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Food Product Development Scientist Jobs in Michigan

Innovate as you develop and refine food process technology from idea generation through proof of ... and scientific investigation or developments. This includes (but not limited to) product ...

Senior R&D Scientist

Grawn, MI · On-site

$100K - $127K/yr

Lead development, validation, and commercialization of new food products, recipes, processes, and ... Bachelor's degree in food science, food technology, food chemistry, nutrition, or a related ...

Senior R&D Scientist

Traverse City, MI · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

On-site work Job Id: 54025 Senior R&D Scientist Bel is part of a mission-driven, family-owned ... food products, recipes, processes, and product improvements for Bel's GoGo SqueeZ fruit-based ...

Minimum BS in Food Science or related field * 4+ years' experience in product development. Master's degree in food science or related field preferred (including internships and co-ops). It would be ...

New

New Product Development: Conduct bench-top development using scientific techniques to meet consumer ... Food Safety Knowledge: Apply a strong understanding of formulation and process design principles to ...

New Product Development: Conduct bench-top development using scientific techniques to meet consumer ... Food Safety Knowledge: Apply a strong understanding of formulation and process design principles to ...

Senior Food Scientist

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Senior Food Scientist We are recruiting for a Senior Food Scientist at a growing gluten-free and ... This is a hands-on role owning product development from concept through commercialization, split ...

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Showing results 1-20

Food Product Development Scientist information

See Michigan salary details

$40.1K

$72K

$105K

How much do food product development scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for food product development scientist in Michigan is $72,044.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,100.00 and $82,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a food product development scientist do?

A Food Product Development Scientist is responsible for creating and improving food products, ensuring they are safe, nutritious, and appealing to consumers. They work on formulating new recipes, testing ingredients, and optimizing manufacturing processes to meet quality and regulatory standards. Their role often involves collaborating with marketing, production, and quality assurance teams to bring innovative food products from concept to market. They also stay updated on food trends, consumer preferences, and advances in food science technology.

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

A Food Product Development Scientist typically needs a degree in food science, chemistry, or a related field, with strong knowledge of ingredient functionality and food safety regulations. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, sensory analysis tools, and formulation software like Genesis R&D is often required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help drive innovation and successful collaboration between departments. These competencies are crucial to developing safe, appealing, and commercially viable food products that meet consumer and regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges faced by food product development scientists when launching new products?

Food Product Development Scientists often encounter challenges such as meeting strict regulatory requirements, ensuring product consistency across large-scale production, and balancing taste, texture, and nutritional profiles. Additionally, they must collaborate closely with cross-functional teams—including marketing, quality assurance, and supply chain—to address potential issues like ingredient sourcing and shelf-life stability. Successfully navigating these challenges requires strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and effective communication with various stakeholders throughout the development process.

What is the difference between Food Product Development Scientist vs Food Technologist?

AspectFood Product Development ScientistFood Technologist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Food Science or related fieldBachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, product development teams, innovation centersManufacturing facilities, quality control labs, production lines
Industry UsageDevelops new products, improves formulations, conducts sensory testingEnsures product safety, quality, and compliance, supports production processes

Food Product Development Scientists focus on creating and refining new food products through research and experimentation, often working in R&D labs. Food Technologists primarily ensure product safety, quality, and compliance during manufacturing. Both roles are essential in the food industry but differ in their core responsibilities and work settings.

What job categories do people searching Food Product Development Scientist jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Product Development Scientist jobs in Michigan are:

Infographic showing various Food Product Development Scientist job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $72,044 per year, or $34.6 per hour.

Scientist Product Development

Loyalty Rules

Battle Creek, MI • On-site

$87 - $120/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Mars Completes Acquisition of Kellanova Learn More

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Date: Aug 31, 2026

Category: Research and Development

Country/Region: US

State: MI

City: Battle Creek

Workplace: Hybrid

Title: Scientist Product Development

Description:

Create new foods that people will enjoy as a Scientist Product Development for our Cheez-IT, Club, Townhouse, and Toasteds Cracker business. Executing from ideation and product design through scale-up you will manage projects and assist on complex programs. This includes new product introductions and value transformation savings initiatives. In addition, you will focus on improvements with product quality and productivity for capacity in North American operations. The hybrid role can be based out of Battle Creek, MI, but may consider individuals in Chicago, IL. Estimated travel is 20-40% (will be closer to 40% for individuals in the Chicago area).

Part of the Salty Snacking Research and Development team, you will make an impact contributing on cross-functional project teams. Innovate as you develop and refine food process technology from idea generation through proof of concept to commercialization. As an innovator, project leader, and technical problem solver, you will team up with others to provide timely and cost-effective innovation and renovation.

A Taste of What You’ll Be Doing

  • Drive Business Growth – Lead and coordinate key projects while giving general direction to assigned teams. Together, you will accomplish projects on technical and scientific investigation or developments. This includes (but not limited to) product relocations, flavor/seasoning extensions, renovations, new products, value transformation savings, or moderate capital projects.
  • Leadership – Demonstrate personal capabilities as a project manager, planner, coordinator, communicator, and technical expert. Provide general directions to assigned cross-functional teams in accomplishing projects.
  • What’s Trending? – Show an innovative mindset in discovery, advancement, and evaluation of new technologies in food/process research and development. This includes identifying applications to new products, improved products, and/or increased efficiency on existing processes.
  • Innovation/Creativity – Provide timely innovative / cost-effective improvements, concepts, developments, and scientific insight. Demonstrate an understanding with respect to new or existing products or processes across the network.
  • Technical Expertise - Keep current with the latest developments and technology through investigation, training, and communication within that discipline.

We’re Looking for Someone With

  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Science or Engineering or related field and strong relevant experience.
  • Leadership, cost consciousness, communication skills, and diplomacy. This will promote strong relationships across all facets of the organization and enable effective execution of projects.
  • Previous experience working with project teams. This includes planning and coordinating project activities, communicating progress and challenges, and being a technical expert for projects.

Compensation

The annual salary range is $ 86,720 - $120,000 , which is based on various factors such as location, experience and skill. Discretionary bonuses based on company and individual performance are also available.

Applications for this position will be accepted through September 13, 2026.

All applicants must have permanent legal authorization to work in the United States. Kellanova does not sponsor employment visas for this role.

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death & dismemberment insurance, employee assistance program, short-term disability coverage, and long-term disability insurance. Also, voluntary income protection benefits such as supplemental life, accident as well as a 401(k) plan with company contributions is available. Part-time employees may have access to benefits on a pro-rated basis. See KellanovaTotalHealth.com for more information.

Get to Know Us

We’ve always been driven to unleash the full potential of our differentiated brands and our passionate people. Our iconic, world-class brands at Kellanova include Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts, MorningStar Farms, Special K, Krave, Zucaritas, Tresor, Crunchy Nut, among others.

Mars, Incorporated has acquired Kellanova in a transaction that brings together iconic brands, storied legacies and outstanding capabilities with a view to shape the future of snacking. You can learn more here , and our hiring teams will be happy to discuss further questions if your application advances in the hiring process.

Let’s shape the future of snacking.

Kellanova is an Equal Opportunity Employer that strives to provide an inclusive work environment, a seat for everyone at the table, and embraces the diverse talent of its people. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more information regarding our efforts to advance Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, please visit our website here .

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