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Research Development Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Cottage Health

Sous Chef

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$26.57 - $40.34/hr

Assists in the development, testing and standardizing recipes for upscale and general applications ... research and education. Our health system operates primarily in Santa Barbara, CA, since 1888, and ...

Cottage Health System

Sous Chef

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Assists in the development, testing and standardizing recipes for upscale and general applications ... research and education. Our health system operates primarily in Santa Barbara, CA, since 1888, and ...

José Andrés Group

Executive Sous Chef

Culver City, CA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Menu, Features & R&D Partner with Chef on seasonal menus, specials, and tastings; ensure mise en place and training precede launch. Provide data-informed feedback on menu mix, prep yields, and guest ...

Jose Andres Group

Executive Sous Chef

Culver City, CA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Menu, Features & R&D Partner with Chef on seasonal menus, specials, and tastings; ensure mise en place and training precede launch. Provide data-informed feedback on menu mix, prep yields, and guest ...

MEZZE CULVER CITY LLC

Executive Sous Chef

Culver City, CA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Menu, Features & R&D Partner with Chef on seasonal menus, specials, and tastings; ensure mise en place and training precede launch. Provide data-informed feedback on menu mix, prep yields, and guest ...

Dnata

Regional Executive Chef

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$76K - $104K/yr

Lead and support Executive Chefs and culinary teams across multiple kitchens to ensure consistent ... Menu Development, R&D, and Innovation * Lead regional support for new menu design, recipe ...

Haliburton International

Culinary Chef

Ontario, CA · On-site

The Corporate Chef's position combines food and menu research, hands-on cooking and product development with live customer cooking presentations and demonstrations. Haliburton Corporate Chef's must ...

Dnata

Executive Sous Chef

Brisbane, CA · On-site

$78K - $99K/yr

As the Executive Sous Chef for dnata Catering, you will play a vital role in assisting the ... R&D Manager. * Testing food modalities and quality to ensure excellence in offerings.

New

Belmont Village

Chef Manager In Training

San Diego, CA · On-site

$75K/yr

... research-based programming with best-in-class care and a resident-centered approach. Our ... Belmont Village is dedicated to the growth and development of our team members, offering a wide ...

Salted

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 ...

Excelsior Pub

Chef de Cuisine

San Rafael, CA

$70K - $80K/yr

NOW HIRING * MARIN COUNTY, CA | Chef de Cuisine Excelsior Pub | Hidden Splendor Fine Beer Co ... A defined creative role with genuine influence -- developing specials and collaborating on R&D ...

Excelsior Pub

Chef de Cuisine

San Rafael, CA

$74K - $101K/yr

NOW HIRING • MARIN COUNTY, CA | Chef de Cuisine Excelsior Pub | Hidden Splendor Fine Beer Co ... A defined creative role with genuine influence -- developing specials and collaborating on R&D ...

AccorHotel

Venues Sous Chef

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Our Chefs are passionate about developing innovative, focused, and thoughtful individuals that will ... Maintain and enhance the food products through creative menu research and development * Balance ...

AccorHotel

Venues Sous Chef

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Our Chefs are passionate about developing innovative, focused, and thoughtful individuals that will ... Maintain and enhance the food products through creative menu research and development * Balance ...

FAIRMONT

Venues Sous Chef

Los Angeles, CA

Our Chefs are passionate about developing innovative, focused, and thoughtful individuals that will ... Maintain and enhance the food products through creative menu research and development * Balance ...

Cottage Health

Sous Chef

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Assists in the development, testing and standardizing recipes for upscale and general applications ... research and education. Our health system operates primarily in Santa Barbara, CA, since 1888, and ...

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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 Sep 13, 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 September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,461 per year, or $48.3 per hour.

