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Food Product Development Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Oats Overnight

Food Scientist

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

Product Development & Innovation * Support the development of new product concepts by testing novel ... Bachelor of Science in Food Science, Chemistry, Nutrition, or a related field. * Hands-on ...

Oats Overnight Inc

Food Scientist

Phoenix, AZ

Product Development & Innovation * Support the development of new product concepts by testing novel ... Bachelor of Science in Food Science, Chemistry, Nutrition, or a related field. * Hands-on ...

Urban Strategies LLC

Food Aide

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$15.15/hr

... the food product Tobacco, gum, and food are not permitted in food-handling areas * Other ... Attend all Professional Development training required by the program. * Complete other related ...

Circle K

Head of Prepared Foods

Tempe, AZ · On-site

Strong background in product development and execution * Excellent communication and analytical skills * Ability to travel up to 60% Preferred * Experience leading Prepared or Ready-to-Eat food ...

New

Community Food Bank

Food Sourcing Manager

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$56K - $77K/yr

Contribute to the development of strategic food sourcing plans and lead implementation of approved ... Coordinate with the purchasing staff to share donor trends, product gaps, supply risks, and ...

Banner Health

Food Services Manager

Phoenix, AZ

... development and implementation of people, policies and procedures, and cost effective service, while maintaining excellent quality of product and service. 2. Interviews, selects and hires qualified ...

New

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All JobsFood Product Development JobsFood Product Development Jobs in Arizona

Food Product Development information

See Arizona salary details

$39.6K

$118.3K

$134.7K

How much do food product development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for food product development in Arizona is $118,338.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,700.00 and $133,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food product development?

A Food Product Development job involves creating new food products or improving existing ones by experimenting with ingredients, formulations, and processing techniques. Professionals in this field work closely with food scientists, marketers, and manufacturers to ensure products meet consumer preferences, regulatory standards, and cost requirements. They conduct research, test recipes, and oversee production trials to bring safe, high-quality, and marketable food items to store shelves.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in food product development?

Food Product Development professionals often encounter challenges such as balancing taste, nutrition, cost, and shelf-life while adhering to strict food safety and regulatory standards. They may need to quickly adapt to changing consumer preferences and troubleshoot issues that arise during product testing or manufacturing scale-up. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as marketing, quality assurance, and supply chain, is key to overcoming these obstacles and launching successful products. This dynamic environment requires flexibility and a continual willingness to learn and innovate.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in food product development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Food Product Development, you need expertise in food science, sensory evaluation, and recipe formulation, typically backed by a degree in food science, nutrition, or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, food safety regulations, and product lifecycle management software is often required. Strong project management, creativity, and teamwork skills help individuals excel in this role. These abilities are essential because they ensure products are innovative, safe, and compliant while meeting consumer demands and business objectives.

How to get into food product development?

To enter food product development, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in food science, culinary arts, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level roles in food manufacturing or research helps develop relevant skills such as product formulation, sensory evaluation, and knowledge of food safety standards. Proficiency with product development tools and strong teamwork are also valuable for success in this field.

What do you do as a food product developer?

A food product developer designs, tests, and refines new food products to meet consumer preferences and safety standards. They conduct research, create prototypes, and collaborate with cross-functional teams using tools like sensory analysis and food science techniques to bring products from concept to market.

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 jobs in Arizona?

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

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

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

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

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

Food Product Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Product Development job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,338 per year, or $56.9 per hour.

Product Development Specialist

Lehi Valley Trading Company

Mesa, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 7 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).



Apply