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Food Product Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

King's Hawaiian

Product Developer

Torrance, CA · On-site

With a team of Food Scientists and other Product Developers, this individual will partner with experienced chefs to create new products and recipes for commercialization, while also working with ...

Ifg

Product Developer

Torrance, CA · On-site

With a team of Food Scientists and other Product Developers, this individual will partner with experienced chefs to create new products and recipes for commercialization, while also working with ...

Mill

Senior Product Design Engineer

San Bruno, CA · On-site

$180K - $235K/yr

Tens of thousands of Mill's residential food recyclers are already helping households divert ... As a member of Mill's Product Design Engineering team you will be part of a cross functional team ...

Mill

Senior Product Design Engineer

San Bruno, CA · On-site

$180K - $235K/yr

Tens of thousands of Mill's residential food recyclers are already helping households divert ... As a member of Mill's Product Design Engineering team you will be part of a cross functional team ...

Apex Systems

R&D Food Scientist

Fullerton, CA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, or a related scientific discipline * 2-5+ years of experience in food product development, formulation, or R&D within a food ...

Abbott

Engineer II Product Analysis

Sylmar, CA · On-site

$81K - $141K/yr

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE ROLE The Engineer II Product Analysis will perform failure analysis on ... Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, other regulatory requirements, Company policies ...

Abbott

Engineer II Product Analysis

Los Angeles, CA

$81K - $141K/yr

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE ROLE The Engineer II Product Analysis will perform failure analysis on ... Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, other regulatory requirements, Company policies ...

Abbott

Engineer II Product Analysis

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$81K - $141K/yr

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE ROLE The Engineer II Product Analysis will perform failure analysis on ... Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, other regulatory requirements, Company policies ...

Abbott

Engineer I, Product Analysis

Los Angeles, CA

$73K - $116K/yr

Engineer I, Product Analysis perform failure analysis on explanted biomedical implant product ... Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, other regulatory requirements, Company policies ...

Abbott

Engineer I, Product Analysis

Sylmar, CA · On-site

$73K - $116K/yr

Engineer I, Product Analysis perform failure analysis on explanted biomedical implant product ... Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, other regulatory requirements, Company policies ...

Archer Meat Snacks

Senior Food Scientist

Vernon, CA · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Meat Science, or a related technical discipline. * 4+ years of experience in food product development, R&D, or food science within the Consumer ...

Abbott

Engineer I, Product Analysis

Los Angeles, CA

$73K - $116K/yr

Engineer I, Product Analysis perform failure analysis on explanted biomedical implant product ... Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, other regulatory requirements, Company policies ...

Eurofins

Senior Product Safety Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

From the food you eat, to the water you drink, to the medicines you rely on, Eurofins laboratories ... Senior product safety engineer will also be required to support other engineers on their projects ...

JRG Partners

Food Process Scientist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

... volume production for commercial launches. This position will be physically located in San ... Preferred Masters in Food Science/Engineering, Material Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering ...

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Food Product Developer information

See California salary details

$26.2K

$96.1K

$205.3K

How much do food product developer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for food product developer in California is $96,104.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,100.00 and $115,500.00 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 are the most commonly searched types of Food Product Developer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Food Product Developer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Food Product Developer jobs in California?

For Food Product Developer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

Food Product Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Product Developer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,104 per year, or $46.2 per hour.

