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Food Product Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Upcoresolutions

Product Development Scientist

Ayer, MA

$85K - $135K/hr

Our client is - seeking a Product Development Scientist for a manufacturing company in Ayer, MA ... Apply food science and ingredient expertise to develop and execute medical nutrition formulas ...

Oobli

Food Technologist, Product Development

Davis, CA · On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

Food Technologist, Product Development Davis, CA, Full-time, on-site Role Description You will be a core member of the Product Development team, responsible for developing prototypes and generating ...

Vale Concepts

Product Development Specialist

Seattle, WA · On-site

$75K - $98K/yr

We are a dynamic and highly cross functional team with a wealth of experience in food service, food ... The role As a Product Development Specialist, you will help bring new Vale products from concept to ...

Oobli

Food Technologist, Product Development

Davis, CA · On-site

Salary: $60,000-$90,000 per year Food Technologist, Product Development Davis, CA, Full-time, on-site Role Description You will be a core member of the Product Development team, responsible for ...

Oobli

Food Technologist, Product Development

Davis, CA · On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

Food Technologist, Product Development Davis, CA, Full-time, on-site Role Description You will be a core member of the Product Development team, responsible for developing prototypes and generating ...

Balchem

Product Development Scientist

Bridgeton, MO · On-site

The Food Scientist position will leverage scientific training and industrial experience to develop ... Drive the conceptualization, development, and commercialization of new products * Support cross ...

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Food Product Development information

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$42.5K

$127K

$144.5K

How much do food product development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for food product development in the United States is $126,987.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,500.00 and $143,000.00 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.
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Food Product Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Product Development job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,987 per year, or $61.1 per hour.
Food Innovation and Product Development Scientist II

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

Posted 26 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