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Food Lab Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

HP Hood

Lab Technician - (B Crew)

Winchester, VA

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

The Lab Technician will be responsible for various testing required to meet Hood and industry ... Knowledge of food microbiology, chemistry, dairy standards and CIP sanitation. Skills and ...

HP Hood

Lab Technician - (B Crew)

Winchester, VA

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

The Lab Technician will be responsible for various testing required to meet Hood and industry ... Knowledge of food microbiology, chemistry, dairy standards and CIP sanitation. Skills and ...

HP Hood

Lab Technician - (B Crew)

Winchester, VA · On-site

$28.45 - $31.08/hr

Founded in 1846, today HP Hood is one of the largest and most trusted food and beverage ... The Lab Technician will be responsible for various testing required to meet Hood and industry ...

HP Hood

Lab Technician - (B Crew)

Winchester, VA

$28.45 - $31.08/hr

Founded in 1846, today HP Hood is one of the largest and most trusted food and beverage ... The Lab Technician will be responsible for various testing required to meet Hood and industry ...

Apply Early

HP Hood

Lab Technician - (B Crew)

Winchester, VA · On-site

$28.45 - $31.08/hr

Founded in 1846, today HP Hood is one of the largest and most trusted food and beverage ... The Lab Technician will be responsible for various testing required to meet Hood and industry ...

HP Hood

Lab Technician - (B Crew)

Winchester, VA · On-site

$28.45 - $31.08/hr

Founded in 1846, today HP Hood is one of the largest and most trusted food and beverage ... The Lab Technician will be responsible for various testing required to meet Hood and industry ...

Apply Early

Deibel Laboratories Inc

Lab Technician I

Chester, VA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

We play an integral role in food and product safety for industry-leading producers, as well as family-run operations much like our own. Our lab location in Chester, VA is hiring full-time Food ...

Kroger Manufacturing

MFG LAB TECH

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

Participate in programs to sustain compliance with Kroger Manufacturing Food Safety and Quality ... Minimum of two years previous quality assurance lab experience * Knowledge of food safety programs ...

PepsiCo

Food Safety & Quality Manager

Newport News, VA

$93K - $156K/yr

Oversee standard lab and processing equipment calibration management programs and executional compliance of analytical procedures * Lead Quality & Food Safety risk assessment and analysis in ...

PepsiCo

Food Safety & Quality Manager

Newport News, VA · On-site

$93K - $156K/yr

Oversee standard lab and processing equipment calibration management programs and executional compliance of analytical procedures * Lead Quality & Food Safety risk assessment and analysis in ...

PepsiCo

Food Safety & Quality Manager

Newport News, VA

$93K - $156K/yr

Oversee standard lab and processing equipment calibration management programs and executional compliance of analytical procedures * Lead Quality & Food Safety risk assessment and analysis in ...

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All JobsFood Lab JobsFood Lab Jobs in Virginia

Food Lab information

See Virginia salary details

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How much do food lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for food lab in Virginia is $25.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.09 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Food Lab vs Food Scientist?

AspectFood LabFood Scientist
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in food science, chemistry, or related fieldRequires a degree in food science, chemistry, or related field; often advanced degrees for research roles
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, food production facilities, testing centersResearch labs, food manufacturing companies, academic institutions
Employer & Industry UsageFood companies, testing labs, quality assuranceFood industry R&D, academia, government agencies

Food Lab roles focus on testing, quality control, and product development in practical settings, while Food Scientists often engage in research, product innovation, and scientific analysis. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What is the highest paid job in the food industry?

In the food industry, executive chef or culinary director roles tend to be among the highest paid positions, especially in high-end restaurants or hotel chains, with salaries often exceeding six figures. These roles require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often advanced culinary certifications or management training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Food Lab Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Lab Technician, you need a solid background in food science, chemistry, or microbiology, often supported by a relevant degree or laboratory certification. Familiarity with lab equipment, quality control systems, and safety regulations such as HACCP or ISO standards is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork set standout professionals apart in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring food safety, maintaining product quality, and supporting regulatory compliance in food production environments.

How much money do you make as a food scientist?

Food scientists typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000, with entry-level positions starting lower and experienced professionals earning over $100,000. Salaries vary based on education, experience, location, and the specific employer, and the role often requires knowledge of food safety, chemistry, and laboratory techniques.

What is a food lab?

A food lab is a specialized facility where food products are tested, analyzed, and developed to ensure safety, quality, and compliance with regulations. Food labs conduct a variety of tests, such as checking for contaminants, nutritional content, shelf life, and sensory qualities. They play a crucial role in supporting food manufacturers, researchers, and regulatory agencies to maintain food safety standards and innovate new products.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

High-paying jobs that can reach $4,000 a week without a degree often include roles such as commercial truck drivers, sales managers, real estate brokers, or skilled trades like electricians and plumbers. These positions typically require specialized training, certifications, or experience rather than a college degree, and may involve long hours or physical work.

