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Entry Level Food Product Development Jobs in California

Aspire Bakeries

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.

Overhill Farms, Inc.

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:

Bellisio Foods

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:

CROSSMARK1

Product/ Event Demonstrator

Folsom, CA · On-site

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

CROSSMARK1

PRODUCT / EVENT DEMONSTRATOR

Folsom, CA · On-site

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

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Entry Level Food Product Development information

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

As of Aug 24, 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 degree do you need to be an entry level food product developer?

Entry level food product developers typically hold a bachelor's degree in food science, nutrition, culinary arts, or a related field. Relevant skills include knowledge of food safety, product formulation, and laboratory techniques, which are often gained through formal education and internships.

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:

Entry Level Food Product Development jobs near you
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.

Food Technologist, R&D

Aspire Bakeries

Newark, CA • On-site

$68K - $91K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Aspire Bakeries rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

253rd of 443 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Hungry for a career that's as rewarding as it is delicious?
At Aspire Bakeries, we don't just bake breads, cookies, and cakes - we create foods that bring people together. From La Brea Bakery® artisan breads to Otis Spunkmeyer® cookies, our products are enjoyed by millions of people every day. And behind every bite are talented manufacturing and support teams who take pride in their work and our food.
We're looking for hard-working people who will bring integrity, creativity, and a passion for excellence to everything they do - whether that's on the bakery floor, in the office, or supporting customers. In return, we offer a workplace culture built on care, ownership, and growth - where your contributions matter and your career can rise as high as our bread loaves!
With 13 commercial bakeries across North America and a reputation as an industry leader, Aspire Bakeries is rising together with our people and our customers to be the best all-around bakery solution. If you're ready to grow with us, we'd love to hear from you
Why You'll Love Working At Aspire Bakeries
  • Culture - Our culture thrives on collaboration, diversity, and a shared passion for excellence. We support team members, empower growth, and encourage everyone to bring their authentic selves to work.
  • Health & Wellness - Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus company-paid life insurance and additional voluntary options to fit your needs, including disability coverage.
  • Work-Life Balance - Paid parental leave, generous paid time off, and holidays so you can recharge and spend time on what matters most.
  • Retirement Savings - A competitive registered retirement plan (RPP) with immediate company match.
  • Growth & Development - Opportunities to build skills, grow your career, and develop expertise through Aspire Bakeries' learning and development programs.
  • Recognition & Rewards - Performance incentive plans that celebrate achievements across sales, bakery performance, and individual contributions.

About the Role
We are seeking a Food Technologist, R&D to join our team at our Newark, CA bakery. As a Food Technologist, you will be accountable for developing innovative bakery products and optimizing existing formulations to meet customer expectations, market trends, and operational excellence. This role plays a critical part in bringing customer-centric products from concept to commercialization while ensuring quality, compliance, and scalability.This role requires you to be onsite in Newark, CA four days per week, giving you hands-on collaboration with the team and daily exposure to the pulse of the business
Compensation
  • Salary Range: $68,000- $91,000

Core Accountabilities (What You'll be Doing)
  • Lead new product development initiatives aligned to customer needs, trends, and business objectives
  • Optimize and continuously improve existing formulations for quality, cost, and compliance
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, marketing, procurement, and regulatory teams
  • Serve as a technical resource for bakery operations and support production runs and troubleshooting
  • Translate R&D concepts into scalable, commercially viable products through structured processes
  • Maintain accurate technical documentation, specifications, and ingredient records
  • Evaluate and approve ingredients, suppliers, and testing protocols to ensure product integrity

Minimum Qualifications (What You Bring to the Table)
  • Bachelor's degree (BS) or Associate degree (AA) in Food Science or related field
  • 1-2 years of experience in industrial food development or transferable R&D experience
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint)
  • Strong understanding of food science principles, including ingredient functionality and testing methods
  • Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams
  • Ability to meet physical requirements, including standing for extended periods and lifting up to 50 lbs

Preferred Qualifications (Extra Ingredients for Success)
  • Culinary development or bakery product experience
  • Experience with SAP, Genesis, or similar systems
  • Knowledge of food regulations, labeling, and market trends (e.g., clean label, ingredient restrictions)
  • Fluency in Spanish
  • Experience with concept-to-commercialization processes in food manufacturing
    Aspire Bakeries LLC values the contribution each Team Member brings to our organization. The final determination of a successful candidate's starting pay will vary based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to location, shift, education, skill, and experience within the job or the industry. The pay scale listed for this position is generally for candidates that meet the specified qualifications and requirements listed in this specific job description. Additional pay may be determined for those candidates that exceed these specified qualifications and requirements. We provide a competitive compensation package that recognizes your experience, credentials, and education alongside a robust benefits program to meet your needs. For union-represented postings, wage rates and ranges are governed by applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Aspire Bakeries is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to screen, assess, or select applicants.

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