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Research And Development Chef Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Lead pastry research, development, testing, and implementation of new products. * Lead the creation and evolution of pastry menus, seasonal offerings, limited-time products, and new product ...

Lead pastry research, development, testing, and implementation of new products. * Lead the creation and evolution of pastry menus, seasonal offerings, limited-time products, and new product ...

Lead pastry research, development, testing, and implementation of new products. * Lead the creation and evolution of pastry menus, seasonal offerings, limited-time products, and new product ...

Job Overview The CTI Culinary team is looking for an experienced R&D Chef to help drive business growth by creating trend-forward menu solutions and delivering high-impact culinary presentations.

DIRECTOR OF CULINARY OPERATIONS

Plano, TX · On-site +1

$140K - $180K/yr

Collaborate with our R&D Chef to refine recipes, ensuring they are operationally executable at scale. * Balance innovation with practicality, considering cost, supply chain, and execution feasibility.

Sushi Chef

Dallas, TX · On-site

$28/hr

Company Description R&D Kitchen is currently seeking exceptional candidates to join our culinary ... Sushi Chef positions are available. * Health benefits are available. * Training will begin ...

R&D Kitchen is currently seeking exceptional candidates to join our culinary team. We are searching ... Sushi Chef positions are available. * Health benefits are available. * Training will begin ...

Sushi Chef

Dallas, TX · On-site

$28/hr

R&D Kitchen is currently seeking exceptional candidates to join our culinary team. We are searching ... Sushi Chef positions are available. * Health benefits are available. * Training will begin ...

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Research And Development Chef information

See Texas salary details

$45.2K

$94.8K

$153.7K

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

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for research and development chef in Texas is $94,836.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,200.00 and $108,500.00 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 Texas?

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

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

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

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

Cities in Texas with the most Research And Development Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Research And Development Chef job openings in Texas as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $94,836 per year, or $45.6 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Serve as the subject matter expert and primary culinary leader for all pastry-related programs across ParvCo entities.

  • Provide direct leadership, coaching, and development to pastry leadership teams and managers.

  • Lead pastry research, development, testing, and implementation of new products.


Job description

Corporate Pastry Chef 

Department: ParvCo Leadership 

FLSA Status: Full-time Salary, Exempt 

Job Summary 

The Corporate Pastry Chef serves as the senior pastry leader for ParvCo, responsible for establishing, maintaining, and advancing pastry standards across all company culinary concepts. Pastry includes all desserts, pies, and breads. This role provides strategic and hands-on leadership over pastry operations, recipe development, production systems, quality assurance, team development, and execution while ensuring consistency with each brand’s culinary vision and guest experience expectations. The ideal candidate is a technically exceptional pastry professional with demonstrated experience leading high-volume pastry and bakery operations at a 5-star luxury hotel, Michelin-starred restaurant, or comparable world-class culinary property. The candidate should possess advanced expertise in large-scale laminated viennoiserie production, artisan bread and fermentation, and the development and execution of sophisticated plated and composed desserts. 

This position serves as a corporate culinary leader across ParvCo and operates within a matrix reporting structure. The Corporate Pastry Chef partners closely with cross-functional leadership and is accountable for culinary strategy and the successful operational execution of pastry programs. The role requires a hands-on leader capable of maintaining exceptional technical precision and consistency while leading and developing pastry teams, managing production at scale, controlling food and labor costs, developing innovative pastry programs, and ensuring operational excellence across the organization. 

The Corporate Pastry Chef partners with the Chief Culinary Officer to establish long-term pastry strategies, innovation initiatives, and growth plans. Responsibilities supporting Emporium Pies are directed through the President of Operations, while the role works closely with brand, operations, and culinary leadership to ensure pastry programs align with each concept’s culinary identity, business objectives, and luxury guest experience. Must live in or be willing to relocate to the Dallas–Fort Worth area. 

Daily Responsibilities and Tasks 

Culinary Leadership & Brand Strategy 

  • Serve as the subject matter expert and primary culinary leader for all pastry-related programs (desserts, pies, and breads) across ParvCo entities.  
  • Develop, execute, and maintain pastry standards that align with each brand’s culinary identity, guest experience expectations, and financial objectives.  
  • Partner with the Chief Culinary Officer to establish long-term pastry strategy, innovation initiatives, and growth plans.  
  • Ensure pastry offerings maintain the highest standards of quality, creativity, consistency, and execution.  

