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Research And Development Chef Jobs in Washington

Call Your Mother Deli

Head of Culinary

Washington, DC · On-site

$170K/yr

Husband-and-wife team Andrew and Chef Dani built Call Your Mother around a simple idea: make ... You'll lead our Research & Development and Quality Assurance teams while partnering cross ...

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Be Seen First

Sous Chef

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$55K - $65K/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 ...

Havn Club

Executive Chef

Washington, DC

$30 - $45/hr

We build chef-crafted, high-protein menus using premium ingredients and no seed oils, packaged in ... You'll lead a rotating menu with real R&D time--new sauces, marinades, and sides, refined for ...

Meriwether Godsey, Inc.

Executive Chef

Potomac, MD · On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

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

Sixty Vines

Executive Chef

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

... research in food techniques to remain sharp and proactive, ahead of the curve. • Develop the ... and development of the next generation of Chefs. • Influence the individual restaurants through ...

Domestic | Match

Private Chef

Washington, DC

If you've ever found yourself down a rabbit hole on EWG ratings, researching microplastic-free ... Participate in menu development in collaboration with the Lead Chef; contribute new ideas ...

Domestic | Match

Private Chef

Washington, DC

If you've ever found yourself down a rabbit hole on EWG ratings, researching microplastic-free ... Participate in menu development in collaboration with the Lead Chef; contribute new ideas ...

José Andrés Group

Executive Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$73K - $93K/yr

Menu, Features & R&D Partner with Chef on seasonal menus, specials, and tastings; ensure mise en place and training precede launch. Provide data-informed feedback on menu mix, prep yields, and guest ...

GLOBAL TAPAS LLC

Executive Sous Chef

Washington, DC

$73K - $93K/yr

Menu, Features & R&D Partner with Chef on seasonal menus, specials, and tastings; ensure mise en place and training precede launch. Provide data-informed feedback on menu mix, prep yields, and guest ...

Jose Andres Group

Executive Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$73K - $93K/yr

Menu, Features & R&D Partner with Chef on seasonal menus, specials, and tastings; ensure mise en place and training precede launch. Provide data-informed feedback on menu mix, prep yields, and guest ...

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All JobsResearch And Development Chef JobsResearch And Development Chef Jobs in Washington

Research And Development Chef information

See Washington salary details

$54.9K

$115.3K

$186.9K

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

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for research and development chef in Washington is $115,291.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,800.00 and $131,900.00 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 Washington? For Research And Development Chef jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research And Development Chef jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Research And Development Chef jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Research And Development Chef jobs? Cities in Washington 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 Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,291 per year, or $55.4 per hour.

Head of Culinary

Call Your Mother Deli

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

HEAD OF CULINARY
Washington, DC
THE BEST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD.
THE BEST-ISH BAGELS IN THE WORLD.
OUTTA THIS WORLD OPPORTUNITY.
DEEPER THAN BAGELS
Call Your Mother is the Jew-ish deli where Boca meets Brooklyn, grandma-level hospitality meets seriously good bagel sandwiches, and hard work meets face-melting vibes.
Husband-and-wife team Andrew and Chef Dani built Call Your Mother around a simple idea: make scrumptious, nostalgic food and unforgettable experiences without being bougie or taking ourselves too seriously. From our first little farmer's market stand in 2018, to shops across the DMV, Colorado, Chicago, and Philadelphia in 2026, we're spreading carb love all over the map and our ovens are just getting warmed up! We'll take bagels to mars if the locals are hungry up there.
WE'RE HIRING OUR FIRST HEAD OF CULINARY, BASED IN THE DMV
This is a once-in-a-career opportunity to help shape the future of Call Your Mother. As our first-ever Head of Culinary, you'll partner directly with our Co-Founders and Chief Culinary Officer to shape the next chapter of our menu, culinary strategy, and food innovation. You'll lead our Research & Development and Quality Assurance teams while partnering cross-functionally with Operations, Supply Chain, Training, Marketing, and Finance to bring great ideas to life.
We're looking for someone who's equal parts chef, coach, builder, and problem solver. You'll dream up the next guest obsession, then build the systems, standards, and team that make it consistently exceptional across every shop and commissary. From seasonal sandwiches and schmears, to entirely new carb adventures, you'll help create food people obsess over while protecting the quality, hospitality, and nostalgia our guests know and love.
If you're picking up what we're laying down, keep reading!
YOU'LL CRUSH THIS ROLE IF YOU...
  • Have 7+ years of culinary leadership experience across a multi-unit restaurant organization, with a deep understanding of what it takes to execute food consistently at scale.
  • Have completed professional culinary training or built equivalent expertise through hands-on experience.
  • Have successfully led menu innovation, product launches, recipe implementation, commercialization, and operational training across multiple locations.
  • Have developed high-performing culinary teams through coaching, trust, and accountability.
  • Are highly organized and can confidently juggle multiple priorities, projects, and timelines without losing sight of the details.
  • Know food safety, quality assurance, kitchen systems, and production management like the back of your hand.
  • Believe great food is equal parts creativity and relentless execution and get just as excited about improving a beloved classic as you do creating the next guest obsession.
  • Sweat the details because you know guests can taste the difference.
  • Lead with humility, curiosity, high standards, and a roll-up-your-sleeves mentality.
  • Can move comfortably between the test kitchen, supplier meetings, executive conversations, commissaries, and shop operations.
  • Are digging our big BIG V.I.B.E.S. (Vibrancy, Integrity, Belonging, Energy, and Seize the Moment).

