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Food Product Development Assistant Jobs in Arizona

$18 - $24.50/hr

Assistant, Player Development - Mandarin Interpreter Department : Baseball Department Duration ... productive training environment when interpretation is not actively needed. Due to the nature of ...

$18 - $24.50/hr

Assistant, Player Development - Mandarin Interpreter Department : Baseball Department Duration ... productive training environment when interpretation is not actively needed. Due to the nature of ...

Maintain product-development trackers, timelines, and status updates. * Communicate comments, approvals, and next steps to suppliers in a clear and timely manner. * Assist with the creation and ...

PRODUCT ENGINEER I

Chandler, AZ ยท On-site

$95K - $110K/yr

Development of technical documents (Design reviews, trade studies, test plans/reports, etc.). Assist with product development procurement, building, and testing. Maintain legacy production products ...

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Food Product Development Assistant information

See Arizona salary details

$13

$23

$39

How much do food product development assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for food product development assistant in Arizona is $23.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.04 and $24.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a food product development assistant do?

A Food Product Development Assistant supports the creation and improvement of food products by assisting with formulation, testing recipes, conducting sensory evaluations, and collecting data on product performance. They often work closely with food scientists and technologists to help bring new products from concept to market. Their responsibilities may also include sourcing ingredients, maintaining lab equipment, and ensuring products comply with safety and quality standards. This role is essential for innovation in the food industry and requires attention to detail, creativity, and strong organizational skills.

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

To thrive as a Food Product Development Assistant, you need a background in food science or a related field, along with knowledge of food safety standards and basic laboratory techniques. Familiarity with product formulation software, sensory analysis tools, and regulatory compliance systems is often required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong teamwork and communication skills help you excel in collaborative and fast-paced environments. These skills ensure the successful development of innovative, safe, and market-ready food products.

What are some common challenges faced by food product development assistants when working on new product formulations?

Food Product Development Assistants often encounter challenges such as balancing taste, texture, and nutritional requirements while adhering to cost constraints and regulatory guidelines. They must also manage tight project timelines, coordinate with cross-functional teams like marketing and quality assurance, and adapt formulations to accommodate ingredient availability or supply chain disruptions. Staying organized and open to feedback is crucial for successfully navigating these complexities and ensuring the final product meets both company standards and consumer expectations.

What is the difference between Food Product Development Assistant vs Food Quality Assurance Technician?

AspectFood Product Development AssistantFood Quality Assurance Technician
CredentialsTypically an associate degree or related certificationOften requires a degree in food science or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch and development labs, product testing facilitiesQuality control labs, manufacturing plants
Industry UsageInvolved in creating and improving productsEnsures products meet safety and quality standards

The Food Product Development Assistant focuses on developing new food products and improving existing ones, working closely with R&D teams. In contrast, the Food Quality Assurance Technician concentrates on testing and maintaining product safety and quality during production. Both roles require related certifications and often work within the same industry environments, but their primary responsibilities differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Product Development jobs in Arizona?

The most popular types of Food Product Development jobs in Arizona are:

What are popular job titles related to Food Product Development Assistant jobs in Arizona?

For Food Product Development Assistant jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Food Product Development Assistant jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Food Product Development Assistant job openings:

Product Development Specialist

Mesa, AZ โ€ข On-site

Lehi Valley Trading Company
Food and Drink Manufacturingย โ€ขย 11 - 50 employees

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

 

JOB LOCATION:

 On site at 4955 E McKellips Rd, Mesa, Arizona 85215


JOB SUMMARY:

The Product Development Specialist is responsible for developing and commercializing innovative food products from concept through production. This person works directly with the Development Team to produce, taste test, and revise recipes until product meets with satisfaction internally. Broader sampling will then be conducted to ensure market acceptance. 


ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Meet with Development team on target items and develop a project list and timelines for approval.
  • Plan, develop, and manage those development projects from concept through commercialization.
  • The categories to be working on are popcorn, corn puffs, granola, and snack mixes. 
  • Go to lehivalley.com to familiarize yourself with current products.
  • Develop and refine product formulations to achieve desired taste, texture, appearance, shelf life, and cost objectives working in production area and kitchen with the team.
  • Convert laboratory and pilot-scale recipes into full-scale recipes and processes that align with plant capabilities. 
  • Recommend and work with team on process improvements before launch. 
  • Conduct product testing, evaluations, and sensory analysis.
  • 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 Development. 
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives related to product quality, efficiency, and cost reduction.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:


REQUIRED

  • 5+ years of hands-on product development and commercialization experience in a manufacturing environment with Development team members. 
  • Strong working knowledge of ingredient functionality, food chemistry, thermal processing, pH, emulsions, and shelf-life stability.
  • Bachelor’s degree in food science, Food Engineering, Chemistry, or a related technical field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • 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 twenty-five pounds occasionally.
  • Ability to work in hot, cold, and noisy production environments.
  • Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).