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Research And Development Chef Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef - Full time

Sterling, VA ยท On-site

$60K - $64K/yr

... recipe development, product innovation, customer presentations, and culinary demonstrations ... Research, test, and experiment with recipes in collaboration with the culinary team. * Prepare and ...

Sous Chef

Sterling, VA ยท On-site

$65K - $68K/yr

... development, Food and Equipment inventory maintenance The Company: Cuisine Solutions is the world ... Work with CDC to research and experiment with recipes, and plate food for presentations. * Work ...

Sous Chef

Sterling, VA ยท On-site

$50K - $68K/yr

... development, Food and Equipment inventory maintenance The Company: Cuisine Solutions is the world ... Work with CDC to research and experiment with recipes, and plate food for presentations. * Work ...

Sous Chef

Sterling, VA ยท On-site

$50K - $68K/yr

... development, Food and Equipment inventory maintenance The Company: Cuisine Solutions is the world ... Work with CDC to research and experiment with recipes, and plate food for presentations. Work with ...

Sous Chef

Williamsburg, VA ยท On-site

$45K - $61K/yr

... documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed ... This position is responsible for the development and implementation of menus, the consistent ...

Sous Chef

Williamsburg, VA ยท On-site

$45K - $65K/yr

... documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed ... This position is responsible for the development and implementation of menus, the consistent ...

Executive Chef

Norfolk, VA ยท On-site

$61K - $84K/yr

Whether you're interested in front-line operations, corporate management, or hotel development, we ... Research new products and develop an analysis of the cost and profit benefits. Review new ...

Research and identify new foundation and grant opportunities aligned with Mercy Chefs' mission ... Growing professionally through collaboration and development opportunities * Contributing to an ...

COOK 4

Williamsburg, VA ยท On-site

... documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed ... The Sous Chef is responsible for the successful achievement of operational, financial, and quality ...

COOK 4

Williamsburg, VA ยท On-site

... documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed ... The Sous Chef is responsible for the successful achievement of operational, financial, and quality ...

Senior Specialist, Federal Cloud Engineer

Mclean, VA ยท On-site

$56.50 - $75.50/hr

... development. They are seeking a Senior Specialist to join their Federal Advisory practice ... Research, experiment, and utilize leading cloud methodologies / new tools for increased ...

Manage and maintain the customer's application servers, networks and development & test ... Ansible, Chef, Puppet, etc.) * Experience with Linux System Administration and containerization ...

Experience with CHEF * Strong understand & experience with Agile DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES Work with ... Research, procure, and customize point products to automate and monitor the development process ...

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Research And Development Chef information

See Virginia salary details

$48.1K

$100.9K

$163.6K

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

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for research and development chef in Virginia is $100,921.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,800.00 and $115,500.00 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 Virginia?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Research And Development Chef job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,921 per year, or $48.5 per hour.

Sous Chef - Full time

Sterling, VA โ€ข On-site

$60K - $64K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Sous Chef 

Position: Sous Chef
Location: Sterling, VA
Salary: $60,000–$64,000 per year
Employment Type: Full-Time

About the Organization

Our client is a leading global food manufacturing and culinary innovation organization specializing in advanced food preparation and sous vide solutions. With established domestic and international operations, the organization serves a diverse range of customers across the foodservice, hospitality, and culinary industries. Known for its focus on quality, innovation, and reliability, the company provides a collaborative environment where culinary professionals can contribute to recipe development, product innovation, customer presentations, and culinary demonstrations.

Position Summary

We are seeking a passionate and creative Sous Chef to support culinary operations, recipe development, menu creation, food presentation, product demonstrations, and client engagement. The ideal candidate will have strong professional kitchen experience, knowledge of sous vide techniques, excellent communication skills, and the ability to confidently interact with clients, executive chefs, restaurant owners, and culinary teams.

Key Responsibilities
  • Research, test, and experiment with recipes in collaboration with the culinary team.
  • Prepare and professionally plate food for client presentations and demonstrations.
  • Collaborate with culinary leadership to create dishes utilizing sous vide products.
  • Assist with menu development based on client and customer requirements.
  • Ensure high-quality plating, garnishing, and food presentation.
  • Communicate with clients regarding ingredients, preparation methods, appetizers, entrées, and desserts.
  • Demonstrate strong knowledge of sous vide cooking techniques.
  • Participate in trade shows, culinary demonstrations, and customer presentations.
  • Develop knowledge of company products, ingredients, composition, and applications.
  • Explain products and culinary solutions to prospective and existing clients.
  • Maintain food, ingredient, and equipment inventory.
  • Follow GMP, food safety, quality, sanitation, and company policies.
  • Travel as needed to support sales teams, customer presentations, and culinary demonstrations.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned by management.
Required Qualifications
  • Minimum 3 years of experience as a Chef and/or Sous Chef.
  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts, Food Science, or equivalent culinary certification.
  • Strong professional kitchen and culinary skills.
  • Experience with menu design and recipe development.
  • Knowledge of food safety practices and regulations.
  • ServSafe certification.
  • Knowledge of sous vide cooking techniques.
  • Ability to communicate culinary terminology effectively with clients, executive chefs, kitchen managers, and restaurant owners.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong interpersonal and client-facing skills.
  • Professional appearance and demeanor.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills.
  • Self-motivated with the ability to work independently.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
  • Ability and willingness to travel as required.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in a Michelin-starred restaurant or comparable high-end culinary environment.
  • Front-of-house experience.
  • Experience conducting client-facing culinary presentations and demonstrations.
  • Previous experience working with sous vide products and techniques.