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Research Development Chef Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

SCHWAN'S

Executive Chef of Culinary Services

Hopkins, MN · On-site

$83K - $139K/yr

We are hiring a Corporate Executive Chef based out of our new corporate HQ and kitchen in Hopkins ... Work closely with R&D team to provide insight into operator needs. What You Will Bring: * A ...

Primrose School

Assistant Teacher Position

MN · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Training & development At Primrose School of Maple Grove, you'll play a vital role in caring for ... On-site chef providing nutritious meals multiple times a day. * Award-winning curriculum delivered ...

Taher, Inc.

2nd Shift Production Supervisor

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

This includes new products, R&D, equipment investments, and will lead the production and assembly ... At Fresh Seasons Kitchen, we focus on delivering chef-driven, convenient items prepared with hand ...

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Research Development Chef information

See Minnesota salary details

$47.5K

$99.7K

$161.6K

How much do research development chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development chef in Minnesota is $99,698.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,900.00 and $114,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Research Development Chef jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Research Development Chef jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Research Development Chef jobs in Minnesota? For Research Development Chef jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research Development Chef jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Research Development Chef jobs in Minnesota are:
Research Development Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Development Chef job openings in Minnesota 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 $99,698 per year, or $47.9 per hour.

R&D Scientist/Associate Senior Scientist -Foodservice Product Development-Austin, MN

Hormel Foods

Austin, MN • On-site

$74K - $121K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Hormel Foods rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 98 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

178th of 436 rated food and drinks producers

Job description


To save time applying, Hormel Foods does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas for this position at this time.
Hormel Foods Corporation
ABOUT HORMEL FOODS -
Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minnesota, is a global branded food company with approximately $12 billion in annual revenue. Its brands include PLANTERS®, SKIPPY®, SPAM®, HORMEL® NATURAL CHOICE®, APPLEGATE®, WHOLLY®, HORMEL® BLACK LABEL®, COLUMBUS®, JENNIE-O® and more than 30 other beloved brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named one of the best companies to work for by U.S. News & World Report, one of America's most responsible companies by Newsweek, recognized by TIME magazine as one of the World's Best Companies and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. For more information, visit hormelfoods.com. hormelfoods.com.
SCIENTIST/ASSOCIATE SENIOR SCIENTIST - FOODSERVICE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT - RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT (AUSTIN, MN)
This position reports directly to Development Leader - Product Development - Research and Development.
Relocation is eligible for this role.
Travel: 20-30%
The position offered will be either a Scientist or Associate Senior Scientist position based on experience and qualifications.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Foodservice Product Development Scientist is responsible for developing and commercializing food products that meet customer expectations and business objectives. This role leverages expertise in food science, meat science, and/or culinary arts to transform concepts into commercially viable products while ensuring quality, food safety, regulatory compliance, and manufacturing feasibility.
Working in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment, the Product Development Scientist applies scientific knowledge, process expertise, and culinary insight to develop, optimize, and scale products from concept through launch. In addition to supporting customer-driven and business-led initiatives, this role leads and contributes to blue-sky and white-space innovation projects that identify emerging trends, unmet needs, and breakthrough opportunities for future growth. The position collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to deliver differentiated foodservice solutions and advance the company's innovation pipeline.
Responsibilities
  • Lead and manage multiple product development initiatives of varying complexity, coordinating cross-functional resources to deliver projects on time and within business objectives.
  • Partner closely with other Foodservice Product Development Scientists to generate ideas, solve technical challenges, share best practices, and advance innovation projects that support team, customer, and business goals.
  • Communicate and collaborate effectively with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to translate requirements into actionable development plans, solve technical challenges, and deliver differentiated foodservice solutions.
  • Conduct benchtop and pilot-scale experimentation using food processing equipment and manufacturing technologies.
  • Design, execute, and analyze product, ingredient, and process evaluations to support innovation, quality, cost, and operational goals.
  • Coordinate and execute plant trials, partnering with Operations and FSQ teams to ensure successful scale-up and implementation.
  • Identify and develop new product concepts, ingredient technologies, and white-space opportunities that support long-term growth.
  • Serve as a technical resource on formulations, ingredients, processing technologies, and product performance.
  • Maintain project documentation, formulations, specifications, and technical reports using product development and business systems.
  • Present project progress, technical findings, and recommendations to customers, leadership, and cross-functional teams.
  • Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Meat Science, Culinary Arts, or related discipline.
  • 2 + years of experience in R&D, product development, or related field
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
  • Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication abilities.
  • Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively across teams.
  • Willingness to travel to manufacturing facilities, customers, and industry events
  • Must be a Citizen or National of the United States, a lawful, permanent resident, or have authorization to work in the United States.
  • Applicants must not now, or in the future, require sponsorship for an employment visa.
  • A M.S. or Ph.D. degree in Food Science, Meat Science, or related field.
  • Certified Research Chef (CRC) credential from the Research Chefs Association (RCA)
  • Experience in foodservice, protein/meat products, or value-added products product development
  • Knowledge of HACCP, FSMA, GMPs, thermal processes, and regulatory requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Meat Science, Culinary Arts, or related discipline.
  • 2 + years of experience in R&D, product development, or related field
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
  • Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication abilities.
  • Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively across teams.
  • Willingness to travel to manufacturing facilities, customers, and industry events
  • Applicants must not now, or at any time in the future, require employer sponsorship for a work visa
  • Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer
  • Must be 18 years of age or older

Preferred
  • A M.S. or Ph.D. degree in Food Science, Meat Science, or related field.
  • Certified Research Chef (CRC) credential from the Research Chefs Association (RCA)
  • Experience in foodservice, protein/meat products, or value-added products product development
  • Knowledge of HACCP, FSMA, GMPs, thermal processes, and regulatory requirements
  • Demonstrated ability to apply culinary expertise alongside food science principles to drive innovation

BENEFITS: Hormel Foods offers an excellent benefits package. Competitive base salary plus bonus, annual merit increase performance reviews, medical, dental, vision, non-contributory pension, 401(k) immediate eligible, stock purchase plan, relocation assistance, paid vacation, FREE two-year community/technical college tuition for children of employees.
The base pay range for this position $74,325-$122,222 per year; however, actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills set, level of experience, and specific office location.
At Hormel we invite difference and diversity in all aspects. We offer a space of support, understanding, and community. We are committed to the journey! Learn more about our progress here: https://www.hormelfoods.com/about/diversity-and-inclusion/
Hormel Foods provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity; sexual orientation; religious practices and observances; national origin; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran; or disability.

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