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Food Product Development Assistant Jobs in Seattle, WA

Starbucks

product developer - Food

Seattle, WA · On-site

In R&D, we aspire to be the indisputable leader in breakthrough innovation. Our mission is to ... As a Product Developer - Food , you will... • Manage multiple projects simultaneously with some ...

AeroTEC Inc.

MANAGER - PRODUCT INNOVATION

Seattle, WA · On-site

The Manager is responsible for the development, maintenance, and consistent application of product ... and assist Program Managers in managing program technical risk. * Lead cross-functional ...

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All JobsFood Product Development JobsFood Product Development Assistant JobsFood Product Development Assistant Jobs in Seattle, WA

Food Product Development Assistant information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$16

$28

$47

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

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for food product development assistant in Seattle, WA is $28.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.27 and $29.81 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 Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Food Product Development jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Food Product Development Assistant jobs in Seattle, WA?

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

What job categories do people searching Food Product Development Assistant jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Product Development Assistant jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Food Product Development Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Product Development Assistant job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,012 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Product Development & Category Manager

Vale Concepts

Seattle, WA • On-site

$130K - $162K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

About Vale

Vale is on a mission to make exceptional matcha simple. We believe premium matcha shouldn't require complicated preparation or years of experience to enjoy. Through thoughtfully designed products, beautiful packaging, and uncompromising quality, we're redefining how people experience matcha every day.

As we continue to grow, we're looking for someone who thrives in bringing products to lifefrom the first idea through launch and into ongoing optimization.

Position Summary

The Product Development & Category Manager will own Vale's end-to-end product development pipeline, serving as the primary bridge between Marketing, Operations, Manufacturing, Quality, and external suppliers.

This role is responsible for ensuring new products launch on time, packaging and regulatory deliverables are complete, product information is accurate, and every stakeholder has what they need throughout commercialization.

The ideal candidate is equal parts project manager, product developer, food scientist, and operatorsomeone who enjoys building systems, sweating the details, and turning great ideas into successful products.

Responsibilities Own the Product Development Pipeline
  • Manage the complete product development lifecycle from concept through commercialization
  • Build and maintain product development timelines, launch calendars, and project trackers
  • Coordinate all cross-functional deliverables to ensure launches stay on schedule
  • Identify project risks early and proactively resolve bottlenecks
  • Lead recurring cross-functional product development meetings
Product Development 
  • Partner with Marketing to translate product concepts into commercially viable products
  • Coordinate formulation development with manufacturing partners
  • Manage product sampling, revisions, testing, approvals, and commercialization
  • Oversee pilot runs, production trials, and first production approvals
  • Support continuous improvement of existing products based on customer feedback and manufacturing learnings
  • Evaluate new ingredients, suppliers, and product opportunities
Product Information Management

Maintain and own all product documentation including:

  • Product specifications
  • Manage sample requests and approvals
  • Track ingredient changes and packaging updates
  • Ingredient lists
  • Formulas
  • Packaging specs
  • Nutrition information
  • UPCs
  • Case pack information
  • Product dimensions
  • Shipping specifications
  • Manufacturing documentation
  • Product launch checklists
Marketing Support

Partner closely with Marketing by providing:

  • Accurate product information
  • Ingredient education
  • Claims support
  • Product launch timelines
  • Packaging approvals
  • Product photography samples
  • Website product specifications
  • Retailer documentation
  • Sales sheets and specification documents
Process Improvement
  • Build scalable systems for product development
  • Improve documentation processes
  • Standardize launch workflows
  • Develop SOPs across commercialization
  • Continuously optimize cross-functional collaboration
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Nutrition, or related field
  • 36 years of experience in food product development, commercialization, or CPG
  • Experience working with co-manufacturers or food manufacturing facilities
  • Experience with packaging development and print production
  • Knowledge of food regulations, ingredient specifications, and quality systems
  • Exceptional project management and organizational skills
  • Ability to manage multiple product launches simultaneously
  • Excellent communication skills with both technical and creative teams
  • Strong attention to detail
Success in This Role

Within your first year, you'll:

  • Own Vale's entire product development roadmap
  • Build a best-in-class commercialization process that keeps launches on schedule
  • Create a centralized source of truth for every product specification and packaging asset
  • Ensure all packaging and regulatory deliverables are accurate and launch-ready
  • Improve communication between Marketing, Operations, and manufacturing partners
  • Help Vale bring innovative new products to market faster while maintaining exceptional quality
Benefits
  • Company funded Orca card
  • Company equity
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision
  • Unlimited matcha!