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Research Chef Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

Zippy's

Research and Development Chef

Waipahu, HI

$85K - $100K/yr

Research and Development Chef REPORTS TO: Food Solutions General Manager STATUS: Exempt DATE: July 2026 LOCATION: Food Solutions POSITION SUMMARY: The Research and Development Chef is responsible for ...

prh

Cook I - Hau Tree (Full Time)

Kamuela, HI · On-site

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

Supporting all the Chefs in a busy hotel kitchen delivering consistently high-quality food, receive ... Research new menu items. * Attend designated meetings. * Engage in guest interaction during banquet ...

prh

Cook I - Manta PM (Full Time)

Kamuela, HI · On-site

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

Supporting all the Chefs in a busy hotel kitchen delivering consistently high-quality food, receive ... Research new menu items. * Attend designated meetings. * Engage in guest interaction during banquet ...

prh

Cook I - Banquets (Full Time)

Kamuela, HI

$19.50 - $24.50/hr

Supporting all the Chefs in a busy hotel kitchen delivering consistently high-quality food, receive ... Research new menu items. * Attend designated meetings. * Engage in guest interaction during banquet ...

prh

Cook I - Main Kitchen (Full Time)

Kamuela, HI · On-site

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

Supporting all the Chefs in a busy hotel kitchen delivering consistently high-quality food, receive ... functions. 6. Research new menu items. 7. Attend designated meetings. 8. Engage in guest ...

prh

Cook II - Banquets (Casual)

Kamuela, HI

$19.50 - $23.75/hr

Inform the Sous Chef of any shortages before the item runs out * Direct and assist stewards in ... Research new menu items. * Attend designated meetings. * Engage in guest interaction during banquet ...

prh

Cook II - Naupaka (Full Time)

Kamuela, HI · On-site

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

Inform the Sous Chef of any shortages before the item runs out * Direct and assist stewards in ... Research new menu items. * Attend designated meetings. * Engage in guest interaction during banquet ...

prh

Cook II - Hau Tree (Full Time)

Kamuela, HI · On-site

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

Inform the Sous Chef of any shortages before the item runs out * Direct and assist stewards in ... Research new menu items. * Attend designated meetings. * Engage in guest interaction during banquet ...

prh

Cook II - Manta PM (Full Time)

Kamuela, HI · On-site

$17.25 - $21.50/hr

Inform the Sous Chef of any shortages before the item runs out * Direct and assist stewards in ... Research new menu items. * Attend designated meetings. * Engage in guest interaction during banquet ...

Lilikoi Kitchen

Line Cook

Kailua, HI · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ... Performs other duties as assigned by the head chef or management Qualifications: * Previous ...

Lilikoi Kitchen

Line Cook

Kailua, HI · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ... Performs other duties as assigned by the head chef or management Qualifications: * Previous ...

Lilikoi Kitchen

Line Cook

Kailua, HI · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ... Performs other duties as assigned by the head chef or management Qualifications: * Previous ...

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All JobsResearch Chef JobsResearch Chef Jobs in Hawaii

Research Chef information

See Hawaii salary details

$47.8K

$87.1K

$138.2K

How much do research chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for research chef in Hawaii is $87,058.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,600.00 and $122,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research chef?

A research chef, also known as a culinary scientist, combines culinary arts with food science to develop new recipes, food products, and menu items. They often work for food manufacturers, restaurant chains, or research and development labs, focusing on creating innovative foods that are both tasty and safe. Research chefs collaborate with food scientists, nutritionists, and marketing teams to ensure products meet quality standards, regulatory requirements, and consumer preferences. Their role is essential in bringing new food concepts from the kitchen to large-scale production.

What does a research chef do?

A research chef is a culinary professional who oversees the research and development of new recipes and food products. As a research chef, your responsibilities include assessing current offerings, working with food scientists to brainstorm concepts, and developing new recipes and products. You work in a test kitchen, either alone or with a team, to develop and test new foods for restaurants or food manufacturers. Your job is to be innovative and creative in your quest to meet consumer desires and the manufacturer or restaurants needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Chef, you need a strong background in culinary arts combined with food science knowledge, often supported by a culinary degree and experience in product development. Familiarity with food safety standards, recipe management software, and laboratory equipment is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help you innovate and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure the successful development of safe, appealing, and market-ready food products that meet consumer and industry needs.

How does a research chef typically collaborate with product development and marketing teams?

