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Food Product Development Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

KFC

Food Production

Front Royal, VA

$13.75 - $16.25/hr

Career advancement and professional development opportunities * KFC Foundation Programs include ... Maintaining quality of product. * Monitoring all service equipment. * Uncompromising standards in ...

JRN Inc. - KFC

Food Production

Marion, VA

$12.50 - $17/hr

Career advancement and professional development opportunities * Medical benefits * Health and ... Maintaining quality of product. * Monitoring all service equipment. * Uncompromising standards in ...

JRN Inc. - KFC

Food Production

Wise, VA

$13.25 - $18/hr

Career advancement and professional development opportunities * Medical benefits * Health and ... Maintaining quality of product. * Monitoring all service equipment. * Uncompromising standards in ...

JRN Inc. - KFC

Food Production

Lebanon, VA

$11 - $14.75/hr

Career advancement and professional development opportunities * Medical benefits * Health and ... Maintaining quality of product. * Monitoring all service equipment. * Uncompromising standards in ...

JRN Inc. - KFC

Food Production

Big Stone Gap, VA

$13 - $17.50/hr

Career advancement and professional development opportunities * Medical benefits * Health and ... Maintaining quality of product. * Monitoring all service equipment. * Uncompromising standards in ...

JRN Inc. - KFC

Food Production

Wytheville, VA

Career advancement and professional development opportunities * Medical benefits * Health and ... Maintaining quality of product. * Monitoring all service equipment. * Uncompromising standards in ...

Monogram Foods

Food Scientist

Martinsville, VA · On-site

The Research and Development Food Scientist is expected to serve as a technical services consultant, developing and supporting the commercialization of new products from the conception stage through ...

Monogram Foods

Food Scientist

Martinsville, VA

The Research and Development Food Scientist is expected to serve as a technical services consultant, developing and supporting the commercialization of new products from the conception stage through ...

Blue Bottle Coffee

Partner closely with the Korea Brand Director and Global R&D Lead to ensure all menu and product initiatives align with regional brand goals and global standards. * Operate the Core Triangle : Act as ...

Smithfield Foods

Associate R&D Technologist

Smithfield, VA · On-site

$52K - $77K/yr

Continuously improves and updates food/meat science and product development skills and understands all aspects of current plant process systems.Must have the ability to complete required applicable ...

Alfa Laval

Job Page CTA Left

Richmond, VA · On-site

$105K - $132K/yr

... product management, or process development - preferably in Food, Beverage, Dairy, Protein, Personal Care, or Life Science industries. * Demonstrated ability to lead and influence cross-functional ...

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All JobsFood Product Development JobsFood Product Development Jobs in Virginia

Food Product Development information

See Virginia salary details

$42.1K

$125.9K

$143.3K

How much do food product development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for food product development in Virginia is $125,898.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,500.00 and $141,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Food Product Development position, 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.

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 evaluation and food science techniques to bring products from concept to market.

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 is a Food Product Development job?

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.

How much do product developers get paid?

Food product developers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals or those in senior roles can earn over $100,000. Skills in food science, culinary arts, and familiarity with product testing are important for higher compensation.

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. Strong communication, creativity, and familiarity with industry tools like CAD or lab equipment are also beneficial.

What is the highest paid job in the food industry?

In the food industry, executive roles such as Food and Beverage Directors or Corporate Food Service Managers tend to be among the highest paid positions, often earning six-figure salaries. These roles require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often advanced degrees or certifications in food management or hospitality. Salary levels vary based on company size, location, and responsibilities.
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 jobs in Virginia? For Food Product Development jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Food Product Development jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Food Product Development jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Food Product Development jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Food Product Development job openings:
Food Product Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Product Development job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $125,898 per year, or $60.5 per hour.
Product Development Scientist II

Product Development Scientist II

Altria Group, Inc.

