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Entry Level Food Research Development Jobs in California

Aspire Bakeries

Food Technologist, R&D

Van Nuys, CA · On-site

$68K - $91K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Food Technologist, you will be accountable for driving new product development and continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring formulations meet customer expectations, regulatory standards ...

Aspire Bakeries

Food Technologist, R&D

Van Nuys, CA

$68K - $91K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Food Technologist, you will be accountable for driving new product development and continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring formulations meet customer expectations, regulatory standards ...

Limagrain

R&D operations employee

Gilroy, CA · On-site

$72K - $78K/yr

... experience for entry-level candidates. * Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the ... healthy food. Our goal is to form teams that inspire and learn from each other as they work to ...

XYPRO

Internship

Simi Valley, CA · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

... entry-level careers within the company. * Real assignments with real software products * Hands on experience with development, test automation, research & development, supporting existing and new ...

XYPRO

Internship

Simi Valley, CA · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

... entry-level careers within the company. * Real assignments with real software products * Hands on experience with development, test automation, research & development, supporting existing and new ...

XYPRO Technology

Internship

Simi Valley, CA

$20 - $30/hr

... entry-level careers within the company. * Real assignments with real software products * Hands on experience with development, test automation, research & development, supporting existing and new ...

Cedarlane Natural Foods

Jr. R&D Culinarian

Carson, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

R&D Culinary / Food TechnologistWe?re looking for a creative, hands?on R&D Culinary/Food Technologist to help develop delicious new food and beverage products. You?ll work from concept through ...

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All JobsFood Research Development JobsEntry Level Food Research Development JobsEntry Level Food Research Development Jobs in California

Entry Level Food Research Development information

What is an entry level food research development job?

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

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 food research development professionals, 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Food Research Development jobs in California?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Entry Level Food Research Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Food Research Development job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Research and Development Chef - Michelin Star Restaurant | #ZJMO 3625075

Superior Talent Source

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Not every chef wants to execute someone else's vision. Some want the opportunity to help create it.

We're seeking an exceptionally creative, technically gifted, and passionate Research & Development Chef to join the leadership team of an acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurant.


This is a rare opportunity to become an integral part of the creative process—not simply executing an established menu, but helping shape what comes next. You'll collaborate closely with an award-winning culinary leadership team to research, develop, test, and refine new dishes while playing an active role in the daily operations of an elite kitchen.


This position is ideal for a chef who constantly asks, "What if?" Someone who sees ingredients differently, thrives on experimentation, and is driven by the pursuit of creating unforgettable dining experiences.


What You'll Do

  • Collaborate on the research, development, testing, and refinement of new dishes from concept through execution.
  • Explore seasonal ingredients, modern techniques, and unexpected flavor combinations to continually evolve the menu.
  • Participate in tastings, recipe documentation, costing, and menu refinement.
  • Work alongside culinary leadership to transform creative ideas into polished, service-ready dishes.
  • Lead by example during service while maintaining the highest culinary standards.
  • Assist with production, prep, ordering, inventory, and overall kitchen operations.
  • Mentor and develop team members while fostering a culture of creativity, excellence, and continuous learning.
  • Maintain exceptional standards of cleanliness, organization, consistency, and food safety.
  • Help identify opportunities to improve kitchen systems, workflow, and operational efficiency.


Who You Are


You're the type of chef who doesn't settle for "good enough." You're naturally curious, highly creative, and constantly inspired by new ingredients, techniques, cultures, and ideas. You view every dish as an opportunity to refine, improve, and surprise.


You are meticulous with every detail because you understand that true excellence is built through precision and consistency. You think beyond trends, challenge conventional ideas, and enjoy collaborating with other talented chefs to create something extraordinary.


You're equally comfortable spending hours refining a single component as you are leading a busy service. You balance creativity with discipline, understanding that innovation only matters when it can be executed flawlessly, every single time.


The ideal candidate is:

  • Exceptionally creative with an outstanding palate and genuine passion for culinary innovation.
  • An out-of-the-box thinker who enjoys challenging conventional ideas and pushing culinary boundaries.
  • Highly detail-oriented, organized, and committed to excellence in every aspect of the craft.
  • Passionate about seasonality, ingredients, and modern culinary techniques.
  • Comfortable balancing creative development with the operational demands of a high-performing kitchen.
  • Collaborative, humble, coachable, and energized by working alongside other passionate culinary professionals.
  • Committed to continuous learning and never satisfied with standing still.


Why This Opportunity?


Very few chefs are given the opportunity to contribute creatively within a Michelin-starred kitchen. This role offers far more than daily execution—it provides the chance to influence future menus, collaborate on new ideas, and leave your mark on an ever-evolving culinary program while continuing to grow as both a creative chef and operational leader.


If you're looking for a career-defining opportunity where your creativity, passion, and craftsmanship will truly make an impact, we'd love to hear from you.


Compensation Details

Compensation: Salary ($90,000.00 - $100,000.00)

Benefits & Perks: Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Paid Time Off


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