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Research Development Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lab37

Research & Development Chef

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$75K - $110K/yr

This isn't just an R&D role -- you're helping define the culinary roadmap for a business with ambitions of X+locations, household-name brands, and the gold standard in digital-first dining. You'll ...

Del Taco, LLC

R&D Chef

Lake Forest, CA

$89K - $110K/yr

JOB TITLE: R&D Chef FLSA STATUS: Exempt DEPARTMENT: Research and Development REPORTS TO: Director of Culinary Research & Development LOCATION: Lake Forest, CA Test Kitchen SALARY RANGE : $89,000 ...

Del Taco

R&D Chef

Lake Forest, CA · On-site

$89K - $110K/yr

JOB TITLE: R&D Chef FLSA STATUS: Exempt DEPARTMENT: Research and Development REPORTS TO: Director of Culinary Research & Development LOCATION: Lake Forest, CA Test Kitchen SALARY RANGE : $89,000 ...

NBCUniversal

Chef Research & Development

Universal City, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Role Summary The Chef, Research & Development is responsible for leading the culinary innovation process from concept through operational approval, creating exceptional food and beverage experiences ...

New

Vespertine

Chef Assistant

Culver City, CA · On-site

Vespertine is seeking a dedicated chef assistant to the Research and Development chef. This employee will work directly with the Research and Development chef and Culinary Director to accomplish ...

Vespertine

Chef Assistant

Culver City, CA · On-site

$18.47/hr

Vespertine is seeking a dedicated chef assistant to the Research and Development chef. This employee will work directly with the Research and Development chef and Culinary Director to accomplish ...

KAGOME, Inc.

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 ...

Kagome Inc.

Business Development Chef

San Carlos, CA · On-site

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 ...

Stir Foods

Development Chef

Fullerton, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Product Development Chef Employer Information Organization Name: Stir Foods LLC Website: www ... Director of Culinary R&D Job Location: Orange/ Fullerton, CA Hours/Week: Monday through Friday 40 ...

KAGOME, Inc.

Business Development Manager

Los Banos, CA · On-site

$77K - $127K/yr

... research and competitive analysis to uncover unmet needs and identify potential business segments ... Development Chef, to conceptualize and develop on-trend, scalable sauce solutions tailored to ...

Kagome Inc.

Business Development Manager

Los Banos, CA · On-site

Conduct market research and competitive analysis to uncover unmet needs and identify potential ... Partner with the Culinary Team, especially the Business Development Chef, to conceptualize and ...

Altius Search Group

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 ...

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All JobsResearch Development Chef JobsResearch Development Chef Jobs in California

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 Aug 20, 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 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 skills and qualifications are needed to be a research development chef?

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 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 Development Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Development Chef job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,461 per year, or $48.3 per hour.

Research & Development Chef

Lab37

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$75K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Lab37 Robotics, is a technology company focused on the development and deployment of robots designed specifically for direct-to-customer food production. Our mission is to revolutionize the food industry by creating innovative robotic solutions that enhance efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction. We are passionate about pushing the boundaries of technology to deliver cutting-edge products that meet the evolving needs of our clients.


Role Overview

You're the culinary engine behind everything we build — new brands, core brands, and everything in between. You translate market opportunities and brand briefs into real food: the component systems, recipes, and operational playbooks that make our brands cook at scale. This isn't just an R&D role — you're helping define the culinary roadmap for a business with ambitions of X+locations, household-name brands, and the gold standard in digital-first dining. You'll own the full pipeline from first sketch to production-ready, and launch execution.

Responsibilities
  • Define and execute a cohesive culinary roadmap — new brands, core brands, and LTO strategy — aligned with our long-term goals: X+ locations, highly profitable, the gold standard in digital-first
  • Lead the R&D pipeline for both new and core brands
  • Own the full recipe pipeline: menu outline → component architecture → recipe parametrics → testing → scaling → kitchen ready
  • Develop and execute an LTO strategy that balances culinary innovation with the realities of small, extremely high-volume footprints
  • Develop, test, and iterate recipes from base testing through production-scale validation (COGS + labor); parameterize and certify for robotic systems
  • Build prep task libraries, order guides, and weekly production plans from PMIX models
  • Research supplier opportunities to reduce costs and improve ingredient quality
  • Build and maintain the component library — identify cross-brand reuse opportunities to maximize efficiency
  • Collaborate with Ops to establish and enforce elite standards for prep, presentation, and safety (HACCP)
  • Partner with Brand Manager, Designer, Ops, and Tech to ensure new launches are executed flawlessly in every kitchen
Qualifications
  • 3+ years culinary experience, with at least 4 years in a recipe development and culinary R&D.
  • Strong and diverse knowledge of different cuisine types — you can crank out a badass smash burger and turn around and dish out a green curry that feels like sitting on the streets of Bangkok.
  • Strong systems thinking — you design components, not just dishes
  • Experience working at speed: you can develop, test, and iterate fast without sacrificing quality
  • Methodical recipe developer: you build a quarterly roadmap and translate into weekly sprint schedules, stay rigorously organized, and test with intention — only running tests that matter under requirements that are clearly defined upfront so nothing is wasted.
  • Can put on a consultant hat, go into kitchen operations, and/or receive ratings feedback, identify opportunities for continuous improvement, and translate those insights into the team’s roadmap.
  • You gather data continuously throughout the process to capture every necessary output, and you document with precision and detail so the final recipe lands production-ready, the first time
  • Passion for building something new, not just executing someone else's playbook
Additional Information

Our work environment is fast-paced and dynamic, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and fulfilling work. We believe that a stimulating and enjoyable workplace is key to driving innovation and achieving excellence. At Lab37 Robotics, every team member plays a vital role in shaping the future of food production, and we are committed to supporting our employees’ growth and success.

Pay and benefits: We are looking for best in class for both talent and work ethic and provide benefits and pay to match.

Join us at Lab37 Robotics and be a part of a forward-thinking company that’s transforming the way the world approaches food production.

More detail about Lab37 part of Lab37, please visit https://culinaryagents.com/entities/681860-Lab37