Richmond, VA • On-site

$80K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Altria Group rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Title: Product Development Scientist II
Req Id: 3170
Work Model: Hybrid
Company: Altria Client Services
State/Province: Virginia
Job Description:
Are you passionate about creating products that make it from concept to commercialization? Do you enjoy solving technical challenges, working collaboratively across disciplines, and continuously learning in a dynamic environment?
Join our Commercial Product Platform Development (CPPD) team as a Product Development Scientist II and contribute to the future of smokeable product innovation.
This role offers a unique opportunity to develop technical expertise across multiple areas of product development while working alongside experienced scientists, engineers, and product developers. Rather than specializing in a single area from the start, you'll gain broad exposure to product design, tobacco and flavor processing, leaf blending, manufacturing, and commercialization activities, helping you build a strong foundation for long-term career growth.
This position is an on-site position that supports Product Development and our Manufacturing Operations.
What you will be doing:
  • Develop broad product development expertise by working across product design, tobacco and flavor processing, leaf blending, product characterization, testing, and manufacturing operations, gaining exposure to how innovative smokeable products move from concept to commercialization.
  • Support projects that advance product development and manufacturing capabilities across our smokeable product portfolio.
  • Conduct scientific studies, technical evaluations, and product assessments
  • Analyze and interpret data to support project decisions and recommendations
  • Assist with product development, testing, and commercialization activities
  • Collaborate with cross-functional partners to address technical challenges
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives that enhance product quality and process performance
  • Communicate findings and recommendations to project teams and stakeholders
  • Build technical knowledge across multiple product and manufacturing disciplines

We want you to have:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Food Science, Biology, Agricultural Sciences, Materials Science, or another related technical discipline
  • Experience through internships, co-ops, research projects, manufacturing, product development, laboratory work, or related technical environments.
  • Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to collaborate across teams and functions
  • Curiosity, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications

The starting salary is based on but not limited to experience, knowledge, and qualifications in determining compensation decisions. The Salary Range for this position is: $80,800.00 - $118,750.00.
Why You'll Love Building Your Career at Altria
At Altria, we believe a great career starts with feeling supported - both at work and in life. Here's what you'll find here:
  • Work where life works for you - with flexible and remote options that fit your world, not the other way around.
  • Own your time - start with 15 days of paid time off, 13 paid holidays, 2 floating holiday days, and a 37.5-hour workweek so you can recharge and live fully
  • A place where you belong - where your ideas are welcomed, your growth is encouraged, and your impact is real
  • Get recognized for your work - annual merit increases and performance bonus
  • A future you can count on - 401(k) matching from day one; plus Deferred Profit Sharing, an annual company contribution in an amount equal to 13%-17% of your base salary
  • Help with your goals - get help with student loan repayment assistance, attend a conference, or gain a new certification with professional development stipends
  • Support for what matters most - comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family
  • Celebrating your milestones - paid parental and bonding leave for life's biggest moments.
  • Wellness that goes beyond work - programs that care for your whole well-being at whatever stage you are in your life
  • A culture that gives back - paid volunteer days and a shared commitment to making a difference

At Altria, we offer more than benefits - we offer a career that fits your life, rewards your ambition, and celebrates your impact.
This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
Altria is a Fortune 500 company that has a leading portfolio of products for U.S. adult tobacco and nicotine consumers 21+. For decades we've been leaders in the tobacco industry, but the industry is evolving - and so are we. Our Vision is Moving Beyond Smoking™.
At Altria, we celebrate the power of diverse teams working together to shape our future. Each Altria company is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing individuals with criminal records, including formerly incarcerated individuals and individuals with conviction records, a fair chance at employment. Join us as we work together to shape a better future for adult tobacco consumers, our employees, and our shareholders.
Altria is the parent company of Philip Morris USA, John Middleton, U.S. Smokeless Tobacco, Helix Innovations, and NJOY. Altria complements its tobacco portfolio with equity investments in Anheuser-Busch InBev and Cronos Group.
Learn more about Altria at www.altria.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

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