Sous Chef

Santa Barbara, CA • On-site

Cottage Health
See more jobs at Cottage Healthexternal

$26.57 - $40.34/hr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Cottage Health rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description


The Sous Chef assumes charge of the kitchen operation in the absence of the Executive Chef, to plan, direct, and evaluate the purchase, preparation, and production of food for patients, Cafeteria, Marketplace, Deli and special Catered functions to ensure that the standards of safety, quality, and performance are maintained. Assists in the development, testing and standardizing recipes for upscale and general applications. Reviews with Culinary Dietitian to ensure suitability for modified diets.
Responsibilities
This is not an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Employees will be required to perform any job, with related instruction given by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.
  • Schedules, supervises, coordinates, and evaluates the work of kitchen employees to insure the delivery of quality food service and standards are met while the Executive Chef is not on duty. (45%)
  • Demonstrates the ability to apply technical, professional and product expertise to real world situations. Ensures appropriate inventory is maintained in terms of quality and quantity through the performance of inventory and recordkeeping of various food products (15%)
  • Understands and oversees the cooking of all menu items to ensure it is done in an efficient method using culinary fundamentals. Evaluates the quality of food products through tasting, inspecting, and testing. (10%)
  • Works alongside the Culinary Registered Dietitian, to create and tailor menus based on product availability and to ensure suitability for modified patient diets. Creates distinctive daily specials that incorporate seasonal ingredients. Assists in the development and preparation of cafeteria, café, Marketplace, Deli, Catering and patient menus. (10%)
  • Participates in financial controls, through budget preparation and controlling variable expenditures. Participates in conducting daily inventories of perishable food in order to prevent waste. Makes order and purchasing decisions daily to take advantage of favorable pricing. (10%)
  • Understands and adheres to county, state and federal regulatory requirements and standards.
    Maintains all necessary records of food preparation and presentation as required.
    Observes all food safety and infection control policies and procedures.
    Ensures that all work areas are clean, sanitized and organized.
    Report any safety hazards. (10%)

Qualifications
All job qualifications listed indicate the minimum level necessary to perform this job proficiently.
LEVEL OF EDUCATION
Preferred:
  • Culinary Degree or AA in field

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Minimum:
  • California Food Handlers Card

Preferred:
  • ServSafe Certificate

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
Minimum:
  • Knowledge of state, local and federal regulations which govern food service

YEARS OF RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE
Minimum:
  • 5 years of experience as a Cook and/or Sous Chef

Preferred:
  • 3 years in a culinary leadership role

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES
All knowledge, skills, and abilities listed indicate the minimum level deemed necessary to perform this job proficiently.
  • Ability to exercise good judgment and tact in providing strong leadership, guidance, and assistance.
  • Strong interpersonal skills that reflect a positive attitude and a sense of commitment to patients, work associations, and the community
  • The employee communicates effectively.Effective oral and written communication skills.
  • Knowledge of institutional food preparation, cooking, serving and storingKnowledge of menu planningKnowledge of kitchen cleaning materials, methods and general hygiene practicesKnowledge of institutional kitchen safety, sanitation and energy practicesKnowledge of operation and upkeep of kitchen equipmentAbility to prepare and instruct others in preparation, cooking and serving of food in large quantitiesKnowledge of budget preparation, monitoring and control

About Us
Cottage Health is a leading acute care hospital system, located on the central coast of California, widely known for our superior patient care, innovation, medical research and education. Our health system operates primarily in Santa Barbara, CA, since 1888, and consists of three acute care hospitals, a Rehabilitation Hospital, multiple clinics and a multi-site Urgent Care system. Our mission is to serve the central coast communities with excellence, integrity, and compassion. Every day we touch thousands of lives in many different ways, resolute in our mission to put patients first. We take pride in helping our patients get back to living their lives - in the places they love.
*Pay for non-physician positions is determined based on related years of experience and internal equity. Eligible employees may also receive additional forms of compensation, including shift differentials, on-call pay, incentive pay, and bonus opportunities, where applicable. Manager and above positions may participate in Cottage Health's annual management incentive program. Physician compensation is determined based upon specialty and may include bonus potential. For more information on our comprehensive Total Rewards offerings, please visit https://cottagehealth.org/careers/total-rewards.
If you're already a Cottage Health employee, please apply on this link only.

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