A Research Chef works closely with product development teams to translate culinary concepts into scalable food products, ensuring flavor, texture, and appearance meet both culinary and manufacturing standards. They also partner with marketing teams to align product features with current food trends and consumer preferences, often participating in taste panels and brainstorming sessions. This collaborative approach ensures that new products are both innovative and commercially viable, and fosters a dynamic work environment where ideas from multiple disciplines are integrated into the final product.

What is the difference between Research Chef vs Food Scientist?

AspectResearch ChefFood Scientist
Required CredentialsCooking skills, culinary training, sometimes culinary degreesDegree in food science, chemistry, or related field
Work EnvironmentTest kitchens, culinary labs, food companiesLaboratories, research facilities, manufacturing plants
Employer & Industry UsageFood manufacturing, product development, culinary innovationFood production, quality control, research & development

Research Chefs focus on developing new food products through culinary expertise and practical testing, often working in kitchens and food companies. Food Scientists typically conduct scientific research to improve food safety, quality, and processing, working mainly in labs. Both roles are essential in food innovation but differ in their approach and work environment.

More about Research Chef jobs

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What job categories do people searching Research Chef jobs in Hawaii look for?

The top searched job categories for Research Chef jobs in Hawaii are:

What are popular job titles related to Research Chef jobs in HI?

For Research Chef jobs in HI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Research Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Chef job openings in Hawaii as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,058 per year, or $41.9 per hour.

Research and Development Chef

FCH Enterprises Inc

Waipahu, HI • On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

POSITION TITLE: Research and Development Chef
REPORTS TO: Food Solutions General Manager
STATUS: Exempt
DATE: July 2026
LOCATION: Food Solutions
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Research and Development Chef is responsible for developing innovative food products, improving existing recipes, and translating culinary concepts into scalable, consistent, and commercially viable products. This role combines culinary creativity, production practicality, sensory evaluation, cost awareness, and strong documentation to support new product development, customer needs, operational efficiency, and brand standards.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Develop, test, and refine new recipes, product concepts, ingredients, fillings, toppings, sauces, baked goods, prepared foods, and menu items based on business needs, customer requests, seasonal opportunities, and market trends.
  • Improve existing formulas for taste, texture, appearance, yield, shelf life, cost, production efficiency, consistency, and customer satisfaction.
  • Conduct benchtop trials, production tests, taste panels, and product evaluations; document results, adjustments, costing notes, sensory feedback, and final recommendations.
  • Translate culinary concepts into standardized formulas, procedures, specifications, and production-ready instructions that can be consistently executed at scale.
  • Partner with Production, Purchasing, Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Leadership to support product development, commercialization, customer tastings, and launch readiness.
  • Evaluate ingredients, substitutes, and processing methods to support product quality.
  • Support product rollouts by preparing samples, presenting product concepts, troubleshooting development or production challenges, and training production team members on new recipes and preparation standards.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Scheduling:
  • Must be available to start work as early as 5am and stay until work is complete. Typical schedule is Monday-Friday but must be available on weekends and holidays as needed
  • No less than 45 hours per week.

Physical Ability:
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds,
  • Standing for extended periods

Mental Ability:
  • Good decision-making skills (uses independent judgment)
  • Teaching / Coaching skills (able to provide guidance, support, and nurturing)
  • Planning / Organizational skills
  • Evaluation skills

Pre-Employment Requirements:
  • Must pass pre-employment physical, TB or Mantoux test, and drug screening.

Environmental Conditions:
  • Air Conditioned office environment
  • Occasional time spent in the Commissary production areas

Education:
  • High School diploma or GED

Experience:
  • One year in a supervisory position (preferred)
  • Knowledge and experience with basic computer skills
  • Prior experience in a manufacturing environment (preferred)

Desired Skills:
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Excellent communication skills oral and written
  • Active listening skills
  • Self - development skills (desire and ability to learn)
  • Positive attitude and willingness to change
  • Knowledge and experience in various cooking methods and equipment

Desired Attributes:
  • Demonstrates the company's Core Values of "Commitment, Humble, Integrity, Passionate, Supportive".
  • Self-motivated
  • Action-oriented (exercising initiative to follow-up and follow through)
  • High level of accuracy
  • Detail oriented (must be very accurate)
  • Ability to work under minimal supervision
  • Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
  • Team player

Disclaimer:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Salary Description
$85,000 - $100,000

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