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Food Product Tester Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

House-Autry Mills

Food Scientist

Four Oaks, NC · On-site

Ensure proper testing procedures are in place and are being properly utilized. * Compliance with production specifications for all developed products. * Develop new products for retail, food service ...

Carolina CoPacking

Food Scientist

Henderson, NC

Food Scientist We are seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking food scientist who can bring their ... This role involves hands-on product tasting, analytical testing, and collaboration across ...

Carolina CoPacking

Food Scientist

Henderson, NC · On-site

Food Scientist We are seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking food scientist who can bring their ... This role involves hands-on product tasting, analytical testing, and collaboration across ...

UNC HEALTH

Supervisor Food Services

Chapel Hill, NC · On-site

$19.78 - $28.12/hr

... production and nutrition support. This position works the second shift from 1pm-9:30pm and every ... Supervises all merchandising, temperature and taste testing of all food items records results.

Capital Bank

Manager, Product Development

Cary, NC · On-site

$107K - $133K/yr

Through our Agriculture and EcoCore portfolios, we are committed to the protection of critical food ... Manage and facilitate post Pilot testing of samples at appropriate development lab and adjust ...

Capital Bank

Manager, Product Development

Cary, NC

$107K - $133K/yr

Through our Agriculture and EcoCore portfolios, we are committed to the protection of critical food ... Manage and facilitate post Pilot testing of samples at appropriate development lab and adjust ...

SuCitta Stealth

Manager, Product Development

Cary, NC · On-site

$107K - $133K/yr

Through our Agriculture and EcoCore portfolios, we are committed to the protection of critical food ... Manage and facilitate post Pilot testing of samples at appropriate development lab and adjust ...

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All JobsFood Product Tester JobsFood Product Tester Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Food Product Tester information

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How much do food product tester jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for food product tester in Raleigh, NC is $35.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $42.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food product tester?

A Food Product Tester evaluates the taste, texture, smell, and appearance of food and beverage products to provide feedback for quality control and product development. They may work for food manufacturers, restaurants, or research labs, helping to refine recipes and ensure consistency. Testers often follow specific guidelines and may participate in blind taste tests to provide unbiased opinions. Some roles also involve assessing nutritional content or food safety. This job requires a keen sense of taste and smell, as well as attention to detail.

What does a food product tester do?

A typical day for a Food Product Tester involves sampling a variety of food products, recording detailed feedback on taste, texture, aroma, and appearance, and participating in structured sensory panels. You’ll often collaborate closely with food scientists, product developers, and quality assurance teams to discuss results and recommend enhancements. The work environment is usually a combination of sensory labs and office settings, adhering to strict hygiene and food safety protocols. Testers may also prepare samples, calibrate tasting tools, and contribute to reports on product quality and consumer appeal. This dynamic role offers insight into new products before they reach the market and provides opportunities for growth in quality assurance or product development.

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

To thrive as a Food Product Tester, you need a keen sense of taste and smell, attention to detail, and a basic understanding of food science or nutrition, often supported by a degree or coursework in a related field. Familiarity with sensory evaluation tools, data recording systems, and quality assurance procedures is commonly required. Strong communication skills, objectivity, and the ability to work collaboratively within cross-functional teams are important soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure accurate assessment of products, constructive feedback for product improvement, and smooth coordination with development and quality teams.

How do I become a food product tester?

To become a food product tester, you typically need to have a good palate, attention to detail, and sometimes prior experience in food or sensory evaluation. Many companies look for individuals who can provide honest feedback on taste, texture, and appearance, often requiring participation in testing panels or focus groups. Some roles may require certification or training in food safety or sensory analysis, and flexible schedules are common for testing sessions.

What are popular job titles related to Food Product Tester jobs in Raleigh, NC?

For Food Product Tester jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Product Tester jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Product Tester jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

Food Product Tester jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Product Tester job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,981 per year, or $35.6 per hour.

