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Food Product Development Assistant Jobs in Virginia

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Tools Product Development Manager

Sterling, VA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Tools Product Development ManagerSkip to main contentWe use cookies to improve your experience. By ... Work closely with corporate sales/business intelligence, assist in providing leads to sales ...

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All JobsFood Product Development JobsFood Product Development Assistant JobsFood Product Development Assistant Jobs in Virginia

Food Product Development Assistant information

See Virginia salary details

$14

$24

$41

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 Virginia is $24.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.24 and $25.96 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 Virginia?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Food Product Development Assistant jobs near you

Product Development Assistant

Smithfield Foods, Inc.

Smithfield, VA • On-site

$14.42 - $24.04/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.
Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special - a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact. Apply Now!
THE VALUE YOU'LL BRING:
The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.
As a Production Development Assistant, you will help prepare and produce meat product samples, operate and clean equipment, maintain a safe and organized work area, complete required records, and support product testing and daily operations. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on work, follows instructions well, and wants to learn about food production in a team-oriented environment.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.
  • Prepare Product Samples: Help make and prepare meat product samples for customers to review. Follow instructions to ensure samples are made correctly and meet quality expectations.
  • Maintain a Clean and Safe Work Area: Keep the pilot plant and work areas clean, organized, and safe. Assist with preparing the facility for visitors and tours.
  • Complete Required Records: Fill out and maintain basic production and quality records accurately.
  • Support Testing and Team Activities: Assist with product testing and share information with team members. Work closely with others to support daily pilot plant operations.

WHAT WE'RE SEEKING:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.
  • High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED) required.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook).
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to lift up to 50lbs with no assistance.
  • Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and achieve effective time management.
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet established goals and objectives.
  • Acts with a sense of urgency & ability to meet deadlines; self-directed.
  • Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.
  • Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities include close vision and ability to adjust focus.
  • Frequently required to stand; sit; walk; use hands handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, and talk or hear

The expected pay range for this position is $14.42 - $24.04 per hour.
Smithfield Foods provides pay ranges that reflect its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the company reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of hire. Individual compensation will be determined based on several factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the role, location of the position, the candidate's qualifications and experience, internal equity, external market pay for comparable positions and budget considerations. At Smithfield Foods, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive total rewards package. Learn more about our benefits package here.
Relocation Package AvailableNo
EEO Information
Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.

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