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Entry Level Food Product Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HIKINEX

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Entry Level - Food Production Associates | 1st & 2nd Shift Available

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$3.0K - $3.5K/yr

Plymouth, MN Now Hiring: Entry-Level Food Production Associates We are seeking reliable and motivated individuals to join our team in Plymouth, MN! This is a great entry-level opportunity for ...

King's Hawaiian

Product Developer

Torrance, CA · On-site

With a team of Food Scientists and other Product Developers, this individual will partner with experienced chefs to create new products and recipes for commercialization, while also working with ...

Ifg

Product Developer

Torrance, CA · On-site

With a team of Food Scientists and other Product Developers, this individual will partner with experienced chefs to create new products and recipes for commercialization, while also working with ...

PrideStaff

Food Production/Packaging

Groveport, OH · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

Perform quality inspections to ensure product standards * Maintain sanitation and cleanliness of work areas * Label products clearly and correctly Preferred Qualifications * Entry-level experience in ...

Fwrd

Product Developer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

This entry-level, full-time position is ideal for candidates with a background in design ... The Associate Product Developer supports the team to ensure garments move smoothly from concept ...

Fwrd

$70K - $75K/yr

This entry-level, full-time position is ideal for candidates with a background in design ... The Associate Product Developer supports the team to ensure garments move smoothly from concept ...

REVOLVE

Product Developer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

This entry-level, full-time position is ideal for candidates with a background in design ... The Associate Product Developer supports the team to ensure garments move smoothly from concept ...

Ultra Pouches

Product Developer

Frankfort, KY · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

Position Product Development Engineer - ULTRA Key Responsibilities * Own the full lifecycle of oral ... Bachelor's degree or higher in Food Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical ...

Wise Staffing Group

Cafeteria Cook

Athens, TN · On-site

$14/hr

Now Hiring: Entry Level Food Production Clerks in Athens, TN Do you have a passion for working with food and a desire to join a dynamic team? We are currently looking for motivated individuals to ...

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Entry Level Food Product Developer information

See salary details

$26.5K

$97.4K

$208K

How much do entry level food product developer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level food product developer in the United States is $97,379.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,000.00 and $117,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level food product developer do?

An Entry Level Food Product Developer assists in creating and improving food products for commercial sale. They work closely with senior developers and teams to formulate recipes, test prototypes, and ensure products meet safety and quality standards. Responsibilities often include conducting sensory evaluations, collecting data, and helping with labeling and regulatory compliance. This role is ideal for recent graduates in food science or related fields who are eager to contribute to innovative food solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level food product developer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Food Product Developer, you need a background in food science, nutrition, or a related field, along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, food formulation software, and knowledge of industry regulations like FDA or HACCP is typically required. Creativity, teamwork, and effective communication help you collaborate with cross-functional teams and generate innovative product ideas. These abilities are crucial for successfully developing safe, appealing, and compliant food products that meet consumer needs and business goals.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level food product developers during the product development process?

Entry level food product developers often encounter challenges such as balancing creativity with strict food safety regulations, managing tight project deadlines, and adapting to frequent feedback from cross-functional teams like marketing and quality assurance. Developing products that meet both consumer preferences and cost targets can also be demanding. However, collaborating closely with senior developers and learning to iterate quickly on prototypes helps new team members build valuable skills and confidence.

What is the difference between Entry Level Food Product Developer vs Food Scientist?

AspectEntry Level Food Product DeveloperFood Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Food Science, Culinary Arts, or related fieldBachelor's or higher in Food Science, Chemistry, or related field
Work EnvironmentProduct development labs, kitchens, cross-functional teamsResearch labs, quality control, research and development
Employer & Industry UsageFood manufacturing companies, startups, R&D departmentsFood companies, research institutions, government agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Food Product Developers focus on creating and testing new food products, often working closely with culinary teams and marketing. Food Scientists conduct research to improve food safety, quality, and shelf life, often engaging in laboratory experiments. While both roles require a background in food science, the developer role emphasizes product creation and innovation, whereas the scientist role centers on scientific research and analysis.

