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Research And Development Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Conagra Brands

Associate Development Chef

Omaha, NE · On-site

$59K - $78K/yr

This role is deeply handson and highly visible, blending chef creativity with storytelling as you ... You will coordinate research and development cuttings, drive flavor and technique, and serve as a ...

Home Chef

Executive Chef, Production (Contract)

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$68K - $94K/yr

Attend weekly meetings with R&D chefs in order to give feedback on recipes or ingredient specifications * Review meal ratings weekly and assess areas for performance improvement Documentation and ...

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 ...

Talis Group, Inc.

Foodservice R&D Specialist

Louisville, KY · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Talis Group's client, a respected and innovative company searching for a Foodservice R&D Specialist who combines hands-on chef experience with a passion for research and product development. This is ...

Simmons Foods

Innovation Chef

Siloam Springs, AR

Purpose of the Position Ensures that R&D projects involving product development are delivered in ... Collaborates with other Chef(s), R&D, Marketing and Consumer Insights with internal and external ...

Simmons Foods

Innovation Chef

Siloam Springs, AR · On-site

Purpose of the Position Ensures that R&D projects involving product development are delivered in ... Collaborates with other Chef(s), R&D, Marketing and Consumer Insights with internal and external ...

The Dixboro Project

Executive Chef

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

Partner with Chef Partner Garrett Lipar on menu development, seasonal evolution, tastings, and research & development * Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing culinary team rooted in ...

The Dixboro Project

Executive Chef

Ann Arbor, MI

$95K - $120K/yr

Partner with Chef Partner Garrett Lipar on menu development, seasonal evolution, tastings, and research & development * Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing culinary team rooted in ...

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All JobsResearch And Development Chef Jobs

Research And Development Chef information

See salary details

$48.5K

$101.8K

$165K

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

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for research and development chef in the United States is $101,794.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $116,500.00 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.

More about Research And Development Chef jobs
What cities are hiring for Research And Development Chef jobs? Cities with the most Research And Development Chef job openings:
What states have the most Research And Development Chef jobs? States with the most job openings for Research And Development Chef jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Research And Development Chef jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Research And Development Chef jobs are:
Research And Development Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research And Development Chef job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,794 per year, or $48.9 per hour.
Corporate Research & Development Sous Chef

Corporate Research & Development Sous Chef

Ramen Tatsu-Ya

Austin, TX • On-site

$50K - $67K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Join the Tatsu-Ya Team as a Corporate R&D Sous Chef!
At Tatsu-Ya, we're constantly pushing flavor forward. From new ramen builds and seasonal specials to innovative culinary concepts, our R&D team helps shape the future of the brand. If you're passionate about food, creativity, and culinary innovation, we'd love to hear from you.
Perks Include:
  • Competitive Salary
  • Paid On-the-Job Training
  • Advancement Opportunities
  • Free Meals During Shifts
  • Discounts at all Tatsu-Ya locations
  • Family Meal
  • Creative, collaborative culinary environment
Benefits:
  • Paid Sick Time
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Opportunities for travel, trainings, and culinary development

What is the job? As the Corporate Research & Development (R&D) Sous Chef, you will support the development, testing, and execution of new menu items, recipes, and culinary initiatives across the Tatsu-Ya brand. Working closely with the Corporate Chef and cross-functional teams, you'll help ensure every product meets our standards for flavor, consistency, quality, and operational execution.
What You'll Do:
  • The Corporate Sous Chef will need to be trained and become proficient in all levels of the BOH operations of all concepts and be able to support or assist the operating of the restaurants from time to time
  • Support the Corporate R&D team in developing, testing, and refining new culinary concepts and recipes
  • Execute recipe testing, sensory evaluations, tastings, and product trials
  • Maintain detailed documentation of recipes, ingredient specs, testing procedures, and results
  • Assist with seasonal menu updates, LTOs, and ongoing product improvements
  • Ensure recipes are scalable, consistent, and operationally efficient across multiple locations
  • Assist with ingredient sourcing, vendor coordination, and culinary research
  • Maintain cleanliness, organization, and food safety standards within the test kitchen
  • Collaborate with Operations and Training teams during rollouts and implementation of new products
  • Monitor culinary trends, emerging techniques, and ingredient innovations to contribute fresh ideas

Requirements
  • 3-5 years of culinary experience in a high-volume kitchen environment
  • Previous experience in R&D, menu development, or culinary innovation preferred
  • Strong understanding of cooking techniques, flavor profiles, and ingredient functionality
  • Excellent organization, communication, and time management skills
  • Culinary degree or equivalent professional experience preferred
  • Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, allergens, and dietary restrictions
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work in fast-paced kitchen environments
  • Ability to travel as needed for trainings, openings, or culinary support

Ready to help shape the future of Tatsu-Ya? Apply now to join our Corporate R&D team and bring bold ideas, big flavors, and culinary creativity to the table.

Apply