Product Developer

King's Hawaiian

Torrance, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 14 hours ago

King's Hawaiian rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

375th of 443 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Joining King's Hawaiian makes you part of our `ohana (family). We are a family-owned business for over seventy years, respecting our roots while thinking about our future as we continue to grow and care for our customers and the communities we serve. Our `ohana members build an environment of inclusivity as they freely collaborate, pursue learning through curiosity, and explore innovation as critical thinkers. Beyond that, we are also passionate about supporting the long-term health and well-being of our employees and their families. If you're excited to rise with our team, come and join our `ohana!
At KING'S HAWAIIAN® we create unique and irresistible foods that people love beyond reason. We are not in the business of copying mainstream products or pursuing short-term trends. Our goal is to create new, long-term value to market with consumer-led innovation ideas. This role will report to the Manager, Product Development and be a part of a multi-disciplinary Innovation & Commercialization team with a start-up type culture. With a team of Food Scientists and other Product Developers, this individual will partner with experienced chefs to create new products and recipes for commercialization, while also working with Process and Packaging Engineers, Marketing Insights, and Production to produce these new products.
Who Are You?
The Product Developer is an idealist, researcher, designer, and builder. Your imagination and problem solving combines new ingredients and flavors, alters methods and processes, and crafts new products that have never been tasted before. Your creations tell stories and create moments of irresistibility for people.
The following characteristics describe you perfectly:
1.Curious - you break boundaries and do not settle for the status quo. You have an instinctive desire to always dig deeper. Your curiosity leads you to think differently and try new things.
2.Persistent - you do not settle for mediocracy and have an unmatched determination to solve your complex problems. You always strive for perfection and cannot rest until you've carried out your mission.
3.Courageous and Agile- you like to jump and take risks! You recognize that the future cannot be shaped without taking leaps forward. You trust your beliefs and see every failure as an opportunity.
4.Self-starter and Proactive- the world of innovation and ambiguity does not scare you. You know how to self-manage. You are a leader and initiator. You do not wait around for someone else to step up.
5.Foodie and a Scientist - you LOVE food. Food is one of your passions in life. You love to try new foods, experience cuisines from different cultures, and gather with others to break bread. You also love science and are an expert food scientist with passion for new technologies in the food industry.
6.Collaborator- You are willing to find solutions by trusting others and get energized while working in a team environment. You are not afraid to take responsibility for the mistakes and don't hesitate to give credit to other contributors. You are an active listener!
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Participate in the identification, design, development, creation, and testing of product prototypes.
  • Collaborate with chefs and third parties to create recipes with the ability to scale up for both limited introductions as well as national product launches.
  • Assist with developing rapid prototypes to explore with consumers in real purchase and consumption environments.
  • Assist with developing specifications for all raw materials, process controls, and finished goods.
  • Manage scale up trials of products and work closely with Production leaders to train on process.
  • Work closely with King's ingredient and packaging suppliers on the technical characteristics of King's materials and troubleshoot ingredient performance.
  • Participate in testing and ensuring food concepts are shelf stable and food safe. Work with 3rd party labs to test and analyze products.
  • Develop and maintain FDA and USDA food product labeling that complies with regulatory requirements and/or customer requirements. Produce product specification sheets.
  • Manage several projects simultaneously.
  • Creatively solve technical problems in a rapid, efficient manner.
  • Assist in pipeline prioritization and technical assessment of future innovation projects & ideas.
  • Collaborate with Concept Developer Chefs, Marketing, Innovation Insights, R&D Process Engineers, Operations, Procurement, and Packaging Engineers in the Innovation product development process.
  • Deliver accurate product trial details and collaborate with the Innovation Project Lead to guarantee accurate and on-time set up of factory trials.
  • Ensure accurate and timely reporting of product development activities to key stakeholders.
  • Collaborate and team up with third party manufacturing facilities to scale up and test products for commercialization.
  • Perform other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of this role.

BASIC QUALIFICATION (EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE)
  • Bachelor's degree in food science, Food Technology, or a closely related field from an accredited 4-year college. Higher education (e.g., Master of Science) in Food Science, Food Technology or a closely related field is preferred.
  • 3+ years of progressively responsible experience in R&D and new product development
  • Knowledge and experience in baking and cereal sciences (2+ years).

PHYSCIAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Ability to lift 50 lbs
  • Ability to stand 2-3 hours

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATION (JOB SKILLS, ABILITIES, KNOWLEDGE)
  • Understanding of the process and methods for developing and commercializing shelf-stable foods.
  • Knowledge and understanding of baking and cereal science.
  • Understanding of physical properties and chemical composition of food and ingredients.
  • Understanding of extensive areas of food science and technology and experimental procedures
  • Proficient ability to work with culinary or corporate chefs.
  • Working understanding of different methods of packaging (retort, aseptic, UHT, Hot/Cold Pasteurization, MAP)
  • Working understanding of Project management - plan, coordinate, communicate progress and challenges, execute project activities.
  • Proficient ability to work with third party manufacturers (co-manufacturers, co-packers) in developing products.
  • Expert ability to muti-task and contribute to many projects at the same time.
  • Ability to seek and be open to new experiences with different food from other cultures and enjoy foods in a different way. Does not settle with mediocre products.
  • Ability to consistently demonstrate King's values of excellence, dignity, saying it like it is in a way it can be heard; and curiosity, collaboration, critical thinking and emotional intelligence.
  • Ability to travel up to 10%.

This is an on-site role 5 days a week.
The compensation range is $110,000 to $130,000 plus a potential bonus. The final offer will ultimately depend on several factors.
King's Hawaiian is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for our ohana.

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