More about Entry Level Food Product Developer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Product Developer jobs?

The most popular types of Food Product Developer jobs are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Food Product Developer jobs?

For Entry Level Food Product Developer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Entry Level Food Product Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Food Product Developer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,379 per year, or $46.8 per hour.

Entry level FOOD R&D Associate (Food Manufacture)(CA/YM)

Garden Grove, CA • On-site

Activ8 Recruitment & Solutions
Human Resources Consulting Services • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Activ8 Recruitment & Solutionsexternal

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

Other

Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Key responsibilities

  • Support product development, commercialization, and maintenance of plant-based food products.

  • Plan, design, and conduct experiments related to new product development, process improvement, and product maintenance, and communicate results to management.

  • Support commercialization activities such as scale-up, production trials, process validation, and technology transfer to manufacturing.

Job description

A food manufacturing company is looking for an Entry-Level Food R&D Associate to join their team in Garden Grove, CA. A bachelor’s degree in FOOD SCIENCE is required. Up to 2 years' R&D, QC work experience in food product development, food manufacturing, or related field is required. This position is responsible for supporting product development, commercialization, and maintenance of plant-based food products. Also, contributes to innovation, problem-solving, and implementation of new technologies through collaboration with internal stakeholders and external partners. This is a full-time, in-person, position with excellent benefits, including 401K.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:30pm



Entry-Level Food R&D Associate Duties:

-Plan, design, and conduct experiments related to new product development, process improvement, commercialization support, and product maintenance with minimal supervision. Organize and analyze data and communicate project progress and experimental results to management.

-Support product maintenance activities, including formula updates, ingredient substitutions, quality improvements, cost optimization, and regulatory compliance.

-Support commercialization activities, including scale-up, production trials, process validation, and technology transfer to manufacturing.

-Provide technical support and collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Product Development, Marketing, Sales, QC/QA, Production, and SCM

-Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements related to processing, products, labeling, product claims, and advertising.

-Conduct shelf-life studies, sensory evaluations, and analytical testing of new and existing products.

-Research consumer trends, market opportunities, emerging technologies, and ingredients to support concept development and innovation initiatives.

-Develop product formulas that meet nutritional, regulatory, quality, food safety, and cost requirements



Entry-Level Food R&D Associate Skills:

-Must have a bachelor's degree in FOOD SCIENCE

-Up to 2 years' R&D, QC work experience in food product development, food manufacturing, or related field is required.

-Basic knowledge of FDA, USDA, and other regulatory requirements

-Basic knowledge of nutrition, chemistry, microbiology and statistics

-Familiarity of equipment for analytical testing and scientific lab procedures

-Experience with plant-based foods, dairy alternatives, or protein-based products is a plus

-Experience with laboratory testing and data analysis is preferred



****If interested, please apply with your most updated resume including your minimum salary requirement and why you left/or are looking to leave your current company. ****

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Activ8 West- Los Angeles (Japanese Recruiting Company) Recruitment & Solutions / Renaissance Resources Inc., has been a trusted leader in North American recruiting for Japanese businesses for over 25 years. We specialize in connecting top talent with companies in the Automotive, Electronics, Food & Beverage, Logistics, Manufacturing, Oil & Gas, Banking & Finance, and Entertainment industries. Our client-focused approach ensures that we understand your unique needs, whether you’re a company seeking skilled professionals or a candidate looking for the right career opportunity. By working closely with each individual, we provide tailored solutions that drive success.

We screen ALL Candidates to verify the validity of each applicant's provided information. Upon submitting your resume, we will contact only those candidates that we deem qualified for our client. If we do not contact you, we do not see the fit for the position. If we are unable to reach you in a reasonable timeframe, you will be eliminated from the pool of potential candidates. We prioritize direct applicants; third-party resumes may not be reviewed.

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