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Research Chef Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Mechanical Engineer Intern - Summer 2027

Caledonia, MI · On-site

$18 - $24.25/hr

About Us: Koch Finishing Systems provides automated finishing equipment to a variety of industries ... Research & Development: Contribute to product development initiatives and innovation projects.

Sous Chef ("Segundo Chef")

Detroit, MI · On-site

$45K - $61K/yr

Use market research to develop new products. * Read menu to estimate food requirements. * Order ... Provide specialist support to the Executive Committee, particularly to the Executive Chef.

Sous Chef ("Segundo Chef")

Detroit, MI · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Use market research to develop new products. * Read menu to estimate food requirements. Order food ... Chef. Work in support of team goals and measures effectiveness through Food Cost, Payroll and Food ...

Sous Chef ("Segundo Chef")

Detroit, MI

$49K - $66K/yr

Use market research to develop new products. * Read menu to estimate food requirements. Order food ... Chef. Work in support of team goals and measures effectiveness through Food Cost, Payroll and Food ...

Sous Chef ("Segundo Chef")

Lexington, MI

$43K - $59K/yr

Use market research to develop new products. * Read menu to estimate food requirements. Order food ... Chef. Work in support of team goals and measures effectiveness through Food Cost, Payroll and Food ...

Sous Chef ("Segundo Chef")

Detroit, MI · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Use market research to develop new products. * Read menu to estimate food requirements. Order food ... Chef. Work in support of team goals and measures effectiveness through Food Cost, Payroll and Food ...

Sous Chef ("Segundo Chef")

Detroit, MI · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Use market research to develop new products. * Read menu to estimate food requirements. Order food ... Chef. Work in support of team goals and measures effectiveness through Food Cost, Payroll and Food ...

Sous Chef ("Segundo Chef")

Detroit, MI

$49K - $66K/yr

Use market research to develop new products. * Read menu to estimate food requirements. Order food ... Chef. Work in support of team goals and measures effectiveness through Food Cost, Payroll and Food ...

Description The Chef Manager is primarily responsible for culinary preparation, business ... Conduct research and development of new culinary trends and ideas for menus. 5. Complete weekly ...

The Chef Manager is primarily responsible for culinary preparation, business development, and ... Conduct research and development of new culinary trends and ideas for menus. 5. Complete weekly ...

Sushi Line Cook

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

Career Advancement Opportunities Job Summary We are seeking a talented Sushi Chef to join our team ... Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ...

Sushi Line Cook

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

Career Advancement Opportunities Job Summary We are seeking a talented Sushi Chef to join our team ... Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ...

Sushi Line Cook

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

Career Advancement Opportunities Job Summary We are seeking a talented Sushi Chef to join our team ... Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ...

Line Chef

Detroit, MI · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

This is a chance to do serious cooking: an in-house masa program with heirloom corn nixtamalized and stone-ground daily, a menu that moves between Mexican tradition and invention, and constant R&D ...

Line Cook

New Baltimore, MI · On-site

$14.25 - $18/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 ...

Line Cook

Canton, MI · On-site

$18/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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Research Chef information

See Michigan salary details

$40.1K

$73K

$115.9K

How much do research chef jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for research chef in Michigan is $73,034.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,500.00 and $102,400.00 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.

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Research Chef jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Research Chef job openings:

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

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

Infographic showing various Research Chef job openings in Michigan as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,034 per year, or $35.1 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer Intern - Summer 2027

Caledonia, MI • On-site

$18 - $24.25/hr

Full-time, Temporary, Internship

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

About Us:
Koch Finishing Systems provides automated finishing equipment to a variety of industries, including automotive, agriculture, general industry, aerospace, and defense. With five locations—Evansville, IN, Grand Rapids, MI, Rochester Hills, MI, Querétaro, MX, and Lichfield, UK—we are dedicated to delivering high-quality finishing solutions to clients around the world.

As a Mechanical Engineer Co-op, you will gain hands-on experience and rotate through multiple functional areas, including engineering, sales and estimating, field services, research and development, and manufacturing. This program is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of our business and develop your technical and professional skills.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Rotate through various departments, gaining experience in:
    • Engineering: Assist with the design, analysis, and testing of mechanical systems and components.
    • Sales & Estimating: Participate in cost estimations and customer proposals for new projects.
    • Field Services: Support project implementation and on-site installations, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
    • Research & Development: Contribute to product development initiatives and innovation projects.
    • Manufacturing: Assist in process improvements, workflow optimization, and quality control initiatives.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams on real-world projects.
  • Apply academic knowledge to solve complex challenges in a professional environment.
  • Prepare reports, presentations, and documentation as needed.

Qualifications:

  • Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
  • Strong interest in rotating through diverse functional areas.
  • Excellent problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt to changing priorities.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and basic engineering software tools.

What We Offer:

  • Mentorship from experienced engineers and professionals.
  • Real-world exposure to various aspects of mechanical engineering.
  • Opportunity to develop technical skills and grow professionally.
  • Competitive compensation and the potential for future full-time employment.