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Research And Development Chef Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Be Seen First

Executive Chef

Richmond, VA · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Responsible for team development by interviewing and hiring back of house team members to maintain ... research through the sale of its freshly squeezed lemonade. Firebirds has received numerous ...

Meriwether Godsey, Inc.

Executive Chef

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$90K - $95K/yr

Oversee menu development, purchasing, and production, incorporating the latest trends and practices ... Establish and maintain strong vendor relationships while researching price variations. * Implement ...

Virginia Tech

Chef de Cuisine - Dietrick

Blacksburg, VA

$47K - $56K/yr

Chef de Cuisine - Dietrick Apply now Back to search results Job no: 536642 Work type: Staff Senior ... research annually. Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development ...

Virginia Tech

Chef de Cuisine - West End

Blacksburg, VA

$47K - $56K/yr

Chef de Cuisine - West End Apply now Back to search results Job no: 536620 Work type: Staff Senior ... research annually. Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development ...

SHAMIN HOTELS MASTER

Executive Chef

Norfolk, VA

$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 ...

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All JobsResearch And Development Chef JobsResearch And Development Chef Jobs in Virginia

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 Jun 17, 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 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 are Research and Development Chefs?

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 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.

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:
Research And Development Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research And Development Chef job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 19% As Needed, 41% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 10% Temporary, 15% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,921 per year, or $48.5 per hour.
Executive Chef

Executive Chef

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Richmond, VA • On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

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Firebirds Wood Fired Grill rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 86 rated restaurants

Job description

Position Overview:

Our Executive Chefs are responsible for all back of house team members, operations, and food production. Our Executive Chefs develop and lead team members by coaching and providing feedback on job performance. This individual is accountable for creating a positive environment that sets expectations for food quality and a clean, organized kitchen. This individual must be able to remain calm and composed in high pressure situations. Our Executive Chefs play a vital role in the execution of hospitality.

What we expect of you:

  • Manages back of house team members, operations and food production for the restaurant and FIREBAR®
  • Trains and develops Sous Chef
  • Provides direction and training to team members by coaching, counseling and providing feedback on job performance
  • Cross trains team members—evaluates, encourages, and teaches team members to improve and widen their kitchen knowledge on each station
  • Supervises and participates in butchering and portion control on each shift
  • Responsible for creating a positive environment that sets the expectation for quality food and a neat, clean and organized kitchen
  • Responsible for team development by interviewing and hiring back of house team members to maintain staffing goals
  • Accountable for ordering produce, seafood, and main food orders
  • Conducts inventory bi-weekly in a team effort
  • Comfortable working in a team driven kitchen and closely works with all managers

What’s in it for you:

  • Excellent earning potential
  • Attainable bonus paid every other pay period
  • Comprehensive training
  • Three weeks paid time-off annually
  • 401k + company match
  • Competitive benefits—Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life Insurance
  • New store openings— several growth opportunities for all team members!
  • Holiday closures— closed on Christmas and Thanksgiving Day; early closures on Christmas Eve!

Qualifications:

  • 2+ years high volume, full service restaurant experience in an Executive Chef position
  • Warm, passionate, and committed to the industry
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Ability to remain calm, cool, and collected under pressure
  • Self-Actualized and motivated
  • Self-discipline; maintained professional appearance
  • Butchering experience required
  • Scratch Kitchen Experience preferred

If you are seeking a position with growth opportunities, in depth learning and development, and supportive team members, then spark the flame and apply to Firebirds today!

Firebirds is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Company Description

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is a collection of 70 polished-casual restaurants specializing in boldly flavored, classic American cuisine, including fresh steaks and seafood prepared from scratch and seared over local hickory, oak or pecan wood on an authentic wood-fired grill. Architectural features include custom-designed wine walls, inviting patios and the FIREBAR, which boasts a wide selection of artisan cocktails, craft beer and a robust wine list, including Firebirds private label wine, served at proper cellar temperatures. With its purpose to Serve, enrich and exceed, Firebirds prides itself on providing real value and unexpected delights to its guests, while weaving itself into the fabric of the communities it serves. To date, Firebirds has donated more than $4 million to Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation to fund childhood cancer research through the sale of its freshly squeezed lemonade. Firebirds has received numerous national awards, including multiple Trip Advisor Certificates of Excellence and recognition in the FSR 50 Top 10 Fast-Growing Chains and as one of 10 Breakout Brands by Nations Restaurant News. For more information or to find a location, visit firebirdsrestaurants.com, like Firebirds on Facebook or follow Firebirds on Twitter at @FirebirdsGrill or Instagram at @FirebirdsGrill.

What Firebirds Wood Fired Grill employees say

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