ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Food Product Developer Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Troon

Food & Beverage Manager

Florence, AZ · On-site

Completes reports on production and necessary requisitions. Controls the distribution of necessary ... programming * Responsible for interviewing, hiring, training, planning, assigning, and directing ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFood Product Developer JobsFood Product Developer Jobs in Arizona

Food Product Developer information

See Arizona salary details

$24.7K

$90.7K

$193.8K

How much do food product developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for food product developer in Arizona is $90,746.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,200.00 and $109,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a food product developer do?

A Food Product Developer creates and improves food products by researching ingredients, testing formulations, and ensuring quality and safety standards. They work closely with food scientists, marketers, and manufacturers to bring new products to market. Their role involves sensory testing, cost analysis, and compliance with food regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food product developer?

To thrive as a Food Product Developer, a strong background in food science, nutrition, and culinary arts—often supported by a related degree—is essential. Experience with formulation software, sensory evaluation techniques, and familiarity with food safety regulations or certifications like HACCP are highly valued. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and responding to market trends. These qualifications allow professionals to successfully develop innovative, safe, and market-ready food products in a dynamic industry.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a food product developer?

A Food Product Developer typically spends their days researching food trends, conceptualizing new or improved recipes, and running tests in laboratory kitchens to refine formulations. They work closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, quality assurance, and production, to ensure products meet both consumer expectations and regulatory standards. Regular tasks also involve sensory evaluations, sourcing new ingredients, and documenting product specifications. This collaborative and hands-on environment provides a dynamic mix of creative and scientific work, making each day varied and engaging.

How to become a food product developer?

To become a food product developer, typically a bachelor's degree in food science, nutrition, or a related field is required. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions in food manufacturing or research helps develop skills in product formulation, testing, and quality control. Knowledge of food safety regulations and proficiency with product development tools are also important for success in this role.

What degree do you need to be a food product developer?

A food product developer typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in food science, nutrition, culinary arts, or a related field. Relevant skills include knowledge of food safety, product formulation, and laboratory techniques, and some positions may prefer candidates with a master's degree or industry certifications.

What job categories do people searching Food Product Developer jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Product Developer jobs in Arizona are:

Food Product Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Product Developer job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,746 per year, or $43.6 per hour.

Product Development Specialist

Lehi Valley Trading Company

Mesa, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

JOB SUMMARY:


The Product Development Specialist is responsible for developing and commercializing innovative food products from concept through production. This role works closely with Operations, Quality, Marketing, and Supply Chain to formulate, test, and scale new products while ensuring they meet quality, food safety, and customer expectations. The ideal candidate is creative, detail-oriented, and passionate about developing high-quality snack food products.



ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Ensure maintenance of efficient and effecting reporting and information for activities within the group
  • Plan, develop, and manage assigned product development projects from concept through commercialization.
  • Create and formulate new products, including popcorn, Corn puffs, and other snack food items.
  • Develop and refine product formulations to achieve desired taste, texture, appearance, shelf life, and cost objectives.
  • Convert laboratory and pilot-scale recipes into full-scale manufacturing processes.
  • Conduct product testing, evaluations, and sensory analysis.
  • Coordinate plant trials and production test runs, documenting results and recommending process improvements.
  • Collaborate with Manufacturing to ensure successful product launches and efficient production processes.
  • Partner with the Marketing team to support new product launches and product enhancements.
  • Source and evaluate ingredients and packaging materials in collaboration with approved suppliers.
  • Ensure all products comply with food safety, quality, regulatory, and labeling requirements.
  • Maintain accurate documentation, formulations, specifications, and project records.
  • Monitor project timelines and communicate progress to cross-functional teams.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives related to product quality, efficiency, and cost reduction.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.


QUALIFICATIONS:


REQUIRED

  • Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemistry, or a related technical field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Approximately four (4) years of experience in food product development, preferably within the confectionery or snack food industry.
  • Experience developing products from concept through commercialization.
  • Knowledge of food processing equipment and manufacturing operations.
  • Ability to scale recipes from bench-top or pilot batches to full-scale production.
  • Strong project management and organizational skills.
  • Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
  • Valid Food Handler Card or the ability to obtain one upon hire.
  • Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings or weekends, to support plant trials and production schedules.


PREFERRED

  • Experience with confectionery, popcorn, granola, snack foods, or related products.
  • Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), HACCP, and food safety standards.
  • Experience working in SQF or GFSI-certified manufacturing environments.
  • Familiarity with ingredient functionality, nutritional labeling, and regulatory compliance.


PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods in a manufacturing environment.
  • Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
  • Ability to work in hot, cold, and noisy production environments.
  • Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).


WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position is primarily based in food manufacturing and office environments. The Product Development Specialist will spend time in research and development, production areas, and pilot testing environments while collaborating with cross-functional teams to bring new products to market.


Apply