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Research Development Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

KETTLE CUISINE LLC

Culinary R&D Specialist

Lynn, MA · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

JOB SUMMARY The Culinary R&D Specialist plays a crucial role in supporting research and development chefs in creating innovative products. Responsibilities include maintaining a clean and organized ...

University of Arizona

Executive Chef II (UPDATED)

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$67K - $93K/yr

Participates in the research, development, evaluation and implementation of new bakery and food ... Assists the Executive Chef with staffing and scheduling needs including payroll, for the Culinary ...

KETTLE CUISINE LLC

Culinary R&D Specialist

Lynn, MA

$36K - $48K/yr

JOB SUMMARY The Culinary R&D Specialist plays a crucial role in supporting research and development chefs in creating innovative products. Responsibilities include maintaining a clean and organized ...

HelloFresh

Executive Sous Chef

Goodyear, AZ · On-site

$119K - $138K/yr

Continuously improve product quality and process steps with support of Corporate Executive chef and R&D chefs * Address and eliminate product quality issues/customer complaints arising from problems ...

HelloFresh

Executive Sous Chef

Goodyear, AZ

$63K - $81K/yr

Continuously improve product quality and process steps with support of Corporate Executive chef and R&D chefs * Address and eliminate product quality issues/customer complaints arising from problems ...

HelloFresh

Executive Sous Chef

Goodyear, AZ

$63K - $81K/yr

Continuously improve product quality and process steps with support of Corporate Executive chef and R&D chefs * Address and eliminate product quality issues/customer complaints arising from problems ...

Pine Castle, Inc.

Chef

Jacksonville, FL

$55K - $63K/yr

The Chef will manage daily operations of the Kitchen/Café and Catering program, including but not ... product research, development, marketing and sales strategies. Community relations including ...

HelloFresh

Senior Manager- Executive Chef

Aurora, IL · On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

Continuously improve product quality and process steps with support of Corporate Executive chef and R&D chefs * Address and eliminate product quality issues/customer complaints arising from problems ...

HelloFresh

Senior Manager- Executive Chef

Aurora, IL

$70K - $97K/yr

Continuously improve product quality and process steps with support of Corporate Executive chef and R&D chefs * Address and eliminate product quality issues/customer complaints arising from problems ...

HelloFresh

Senior Manager- Executive Chef

Aurora, IL · On-site

$106K - $123K/yr

Continuously improve product quality and process steps with support of Corporate Executive chef and R&D chefs * Address and eliminate product quality issues/customer complaints arising from problems ...

Conagra Brands, Inc.

R&D Co-op

Omaha, NE · On-site

$20 - $28/hr

Reddi-wip, Slim Jim, Angie's BOOMCHICKPOP, Chef Boyardee, Swiss Miss and more! What Can You Expect ... Development (R&D) Packaging organization. You will support our packaging teams with technical ...

the Chef Agency

MA

$76K - $105K/yr

Popular Hotel Group looking to hire an Executive Chef to oversee multiple F*B operations in Cape ... Experience with menu creation, concept and R&D * Strong operational knowledge of inventory, costing ...

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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 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
Culinary R&D Specialist

Culinary R&D Specialist

KETTLE CUISINE LLC

Lynn, MA • On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

Other

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

JOB SUMMARY
The Culinary R&D Specialist plays a crucial role in supporting research and development chefs in creating innovative products. Responsibilities include maintaining a clean and organized Culinary Center, ensuring development workstations are equipped with necessary tools and materials, preparing R&D samples for shipment, and providing culinary support by preparing and cooking customer samples. Additionally, this role serves as an ambassador for "Honoring Food".
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Execute sample recipes from start to finish with minimal supervision.
  • Assist with special functions within the scope of R&D, whether on-site or off-site.
  • Maintain cleanliness, sanitation, and organization of the Culinary Center, including kitchen, pantry, cooler, and freezer spaces.
  • Ensure optimal stock levels of ingredients through proper rotation, labeling, and storage.
  • Requisition and record the usage of raw materials and ingredients as required.
  • Set up kitchen equipment each morning, gather recipes, and procure necessary raw materials.
  • Supply the culinary team with clean and sanitized equipment and raw materials throughout the day.
  • Assist with cooking and/or batching recipes under supervision.
  • Manage inventory and record-keeping for all development samples.
  • Package, label, and ship development samples as needed.
  • Coordinate product orders and arrange soup tastings for clients.
  • Provide assistance to chefs during internal taste panels and customer visits as necessary.

LEVEL OF RESPONSIBILITY
  • Work under close supervision with limited decision-making authority.
  • Indirectly interact with customers on matters of minor impact on revenue.
  • Make indirect contributions to revenue-generating efforts at a moderate level.
  • Decisions or actions have a limited impact on the business, typically within the department.
  • Errors are typically detected through routine verification/review but may result in some workflow disruption or repetition of work.
  • Not responsible for influencing the decisions or actions of others.

**This role is pivotal in supporting culinary innovation and maintaining high standards within the organization's research and development processes.
SKILLS REQUIRED
  • Associate's degree, or equivalent experience required
  • Requires one - three years of experience
  • On-the-job training of 3-6 months.
  • Must be proficient with MS Office programs, specifically Excel and Outlook.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL EFFORT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Assistant Product Developer encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
Physical Demands/Efforts
  • Work requires occasional physical exertion including some lifting of objects weighing up to 40 pounds
  • Willing and able to stand for long periods of time

Mental & Visual Demands
  • Work performed by this position requires moderate mental concentration to effectively execute moderately complex tasks.
  • Work requires continuous visual effort for extended periods of time.

Work Environment and Hazards
  • Employee works in a manufacturing setting with frequent exposure to heat/cold, dust, or other factors that may require protective equiptment and still pose a hazard.
  • This position has regular exposure to hazards that could result in significate injury and lengthy loss of time at work.
  • Travel is not required for this position.

Additional skills
  • Passion for food
  • Culinary training; i.e. cooking techniques / knife work / sanitation / HACCP / ingredient knowledge
  • ServSafe certification a plus
  • Ability to adapt and multi-task via a dynamic work environment with a positive attitude
  • Collaborative
  • Customer- Centric
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Keen attention to detail

Apply