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Entry Level Food Product Development Jobs in California

Monitor cleaning supplies inventory levels * Assist culinary team with production as needed QUALIFICATIONS: * Previous dishwashing or entry level food handling experience a plus * Must be able to ...

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, merchandising, or fashion product development who are eager to grow their technical and operational skills ...

Monitor cleaning supplies inventory levels * Assist culinary team with production as needed Basic Requirements/Qualifications: * Previous dishwashing or entry level food handling experience a plus

Solina is a fast-growing business, with around 50 production sites and R&D laboratories present in ... By constantly rethinking culinary solutions, we make food matter for people and the planet . If you ...

This entry-level, full-time position is ideal for candidates with a background in design, merchandising, or fashion product development who are eager to grow their technical and operational skills ...

This entry-level, full-time position is ideal for candidates with a background in design, merchandising, or fashion product development who are eager to grow their technical and operational skills ...

... an entry-level support role. We're a product obsessed company and looking for a detail oriented ... This is a great first step into apparel product development for someone who's eager to learn ...

Company Description CROSSMARK is looking for associates to complete in-store food and product ... Company-provided training (Ideal for entry-level or those looking to obtain new skills.

Food Technologist, R&D

Newark, CA · On-site

$68K - $91K/yr

From La Brea Bakery ® artisan breads to Otis Spunkmeyer ® cookies, our products are enjoyed by ... About the Role We are seeking a Food Technologist, R&D to join our team at our Newark, CA bakery.

Company Description CROSSMARK is looking for associates to complete in-store food and product ... Company-provided training (Ideal for entry-level or those looking to obtain new skills.

From La Brea Bakery artisan breads to Otis Spunkmeyer cookies, our products are enjoyed by millions ... About the Role We are seeking a Food Technologist, R&D to join our team at our Newark, CA bakery.

Assembly Associate

Vernon, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

We provide a one-stop solution that offers new product development or precise replication of ... A custom manufacturer of high-quality frozen food products. OVERHILL FARMS INC. CLASSIFICATION:

Assembly Associate

Vernon, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

We provide a one-stop solution that offers new product development or precise replication of ... A custom manufacturer of high-quality frozen food products. OVERHILL FARMS INC. CLASSIFICATION:

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Food Product Development information

See California salary details

$14

$24

$41

How much do entry level food product development jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level food product development in California is $24.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.14 and $25.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level food product development job?

Entry level food product development jobs are positions for individuals who are starting their careers in creating and improving food products. These roles often involve working with food scientists and technologists to help formulate new food items, conduct sensory testing, and ensure food safety and quality standards. Typical tasks include assisting in recipe development, preparing samples, running experiments, and documenting results. These positions usually require a degree in food science, nutrition, or a related field and offer valuable experience in the food industry.

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

To thrive in Entry Level Food Product Development, you need a background in food science, nutrition, or a related field, along with knowledge of food safety and quality standards. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, sensory evaluation methods, and data analysis software like Excel or specialized food industry tools is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong teamwork skills help you generate innovative products and work collaboratively with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure the successful creation, testing, and launch of safe, appealing, and marketable food products.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level food product development professionals, and how can they overcome them?

Entry level food product development professionals often face challenges such as adapting to fast-paced project timelines, balancing creativity with strict food safety and regulatory requirements, and effectively communicating with cross-functional teams like marketing, quality assurance, and production. To overcome these challenges, it’s important to stay organized, seek mentorship from experienced colleagues, and actively participate in team meetings to understand different perspectives. Building a strong foundation in food science principles and staying updated on industry trends will also help you contribute valuable ideas and grow within the team.

What is the difference between Entry Level Food Product Development vs Food Technologist?

AspectEntry Level Food Product DevelopmentFood Technologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Food Science or related fieldBachelor's in Food Science, Food Technology, or related field
Work EnvironmentProduct development labs, R&D departmentsManufacturing plants, quality control labs
Employer & Industry UsageFood companies, startups, R&D firmsFood manufacturing, quality assurance, regulatory agencies

Entry Level Food Product Development focuses on creating new food products and improving existing ones, often working in R&D labs. Food Technologists typically handle quality control, testing, and ensuring products meet safety standards. While both roles require a food science background, Entry Level Food Product Development emphasizes innovation, whereas Food Technologists focus on compliance and quality assurance.

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Product Development jobs in California?

The most popular types of Food Product Development jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Food Product Development jobs in California?

For Entry Level Food Product Development jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Food Product Development jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Food Product Development jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Food Product Development jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Food Product Development job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Food Product Development job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,175 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Dishwasher/Food preparer

SusieCakes

San Jose, CA • On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


SusieCakes rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 48 rated bakeries


Job description

At SusieCakes, we make old-fashioned, sentimental dessert favorites just like you may remember from your childhood! Our bakeries are filled with the delicious tastes and sweet smells of cakes, cupcakes, cookies, pies, and bars- all baked from scratch, on-site daily, using the freshest and finest ingredients. Our signature Celebration Cake is a birthday staple on tens of thousands of tables. Our bakeries mix the nostalgia of the past with the warmth and feel of a modern, neighborhood bakery. Connecting through Celebration is our purpose and what we strive for every day with our team members, our guests and our community.

Our bakeries are lively and bustling with genuinely friendly people who have the hospitality gene. They understand the importance of what they do every day and are empowered to make days better. Their connections to our guests and to each other are what separates SusieCakes from other bakeries.

BENEFITS & PERKS:

  • Flexible work schedule
  • Free non-slip shoes (annually!)
  • Birthday month PTO with complimentary cake
  • Company holidays off (Thanksgiving, December 25th-27th, and New Years Day)
  • Medical, dental, vision insurance
  • Vacation, 401k, FSA
  • Pet rescue reimbursement and pet insurance
  • Flexible return to work schedule for maternity leave
  • Generous discounts to all our delicious desserts!


Clean and store all bakery pots, pans, utensils and dishes either by hand or utilizing dishwashing equipment. Perform basic culinary food preparation and other duties as assigned.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Operate dishwasher/pot sinks to wash and store pots, pans, utensils, and dishware
  • Perform side work as needed, i.e. break down boxes and remove trash, receive and put away paper and food orders
  • Perform daily cleaning, i.e. sinks, drains, metro shelves, trash bins, floors, walk-in freezer/refrigerator, grease traps (if applicable)
  • Prepare baked goods according to recipes and standard operating procedures including, but not limited to, scooping cookies, cutting bars/cookies, mixing buttercreams, etc.
  • Ensure all food is prepared, handled and stored according to all required food safety code standards
  • Maintain a clean and sanitary work environment in accordance with state and federal health department standards
  • Report any sanitation or janitorial issues to manager on duty
  • Operate and properly use bakery equipment according to recipes/standard operating procedures, i.e. mixers, induction burners, dishwasher, etc.
  • Monitor cleaning supplies inventory levels
  • Assist culinary team with production as needed

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Previous dishwashing or entry level food handling experience a plus
  • Must be able to safely utilize all bakery equipment
  • Attention to detail
  • Ability to work in cross functional roles as needed (front-of house & back-of-house)
  • Must have reliable transportation

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Frequent walking, kneeling, bending, and reaching overhead
  • Able to stand for extended periods of time
  • Must be able to lift, move and carry up to 50 pounds

EDUCATION:

  • High school diploma or GED

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

  • Must be able to speak and read English for safety purposes

OTHER:

  • Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays, as needed

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