Leadership & Team Development 

  • Provide direct leadership, coaching, and development to pastry leadership teams and managers.  
  • Build a culture of excellence, accountability, creativity, and continuous improvement.  
  • Establish clear expectations, performance standards, and development plans for pastry team members.  
  • Partner with leadership on hiring, onboarding, training, and performance management.  
  • Mentor future culinary leaders and support career development within pastry operations. 
  • Partner with operations teams to ensure production levels align with business needs and sales forecasts.  
  • Review production capacity and identify opportunities for scalability and operational improvements.  
  • Support integration and alignment of pastry operations across ParvCo concepts.  

Menu Development & Innovation 

  • Lead pastry research, development, testing, and implementation of new products.  
  • Lead the creation and evolution of pastry menus, seasonal offerings, limited-time products, and new product development.  
  • Collaborate with Brand, Marketing, and Operations teams on product launches and promotional initiatives.  
  • Balance creativity with operational feasibility, cost considerations, and guest expectations.  

Financial & Operational Accountability 

  • Partner with Culinary and Operations Leadership to achieve financial goals related to pastry programs.  
  • Control food cost management, recipe costing, pricing strategy, and profitability analysis.  
  • Identify opportunities to improve margins through purchasing, production efficiency, and waste reduction.  
  • Support annual planning, budgeting, and forecasting related to pastry operations.  

Job Qualifications 

  • Demonstrated leadership experience in high-volume pastry production, bakery operations, or multi-unit culinary environments. 
  • Proven ability to develop and execute pastry programs with creativity, consistency, and quality. 
  • Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills. 
  • Expertise in recipe development, product innovation, production planning, and quality assurance. 
  • Thorough knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and applicable health regulations. 
  • Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving abilities. 
  • Ability to analyze food cost, labor, and operational metrics to drive profitability. 
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and brands. 
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and comfortable learning company systems and technology platforms. 
  • Must live in or be willing to relocate to the Dallas–Fort Worth area. 

Required Education, Certification, or Experience 

  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts, Baking & Pastry Arts, Hospitality Management, or a related field preferred. 
  • 8+ years of progressive professional pastry experience, including leadership in high-volume commercial bakery, restaurant, hotel, or commissary operations. 
  • 3+ years in an Executive Pastry Chef, Corporate Pastry Chef, Pastry Director, or comparable senior pastry leadership role. 
  • Demonstrated experience leading high-volume pastry and bakery operations within a 5-star luxury hotel, Michelin-starred restaurant, or comparable world-class culinary property preferred. 
  • Advanced technical expertise in large-scale laminated viennoiserie production, artisan bread and fermentation, and the development and execution of sophisticated plated and composed desserts required. 
  • Demonstrated ability to maintain exceptional technical precision, consistency, and quality while managing pastry production at scale. 
  • Experience leading and developing large pastry production teams and managing complex production operations preferred. 
  • Experience overseeing multiple locations, production facilities, or commissary operations preferred. 
  • Food Manager Certification or the ability to obtain within 30 days of employment. 
  • Valid driver's license with the ability to travel as required. 

Physical Requirements and Schedule  

  • Ability to remain on feet for extended periods, including prolonged standing and walking. 
  • Ability to frequently bend, stoop, reach, lift, carry, and perform repetitive movements. 
  • Ability to carry and move food products, equipment, supplies up to 50 lbs. as needed.  
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment with frequent exposure to heat, steam, open flames, sharp equipment, cold storage areas, and varying temperatures.  
  • Ability to safely operate commercial kitchen equipment, including ovens, slicers, mixers, knives, and other bakery equipment.  
  • Ability to operate standard restaurant technology and equipment, including POS systems, inventory platforms, computers, phones, and other operational tools.  
  • Must live in or be willing to relocate to the Dallas–Fort Worth area. 
  • Schedule may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays based on business needs, with a typical schedule of Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm  
  • Must be able to work occasionally weekends and holidays, as needed.  

Compensation and Benefits 

  • $120,000+, based on experience 
  • $300 contribution toward ParvCo medical insurance premiums 
  • Virtual urgent care and mental health support for only $5/month 
  • Supplemental insurance benefits available (dental, vision, voluntary life and AD&D) 
  • One $50,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance policy for the employee at no cost to the employee 
  • 120 hours of paid time off annually  
  • 16 additional hours of paid time off for every year worked (added to the Anniversary Bank on the anniversary of your hire date.) 
  • 8 hours for Give Back Day- a paid day to dedicate to serving at a local non-profit 
  • 30% employee discount on all ParvCo entities’ products 

ParvCo is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.