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Food Product Development Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Berner Food & Beverage, LLC

R&D Scientist

Dakota, IL · On-site

Berner Food & Beverage is currently seeking an R&D Scientist. Summary: The R&D Scientist will formulate milk/dairy-based beverage products and/or cheese products and assist in the management of the ...

Promerus, LLC

Product Development Scientist I

Akron, OH · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Product Development: Contributes to the development of new materials and products that meet customer requirements. Essential Functions: Responsibilities that are requirements in order to perform the ...

Promerus, LLC

Product Development Scientist I

Akron, OH · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Product Development: Contributes to the development of new materials and products that meet customer requirements. Essential Functions: Responsibilities that are requirements in order to perform the ...

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

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for food product development scientist in the United States is $82,657.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $94,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

How to become a food product development scientist?

To become a food product development scientist, typically a bachelor's degree in food science, chemistry, or a related field is required, often followed by experience in food formulation and testing. Skills in laboratory techniques, food safety regulations, and product innovation are essential, and advanced roles may require a master's degree or higher. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions helps build practical knowledge in food development processes.

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 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.

Is there a demand for food product development scientists?

Food product development scientists are in steady demand as the food industry seeks innovation and new product offerings. They often work in research and development departments, utilizing skills in food science, sensory analysis, and product formulation, with employment opportunities available in manufacturing, packaging, and quality assurance sectors.
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Food Product Development Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Product Development Scientist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,657 per year, or $39.7 per hour.

Food Innovation and Product Development Scientist II

The Fresh Factory

Downers Grove, IL • On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

The Food Innovation and Product Development Scientist II role is responsible for developing a product from ideation through to retail shelves. Responsibilities of this role include reviewing the initial manufacturability, scale-up, formulation, and launch of products produced by The Fresh Factory. This role works on the innovation and commercialization of new products and the renovation of existing products. This person will report to the R&D and Commercialization Manager.

Key Responsibilities:

● Review innovation and line-extension projects at the ideation stage to determine the feasibility of adding a product to the Fresh Factory portfolio.

● Provide technical guidance and execute bench development for targeted development initiatives.

● Lead new product formulation to achieve desired food quality, nutritional, and safety parameters, and cost targets.

● Scale new products to match The Fresh Factory’s processing capabilities.

● Understand the requirements of strategic ingredients, products, processes, and packages to support the development of new products.

● Plan, conduct, and coordinate product development plans and trial plans.

● Lead trial runs and sample production of new products.

● Coordinate with the production crew to ensure proper understanding of new products

● Oversee initial full-scale production of new products.

● Other functions involved in the new product launch are not outlined here.

Qualifications:

● Bachelor's degree in food processing required with 3-5 years of experience or a Master's degree in food processing with up to 2 years of experience

● Strong technical knowledge of food science and food safety

● Broad understanding of new product innovation from concept to execution

● Strong communication and leadership skills

● Ability to work as part of a team and work under ambiguity

● Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Excel

● Previous experience working in a food processing facility

● Previous experience managing a team, preferred

● Must speak English; Spanish a plus but not required

● Highly organized with a high degree of self-motivation.


Physical Requirements:

● Must be able to read, write, and understand text and instructions

● Being able to taste all the food products (unless there is an allergy)

● Stands most of the day

● Bend/Stoop/Position oneself to move crates of materials

● Works in a cold room up to approximately 35% of the time

● Must wear Personal Protective Equipment

Benefits:

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and professional growth of our employees, including:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Voluntary short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Paid holidays and PTO
  • Continuous learning stipends, including educational budgets and time off for professional development
  • Access to a 401(k) retirement savings plan
  • A culture built on trust, collaboration, and opportunities for growth