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Entry Level Food Product Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Food Service Associate I

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$13.25 - $17.25/hr

An entry level food service position that performs a variety of tasks related to food preparation ... Accurately measures ingredients for specialty food products and prepares them according to ...

Product Development Scientist

Ayer, MA · On-site

$85K - $135K/hr

Our client is - seeking a Product Development Scientist for a manufacturing company in Ayer, MA ... Apply food science and ingredient expertise to develop and execute medical nutrition formulas ...

Food Technologist, Product Development Davis, CA, Full-time, on-site Role Description You will be a core member of the Product Development team, responsible for developing prototypes and generating ...

Salary: $60,000-$90,000 per year Food Technologist, Product Development Davis, CA, Full-time, on-site Role Description You will be a core member of the Product Development team, responsible for ...

Food Technologist, Product Development Davis, CA, Full-time, on-site Role Description You will be a core member of the Product Development team, responsible for developing prototypes and generating ...

... entry level understanding of Product Life Cycle and the importance of adhering to deadlines, to help ensure timely developments • Responsible for tracking, unpacking, distributing samples ...

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Help review and prepare product labels (ingredients, allergens, Nutrition Facts, claims) * Check ... entry level to executive leadership. Our mission is to connect employers with the right talent--and ...

Food Service Associate I

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$13.25 - $17.25/hr

An entry level food service position that performs a variety of tasks related to food preparation ... Accurately measures ingredients for specialty food products and prepares them according to ...

Product Development Assistant

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$23 - $29.25/hr

... entry level understanding of Product Life Cycle and the importance of adhering to deadlines, to help ensure timely developments • Responsible for tracking, unpacking, distributing samples ...

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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 Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level food product development in the United States is $24.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $26.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Food Product Development professional, and why are they important?

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 of the common challenges faced by entry level professionals in food product development, 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 are entry level food product development jobs?

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 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.

More about Entry Level Food Product Development jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Food Product Development jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Food Product Development job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Food Product Development jobs? The most popular types of Food Product Development jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Food Product Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Food Product Development jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Food Product Development job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Full Time, 46% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,854 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Industrial Product Development Chemist (Entry Level)

The Pittsburgh Paint Company

Cheswick, PA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Description

The Industrial Product Development Chemist (Entry Level) will be part of the Industrial Coatings Science & Technology Team and serve as an individual contributor within a collaborative team of 6-10 associates. This role supports the development of primers and topcoats for light industrial applications and combines hands-on laboratory work with formulation design, testing, and data analysis. The position also includes exposure to manufacturing scale-up and field support activities.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and formulate primers and topcoats for light industrial applications
  • Conduct hands-on laboratory work, including formulation, testing, and performance evaluation
  • Design and execute experiments (DOE) to optimize product performance and cost
  • Analyze and interpret data to support formulation improvements and technical decisions
  • Support manufacturing scale-up, including monitoring batches at production sites
  • Provide technical support to field and production teams
  • Evaluate coatings performance, including corrosion resistance, adhesion, durability, and finish quality
  • Apply coatings using various methods such as spray, brush, and roll
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including R&D, manufacturing, and operations
  • Ensure adherence to safety standards and best practices in all lab and plant environments
  • Manage multiple projects and priorities to deliver results on time and in full
  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, efficiency, and cost reduction

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field
  • 0-3 years of experience in formulation, product development, or materials R&D
  • Strong understanding of laboratory practices, experimental design, and data analysis
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment
  • Strong organizational and time management skills
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with coatings formulation, application, and testing
  • Familiarity with waterborne and solvent borne systems, including:
    • Alkyd
    • Urethane
    • Acrylic
    • Epoxy
  • Experience with 1K and 2K coating technologies
  • Knowledge of industrial coatings performance testing
  • Exposure to manufacturing processes or scale-up activities

Work Environment & Details

  • On-site, full-time position
  • 1-2 year term assignment, with potential for extension based on performance and business needs
  • Hands-on lab and manufacturing environment with cross-functional collaboration

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without employment-based visa sponsorship (now or in the future). This includes H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, F-1, J-1, OPT, CPT or any other employment-based visas).

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.