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Research Development Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Stir Foods

Development Chef

Fullerton, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

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 ...

Conagra Brands

Associate Development Chef

Omaha, NE · On-site

$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

Lithia Springs, GA

$65K - $90K/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 ...

Home Chef

Executive Chef, Production

Atlanta, GA

$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

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 ...

Talis Group, Inc.

Foodservice R&D Specialist

Louisville, KY · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Talis Group's client, a respected and innovative company searching for a Foodservice R&D Specialist who combines hands-on chef experience with a passion for research and product development. This is ...

Simmons Foods

Innovation Chef

Siloam Springs, AR

Purpose of the Position Ensures that R&D projects involving product development are delivered in ... Collaborates with other Chef(s), R&D, Marketing and Consumer Insights with internal and external ...

Simmons Foods

Innovation Chef

Siloam Springs, AR · On-site

Purpose of the Position Ensures that R&D projects involving product development are delivered in ... Collaborates with other Chef(s), R&D, Marketing and Consumer Insights with internal and external ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Research Development Chef information

See salary details

$48.5K

$101.8K

$165K

How much do research development chef jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 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.

More about Research Development Chef jobs
What cities are hiring for Research Development Chef jobs? Cities with the most Research Development Chef job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Research Development Chef jobs? The most popular types of Research Development Chef jobs are:
What states have the most Research Development Chef jobs? States with the most job openings for Research Development Chef jobs include:
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Research Development Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Development Chef job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,794 per year, or $48.9 per hour.
Development Chef

Development Chef

Stir Foods

Fullerton, CA • On-site

$70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Product Development Chef


Employer Information



Organization Name:

Stir Foods LLC



Website:

www.stirfoods.com



About Our Organization:


We are the WOW flavor behind some of your favorite meal experiences. We are the partner to some of the most well-known names in food, food service and retail. You will find our products on fast-casual menus, frozen meals, retail deli, meal kits and RTE bagged salads.


We co-create and supply our partners with hot-cooked products including sauces, cheese sauces, soups, chilis and marinades. Our cold-processed products include dressings, sauces, spreads and batters.


We are a fast-growing food organization with 2 production facilities in So Cal.



Department:

Culinary



Reports To:

Director of Culinary R&D



Job Location:

Orange/ Fullerton, CA



Hours/Week:

Monday through Friday 40+


FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Prepared Date:

06/15/2026



Benefits



  • 401(k)
  • Dental Insurance
  • Health Insurance
  • Fringe Benefits
  • Paid Holidays

  • Free Snacks
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Paid Vacation
  • Life Insurance


Safety and Quality


Stir Foods employees are committed to safety and quality. We adhere to, promote, and improve quality and safety policies and practices within the department and throughout the facility. Safety and quality are at the forefront of our culture.


Job Purpose

Work under the direction of the Director and assigned direct reports. Position is responsible for developing samples on the bench and with training over time begin specific areas of modifying recipes, manufacturing processes, and technical documents of food products. Working with existing and newly discovered ingredients and technologies to support development of new recipes and white paper culinary concepts.


Job Functions


  • Navigate our software platforms to pull up formulas, specifications, and answer to internal emails.
  • Generate specific samples assigned by the Director and/or specific direct reports.
  • Research current consumer markets, ingredients, and technolosies to develop new product concepts.
  • Ability to create documentation to repeat processes, ensure safety and consistency as well as optimize products.
  • Create new or optimized food products on white paper concepts to present to customers based on specific requests from Director and Sales.
  • Carrying out process support and development, new product development, and documentation of quality attributes.
  • Liaising and cooperating with technical and commercial colleagues in procurement, sales, and technical services, marketing and distribution.


Competencies


  • Team Player: Great communication skills
  • Ethical: Ability to demonstrate conduct conforming to set of values and accepted standards.
  • Accountable: Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/ her actions
  • Ability to inspire oneself and others to reach a goal and or perform to the best of their ability.
  • Ability to actively attend to, convey and understand the comments and questions of others.
  • Technical Aptitude: Ability to comprehend complex technical topics and specialized information.
  • Resource management (People & Equipment): Ability to obtain and appropriate the proper usage of equipment, facilities, materials, as well as personnel.
  • Applied Learning: ability to participate in needed learning activities in a way that makes the most of the learning experience.
  • Communication: Ability to communicate effectively with others using the spoken word.
  • Organized: Possessing the trait of being organized or following a systematic method of performing a task
  • Process and Detail Oriented: Ability to pay attention to the minute details of a project or task.
  • Safety Awareness: Ability to identify and correct conditions that affect employee safety.




Skills

  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office is needed Word, Outlook, Excel.
  • Must be able to manage multiple priorities and provide direction to accomplish tasks as necessary.
  • Strong understanding of GMP, Food Science, and Food Safety best practices.
  • Experience utilizing common kitchen equipment used for handling food the research and development process.



Ww


Work Content

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.


Lifts Weight or Exerts Force Work Environment

The employee will occasionally lift to 15 pounds.


Visions

Specific vision abilities required by this job include Close vision; Distance vision; Ability to adjust focus.


Work Environment

This is a fast-paced, constantly changing environment. Warehouse, Distribution, and office centre that is subject to exposure to extreme temperature changes, moisture, noise, orders, and moving equipment.


Qualification


Qualifications


Education and Experience

Years of Experience

Minimum of 2 years’ experience in the field of Food Manufacturing, Product Development field or with a Bachelors: 12 plus months of experience in Food Manufacturing, Product Development.


Education

High School Graduate or General Education Degree: Required associate’s degree, A.A. or A.S Required Bachelor’s Degree (University or Technical School) related filed of study: Food Science, Culinary or related discipline. Food handlers’ certificate and HACCP certification preferred.


AAP/EEO Statement




Other Duties


We are an EEO employer.


Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.