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Research And Development Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Conagra Brands, Inc.

Associate Development Chef

Omaha, NE · On-site

$59K - $78K/yr

This role is deeply hands-on 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 ...

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 Hospitality Group

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 ...

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 ...

Sodexo

Executive Chef, Cantonese Innovation & R&D

Hoboken, NJ · Remote

$78K - $107K/yr

Sodexo is seeking a highly skilled Research & Development Cantonese Area Executive Chef to lead culinary innovation focused on authentic and modern Cantonese cuisine for a corporate services client ...

Sodexo

Executive Chef, Cantonese Innovation & R&D

Newark, NJ · Remote

$74K - $103K/yr

Sodexo is seeking a highly skilled Research & Development Cantonese Area Executive Chef to lead culinary innovation focused on authentic and modern Cantonese cuisine for a corporate services client ...

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 · 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 · 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 · 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 ...

M Culinary Concepts

Executive Chef

Phoenix, AZ

$67K - $92K/yr

Executive Chef M Culinary Concept is searching for a passionate Executive Chef to join our vibrant ... Conduct culinary research, development, and innovation, keeping offerings aligned with industry ...

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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 Jun 9, 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 31% As Needed, 18% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 18% Temporary, 24% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,794 per year, or $48.9 per hour.
Associate Development Chef

Associate Development Chef

Conagra Brands, Inc.

Omaha, NE • On-site

$59K - $78K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Conagra Brands rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 126 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

178th of 380 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Reporting to the Culinary Director, you will cook, create, and innovate in our research & development kitchen where food is the star. You will lead culinary product development from concept through execution, crafting and refining recipes while partnering closely with food scientists to develop gold-standard formulations that will be commercialized at our plants. This role is deeply hands-on and highly visible, blending chef creativity with storytelling as you bring culinary inspiration to life for our leadership, customers and at events. You will coordinate research and development cuttings, drive flavor and technique, and serve as a culinary ambassador who translates trends and inspiration into compelling, customer-ready products.
A Taste of Your Responsibilities
  • Coordinate and execute innovation tastings, customer meetings, and culinary-focused events.
  • Collaborate with members of the culinary team and cross-functional partners to arrange culinary-centric business functions such as taste treks and culinary inspiration days.
  • Assist with customer meetings featuring food-focused discussions led by the culinary team.
  • Maintain inventory of ingredients used in the development process and proactively stage ingredients for development sessions, focusing on culinary innovation.
  • Input and maintain recipes on inter-department shared drives and actively update records for future reference.
  • Maintain kitchen operations, including sanitation, maintenance, and organization.

Ingredients Required for Your Success
  • Associate degree in culinary arts or a related discipline.
  • Two years of experience in a culinary-focused role.
  • Previous experience with hands-on cooking responsibility and accountability for purchasing, sanitation, inventory management, and ordering processes.
  • Strong culinary skills with an emphasis on savory cooking and current food trends.
  • Sanitation training and certification.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Analytical and logical problem-solving skills.
  • Collaborative approach with the ability to work effectively across all levels of the organization.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

#LI-Onsite
#LI-MH1
#LI-Associate
Compensation
Pay Range:$59,000-$78,000
The annual salary listed above is the expected offering for this position. An employee's actual annual salary will be based on but not limited to: location, relevant experience/level and skillset, while balancing internal Conagra employees' equity. Conagra Brands will comply with applicable law regarding minimum salaries for exempt employees.
Our Benefits
We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role:
  • Health: Comprehensive healthcare plans, wellness incentive program, mental wellbeing support and fitness reimbursement
  • Wealth: Great pay, bonus incentive opportunity, matching 401(k) and stock purchase plan
  • Growth: Career development opportunities, employee resource groups, on-demand learning and tuition reimbursement
  • Balance: Paid-time off, parental leave, flexible work-schedules (subject to your location and role) and volunteer opportunities

Our Company
At Conagra Brands, we have a rich heritage of making great food. We aspire to have the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in food. As a member of our 18,000+ person team across 40+ locations, you are empowered to reach your potential, make an impact and own your career. We're in the business of building champions - within our people and our iconic brands like Birds Eye®, Slim Jim® and Reddi-Wip®.
Our focus on innovation extends beyond making great food, it also reflects our commitment to embracing new solutions that positively impact our team, the communities we serve and the health of our planet. Foodies Welcome.
Conagra Brands is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law. Reasonable accommodation may be made upon request.

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About Conagra Brands

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Conagra Brands (NYSE: CAG) is an approximately $11 billion company that combines a rich heritage of making great food with a sharpened focus and entrepreneurial spirit. We're transforming the way we operate to fulfill what consumers and customers want, in a smart, simple way. We're modernizing our iconic food brands, leveraging fresh opportunities and adapting to a changing landscape - all with a culture that's ready to capture growth and drive shareholder value.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1919

Social media

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