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Research And Development Chef Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Sous Chef

Morrisville, NC · On-site

$46K - $63K/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 ...

Duke University

Sous Chef

Durham, NC · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

Today, Duke is regarded as one of America's leading research universities. Located in Durham, North ... Preferred Skills * Strong leadership and team development abilities. * Knowledge of HACCP ...

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Sous Chef

Wake Forest, NC · On-site

$42K - $57K/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 ...

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Be Seen First

Sous Chef

Morrisville, NC · 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 ...

Duke University

Sous Chef

Durham, NC · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

Today, Duke is regarded as one of America's leading research universities. Located in Durham, North ... Preferred Skills * Strong leadership and team development abilities. * Knowledge of HACCP ...

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Be Seen First

Sous Chef

Wake Forest, NC · 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 ...

DRIFTWOOD HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT

Sous Chef

Durham, NC · On-site

$45K - $61K/yr

Come join the team at Marriott Raleigh Durham Research Triangle Park, conveniently located on the ... Be part of a hotel committed to exceptional guest service and professional development. Apply today ...

DRIFTWOOD HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT

Sous Chef

Durham, NC · On-site

$45K - $61K/yr

Come join the team at Marriott Raleigh Durham Research Triangle Park, conveniently located on the ... Be part of a hotel committed to exceptional guest service and professional development. Apply today ...

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Be Seen First

Restaurant Manager

Durham, NC · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Our Restaurant Managers partner with the General Manager and Executive Chef to provide direction ... Responsible for team development by interviewing and hiring team members to maintain staffing goals

Sysco

Sales Representative - Raleigh

Raleigh, NC · On-site

... Chef looking for career development opportunities? Join Freshpoint's World Class Sales Team and ... Research customer business needs and develops a mix of products and service to meet needs.

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All JobsResearch And Development Chef JobsResearch And Development Chef Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Research And Development Chef information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$47.1K

$99K

$160.4K

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

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for research and development chef in Raleigh, NC is $98,952.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,300.00 and $113,200.00 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 Raleigh, NC?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Research And Development Chef jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Research And Development Chef jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC 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 Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,946 per year, or $47.6 per hour.

Sous Chef

Morrisville, NC • On-site

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
See more jobs at Firebirds Wood Fired Grillexternal

$46K - $63K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Description
Job Description

Position Overview:

Our Sous Chefs partner with the Executive Chef to provide direction and training to team members by coaching, counseling, and providing feedback on job performance. The Sous Chefs are responsible for butchering and portion control, additionally they supervise team members who have been certified in butchering duties. We expect our Sous Chefs to have excellent communication skills, as they are responsible for the back of house team members and certain administrative tasks, including but not limited to scheduling, staffing, ordering and inventory. Our Sous Chefs oversee all back of house operations and food production for the restaurant and FIREBAR®.

What we expect of you:

  • Provides support to Executive Chef in all areas of responsibility
  • Manages back of house team members, operations, and food production for the restaurant and FIREBAR®
  • Provides direction and training to team members by coaching, counseling, and providing feedback
  • Accountable for ordering produce, seafood, and main food orders
  • Conducts inventory bi-weekly in a team effort
  • Responsible for scheduling back of house team members
  • Responsible for team development by interviewing and hiring back of house team members to maintain staffing goals
  • 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

What’s in it for you:

  • Excellent earning potential
  • Attainable monthly bonus program
  • Comprehensive training
  • Three weeks of 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 a management 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 preferred
  • 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 71 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.
Company Description
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is a collection of 71 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.

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