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Entry Level Food Science Jobs in Phoenix, AZ (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Food Science information

See Phoenix, AZ salary details

$11

$22

$33

How much do entry level food science jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level food science in Phoenix, AZ is $22.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $28.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level food science job?

Entry level food science jobs are positions for individuals who are new to the field of food science, often requiring a bachelor's degree in food science or a related field. These roles typically involve assisting with product development, quality assurance, food safety, laboratory testing, or regulatory compliance in food production environments. Common job titles include food technologist, quality assurance technician, and laboratory assistant. These positions provide foundational experience and training, preparing employees for more advanced roles within the food industry.

What are typical projects or tasks an entry level food scientist can expect to work on during their first year?

As an entry-level food scientist, you will often assist with product development, quality assurance testing, and sensory evaluations. Your daily tasks may include preparing samples, running basic laboratory tests, documenting results, and supporting senior scientists with research projects. You may also participate in cross-functional meetings with marketing, production, and regulatory teams to ensure product safety and compliance. This hands-on exposure helps you gain a solid understanding of the food production process and prepares you for more advanced responsibilities as you progress in your career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level food scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Food Scientist, you generally need a bachelor’s degree in food science or a related field, along with foundational knowledge in chemistry, microbiology, and food safety. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, quality assurance protocols, and software for data analysis such as Excel or specialized lab management systems is typical. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help individuals excel in team environments and manage project tasks efficiently. These competencies are vital for ensuring product safety, quality, and regulatory compliance within the food industry.

What is the difference between Entry Level Food Science vs Entry Level Food Technologist?

AspectEntry Level Food ScienceEntry Level Food Technologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Food Science, Chemistry, or related fieldBachelor's in Food Science, Food Technology, or related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, production facilities, research settingsManufacturing plants, quality control labs, R&D departments
Employer & Industry UsageFood companies, research institutions, government agenciesFood manufacturing, processing companies, quality assurance teams
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Food Science and Entry Level Food Technologist roles often overlap in education and work environment, focusing on food safety, quality, and product development. The main difference lies in terminology used by employers and industry preferences, but both positions serve as foundational roles in food industry careers.

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Science jobs in Phoenix, AZ?

The most popular types of Food Science jobs in Phoenix, AZ are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Food Science jobs in Phoenix, AZ?

For Entry Level Food Science jobs in Phoenix, AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Food Science jobs in Phoenix, AZ look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Food Science jobs in Phoenix, AZ are:

What cities near Phoenix, AZ are hiring for Entry Level Food Science jobs?

Cities near Phoenix, AZ with the most Entry Level Food Science job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Food Science job openings in Phoenix, AZ 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 $46,643 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Quality Assurance Specialist II

Cohere Beauty Omaha Inc

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

$60K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Cohere Beauty is a diverse team of strategic collaborators, product innovators, R and D formulators, and manufacturing professionals. Built on beauty and rooted in quality, our promise is to collaborate, co-innovate, co-develop, and co-manufacture. Promoting diversity and sustainability through our facilities and supply chains, Cohere Beauty’s approach to social, safety, and environmental responsibility is grounded in a commitment to our employees, customers, and the communities where we live and work. At Cohere Beauty, we’re here for what’s next.

Job Summary

The Quality Assurance Specialist is responsible for performing Quality Assurance (QA) functions to build, uphold, and improve the Company’s Quality Systems.

This is what you will do:

  • Applicable to all levels of position
  • Support the Quality System infrastructure by performing QA tasks pertaining to the documentation of processes.
  • Perform Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) compliance tasks, including audits, and documentation maintenance.
  • Perform internal supplemental audits to verify that facility records files are in conformance to applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and GMP regulatory requirements.
  • Perform training and manage the Quality System’s Training Program.
  • Ensure documentation systems used in QA are properly maintained (e.g., QA audit records, training records).
  • Perform protocol, data, and report inspections to verify conformance to applicable SOPs and GMP regulatory requirements.
  • Evaluate responses to Incident reports and perform follow-up with respondents, or others, if needed, to ensure resolution.
  • Make changes to SOPs, policies, training materials, and other documents in the records management system.
  • Assist during regulatory inspections.
  • Interface with various Divisions in problem resolution, and continual improvement.
  • Support manufacturing failure investigations, and define investigational strategy.
  • Facilitate meetings.
  • Apply discretion in decision-making.
  • Demonstrate independent judgment and make recommendations regarding business practices.
  • Formulate, implement, interpret, and affect policies and operating practices.
  • Communicate effectively with others.
  • Perform work onsite.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Quality Specialist 1 (Considered Entry Level Position therefore requiring most supervision/mentoring)

Quality Specialist II

  • Perform at an experienced and functional level therefore requiring limited supervision.
  • Engage in Professional Development Activities.

Quality Specialist III (All Quality Specialist 1 and 2 skills as well).

  • Subject Matter Expert in Quality Assurance functions and GMP functions.
  • Function with little supervision.
  • Keep current on industry regulations.
  • Perform gap analysis of quality and analyze monthly trending reports of key quality indicators for manufacturing to ensure continuous quality improvement.
  • Recommend and implement modifications of existing quality or production standards to achieve optimum quality within limits of equipment capability, i.e. validation support.
  • Provide supervisor support on selected, large-scope projects involving data collection and/or research small-scope individual topics drafting recommendations to QA management.
  • Mentor co-workers and internal customers with interpretation of regulatory requirements (e.g., Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs), SOP requirements, and other guidance documents, as applicable.
  • Notify management of quality/compliance trends and service failures.

Quality Specialist IV (All Quality Specialist 1, 2, and 3 skills as well)

  • Act as an alternate supervisor in the supervisor’s absence.
  • Act as QA subject matter expert.
  • Make decisions autonomously.
  • Function without minimal supervision.
  • Function as a lead with the Supervisor present.
  • Develop and implement appropriate programs and systems.

This is what you will need:

  • Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Chemistry or in physical or biological science.
  • Minimum 3 years experience in a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulated manufacturing environment.
  • Minimum 1-year experience training in a business setting.
  • Minimum 3 years of progressive experience in Quality Assurance.
  • Demonstratable strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills.
  • Proven record of excellent documentation skills.
  • Strong problem-solving skills.
  • Work well under pressure and able to prioritize workloads.
  • Ability to perform risk assessment.
  • Experience fostering teamwork to get results.
  • Well organized and multi-task oriented.
  • Ability to work independently on multiple projects.
  • Ability to read, write, and speak English competently.
  • Ability to maintain, reliable and predictable attendance.
  • Worked in pharmaceutical or cosmetic mfg. environment (preferred).
  • American Society for Quality certifications (preferred).
  • FDA & OSHA trained and familiar with current regulations (preferred).
  • Project management and technical software skills (Excel, Access, etc.) required.
  • Project management experience (preferred).
  • Experience training safety, quality, and GMPs (preferred).

We enthusiastically welcome your application, as we recognize the invaluable perspective, experience, and potential you possess. Apply with us today! Together, we win!


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