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Research And Development Chef Jobs in Houston, TX

Reporting to the R&D Analytical Team Leader, the team supports a wide variety of stakeholders ... At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ...

Executive Chef

The Woodlands, TX · On-site

$85 - $120/hr

Pursue ongoing education and research in food techniques to stay sharp and proactive, ahead of the ... Develop the foundation of the Sixty Vines culinary future through training and development of the ...

Sous Chef

Houston, TX · On-site

$45K - $61K/yr

Join the Sous Chef Opening Team for the menu R&D for two new restaurants and 4 concepts currently part of our 38 million dollar renovation. If you are excited at the prospect of bringing innovative ...

Sous Chef

Houston, TX · On-site

$50 - $70/hr

Join the Sous Chef Opening Team for the menu R&D for two new restaurants and 4 concepts currently part of our 38 million dollar renovation. If you are excited at the prospect of bringing innovative ...

Executive Chef

Houston, TX · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Growth and leadership development opportunities EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS * 3-5 years of ... Research culinary techniques and trends to keep our menu relevant and ahead of the curve * Support ...

Executive Chef

The Woodlands, TX · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Growth and leadership development opportunities EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS * 3-5 years of ... Research culinary techniques and trends to keep our menu relevant and ahead of the curve * Support ...

Sous Chef

Houston, TX · On-site

$29.81 - $35.82/hr

... research, education, and prevention. Within the RS Production department, the Sous Chef plays a key ... development, and drives food safety and quality standards across multiple service areas. The Sous ...

Sous Chef

Houston, TX · On-site

$29.81 - $35.82/hr

... research, education, and prevention. Within the RS Production department, the Sous Chef plays a key ... development, and drives food safety and quality standards across multiple service areas. The Sous ...

IT Architect

Houston, TX · On-site

$145 - $165/hr

Houston, Texas | Scottsdale, Arizona | Tulsa, Oklahoma | Wichita, Kansas Koch Engineered Solutions ... Conduct research, proof of concepts, and technology assessments to validate potential solutions and ...

IT Architect

Houston, TX · On-site

$145K - $165K/yr

Your Job Koch Engineered Solutions is seeking an IT Architect to help identify, evaluate, and ... Conduct research, proof of concepts, and technology assessments to validate potential solutions and ...

Located steps from the nations largest medical and research community at Texas Medical Center, near ... Career development opportunities in a luxury hospitality environment * Free meals * Free parking ...

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Research And Development Chef information

See Houston, TX salary details

$46.3K

$97.2K

$157.6K

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

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for research and development chef in Houston, TX is $97,210.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,000.00 and $111,300.00 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 Houston, TX?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Research And Development Chef jobs in Houston, TX are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Research And Development Chef jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Research And Development Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Research And Development Chef job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,210 per year, or $46.7 per hour.

R&D Analytical Chemist

Koch Industries

Katy, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Key responsibilities

  • Support R&D programs, manufacturing operations, and technical investigations through elemental analysis using ICP-MS, ICP-OES, and sample preparation techniques.

  • Develop, optimize, validate, and improve analytical methods for trace and major element determination across various sample matrices.

  • Lead analytical investigations related to product quality, contamination, process upsets, and customer concerns, and communicate analytical insights to stakeholders.


Koch Industries rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

138th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

Your Job
We are seeking an Analytical Chemist to join our Research & Development analytical team at our Katy Technology Center. This role supports business programs, plant operations, method development, troubleshooting efforts, and technical problem-solving. This role is focused on providing analytical expertise, particularly in Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrometry (ICP), while partnering with stakeholders across the business to solve complex technical challenges.
This hourly role follows a 9/80 schedule, offering a balanced work arrangement with every other Friday off.
Our Team
Our analytical team consists of a diverse mix of scientists and technologists who collaborate closely with engineers, chemists, operations personnel, and other stakeholders across the organization. Reporting to the R&D Analytical Team Leader, the team supports a wide variety of stakeholders, projects, and business needs in a dynamic R&D environment where priorities can evolve quickly. Successful candidates will be comfortable adapting to changing business demands, shifting focus as needed, and collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams to help solve complex technical challenges.
What You Will Do
  • Deliver elemental analysis expertise using ICP-MS, ICP-OES, and advanced sample preparation techniques to support R&D programs, manufacturing operations, and technical investigations.
  • Develop, optimize, validate, and improve analytical methods for trace and major element determination across a variety of complex sample matrices.
  • Lead analytical investigations related to product quality, contamination, process upsets, customer concerns, and other technical challenges requiring creative problem-solving.
  • Generate and communicate analytical insights through data interpretation, technical reporting, and collaboration with internal stakeholders.
  • Maintain reliable analytical capability through instrument qualification, calibration, troubleshooting, maintenance, and continuous improvement activities.
  • Partner with scientists, engineers, manufacturing, operations, and quality teams to solve technical challenges and advance business objectives.
  • Adapt priorities and provide analytical support across multiple R&D programs, stakeholders, and business initiatives as project needs and business demands evolve.
  • Work safely in a laboratory environment, including the use of required personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to company safety requirements.
  • Handle laboratory materials, samples, and equipment, including lifting and moving materials up to 50 pounds when required.

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or related scientific discipline.
  • 3+ years of industrial, manufacturing, or R&D laboratory experience in analytical chemistry and elemental analysis
  • 1+ years of hands-on experience with ICP-MS, ICP-OES, sample preparation, microwave digestion, and analytical troubleshooting in a laboratory environment
  • Experience developing, validating, and optimizing analytical methods, including calibration, data interpretation, and statistical evaluation.
  • Experience supporting multiple projects, stakeholders, or business priorities in a dynamic laboratory, manufacturing, or R&D environment.
  • Experience using Microsoft Excel, Word, and laboratory reporting systems.

What Will Put You Ahead
  • Master's degree in Chemistry or related field.
  • Advanced expertise with ICP-MS, including method development and troubleshooting complex analytical challenges.
  • Experience with XRF instrumentation and analysis.
  • Experience with analytical techniques GC, HPLC, GC-MS, LC-MS, NMR, etc.
  • Knowledge of EPA, ASTM, or other industry analytical methods.

This role is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.
At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.
Hiring Philosophy
All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here .
Who We Are
As a Koch company, INVISTA has a long history of working to make the world around you a better place. From parts for the automotive industry to medical equipment, air bags, food packaging and clothing, our ingredients in the nylon 6,6 and polypropylene value chains help bring many of life's essential products to market.
At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.
Our Benefits
Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.
Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.
Equal Opportunities
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here , aquí , or tu ).

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