What is the highest paid lab job?

In food labs, the highest paid roles are often senior food scientists or research and development managers, with salaries exceeding $100,000 annually. These positions typically require advanced degrees, specialized skills, and experience in product development, quality assurance, or food safety management.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a food lab, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in a food lab often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict safety and sanitation standards, managing tight deadlines for product testing, and adapting to rapidly changing regulatory requirements. Collaboration across departments—such as quality assurance, research and development, and production—is essential to ensure accurate results and product safety. Staying organized, communicating clearly with team members, and keeping up-to-date with current food safety protocols can help mitigate these challenges and support a productive work environment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Food Lab jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Food Lab jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Food Lab jobs in Virginia? For Food Lab jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Food Lab jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Food Lab jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Food Lab jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Food Lab job openings:
Food Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Lab job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, and 34% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,066 per year, or $25 per hour.
Lab Technician - (B Crew)

Lab Technician - (B Crew)

HP Hood

Winchester, VA

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

Other

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:

The Lab Technician will be responsible for various testing required to meet Hood and industry standards, using basic knowledge of lab set up in order to pull and properly handle samples for chemical, microbiological, retains and shelf life analysis of all dairy products.  This position is required to be knowledgeable in basic lab quality control skills and be able to identify quality issues on the lines and report to proper personnel. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Laboratory testing to meet standards set up in PMO, Standard Methods for the Dairy Industry and FDA 2400 methods requirements.
  • Pulling, logging, and running finish product and processing samples for all test required on each product.
  • Pull sample of incoming raw material and packaging to determine acceptability of loads from our suppliers.
  • Audit CIP chemical concentrations and ensures compliance to company specifications.
  • Must be able to prepare media and other lab controls. These would include but are not limited to pour plates, buffer water, etc.
  • Operate autoclave to sterilize plates and equipment as needed while ensuring sterility test are accurate.
  • Assist in lab equipment PMs such as cleaning the Micro Luminescence Systems weekly with caustic; drain and clean the autoclave bi-weekly; changing fluid standards and filters on the cryoscopy.
  • Inoculating batch tanks with enzyme and vitamins and recording usages on the various logs.
  • Responsible for the daily cleanup and review of racking systems in the incubators and cooler to set up for shelf life testing.
  • Participate in environmental testing in and around plant that includes swabbing, air plating, water sampling, etc.
  • Verifies that plant equipment meets sanitation requirements prior to start up.
  • Various tasks involving the responsibility of the food safety and quality of company products.

Education and Experience:  

  • BS/BA in related science and/or equivalent job experience in a quality role of a food manufacturing plant
  • Experience in food manufacturing
  • Knowledge of food microbiology, chemistry, dairy standards and CIP sanitation.

Skills and Competencies:

  • Adapts to changes in the work environment
  • Strong written and verbal communication
  • Exhibits ability to learn and apply new skills
  • Work effectively with team members to accomplish department and plant goals

Physical Requirements:

  • Standing: Long periods (a minimum of 8+ hours)
  • Sitting: Occasionally for short periods
  • Walking: Long periods
  • Bending: Frequently
  • Lifting: Light (25-40 lbs.) frequently
  • Carrying: Light (50 - 60 lbs.)frequently

Performance Standards:

  • Comply with performance criteria, standards of conduct, employment procedures and responsibilities as described in the HP Hood Guidebook and applicable site supplement.
  • Adhere to all safety and environmental protocols, procedures and training. Maintain a safe work environment at all times and immediately report and take appropriate action to correct safety concerns.
  • Comply with all Good Manufacturing Practices, including GMP dress code standards.
  • Responsible for reporting to work in a condition to work at scheduled times and communicating tardiness and absences according to the Call-Off Procedure and Attendance Policy.

SQF Requirements/Responsibilities:

  • Maintaining food safety and food quality through completing job tasks and maintaining the work area in a sanitary manner.
  • Monitoring of incoming goods & services
  • Report food safety problems to personnel with authority to initiate action.
  • Supporting the following Programs:
    • Corrective and Preventative Action Program
    • Finished Product and Raw Material Release Program
    • Coordinating the Internal Audit Program
    • Customer Complaint Program
    • Conducting Mock Recalls

Environmental Concerns:

  • May be subject to exposure to ingredients used in the manufacture of food products including allergens.
  • May be subject to exposure to chemicals involved in the manufacture and sanitation of a food processing facility.

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