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Research And Development Chef Jobs in Washington, DC

Call Your Mother Deli

Head of Culinary

Washington, DC · On-site

$170 - $210/hr

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.

Sysco

Retail Sales Consultant

Laurel, MD · On-site

$67K - $84K/yr

... 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.

VTG

Systems Engineer Expert

Herndon, VA

Manage and maintain the customer's application servers, networks and development & test ... Ansible, Chef, Puppet, etc.) * Experience with Linux System Administration and containerization ...

Workila

Software Process Engineer

Dulles, VA · On-site

Experience with CHEF * Strong understand & experience with Agile DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES Work with ... Research, procure, and customize point products to automate and monitor the development process ...

Della J's

Line Cook

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Paid time off * Training & development Benefits/Perks * Flexible Scheduling * Competitive ... Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ...

Avance Consulting Services

Sr. DevOps Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$133K - $171K/yr

... research, providing recommendations, and implementing new solutions in AWS in support of our ... Chef Salt Ansible Puppet Experience in these areas is preferred: Selecting the appropriate AWS ...

Cornerstone Defense

Software Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

Infrastructure as a code language (Ansible, Puppet, or chef as examples) Eclipse developmental ... Net experience 3+ years of RECENT Database Administration (oracle or MYSQL) experience Research new ...

Peraton

5G DevOps Engineer

College Park, MD · On-site

$112K - $179K/yr

Deploy, configure, automate, and troubleshoot Linux-based research and development environments ... Experience with automation tools such as Ansible, Terraform/OpenTofu, Packer, Pupet, Chef, or ...

Peraton

5G DevOps Engineer

College Park, MD · On-site

Deploy, configure, automate, and troubleshoot Linux-based research and development environments ... Experience with automation tools such as Ansible, Terraform/OpenTofu, Packer, Pupet, Chef, or ...

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

Research And Development Chef information

See Washington, DC salary details

$54.9K

$115.2K

$186.8K

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

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for research and development chef in Washington, DC is $115,249.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,700.00 and $131,900.00 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 Washington, DC?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Research And Development Chef jobs in Washington, DC are:

Research And Development Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research And Development Chef job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,249 per year, or $55.4 per hour.

Executive Chef | Elevated Wine Bar | Washington, DC

One Haus

Washington, DC • On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Washington, DC | $90,000–$105,000 + Monthly Profit Share


We are conducting a confidential search for an experienced and hands-on Executive Chef to lead the culinary operations of a high-volume, nationally recognized restaurant concept in Washington, DC.


This is a Chef role for a leader who believes that the strongest kitchens are built through presence, accountability, and daily investment in the team. The Executive Chef will partner closely with the General Manager and Director of Culinary to execute the brand's culinary vision while maintaining exceptional food quality, controlling costs, and developing the next generation of culinary leaders.


The ideal candidate is an energetic and entrepreneurial culinary leader with a strong understanding of restaurant systems and a proven ability to build high-performing teams. This individual should be equally comfortable leading from the pass, training a sous chef, implementing a new menu, analyzing food costs, and holding the kitchen accountable to consistently high standards.


Key Responsibilities

  • Partner with the General Manager and Director of Culinary to execute and advance the restaurant's culinary direction and brand standards.
  • Take ownership of the restaurant's food menu, including recipe execution, food quality, food cost, and team accountability.
  • Lead the implementation and rollout of new menu items, ensuring recipes, systems, training, and execution are aligned across the culinary team.
  • Build a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the culinary team.
  • Develop and mentor sous chefs and emerging culinary leaders, creating a strong internal pipeline of talent.
  • Provide ongoing product education and ensure the team understands ingredients, preparation methods, recipes, and quality expectations.
  • Maintain the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, cleanliness, and regulatory compliance.
  • Monitor product quality and execution throughout service, stepping into production and service as needed.
  • Stay current on culinary techniques, trends, products, and industry developments through ongoing research and education.
  • Bring new ideas and an entrepreneurial mindset to the restaurant while remaining grounded in the brand's culinary identity.
  • Hold the culinary team accountable for results while creating an environment where people feel supported, challenged, and motivated to grow.


Ideal Candidate Profile

  • Proven culinary leadership experience within a high-volume ($6M+), full-service restaurant environment.
  • Strong background in culinary management, menu implementation, and kitchen systems.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, train, and develop culinary teams.
  • Strong understanding of restaurant financials, food cost, labor management, and operational systems.
  • Highly hands-on leadership style with a willingness to work alongside the team during service.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to bring creativity and new ideas while maintaining established brand standards.


Compensation & Benefits

  • $95,000–$110,000 base salary, commensurate with experience
  • Monthly profit-share opportunity
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Potential for a 4-day work week once per month
  • Up to 17 days of PTO
  • 401(k) match
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance after 60 days
  • Wine country trips and experiential opportunities
  • Complimentary access to mental health services
  • Ongoing training and professional development