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Research Development Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Conagra Brands, Inc.

Associate Development Chef

Omaha, NE · On-site

$59K - $78K/yr

This role is deeply hands-on and highly visible, blending chef creativity with storytelling as you ... You will coordinate research and development cuttings, drive flavor and technique, and serve as a ...

Conagra Brands

Associate Development Chef

Omaha, NE

$59K - $78K/yr

This role is deeply handson and highly visible, blending chef creativity with storytelling as you ... You will coordinate research and development cuttings, drive flavor and technique, and serve as a ...

Home Chef

Executive Chef, Production (Contract)

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$68K - $94K/yr

Attend weekly meetings with R&D chefs in order to give feedback on recipes or ingredient specifications * Review meal ratings weekly and assess areas for performance improvement Documentation and ...

Home Chef

Executive Chef, Production (Contract)

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$68K - $94K/yr

Attend weekly meetings with R&D chefs in order to give feedback on recipes or ingredient specifications * Review meal ratings weekly and assess areas for performance improvement Documentation and ...

Maple Hospitality Group

Chef de Cuisine

Chicago, IL

$135K - $150K/yr

Who You Are The R&D Chef is the culinary architect for the brand, bridging the gap between Michelin-caliber artistry and multi-unit scalability. This role demands a rare hybrid of elite creativity ...

Maple

Maple & Ash Chicago - Chef De Cuisine

Chicago, IL · On-site

$135K - $150K/yr

Who You Are The R&D Chef is the culinary architect for the brand, bridging the gap between Michelin-caliber artistry and multi-unit scalability. This role demands a rare hybrid of elite creativity ...

The Dixboro Project

Executive Chef

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

Partner with Chef Partner Garrett Lipar on menu development, seasonal evolution, tastings, and research & development * Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing culinary team rooted in ...

The Dixboro Project

Executive Chef

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

Partner with Chef Partner Garrett Lipar on menu development, seasonal evolution, tastings, and research & development * Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing culinary team rooted in ...

The DIXBORO PROJECT

Executive Chef

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

Partner with Chef Partner Garrett Lipar on menu development, seasonal evolution, tastings, and research & development * Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing culinary team rooted in ...

The Dixboro Project

Executive Chef

Ann Arbor, MI

$95K - $120K/yr

Partner with Chef Partner Garrett Lipar on menu development, seasonal evolution, tastings, and research & development * Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing culinary team rooted in ...

M Culinary Concepts

Executive Chef

Phoenix, AZ

$67K - $92K/yr

Executive Chef M Culinary Concept is searching for a passionate Executive Chef to join our vibrant ... Conduct culinary research, development, and innovation, keeping offerings aligned with industry ...

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 ...

M Culinary Concepts

Executive Chef

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$85K/yr

Executive Chef M Culinary Concept is searching for a passionate Executive Chef to join our vibrant ... Conduct culinary research, development, and innovation, keeping offerings aligned with industry ...

Vivibowl

Culinary Innovation Chef

Manhattan, NY

$90K - $120K/yr

We're seeking an innovative, hands-on Chef to join our Research & Development (R&D) team and help shape the future of our menu. This role is central to crafting new menu items, refining existing ...

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Research Development Chef information

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$48.5K

$101.8K

$165K

How much do research development chef jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development chef in the United States is $101,794.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $116,500.00 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.
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Research Development Chef jobs near you
Associate Development Chef

Associate Development Chef

Conagra Brands, Inc.

Omaha, NE • On-site

$59K - $78K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Conagra Brands rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 126 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

178th of 381 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Reporting to the Culinary Director, you will cook, create, and innovate in our research & development kitchen where food is the star. You will lead culinary product development from concept through execution, crafting and refining recipes while partnering closely with food scientists to develop gold-standard formulations that will be commercialized at our plants. This role is deeply hands-on and highly visible, blending chef creativity with storytelling as you bring culinary inspiration to life for our leadership, customers and at events. You will coordinate research and development cuttings, drive flavor and technique, and serve as a culinary ambassador who translates trends and inspiration into compelling, customer-ready products.
A Taste of Your Responsibilities
  • Coordinate and execute innovation tastings, customer meetings, and culinary-focused events.
  • Collaborate with members of the culinary team and cross-functional partners to arrange culinary-centric business functions such as taste treks and culinary inspiration days.
  • Assist with customer meetings featuring food-focused discussions led by the culinary team.
  • Maintain inventory of ingredients used in the development process and proactively stage ingredients for development sessions, focusing on culinary innovation.
  • Input and maintain recipes on inter-department shared drives and actively update records for future reference.
  • Maintain kitchen operations, including sanitation, maintenance, and organization.

Ingredients Required for Your Success
  • Associate degree in culinary arts or a related discipline.
  • Two years of experience in a culinary-focused role.
  • Previous experience with hands-on cooking responsibility and accountability for purchasing, sanitation, inventory management, and ordering processes.
  • Strong culinary skills with an emphasis on savory cooking and current food trends.
  • Sanitation training and certification.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Analytical and logical problem-solving skills.
  • Collaborative approach with the ability to work effectively across all levels of the organization.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

#LI-Onsite
#LI-MH1
#LI-Associate
Compensation
Pay Range:$59,000-$78,000
The annual salary listed above is the expected offering for this position. An employee's actual annual salary will be based on but not limited to: location, relevant experience/level and skillset, while balancing internal Conagra employees' equity. Conagra Brands will comply with applicable law regarding minimum salaries for exempt employees.
Our Benefits
We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role:
  • Health: Comprehensive healthcare plans, wellness incentive program, mental wellbeing support and fitness reimbursement
  • Wealth: Great pay, bonus incentive opportunity, matching 401(k) and stock purchase plan
  • Growth: Career development opportunities, employee resource groups, on-demand learning and tuition reimbursement
  • Balance: Paid-time off, parental leave, flexible work-schedules (subject to your location and role) and volunteer opportunities

Our Company
At Conagra Brands, we have a rich heritage of making great food. We aspire to have the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in food. As a member of our 18,000+ person team across 40+ locations, you are empowered to reach your potential, make an impact and own your career. We're in the business of building champions - within our people and our iconic brands like Birds Eye®, Slim Jim® and Reddi-Wip®.
Our focus on innovation extends beyond making great food, it also reflects our commitment to embracing new solutions that positively impact our team, the communities we serve and the health of our planet. Foodies Welcome.
Conagra Brands is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law. Reasonable accommodation may be made upon request.

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About Conagra Brands

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Conagra Brands (NYSE: CAG) is an approximately $11 billion company that combines a rich heritage of making great food with a sharpened focus and entrepreneurial spirit. We're transforming the way we operate to fulfill what consumers and customers want, in a smart, simple way. We're modernizing our iconic food brands, leveraging fresh opportunities and adapting to a changing landscape - all with a culture that's ready to capture growth and drive shareholder value.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1919

Social media

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