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Research And Development Chef Jobs in Bolingbrook, IL

Maple

Maple & Ash Chicago - Chef De Cuisine

Chicago, IL · On-site

$135K - $150K/yr

Who You Are The R&D Chef is the culinary architect for the brand, bridging the gap between Michelin-caliber artistry and multi-unit scalability. This role demands a rare hybrid of elite creativity ...

Boar's Head Brand

Culinary Development Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$147K/yr

Additionally, the Culinary Development Chef will be responsible for developing and implementing new ... Maintain strategic accountability for all product development and research, including management ...

Boar's Head Brand

Culinary Development Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$147K/yr

Additionally, the Culinary Development Chef will be responsible for developing and implementing new ... Maintain strategic accountability for all product development and research, including management ...

CONAGRA

R&D Intern - Summer 2027 (Chicago)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20 - $28/hr

Reddi-wip, Slim Jim, Angie's BOOMCHICKPOP, Chef Boyardee, Swiss Miss and more! What Can You Expect from Your Internship? You will be immersed into Conagra Brands and our Research & Development ...

Alla Vita - Chicago

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $74K/yr

Support menu development, seasonal changes, and R&D * Oversee prep, line execution, and BOH systems ... A career chef with 2-3+ years of Sous Chef experience * Experienced in fine-dining or high-volume ...

Adalina Prime

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Sous Chef is a key leadership role within the Adalina Prime culinary team. This position ... R&D initiatives. Operations & Execution * Oversee daily kitchen service, ensuring smooth ...

Compass Group

REGIONAL CHEF

Chicago, IL · On-site

$114K - $124K/yr

You will be responsible for the research, testing, development, documenting, training, implementing ... Orientates new Chefs within their respective Core Culinary Standards, and established food programs.

Compass Group

REGIONAL CHEF

Chicago, IL · On-site

$114K - $124K/yr

You will be responsible for the research, testing, development, documenting, training, implementing ... Orientates new Chefs within their respective Core Culinary Standards, and established food programs.

Compass Group

REGIONAL CHEF

Chicago, IL · On-site

$114K - $124K/yr

You will be responsible for the research, testing, development, documenting, training, implementing ... Orientates new Chefs within their respective Core Culinary Standards, and established food programs.

Compass Corporate

REGIONAL CHEF

Chicago, IL · On-site

$114K - $124K/yr

You will be responsible for the research, testing, development, documenting, training, implementing ... Orientates new Chefs within their respective Core Culinary Standards, and established food programs.

Swift & Sons

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$68K - $73K/yr

Continually working through R&D process with the Executive Chef to further dishes on the menu Qualifications: * Steakhouse experience appreciated, but not required * 2-3 years of experience in a Sous ...

BLUE PLATE CATERING LTD

Pastry Chef

Chicago, IL

Partner with the Executive Chef and Culinary Leadership Team on menu development, company initiatives, and culinary strategy. Research culinary trends, techniques, ingredients, and equipment to ...

Blue Plate Catering

Pastry Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

Partner with the Executive Chef and Culinary Leadership Team on menu development, company initiatives, and culinary strategy. * Research culinary trends, techniques, ingredients, and equipment to ...

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All JobsResearch And Development Chef JobsResearch And Development Chef Jobs in Bolingbrook, IL

Research And Development Chef information

See Bolingbrook, IL salary details

$48K

$100.7K

$163.2K

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

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for research and development chef in Bolingbrook, IL is $100,658.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,600.00 and $115,200.00 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 Bolingbrook, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Research And Development Chef jobs in Bolingbrook, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Research And Development Chef jobs in Bolingbrook, IL are:

What cities near Bolingbrook, IL are hiring for Research And Development Chef jobs?

Cities near Bolingbrook, IL 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 Bolingbrook, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,658 per year, or $48.4 per hour.

Maple & Ash Chicago - Chef De Cuisine

MAPLE HOSPITALITY GROUP

Chicago, IL

$68K - $93K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Join Maple Hospitality Group, where culinary excellence meets unparalleled service. Led by renowned restaurateur Jim Lasky and two-Michelin-starred Chef Danny Grant, known for his innovative approach to fine dining, we're building a team of passionate food lovers dedicated to creating iconic destinations.

We believe success hinges on impeccable food, world-class service, and one-of-a-kind dining experiences. As we expand across Chicago, Scottsdale, Dallas, Santa Barbara, Miami, Boston and New York, you'll find endless opportunities for growth, travel, and continuing education.

Our culture is built on four core principles:

  • Generosity: Always give more, exceed expectations.
  • Excellence: Deliver exceptional work with unmatched expertise.
  • Fun: Love what you do, laugh often, and enjoy the journey.
  • Fail Fast: Learn from mistakes, adapt, and keep improving.

Who You Are

The R&D Chef is the culinary architect for the brand, bridging the gap between Michelin-caliber artistry and multi-unit scalability. This role demands a rare hybrid of elite creativity and industrial-grade operational discipline. You will transform abstract inspiration into scalable, profitable, and breathtaking culinary reality, ensuring the brand’s North Star remains elite as it expands.

We are seeking a chef who views operations not as a constraint on creativity, but as the vehicle that allows world-class food to reach thousands of guests daily. You must possess the artistic ego to create something beautiful and the professional humility to ensure it can be executed perfectly by others. 

Culinary Innovation and Michelin-Caliber Excellence

  • Creative R&D: Drive the evolution of the brand through constant experimentation, pushing the boundaries of technique and flavor to maintain a best-in-class reputation.
  • High-End Execution: Ensure every new dish meets the aesthetic and technical rigor of James Beard/Michelin-caliber dining.
  • Menu Engineering: Optimize menus for profitability and guest experience, ensuring innovation is balanced with strict $P&L$ and food cost targets.

Systems and Scalability

  • SOP Architecture: Translate complex, high-end dishes into precise, scalable Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for multi-unit consistency.
  • Operational Flow: Identify bottlenecks in production and re-engineer workflows to improve speed without sacrificing artistry.
  • Strategic Sourcing: Vet elite suppliers to secure ingredients that meet the brand’s uncompromising standards for quality, sustainability, and cost.

Leadership and Flagship Oversight

  • Flagship Stewardship: Maintain a strong, hands-on presence at Maple & Ash Chicago to ensure the core brand identity is consistently executed.
  • Global Implementation: Lead the rollout of new concepts across all markets, personally training kitchen leadership to ensure flawless execution.
  • Quality Audits: Conduct rigorous inspections across all locations to enforce food safety, sanitation, and brand integrity.

Collaboration and Performance

  • Direct Partnership: Work closely with Chef Danny Grant and the Culinary Director to align vision with execution.
  • Financial Performance: Drive improvements in food cost and labor efficiency, aligning culinary decisions with organizational financial goals.
  • Cross-Functional Communication: Partner with marketing on launches and maintain clear lines of communication with Executive Chefs across all locations.
 

Who We Are Looking For

The Pedigree

  • Elite Experience: 4+ years of senior culinary leadership. Prior experience in Michelin-starred or James Beard-awarded kitchens is essential.

  • Visionary Thinking: A deep passion for culinary trends, food science, and high-end plate composition.
  • Systems Mindset: The ability to move fluidly between the lab (creativity) and the office (data, costing, and logistics).

The Skills

  • Technical Mastery: Exceptional butchery, saucier, and modern technique skills.
  • Financial Acumen: Advanced knowledge of menu costing, inventory management, and labor optimization.
  • Leadership: Highly organized and disciplined, with the ability to thrive in a high-accountability environment.
  • Mobility: Willingness to travel as needed to support openings and ongoing operations.

Apply