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Research Development Chef Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Meriwether Godsey, Inc.

Executive Chef

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$90K - $95K/yr

Oversee menu development, purchasing, and production, incorporating the latest trends and practices ... Establish and maintain strong vendor relationships while researching price variations. * Implement ...

Virginia Tech

Chef de Cuisine - Dietrick

Blacksburg, VA

$47K - $56K/yr

Chef de Cuisine - Dietrick Apply now Back to search results Job no: 536642 Work type: Staff Senior ... research annually. Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development ...

Virginia Tech

Chef de Cuisine - West End

Blacksburg, VA

$47K - $56K/yr

Chef de Cuisine - West End Apply now Back to search results Job no: 536620 Work type: Staff Senior ... research annually. Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development ...

SHAMIN HOTELS MASTER

Executive Chef

Norfolk, VA

$61K - $84K/yr

Whether you're interested in front-line operations, corporate management, or hotel development, we ... Research new products and develop an analysis of the cost and profit benefits. Review new ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsResearch Development Chef JobsResearch Development Chef Jobs in Virginia

Research Development Chef information

See Virginia salary details

$48.1K

$100.9K

$163.6K

How much do research development chef jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development chef in Virginia is $100,921.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,800.00 and $115,500.00 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 Virginia? The most popular types of Research Development Chef jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Research Development Chef jobs in Virginia? For Research Development Chef jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research Development Chef jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Research Development Chef jobs in Virginia are:
Research Development Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Development Chef job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $100,921 per year, or $48.5 per hour.
Executive Chef

Executive Chef

Meriwether Godsey, Inc.

Alexandria, VA • On-site

$90K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted yesterday

Job description

Meriwether Godsey is looking for an Executive Chef responsible for leading and managing a high-volume food production program, as well as special events and high-end catering for a dining program at a beautiful college preparatory school in Virginia. Our ideal candidate has strong culinary and management skills, a vision for excellence, as well as a passion and demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity.


  • Full-Time, Salaried Position
  • Beautiful Work Location
  • Schedule that will be based around Sunday-Thursday with Friday and Saturday off (additional shifts may be needed for catering and events)

What the Executive Chef will do:

  • Communicate daily with production staff on all food production activities.
  • Purchase organically and locally produced foods, whenever possible, and work alongside production staff to incorporate these products into recipe and menu offerings daily.
  • Oversee menu development, purchasing, and production, incorporating the latest trends and practices.
  • Ensure proper food temperatures are reached, maintained, and recorded; ensure daily records of food usage, organization of storage/cooler areas, and other compliance regulations are kept.
  • Lead by example; engaging and developing direct reports and team members through ongoing support, monitoring, coaching, and feedback.
  • Establish and maintain strong vendor relationships while researching price variations.
  • Implement and maintain HACCP standards.
  • Maintain effective client and customer-centric relationships.
  • Deliver high-end catering.
  • Assist in Back of House phases of financial planning, budget/cost analysis and reporting to set, monitor and achieve operating and financial goals.


What the Executive Chef will need:

  • Associate’s Degree or five or more years of related food service experience.
  • 5+ Years experience in Contract Food Service Operation, High-End Catering Management, and High-Volume Dining, and Multi-Unit experience.
  • Application and promotion of current food trends.
  • Proficiency and growing knowledge of sustainable practices.
  • Participative management style and excellent leadership skills.
  • Demonstrated experience cultivating talent and promoting and inclusive work environment.
  • Strong communication and presentation skills.
  • Account and Project Management Skills.
  • Knowledge of food safety (HACCP), sanitation and overall workplace safety standards.
  • Ability to work in a collaborative team environment while fostering strong client and customer relationships.
  • ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Certification preferred.


What the Executive Chef will get:

  • Competitive Pay, Meals, Uniforms, Benefits such as Health, Vision, Dental, and more!

Meriwether Godsey offers significant opportunities for growth and career advancement. The work environment is fast-paced, team-oriented, and high-energy. You’ll be surrounded and supported by people who are passionate about serving others.
Enjoy a small, community-focused environment where you may grow your leadership and hospitality skills, and your career opportunities with a value-based company. Help Meriwether Godsey set the standard for hospitality in the Northern Virginia market!
Interested in learning more? Visit our About Us Page

Meriwether Godsey is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable workplace.

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