? Talis Group's client, a respected and innovative company searching for a Foodservice R&D Specialist who combines hands-on chef experience with a passion for research and product development.
This is a unique opportunity to move beyond the kitchen and help shape the next generation of commercial cooking equipment. You'll partner with Engineering, Sales, and Marketing to validate equipment performance, develop new applications, and demonstrate innovative culinary solutions for customers across the foodservice industry.  This position will also train customers on how to use equipment to successfully create their menu items.
If you enjoy experimenting, solving problems, and bringing culinary ideas to life, this could be the perfect career move.  This position offers 40-45 hours during the week with about 20% travel to customer sites, conventions or other.  The company offers full benefit package and strong salary for this role.

Highlighted Duties:
  • Design and execute food and equipment testing to validate product performance using structured research methods.
  • Develop new cooking applications and evaluate food quality, yield, consistency, and operational efficiency.
  • Document testing procedures and results to support product development and future applications.
  • Partner with Engineering to troubleshoot, improve, and validate new equipment designs.
  • Conduct customer demonstrations, product evaluations, and culinary presentations.
  • Support Sales, Marketing, and Training by creating application guides, educational materials, and product content.
  • Maintain a professional test kitchen that is organized and customer-ready.
  • Stay current on food trends, culinary techniques, and foodservice innovations to support ongoing product development.

Highlighted Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Food Science or a related field preferred; Culinary degree with significant R&D experience will also be considered.
  • 5+ years of experience in restaurant operations, foodservice R&D, commercial kitchen equipment, or a related field.
  • Professional chef or commercial cooking experience is required.
  • Previous Research & Development experience within the foodservice, food manufacturing, or commercial kitchen equipment industry is required
  • Strong knowledge of commercial kitchen operations, food preparation, and food science principles.
  • Experience conducting structured product testing and documenting results.
  • Ability to evaluate food quality, yield, cost, and production performance.
  • Creative mindset with the ability to develop innovative culinary applications and solutions.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to work across technical and non-technical teams.

This information is a brief job summary for recruiting purposes only and does not constitute the entire job description, duties, or requirements.

Talis Group is an equal opportunity employer.  All registrants are considered based upon their skills, performance, potential, and other qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.