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Research Chef Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

ViziRecruiter,LLC.

Sous Chef-Sports Bar

Washington, DC

$56K - $76K/yr

Assists in the research and development of menu items. * Maintains the inventory of food products, organizes coolers and storerooms, and requisitions non‑food supplies as needed. * Communicates ...

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 ...

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

$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 ...

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

$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 ...

Stage door deli

Line Cook

Alexandria, VA

$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 ...

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 ...

Oac Enterprises LLC

Line Cook

Hyattsville, MD

$15 - $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

$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 ...

Sonoma Consulting Inc.

AWS Architect

Herndon, VA

$66.50 - $87.50/hr

... Research - "Most Dependable Companies" - Ernst & Young - "Entrepreneur of the Year" Finalist Mandatory Skills (MUST) AWS Automation, EC2, EBS, Cloud Formation, puppet, chef Additional Information ...

Della J's

Line Cook

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$20 - $25/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 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 Jun 17, 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.

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.

How to become a certified research chef?

Research chefs typically do not require formal certification but benefit from culinary degrees, experience in food science, and knowledge of food safety standards. Some may pursue certifications such as ServSafe or specialized food science credentials to enhance their expertise and credibility in the field.

What is a R&D chef?

An R&D chef, or research and development chef, is responsible for creating and testing new food products, recipes, and formulations for a company. They often work in test kitchens, collaborate with product development teams, and use culinary skills and food science knowledge to innovate and improve offerings.

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.

What do research chefs do?

Research chefs develop and test new food products, recipes, and flavor combinations for food companies or restaurants. They analyze ingredients, conduct sensory evaluations, and use culinary skills to improve or create offerings, often working with food scientists and product development teams.

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 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 is the highest paid chef job?

The highest paid chef roles are executive chefs, head chefs, or culinary directors in high-end restaurants, hotels, or corporate food services, with salaries often exceeding $100,000 annually. Specialized roles such as consulting chefs or culinary entrepreneurs can also earn higher incomes depending on experience and reputation.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 44% Full Time, 45% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,175 per year, or $41.9 per hour.

Sous Chef-Sports Bar

ViziRecruiter,LLC.

Washington, DC

$56K - $76K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Overview

We’re always looking for talent that believes in having fun. At PENN Entertainment, you’ll get to be a part of an exciting industry, where the days and nights are fast paced. You’ll work with an incredibly diverse set of coworkers driven by their enthusiasm for helping people find and have more fun. You’ll also get to work at a company that cares about your career growth and will help you get the support you need to expand your possibilities.

Initial placement within the salary range is based on an individual's relevant knowledge, skills, and experience. Base salary is just one component of our competitive Total Rewards package, which includes wellness programs designed to support our team members' financial, physical, and mental well-being. Specific benefits—such as day‑one medical coverage, 401(k) matching, and annual performance bonus—may vary by position. Paid time off is earned according to the local policy and increases with the length of employment.

Click HERE to discover how we empower team members to grow, thrive, and advance in their careers.

Responsibilities
  • Supervises food storage, preparation, production, and the Utility Staff to ensure safe, efficient, clean, and sanitary food handling in all Food and Beverage areas.
  • This position is responsible for providing a high level of customer service and promoting a positive attitude to create a fun and entertaining experience for our guests and team members.
  • Monitors all preparation and production procedures to ensure proper holding/heating temperatures, rotation, flavor, texture, and presentation of all food products.
  • Monitors break schedules, waste log sheets, food time and temperature log books, and MSDS books.
  • Conducts sanitation inspections to ensure that the staff is complying with all safe-handling procedures.
  • Expedites food orders, prepares, and produces food items as required.
  • Holds pre‑shift meetings to keep team members well informed about work‑related information.
  • Establishes production levels for each shift based on computer‑generated guest levels.
  • Schedules departmental staff for adequate coverage by following proper Union collective bargaining agreements and company guidelines.
  • Assists in the research and development of menu items.
  • Maintains the inventory of food products, organizes coolers and storerooms, and requisitions non‑food supplies as needed.
  • Communicates with guests, colleagues, and management in a polite, professional manner and always practices Red Carpet Service training.
  • Works as part of a team and directs employees as a team.
  • Consistently follows through with the appropriate actions when asked to complete projects or tasks.
  • Ensures that team members follow recipes to exact standards; follows recipes formulas, standards, cooking time, directions, and quantities.
  • Attends scheduled meetings/classes/training as directed.
  • Leads by example and mentors fellow Cooks at all times.
  • Complies with all company and departmental rules and policies.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Requirements
  • High School Diploma or equivalent required. Specialized training equivalent to 2 years of college. 2–3 years’ experience in Culinary Arts is preferred.
  • 2‑3 years of supervisory experience in a similar situation is preferred for this position.
  • Must understand and speak the English language.
  • Ability to manage a team.
  • Ability to multi‑task with differing priorities.
  • Ability to work evenings, weekends and holidays.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to sit; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, and crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee requires manual dexterity to operate all necessary equipment. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance. Must be able to push and pull carts and equipment weighing up to 250 lbs., occasionally.

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