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Entry Level Food Research Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Food Lab Technician

Union, NJ · On-site

$23 - $26/hr

... its Research & Development department. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with laboratory experience in the food industry who enjoys hands-on work, product testing, and developing ...

Express Employment Professionals

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Food Lab Technician

Union, NJ · On-site

$23 - $26/hr

... its Research & Development department. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with laboratory experience in the food industry who enjoys hands-on work, product testing, and developing ...

Actalent

R&D Food Technician

Warrendale, PA · On-site

$27/hr

... Food science, Microbiology Top Skills Details Chemistry,Laboratory,R&d,Biology,Research ... Entry Level Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Warrendale, PA.

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

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level food research development in the United States is $26.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Food Research Development professional, you generally need a background in food science, chemistry, or a related field, often supported by a bachelor’s degree. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, sensory analysis tools, and food safety regulations such as HACCP is typically required. Curiosity, attention to detail, and effective team communication are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, innovative product development and successful collaboration with cross-functional teams in a regulated industry.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level professionals in Food Research and Development, and how can they overcome them?

Entry-level professionals in Food Research and Development often face challenges such as adapting to fast-paced project timelines, balancing creativity with strict food safety regulations, and learning to work effectively within cross-functional teams. To overcome these challenges, it's important to stay organized, seek guidance from experienced colleagues, and proactively communicate any uncertainties. Embracing continuous learning, especially about new ingredients and technologies, also helps in building confidence and contributing more effectively to innovative product development.

What are entry level food research development jobs?

Entry level food research development jobs involve assisting in the creation and improvement of food products. People in these roles typically work in laboratories or test kitchens, supporting senior scientists with tasks like conducting experiments, collecting data, and analyzing ingredients. They help develop new recipes, enhance food safety, and improve the taste, texture, or nutritional value of foods. These positions often require a background in food science or a related field and offer opportunities to learn hands-on research and product development skills.

What is the difference between Entry Level Food Research Development vs Food Quality Assurance Technician?

AspectEntry Level Food Research DevelopmentFood Quality Assurance Technician
CredentialsBachelor's in Food Science, Nutrition, or related fieldBachelor's in Food Science, Microbiology, or related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D facilities, product development settingsManufacturing plants, quality control labs, production lines
Employer & Industry UsageFood companies, R&D departments, product innovation teamsFood manufacturing, processing plants, quality assurance departments
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both roles require a background in food science and involve working within the food industry, Entry Level Food Research Development focuses on creating and testing new products in labs, whereas Food Quality Assurance Technicians primarily ensure existing products meet quality and safety standards on production lines.

What cities are hiring for Entry Level Food Research Development jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Food Research Development job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Food Research Development jobs? The most popular types of Food Research Development jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Food Research Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Food Research Development jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Food Research Development jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Food Research Development jobs are:
Entry Level Food Research Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Food Research Development job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 96% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,192 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Food Research & Development Specialist

Tay Ho

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Food Research & Development Specialist

We are seeking a Food Research & Development Specialist to support product innovation, formulation, and continuous improvement within our food manufacturing operation. This role bridges creativity and execution, working closely with Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain to develop, test, scale, and commercialize food products that meet quality, safety, cost, and regulatory standards.

You will play a hands-on role in benchtop development, pilot trials, and production scale-up, ensuring concepts move efficiently from idea to shelf.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Develop and refine food formulations for new products, line extensions, and reformulations.
  • Conduct bench-top, pilot, and plant trials, documenting procedures, observations, and results.
  • Partner with Operations and Engineering to support scale-up and commercialization of R&D concepts.
  • Work closely with Quality and Regulatory teams to ensure products meet FDA, USDA, GMP, HACCP, and labeling requirements.
  • Perform ingredient evaluations, shelf-life studies, sensory testing, and cost optimization analyses.
  • Maintain accurate formulation records, specifications, SOPs, and trial documentation.
  • Support supplier collaboration, ingredient sourcing, and evaluation of alternative raw materials.
  • Troubleshoot product and process issues related to texture, flavor, stability, yield, or shelf life.
  • Assist in maintaining R&D lab organization, safety standards, and sanitation protocols.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across product quality and manufacturing efficiency.

Qualifications:

Required

  • Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Nutrition, or a related field.
  • 2+ years of experience in food R&D, product development, or food manufacturing.
  • Hands-on experience with formulation, testing, and basic lab equipment.
  • Strong documentation and organizational skills.

Preferred

  • Experience supporting pilot plant or commercial-scale production.
  • Familiarity with thermal processing, emulsions, sauces, beverages, or dry blends (adjust based on product type).
  • Knowledge of nutritional labeling, regulatory compliance, and ingredient statements.
  • Working knowledge of food safety systems (GMP, HACCP, SSOPs, and SOPs)
  • Experience with sensory panels and shelf-life testing.
  • Proficiency with formulation software or Excel-based costing models.

Ideal Candidate Will Be:

  • Curious, methodical, and detail-oriented.
  • Comfortable balancing creativity with operational constraints.
  • Strong cross-functional communication skills.
  • Able to manage multiple projects and timelines simultaneously.
  • Solutions-focused with a continuous improvement mindset.

Why Join Craftory?

Craftory is reimagining how heritage-rich flavors are shared with the next generation. We produce ready-to-eat broths, soups, and proteins in shelf-stable Tetra Recart packaging. With product lines like Simmer Craft organic broths and Craft Cuts luncheon meats, we serve consumers seeking comfort foods.

Work Schedule

  • 8 hour shift
  • Monday to Friday
  • Day shift
  • Overtime

Benefits

  • Paid time off

Tay Ho - Sup Factory 17213 Aldine Westfield Rd, Houston, TX, 77073 Apply

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