Shall we proceed? If you blurted out an audible "YES INDEED!" then please keep reading.
WHAT YOU'LL REALLY BE DOING
  • Partner side-by-side with our Co-Founder & Chief Culinary Officer to bring our culinary vision to life and help shape what's next for Call Your Mother.
  • Lead our Research & Development and Quality Assurance teams, building a high-performing culinary organization rooted in creativity, collaboration, and accountability.
  • Establish and uphold culinary standards that protect the integrity of our food as we continue to grow, while identifying opportunities to improve consistency, quality, speed, and profitability.
  • Own the end-to-end product development process: from first idea and kitchen experimentation through testing, operational validation, commercialization, launch, and post-launch optimization.
  • Develop new menu items, seasonal offerings, beverages, and products that surprise and delight guests while staying true to the Call Your Mother brand.
  • Protect and continuously improve our core menu, ensuring our guest favorites remain consistently delicious as we grow.
  • Build scalable recipes, systems, and standards that deliver chef-quality food across every shop and commissary.
  • Partner closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Training, Marketing, Finance, and Development to ensure every new product is operationally executable, financially sound, and ready for successful rollout.
  • Establish and evolve quality assurance standards, auditing programs, and food specifications that protect consistency across all products and locations.
  • Collaborate with supplier partners to source, develop, and commercialize ingredients that meet our quality standards while supporting long-term growth.
  • Stay relentlessly curious about food, ingredients, techniques, equipment, and consumer insights, not to chase trends, but to thoughtfully evolve the menu in ways that feel authentically Call Your Mother.
  • Roll up your sleeves. Some days you'll be in the kitchen, some days in a shop, some days at a commissary, and some days in a conference room. We believe the best culinary leaders stay close to the food and the people making it.
AND FINALLY, IF YOU NEED MORE REASONS TO APPLY:
  • Competitive salary $170,000, plus annual bonus opportunity and stock options.
  • Make an impact. You'll work directly with our Chief Culinary Officer to influence standards, recipes, and how every shop executes.
  • Health Insurance. Health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Unlimited paid time off because you deserve it...duh.
  • 100% Paid, 12 week parental leave for time with the itty, bitty baby!
  • 401(k) with 4% company match. Plan for a bright and beautiful future!
  • Step your knowledge game up. Free English and Spanish classes, plus Duolingo reimbursement.
  • Real support when life gets complicated. Confidential therapy and professional resources for mental health, legal guidance, financial wellness, and more.
  • BAGELS ON THE HOUSE! Plus 50% off when you're off the clock.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The physical demands for this position include seeing, hearing, speaking, reading, and communicating effectively; standing, walking, reaching, bending, and performing repetitive physical movements; lifting up to 50 pounds; and safely operating equipment and tools using manual dexterity. This role also requires working in a fast-paced environment around hot equipment, sharp tools, and varying temperatures, and occasionally working in confined spaces. These physical requirements may be accomplished with or without reasonable accommodation. .
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Call Your Mother is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically celebrate the diversity of our team and believe that talent, passion, and experience are the only relevant criteria for considering new team members. We provide equal opportunities to everyone who works for us and every applicant. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to sex or gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
CALL YOUR MOTHER PARTICIPATES IN E-VERIFY.

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