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Entry Level Food Product Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Join a fast-growing food production team in Geneva, IL. No experience needed - training is provided. Enjoy weekly pay, flexible schedules, and real opportunities to grow your career. Earn up to $18 ...

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Callisons is seeking a Product Development Chemist to support oral care and confection flavor ... Bachelor?s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Food Science, or other applied science.

The Product Development Engineer operates under the direction of Product Development Director. This ... Report food safety concerns. * Remove from operation any machine deemed unsafe and immediately ...

The Product Development Engineer operates under the direction of Product Development Director. This ... Report food safety concerns. * Remove from operation any machine deemed unsafe and immediately ...

Product Development Chemist

Olympia, WA · On-site

$90K - $150K/yr

Callisons is seeking a Product Development Chemist to support oral care and confection flavor ... Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Food Science, or other applied science.

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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.

R&D Technician (Entry level)

CrossRoads Blends

Union City, NJ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Position

R&D Technician (Entry level)

Department

R&D

Classification

Non-Exempt

Reports to

Director of R&D and Technical Sales

Job type

Full-time (on-site)

Job Summary

This is not a routine lab role; it's a hands-on opportunity for driven, detail-oriented individuals to gain real exposure to the food industry and grow quickly within a high-performance R&D environment.

As an R&D Technician, you will play a critical role in developing innovative seasoning blends, working side-by-side with experienced technicians. This position is ideal for someone who is highly motivated, eager to learn, and willing to work at the bench—measuring, mixing, tasting, and refining products through trial and iteration.

If you take pride in precision, thrive in an organized environment, and are excited by the idea of turning concepts into commercially viable food products, this role offers a unique pathway into culinary innovation and product development.

Key Responsibilities:

  • • Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot lab equipment used in dry ingredient blending
  • • Accurately weigh, measure, and mix ingredients with exceptional attention to detail
  • • Execute bench trials, including tasting and evaluating seasoning blends
  • • Collaborate closely with senior R&D staff to support product development initiatives
  • • Document formulations, processes, and observations with precision and consistency
  • • Assist in scaling products from development to commercialization within the stage-gate process
  • • Conduct routine quality checks to ensure all blends meet strict specifications
  • • Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient lab environment
  • • Support cross-functional teams including marketing and sales during product rollout
  • • Continuously learn and apply new techniques to improve processes and outcomes

What We're Looking For

  • • A highly motivated, hands-on individual who is willing to learn by doing and tasting.
  • • Strong passion for food, flavor, and product development
  • • Exceptional attention to detail and organizational discipline
  • • Willingness to work on the bench, perform trials, and engage in tasting and evaluation
  • • Ability to follow instructions precisely while also thinking critically
  • • Team-oriented mindset with a strong work ethic and accountability
  • • Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently in a fast-paced environment
  • • Bilingual (Spanish) is a plus, but not required

Qualifications

  • • Bachelor's degree in Food Technology (preferred), or
  • • Associate's degree in Food Technology or related applied science field
  • • Minimum of 2 years of experience in food product development or laboratory work
  • • Experience with testing techniques and quality evaluation
  • • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word

Why This Role Stands Out

This is a rare opportunity to break into the food industry in a meaningful way. You won't just observe—you'll actively contribute, learn rapidly, and gain hands-on experience that can accelerate your career. We are looking for individuals who are ready to work hard, stay curious, and grow.

Work Location: 1835 Burnet Ave, Union NJ 07083

Compensation/ Benefits

  • • Competitive base and bonus
  • • 401k
  • • Medical, Dental, Vision
  • • Life Insurance and AD&D
  • • 12 Holidays
  • • 7 Flexible days
  • • 10 Vacation Days and more

This is an excellent opportunity to kick-start your career in the field of culin ry research and

development. If you are enthusiastic, reliable, and excited about contributing to the creation of unique and flavorful seasoning blends, we encourage you to apply for the Seasoning Blending Lab Technician position."

Our Motto: One Team – One Goal

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not imply or establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

EEO Statement: Kalustyan Corporation and its subsidiaries is an equal opportunity employer which does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual or affectional preference, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, creed, ancestry or national origin, age, disability, marital or domestic status, veteran status, genetic information, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, or any other protected class. This policy applies to all

employment actions including but not limited to, recruitment, selection, training, promotion,

transfer, layoff, termination, and job-related social or recreational programs.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please

contact us by email at hr@kalustyan.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact inormation Requests for accommodations will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be

responded to from this email address.