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Research Development Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SUMMARY OF POSITION The R&D Chef is a collaborative culinary leadership role working closely with Chef/Owner Jordan Kahn and the Director of Culinary to develop, refine, and bring ideas to fruition ...

The R&D Chef's Assistant will spend some of their day working in the production areas of the plant(s). This role will carry out all R&D activities on the production floor working to ensure proper ...

R&D Chef's Assistant

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$26 - $36/hr

The R&D Chef's Assistant will spend some of their day working in the production areas of the plant(s). This role will carry out all R&D activities on the production floor working to ensure proper ...

R&D Chef's Assistant

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$26 - $36/hr

The R&D Chef's Assistant will spend some of their day working in the production areas of the plant(s). This role will carry out all R&D activities on the production floor working to ensure proper ...

Business Development Chef

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$77K - $127K/yr

Work with Kagome R&D managers and scientists to develop products/ideas/applications that meet ... Certified Research Chef or Certified Culinary Scientist, a plus * Years and Type of Related ...

Chef - Dim Sum

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

This role is focused on the research, development, and production of high-quality dim sum doughs ... Working from our central commissary kitchen, this chef will lead the development of innovative ...

Support menu development, seasonal transitions, and R&D initiatives * Train, mentor, and develop culinary staff * Uphold sanitation, safety, and organizational systems * Collaborate closely with Chef ...

... R&D roles as the brand expands Health benefits and 401(k) after probation period Real creative input in new dishes and menu features Team meals and a family-first, no-ego environment Location: 637 ...

VP of Culinary

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$180K - $220K/yr

This role reports directly to our CEO and initially will manage a team of two (Culinary Director + R&D Chef). Responsibilities include: * Define and execute a cohesive culinary roadmap that aligns ...

... development as well as counseling and discipline where necessary. ● Ensure staff reports to ... Research new products and develop new menu items, along with the Executive Chef. ● Recognize any ...

Task Force Chef

West Hollywood, CA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Actively participate with venue Chefs on prep, and R&D for tastings * Oversee and participate in all catering events. Both in venue and offsite. * Understand all venues and be able to lead each team ...

Sous Chef

Beverly Hills, CA

$57K - $77K/yr

The Sous Chef serves as a leader, mentor, and role model within the kitchen, ensuring that every ... Support menu research and development initiatives. * Contribute ideas that elevate the culinary ...

Sous Chef

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

$57K - $77K/yr

The Sous Chef serves as a leader, mentor, and role model within the kitchen, ensuring that every ... Support menu research and development initiatives. * Contribute ideas that elevate the culinary ...

Sous Chef

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

$57K - $77K/yr

The Sous Chef serves as a leader, mentor, and role model within the kitchen, ensuring that every ... Support menu research and development initiatives. * Contribute ideas that elevate the culinary ...

Executive Chef - EC

Laguna Beach, CA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

The Executive Chef is responsible for the development and oversight of the overall strategic vision ... Use market research to develop new products and ensure consistency in food delivery and standards.

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Research Development Chef information

See California salary details

$47.9K

$100.5K

$162.8K

How much do research development chef jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development chef in California is $100,461.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,500.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Research Development Chef position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Development Chef, you need comprehensive culinary expertise, a deep understanding of food science, and often a degree in culinary arts or food technology. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, recipe management software, and food safety certifications like ServSafe is highly valuable. Creativity, problem-solving skills, and strong collaboration abilities help you excel when designing innovative recipes and working with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure you can successfully develop new food products that meet both culinary standards and market demands.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Research Development Chef?

As a Research Development Chef, your day often involves creating and testing new recipes, refining existing products, and collaborating with food scientists and marketing teams on product concepts. You'll also conduct sensory evaluations, oversee kitchen trials, and ensure that all recipes meet quality, safety, and cost parameters. Working closely with other chefs, suppliers, and sometimes clients, you help bring innovative food ideas from the test kitchen to commercial production. The role is dynamic and hands-on, blending creative culinary work with research and project management tasks.

What does a Research Development Chef do?

A Research Development Chef is responsible for creating, testing, and refining new food products, recipes, and menu items, often for restaurants, food manufacturers, or retail brands. They blend culinary creativity with food science and market trends to develop innovative and scalable food concepts. Their role involves experimenting with ingredients, improving flavors, ensuring product consistency, and considering factors like cost, nutrition, and production feasibility.

What is the highest paying type of chef?

Executive chefs and culinary directors typically earn the highest salaries among chefs, often exceeding $70,000 annually, especially in upscale restaurants or hotel settings. Specialized roles such as pastry chefs or chefs with advanced certifications and extensive experience can also command high wages, particularly in high-end establishments or managerial positions.

How to become a research and development chef?

To become a research and development chef, individuals typically need a culinary degree or extensive cooking experience, along with knowledge of food science and product development. Skills in experimentation, creativity, and understanding of food safety are essential, and familiarity with industry tools like sensory analysis and formulation software can be beneficial. Gaining experience in food innovation and staying updated on culinary trends also support career advancement in this field.

What is the highest paid chef position?

The highest paid chef position is typically Executive Chef or Culinary Director, especially in luxury hotels, high-end restaurants, or corporate food services, with salaries often exceeding $100,000 annually. These roles require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often involve managing large teams and budgets.

What does a research and development chef do?

A research and development chef develops new food products, recipes, and cooking techniques to improve or create offerings for a company or brand. They often experiment with ingredients, conduct taste tests, and collaborate with other culinary and product development teams, using skills in food science and culinary arts to innovate and meet market trends.
What are the most commonly searched types of Research Development Chef jobs in California? The most popular types of Research Development Chef jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Research Development Chef jobs in California? For Research Development Chef jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research Development Chef jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Research Development Chef jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Research Development Chef jobs? Cities in California with the most Research Development Chef job openings:

Research and Development Chef

Vespertine

Culver City, CA

$80K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The R&D Chef is a collaborative culinary leadership role working closely with Chef/Owner Jordan Kahn and the Director of Culinary to develop, refine, and bring ideas to fruition across Destroyer, Meteora, and Vespertine. This position supports the creative process through thoughtful execution, translating concepts into fully realized dishes, systems, and experiences.

The R&D Chef shepherds ideas through all phases of development, including sourcing and ordering, testing and iteration, organization and timeline management, documentation, and hands-on support through training and implementation. The role requires sensitivity to creative intent, strong technical skill, and disciplined follow-through to ensure ideas are expressed clearly, consistently, and sustainably within each restaurant.

More detail about Vespertine part of Sprout LA, please visit https://culinaryagents.com/entities/83505-Vespertine