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Food Packaging Research Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Yum! Brands

Research & Development Chef

Plano, TX

... food and packaging inventory, review and execute with support of team to ensure smooth delivery ... Experience 5+ years R&D/technical experience. Successful leading projects with minimal coaching.

PepsiCo

2026 Co-Op: R&D Packaging

Valhalla, NY

$21.60 - $55.40/hr

Overview Job Title: 2026 Co-Op: R&D (Research & Development) Packaging PepsiCo is a playground for curious people. We invite thinkers, doers, and changemakers to champion innovation, take calculated ...

PepsiCo

2026 Co-Op: R&D Packaging

Plano, TX

$21.60 - $55.40/hr

Overview Job Title: 2026 Co-Op: R&D (Research & Development) Packaging PepsiCo is a playground for curious people. We invite thinkers, doers, and changemakers to champion innovation, take calculated ...

PepsiCo

2026 Co-Op: R&D Packaging

Valhalla, NY · On-site

$21.60 - $55.40/hr

Overview Job Title: 2026 Co-Op: R&D (Research & Development) Packaging PepsiCo is a playground for curious people. We invite thinkers, doers, and changemakers to champion innovation, take calculated ...

fit-flavors

Food Packaging Associate

Chesterfield, MO

$21.90/hr

Packaging Associate Production Operations Department Description The Production Operations ... Growth potential up to $21.90/hour based on training, tenure, and development * Performance-based ...

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All JobsFood Packaging Research Development Jobs

Food Packaging Research Development information

See salary details

$48.5K

$101.8K

$165K

How much do food packaging research development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for food packaging research development in the United States is $101,794.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Food Packaging Research Development vs Food Packaging Technologist?

AspectFood Packaging Research DevelopmentFood Packaging Technologist
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Food Science, Packaging Engineering, or related fieldBachelor's degree in Food Science, Packaging Technology, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, development centers, innovation departmentsManufacturing facilities, quality control labs, production lines
Industry UsageFocus on developing new packaging materials and methodsImplementing packaging solutions, quality testing, and process optimization

Food Packaging Research Development involves creating and testing new packaging materials and designs, often in a lab setting. In contrast, Food Packaging Technologists focus on applying existing packaging solutions in production, ensuring quality, and optimizing processes. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in their primary focus and work environment.

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

To thrive in Food Packaging Research and Development, you need a background in food science, materials engineering, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with packaging design software, laboratory testing equipment, and knowledge of regulatory standards such as FDA or ISO is typically required. Strong problem-solving, creativity, and cross-functional communication skills help you innovate and collaborate effectively. These abilities are crucial to creating safe, sustainable, and market-ready packaging solutions that meet industry and consumer needs.

What are the typical challenges faced when developing new food packaging solutions, and how can I expect to collaborate with other departments?

In Food Packaging Research Development, a common challenge is balancing innovative design with cost, sustainability, and compliance with food safety regulations. You'll often work closely with cross-functional teams, including product development, quality assurance, marketing, and supply chain, to ensure packaging meets both functional and branding requirements. Effective communication is key, as you'll need to present your ideas, gather feedback, and integrate diverse perspectives into your solutions. Expect to participate in regular meetings, prototype testing, and troubleshooting sessions as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.

What is Food Packaging Research Development?

Food Packaging Research Development involves creating, testing, and improving packaging materials and techniques to ensure food safety, extend shelf life, and enhance consumer convenience. Professionals in this field work on developing innovative packaging solutions that address sustainability, regulatory requirements, and market trends. Their work often includes collaborating with engineers, scientists, and manufacturers to bring new packaging concepts from the lab to large-scale production.
Infographic showing various Food Packaging Research Development job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 67% Full Time, and 31% Part Time. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,794 per year, or $48.9 per hour.
Research & Development Chef

Research & Development Chef

Yum! Brands

Plano, TX

Other

Posted yesterday

Yum! Brands rating

3.9

Company rating: 3.9 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

What You'll Be Serving Up:

Designs, plans, and manages R&D projects of varying complexity resulting in new or improved products & processes. Works directly with CI, Marketing, cross-functional teams, and suppliers to support the KFC US Innovation pipeline.

