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Research And Development Chef Jobs in Massachusetts

Culinary R&D Assistant

Lynn, MA · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Job Summary The Culinary R&D Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting research and development chefs in creating innovative products. Responsibilities include maintaining a clean and organized ...

Culinary R&D Specialist

Lynn, MA · On-site

$36K - $48K/yr

JOB SUMMARY The Culinary R&D Specialist plays a crucial role in supporting research and development chefs in creating innovative products. Responsibilities include maintaining a clean and organized ...

Culinary R&D Specialist

Lynn, MA · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

JOB SUMMARY The Culinary R&D Specialist plays a crucial role in supporting research and development chefs in creating innovative products. Responsibilities include maintaining a clean and organized ...

Culinary R&D Assistant

Lynn, MA · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Job Summary The Culinary R&D Specialist plays a crucial role in supporting research and development chefs in creating innovative products. Responsibilities include maintaining a clean and organized ...

Culinary R&D Specialist

Lynn, MA · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

Assist chefs during internal taste panels and customer visits, as necessary.Crosstrain on all R&D Technician duties to provide backfill.Additional responsibilities as needed. Required Skills ...

Culinary R&D Assistant

Lynn, MA · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Job Summary The Culinary R&D Specialist plays a crucial role in supporting research and development chefs in creating innovative products. Responsibilities include maintaining a clean and organized ...

Sous Chef

Natick, MA

$58K - $68K/yr

OVERVIEW This Sous Chef position is a fantastic growth opportunity for someone looking to develop ... Research and Development RESPONSIBILITIES * Plan, prepare and execute daily service and events

Sous Chef

Natick, MA · On-site

$58K - $68K/yr

OVERVIEW This Sous Chef position is a fantastic growth opportunity for someone looking to develop ... Research and Development RESPONSIBILITIES * Plan, prepare and execute daily service and events

Sous Chef

Natick, MA · On-site

$58K - $68K/yr

OVERVIEW This Sous Chef position is a fantastic growth opportunity for someone looking to develop ... Research and Development RESPONSIBILITIES * Plan, prepare and execute daily service and events

Product Manager

Grafton, MA · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Lead new product development and successful launches, including go-to-market strategies and ... At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ...

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Research And Development Chef information

See Massachusetts salary details

$53K

$111.2K

$180.2K

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

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for research and development chef in Massachusetts is $111,171.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,600.00 and $127,200.00 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 Massachusetts?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Research And Development Chef job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,171 per year, or $53.4 per hour.

Culinary R&D Assistant

Kettle Cuisine

Lynn, MA • On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Kettle Cuisine rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

154th of 440 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Delicious Food and Meaningful CareersAt the heart of our company is a deep passion for creating fresh, healthy, and artisan-quality food that brings people together. We honor the craft of artisan cooking using scratch-made stocks, hand-chopped herbs, and only the highest-quality ingredients complemented by cutting-edge technology. This allows us to deliver consistently safe, exceptional products on a large scale.But it?s not just about the food. Our culture is built on principles that shape how we grow, both as individuals and as a team. One of our core values, Honoring Development, guides us to actively seek out, celebrate, and nurture one another?s talents, strengths, and interests. By fostering each other?s growth, we strengthen our relationships and capabilities, driving both personal and professional success.We also believe in Honoring Each Other. We surround ourselves with passionate people who share our love for great food. Through mutual respect and collaboration, we create an environment where employees are empowered to thrive, building trusting, and rewarding relationships with our clients, partners, and one another.If you're looking for a place where your skills, passion, and ideas can flourish, we invite you to explore the opportunities available within our dynamic and supportive team. Job Summary The Culinary R&D Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting research and development chefs in creating innovative products. Responsibilities include maintaining a clean and organized Culinary Center, ensuring development workstations are equipped with necessary tools and materials, preparing R&D samples for shipment, and providing culinary support by preparing and cooking customer samples. Additionally, this role serves as an ambassador for "Honoring Food". Duties and Responsibilities Maintains a neat, sanitized, and organized Culinary Center, including kitchen, pantry, cooler, and freezer space.Maintains par levels of stock items to ensure a high level of quality through rotation, labeling, and storage.Requisitions and records usage of raw materials/ingredients.Responsible for setting up kitchen equipment each morning.Gathers recipes, collates ingredient needs, and garners necessary raw materials from the factory daily.Keeps the culinary team supplied with clean and sanitized equipment, and raw materials throughout the day as needed.Oversee and ensure effectiveness of the sample request program.Coordinate processing of all product sample orders from request through timely and professional delivery.Process all incoming product sample requests from Sales Team, Executives, R&D Chefs, QA Teams, and others.Work with Cross-Plant Customer Service, Product Development and Shipping Teams to ensure product is pulled and/or manufactured against sample request dates.Pack all sample requests to requested specifications, including all corresponding support materials.Track all samples and alert appropriate team members of any issues or delays to delivery, troubleshooting when necessary to solve critical delivery requirements.Additional responsibilities as needed.  Required Skills High School diploma or GED required.Working knowledge of production kitchen and/or factory experience a plus.On-the-job training of 3-6 months.Must have working knowledge of MS Office programs, specifically Excel and Outlook.Bilingual English/Spanish a plus. Desired Skills Passion for food.Experience with pace of restaurant or factory environment a plus.Possess cleaning and sanitation skills.Basic knowledge of raw materials/ingredients.ServSafe certification a plus.Ability to adapt and multi-task via a dynamic work environment with a positive attitude.   Responsibility Works under close supervision and has little or no decision-making responsibility.Position is not responsible for influencing the decisions or actions of others.Position has indirect contact with customers on matters of little impact on revenue.Position has little or no impact on revenue, actions and results are subject to review or inspections.Decisions or actions have a limited impact on the business – typically within a department. Errors are usually detected through routine verification/review, but may result in some workflow disruption or repetition of work.This role is pivotal in supporting culinary innovation and maintaining high standards within the organization's research and development processes. Americans with Disabilities Act Kettle Cuisine complies with all aspects of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state disability laws. This means we will not discriminate against qualified individuals with a disability in any phase of the employment relationship including application for employment, hiring, promotions and/or advancement opportunities, termination, compensation, training and any other conditions or privileges of employment. Core Values Kettle Cuisine takes the utmost pride in its people, products and reputation. Each employee is expected to understand and live our Core Values every day. Honor Food We create and produce the best tasting, safest, all natural recipes that strive for perfection in every batch, from bench to kettle Honor Each Other We seek to develop trusting, respectful and mutually rewarding relationships with all our team members and business partners Honor Development We recognize and nurture each other?s talents, strengths and interests in order to further strengthen and grow our team Honor Innovation We continually strive for creative and sustainable ways to achieve excellence Pay Range for Culinary R&D Assistant The Culinary R&D Assistant base pay range $19.00 - 20.00 USD/hourly. The listed salary range represents Kettle Cuisine?s good faith estimate for this position and represents the minimum and maximum for new hire salaries for the Lynn, MA location only. Ranges will be reviewed on a regular basis. An employee?s rate of pay within the range is determined by their qualifications, relevant experience, and demonstrated performance over time. In addition to those factors, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity of our current team members as a part of any final offer. Hiring at the maximum of the range would not be typical to allow for future and continued salary growth. The Culinary R&D Assistant position is eligible for our comprehensive benefits package and is eligible for the annual discretionary bonus program up to 5%. Kettle Cuisine and all its legal entities comply with all federal, state, and local minimum wage laws. Equal Opportunity Employer Kettle Cuisine is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions at Kettle Cuisine are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Kettle Cuisine will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

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