Food Scientist

House-Autry Mills

Four Oaks, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

House-Autry is a dynamic and growing food company that has flourished for over 200 years. Our expansion into new markets and new product lines is providing exciting new employment opportunities that offer rewarding work and comprehensive training, along with competitive pay and benefits. Our growing business provides plenty of opportunities for growth and advancement, allowing you to create a fulfilling career as a part of our team. Join the House-Autry family and be part of our exciting future!

We are looking for a Food Chemist/Food Scientist who is responsible for the research, development, formulation, and improvement of food products while ensuring quality, safety, regulatory compliance, and scalability. This role applies principles of chemistry, biology, and food science to develop innovative, safe, and high-quality products that meet business goals, regulatory requirements, and consumer expectations.

This is an onsite position.


Duties & Responsibilities

  • Project proposals meeting Quality and Production policies and programs
  • Conformity of the raw materials and finished goods to established quality and specification standards.
  • Ensure proper testing procedures are in place and are being properly utilized.
  • Compliance with production specifications for all developed products.
  • Develop new products for retail, food service, and industrial applications
  • Identify the proper ingredients and proportion thereof for new formulas based on knowledge of the properties, interactions and reactions of various ingredients.
  • Distinguish the processing procedures and times to result in proper texture and usage of new products.
  • Develop new formulas to match taste and performance while minimizing cost
  • Provide product samples to sales team and end customers.
  • Manage feedback and process requested changes.
  • Work with customers to identify procedures used for preparing food products during new product development and aid customer food preparation processes.
  • Maintain current and create new product information data sheets
  • Use FDA and other rules and regulations regarding food products to maintain compliance on product nutritional information and labeling guidelines
  • Manage production formulas and control access to formulas for updates and adjustments.
  • Provide product information to production, QA and warehouse to ensure products meet quality requirements.
  • Provide financial department formulation for costing.
  • Test competitor finished products and new ingredients.
  • Perform physical and chemical analyses of competitor products.
  • Perform tolerance testing to determine weakness and strengths of HA products compared to competitors.
  • Perform physical and chemical analyses on new ingredients for new supplier approval and cost management opportunities.
  • Assist in resolution of internal non-conforming products and customer product complaints.
  • Assist Sales Team with sample submissions for new customer accounts and grow existing accounts.
  • Other duties as assigned.


Qualifications & Education Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in food science, Food Chemistry, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related scientific field required.
  • 2–5+ years of experience in food product development, food chemistry, or food manufacturing (entry-level candidates considered with strong internships or co-op experience)
  • Working knowledge of food chemistry, ingredient functionality, and food processing
  • Familiarity with FDA regulations, food labeling, and basic food safety principles
  • Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills
  • Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
  • Education may be substituted by experience.
  • Experience with sensory evaluation, shelf-life testing, and statistical analysis
  • Hands-on experience with specific product categories (e.g., beverages, baked goods, dairy, snacks, sauces) is a plus.
  • Knowledge and understanding of quality standards and or culinary techniques and training.
  • Assessment techniques of examining, questioning, evaluating and reporting food performance and flavor issues.
  • Additional skills required for project management, such as planning, organizing, communicating, directing and problem solving
  • Must be able to work evenings and weekends when, and if, workload dictates the need.
  • Some travel may be required to assist with customer concerns, meet suppliers, participate in research studies (focus groups, sensory panels) or attend trade shows.



About Us:

Delivering Southern Crafted Goodness® Since 1812, House-Autry Mills has been a staple Southern food brand for over 200 years. We offer over two-dozen products for consumers to use at home and craft specialty blends for the Food Service industry. Our full product line-up includes traditionally seasoned coatings, breading mixes, and sauces. We pride ourselves on opening our doors to a diverse team of different experiences and backgrounds and we are always looking for new talent to join our growing family. For more information about House-Autry Mills please visit House-Autry.com or follow us on Facebook Instagram Twitter or LinkedIn.

House-Autry Mills provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, sickle cell or hemoglobin C trait, genetic information, sexual orientation, or the presence of handicaps or disabilities or any other basis protected by state or federal law.