Here's How You'll Spice Things Up:

 Leads the identification of appropriate vendors and preparation of technical brief at onset of project.

Leads the development, evaluation, and revision process for product prototypes.

Design, coordinate and execute consumer/sensory tests and in-market research tests research using common sensory and consumer research protocols, including proper documentation, managing food and packaging inventory, review and execute with support of team to ensure smooth delivery/execution, interpretation of results and communication of next steps both internally and externally.

Develops operational procedures and specifications for new products which yield a food safe and consistent quality product. This includes identifying new smallwares (if needed), identifying appropriate in-store packaging, development and validation of cooking/holding procedures and testing of ingredients for all approved equipment.

Conducts yield analysis and depletion work and communicate results to cross-functional team.

Supports KFC/YUM nutritional goals by developing products which meet defined nutritional goals through theoretical and final lab analysis to validate consumer nutritional profiles of new/improved products.

Completes the required documentation and records for all testing and development conducted in the labs.

Secure formulas/specifications, develop packaging labels, and identify appropriate shelf life while partnering with commercialization.

Plan, execute & support: Chef's Council, Food Immersions, Supplier Summits, PR/Media launch events, Ops/ Market Tests.

Plan, execute & support product demos; NCAC, Innovation Day, Innovation WIP, LT WIP

Leads assigned AVA projects (Alternate Vendor Approval)

Travel as needed to support product development, consumer testing, etc.

Supports rapid innovation testing with key franchisees to accelerate the innovation process and reduce time between concept and commercialization.

What You Bring to the Table:

  • Education:
    • Bachelor's degree from an accredited 4-year university, preferably in Food Science or related field.
  • Experience:
    • 4+ years of relevant work experience required with Bachelor's.
    • Experience in a Product Development position for a quick service restaurant brand ($500M+ in size),  creating and commercializing successful new product offerings preferred.
  • Skills
    • Excellent oral and written communication skills to engage and align cross-functional stakeholders; ability to present effectively.
    • Strong analytical skills to interpret data and form action-able recommendations.
    • Exceptional project management capabilities, including driving great outcomes in a fast-paced environment.
  • Mindset:
    • Relentless in the pursuit of excellence and maintaining high standards.
    • Resourceful and adaptive in ambiguous situations with a proven ability to operate "in the grey."
    • Resilient in the face of obstacles and persistent in driving towards results.
    • Thrive in a collaborative environment and excel at inspiring and developing team members.

What's In It for You:

Education - Bachelors degree preferred in Food Science.

Experience

5+ years R&D/technical experience.

Successful leading projects with minimal coaching.

Strong product development mindset.

Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interface directly with higher levels of management.

Self-motivated with a strong drive for results and intellectual curiosity.

Strong oral and written communication skills.

Must be able to meet deadlines and work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

KFC Corporation, based in Plano, Texas, is one of the few brands in America that can boast about having a rich, 60-year history of success and innovation. In fact, KFC is the world's most popular chicken restaurant chain and a division of Yum! Brands, the world's largest restaurant company.
 
Yum! Brands, Inc., based in Louisville, Kentucky, has over 45,000 restaurants in more than 135 countries and territories and is one of the Aon Hewitt Top Companies for Leaders in North America. In 2018, Yum! Brands was recognized as part of the inaugural Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index. The company's restaurant brands - KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell - are global leaders of the chicken, pizza and Mexican-style food categories. 
More important than our size is our commitment to breakthrough innovation and the success of our employees. We're proud of the unique culture we've built, one where everyone can be their best self, make a difference and have fun! We believe in our people, trust in their positive intentions, encourage ideas from everyone, and have actively developed a workforce that is diverse in style and background.

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