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Research Chef Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Union Square Events

Chef de Cuisine

Washington, DC · On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

Chef De Cuisine Salary: $110,000 to $120,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Bonus Founded in 2005 as ... R&D projects, and offer help finding alternative solutions for menu requests. *    ...

Compass Group

Chef de Cuisine

Washington, DC

$110K - $120K/yr

Chef De Cuisine Salary: $110,000 to $120,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Bonus Founded in 2005 as ... R&D projects, and offer help finding alternative solutions for menu requests. •    ...

Call Your Mother Deli

Head of Culinary

Washington, DC · On-site

$170K/yr

Husband-and-wife team Andrew and Chef Dani built Call Your Mother around a simple idea: make ... You'll lead our Research & Development and Quality Assurance teams while partnering cross ...

VTG

Systems Engineer Expert

Herndon, VA

Ansible, Chef, Puppet, etc.) * Experience with Linux System Administration and containerization ... Research new technologies in object-oriented programming. * Works well in an engineering team ...

KPMG US

Senior Specialist, Federal Cloud Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$56.50 - $75.50/hr

... Research, experiment, and utilize leading cloud methodologies / new tools for increased ... Kubernetes, OpenShift, or Docker (experience with Terraform, Ansible, Chef and Puppet is preferred ...

Covenant Holdings Group, LLC

Line Cook

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$16 - $18.50/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 ...

Stage door deli

Line Cook

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$14 - $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 ...

Collevecchio Llc

Line Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$18 - $23/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 ...

Collevecchio Llc

Line Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$18 - $23/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 ...

Stage door deli

Line Cook

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$14 - $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 ...

Collevecchio Llc

Line Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$18 - $23/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 ...

Covenant Holdings Group, LLC

Line Cook

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$16 - $18.50/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 ...

Stage door deli

Line Cook

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$14 - $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 ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsResearch Chef JobsResearch Chef Jobs in Reston, VA

Research Chef information

See Reston, VA salary details

$47.9K

$87.2K

$138.4K

How much do research chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for research chef in Reston, VA is $87,175.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,700.00 and $122,200.00 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

What are popular job titles related to Research Chef jobs in Reston, VA?

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

What job categories do people searching Research Chef jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Research Chef jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Research Chef jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Research Chef job openings:

Research Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Chef job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $87,175 per year, or $41.9 per hour.

Chef de Cuisine

Union Square Events

Washington, DC • On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Position Title: Chef De Cuisine

Salary: $110,000 to $120,000

Other Forms of Compensation: Bonus

Founded in 2005 as Hudson Yards Catering, Union Square Events is a culinary and operations leader in the hospitality industry, partnering with a diverse portfolio of best-in-class clients. We produce one-of-a-kind catered events and unparalleled dining experiences in a variety of cultural, corporate, entertainment, and private venues throughout New York City and beyond.

This position is eligible for an Employee Referral Bonus! If you know someone that is qualified for this role, please use the ‘job search’ in PeopleHub to refer your referral and email them a link to apply. Your referral will be able to apply by clicking the link in the email. You can check the status through your profile, accessible via Careers in PeopleHub, by clicking on ‘referral tracking.’ For Employee Referral guidelines, FAQs and the Compass Employee Referral Policy, email MyReferral@compass-usa.com. 

Job Summary
Located at the JW Mariott in DC
 
Summary:
•   Oversee multiple outlets and must understand and nurture the company core values and F&B program.   
•    Develop and implement new recipes, culinary activations, and menu items in collaboration with the Executive Chef and Creative Director.  
•    Work with Sous Chefs to direct production and on-site execution of new recipes.   
•    Work with Sous Chefs to oversee all service and training of cooks and porters.
•    Facilitate and conduct training with Sous Chefs as needed with BOH teams at facility and on-site.  
•    Works collaboratively with the Sous Chefs to maintain quality control and standards of production.  
•    Serve as a resource and liaison collaborating with sales executives alongside the Executive Chef and Creative Director for event-specific R&D projects, and offer help finding alternative solutions for menu requests. 
•    Collaborate with Culinary Team and Purchasing Manager to build out recipes, source, and price verify for newly developed items to meet both development and budget requirements.  
•    Collaborate with Purchasing Manager to identify and source with new vendors as needed.  
•    Work with Creative Director and Executive Chef to determine development calendar and internally promote new items internally. 
•    Supports special projects when needed with projects including but not limited to:  (tasting, high-level production, media requests, promotions, and photo shoots).  
•    Be familiar with and help maintain all safety standards, safe food preparation practices, and emergency preparedness requirements. 
  • Serve as the department head for culinary operations in the absences of Executive Chef 
  • Assist in menu development, inventory, ordering/purchasing, food cost controls, training, sanitation, and personnel management to include hiring, firing, counseling, coaching and development
 
Preferred Qualifications: 
  • Minimum 7 years culinary experience
  • Minimum of 3 years experience, depending upon formal degree or training 
  • Experience with food production for large catering or banquet functions is a plus
  • Knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation 
  • Batch cooking or high-volume cooking experience preferred 
  • ServSafe Certified 
 

Apply to Union Square Events today!

Union Square Events is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

  

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. 

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Associates at Union Square Events are offered many fantastic benefits.

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Personal Leave
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_RA.pdf

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Union Square Events maintains a drug-free workplace.

Req ID:  1557467

Union Square Events 

Gina Barbish 

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