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Food Innovation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lab37

Research & Development

Los Angeles, CA

$20 - $28/hr

Passion for food innovation and a desire to contribute to a forward-thinking culinary team * Basic understanding of kitchen math, weight measurements (grams), and data recording * Strong ...

Santa Cruz Nutritionals

Innovation Scientist

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$101K - $152K/yr

With unique food science expertise and proprietary processes, we've pioneered many firsts. The fire ... The Innovation Scientist is an intermediate-level Research & Development (R&D) position responsible ...

Santa Cruz Nutritionals

Innovation Scientist

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$101K - $152K/yr

With unique food science expertise and proprietary processes, we've pioneered many firsts. The fire ... The Innovation Scientist is an intermediate-level Research & Development (R&D) position responsible ...

Calbee America, Inc.

Food Scientist

Madera, CA · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

This role drives innovation through new product development, quality improvements, and cost-saving ... The Food Scientist ensures product integrity from concept through commercialization, develops and ...

Western Growers

Senior Director - Innovation

Salinas, CA · On-site +1

$123K - $169K/yr

... and food waste streams from food production facilities (Including packaged salad and other ... Ability to evaluate innovation opportunities across multiple technical categories, including ...

SSA Group

Food Service - Food Service Cook

San Diego, CA · On-site

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Our focus is on people, innovation, and operational intelligence as a means to create special ... Food Service Cook Who are we : For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions ...

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Food Innovation information

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How much do food innovation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for food innovation in California is $16.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Food Innovation roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Food Innovation often encounter challenges such as balancing creativity with strict food safety regulations, keeping up with rapidly changing consumer preferences, and ensuring scalability of new products. Collaborating closely with R&D, marketing, and supply chain teams helps address these hurdles by integrating diverse expertise and viewpoints early in the development process. Staying informed about industry trends, engaging in continuous learning, and being open to feedback are also crucial for overcoming obstacles and driving successful food innovations.

What is the difference between Food Innovation vs Food Product Development?

AspectFood InnovationFood Product Development
CredentialsTypically requires degrees in food science, innovation, or related fieldsRequires similar degrees, often with additional focus on product formulation
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, innovation centers, R&D departmentsManufacturing facilities, R&D labs, production lines
Industry UsageFocuses on creating new food concepts, trends, and technologiesFocuses on developing, testing, and launching new food products

Food Innovation involves generating new ideas and technologies to advance the food industry, while Food Product Development focuses on turning those ideas into market-ready products. Both roles often overlap but differ mainly in scope: innovation emphasizes creativity and research, whereas product development emphasizes execution and production.

What is food innovation?

Food innovation refers to the development and implementation of new ideas, products, technologies, or processes within the food industry. This can include creating healthier food products, developing sustainable packaging, improving food safety, or introducing novel ingredients and production methods. Food innovation aims to meet changing consumer demands, address environmental concerns, and enhance the overall quality and variety of food available in the market. Professionals in this field often work in research and development, product design, and collaboration with culinary experts and scientists.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Food Innovation, and why are they important?

To thrive in Food Innovation, you need expertise in food science, culinary arts, and product development, often supported by a degree in food technology or a related field. Familiarity with food safety regulations, sensory analysis tools, and R&D software is typically required. Creative problem-solving, collaboration, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for generating and implementing novel food concepts. These skills enable professionals to develop innovative, safe, and marketable food products that meet consumer demands and regulatory standards.
What are the most commonly searched types of Food Innovation jobs in California? The most popular types of Food Innovation jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Food Innovation jobs in California? For Food Innovation jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Food Innovation jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Food Innovation jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Food Innovation jobs? Cities in California with the most Food Innovation job openings:
Food Innovation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Innovation job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,304 per year, or $16 per hour.
Product Development Scientist

Product Development Scientist

Equity Packaging

Emeryville, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Product Development Associate - Food Innovation & Commercialization
Location: Emeryville, CA (Onsite 3-5 days per week)
About the Role
We are seeking a motivated Product Development Associate to support one of the most recognized brands in the nutrition and snack industry. In this role, you will work on the development and improvement of innovative food products, collaborating with experienced product developers and cross-functional teams to bring high-quality products to market.
This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career food scientist or engineer looking to gain hands-on experience with product innovation, commercialization, quality improvement, and manufacturing support.
Key Responsibilities
  • Support new product innovation, renovation, and commercialization projects.
  • Participate in product development activities from concept through execution.
  • Prepare and evaluate benchtop samples to support development initiatives.
  • Assist with ingredient and sample receiving, shipping, and inventory management.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and resolve technical challenges.
  • Investigate product quality issues and implement corrective actions.
  • Support business continuity, cost optimization, and plant performance improvement initiatives.
  • Analyze data, interpret results, and provide recommendations based on technical findings.
  • Develop and maintain process specifications to ensure consistent product quality across manufacturing facilities.
  • Document project findings and communicate technical information effectively.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
  • 1-3 years of experience in product development, food science, manufacturing, R&D, or a related field.
  • Strong technical foundation with a passion for learning and innovation.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively both independently and within a team environment.
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Experience interpreting technical data and translating findings into actionable recommendations.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience within the food, beverage, nutrition, or consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry.
  • Familiarity with manufacturing processes and product commercialization.
  • Experience supporting quality improvement or process optimization initiatives.

What You'll Gain
  • Hands-on experience with a leading nutrition and snack brand.
  • Exposure to innovation, product renovation, and manufacturing support projects.
  • Mentorship from experienced food scientists and product developers.
  • Opportunity to work on products enjoyed by millions of consumers nationwide.
  • Collaborative, fast-paced environment with significant learning and growth opportunities.

Apply