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Food Research Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Multicrisp Baker

Research & Development

New York, NY · On-site

$50 - $80/hr

We're launching an exciting, next-generation food manufacturing platform and are looking for a passionate Research & Development Baker to help create innovative products that will reach consumers ...

Yum! Brands

Research & Development Chef

Plano, TX · On-site

Develops operational procedures and specifications for new products which yield a food safe and ... Experience 5+ years R&D/technical experience. Successful leading projects with minimal coaching.

Crumbl

Research & Development Chef

Provo, UT · On-site

Under the direction of the Director of Research & Development the R&D Chef will execute daily tasks ... Utah Food Handlers Permit will be needed and we can help with the process if you don't have a UT ...

Crumbl

Research & Development Chef

Provo, UT

Under the direction of the Director of Research & Development the R&D Chef will execute daily tasks ... Utah Food Handlers Permit will be needed and we can help with the process if you don't have a UT ...

Crumbl

Research & Development Chef

Provo, UT

Under the direction of the Director of Research & Development the R&D Chef will execute daily tasks ... Utah Food Handlers Permit will be needed and we can help with the process if you don't have a UT ...

Kinder's

Research & Development Manager

Walnut Creek, CA

$130K - $150K/yr

At Kinder's, we're passionate about creating food that brings people together. The Manager, Research & Development will be responsible for supporting the development and execution of new and improved ...

O Positiv

Research & Development Manager

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$135K - $165K/yr

Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, etc.), Food Science, Pharmaceutical Science or related field * 3-6 years of experience working in product development, R&D, and/or regulatory affairs within the ...

Kinder's

Research & Development Manager

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

At Kinder's, we're passionate about creating food that brings people together. The Manager, Research & Development will be responsible for supporting the development and execution of new and improved ...

Kinder's

Research & Development Manager

Walnut Creek, CA

$130K - $150K/yr

At Kinder's, we're passionate about creating food that brings people together. The Manager, Research & Development will be responsible for supporting the development and execution of new and improved ...

UPSIDE Foods

Food Process Engineer I

Emeryville, CA

$100K - $120K/yr

Research & development of food processes for novel food technologies * Plan and execute experiments to optimize product and process, utilizing statistical experiment design when needed. * Source ...

UPSIDE Foods

Food Process Engineer I

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Research & development of food processes for novel food technologies * Plan and execute experiments to optimize product and process, utilizing statistical experiment design when needed. * Source ...

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Food Research Development information

See salary details

$48.5K

$101.8K

$165K

How much do food research development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for food research development in the United States is $101,794.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical responsibilities of someone working in Food Research Development?

Professionals in Food Research Development are responsible for creating and testing new food products, improving existing formulas, and ensuring quality and safety standards are met throughout the development process. Daily tasks often include conducting laboratory experiments, analyzing sensory and nutritional data, documenting findings, and collaborating with cross-functional teams such as marketing, quality assurance, and production. You'll also participate in pilot plant trials and may engage directly with suppliers or regulatory agencies. This role is highly collaborative and requires both independent research and teamwork to bring innovative food products to market.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Food Research Development position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Food Research Development, a strong background in food science, chemistry, or related fields—often supported by a relevant degree—is essential. Experience with laboratory research tools, food safety standards, analytical software, and potentially HACCP certification is highly valued. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set exceptional candidates apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial for developing innovative, safe, and market-ready food products in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

What is a Food Research Development job?

A Food Research Development job focuses on creating, improving, and testing food products to enhance quality, taste, safety, and shelf life. Professionals in this field work with ingredients, formulations, and processing techniques to develop new recipes or refine existing ones. They collaborate with food scientists, nutritionists, and production teams to ensure products meet consumer expectations and regulatory standards. Additionally, they may research market trends and evaluate new technologies to drive innovation in the food industry.

More about Food Research Development jobs
What cities are hiring for Food Research Development jobs? Cities with the most Food Research Development job openings:
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Food Research Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Research Development job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,794 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

Food Research & Development Specialist

Tay Ho

Houston, TX

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:

We are seeking a Food Research & Development Specialist to support product innovation, formulation, and continuous improvement within our food manufacturing operation. This role bridges creativity and execution, working closely with Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain to develop, test, scale, and commercialize food products that meet quality, safety, cost, and regulatory standards.

You will play a hands-on role in benchtop development, pilot trials, and production scale-up, ensuring concepts move efficiently from idea to shelf.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Develop and refine food formulations for new products, line extensions, and reformulations.
  • Conduct bench-top, pilot, and plant trials, documenting procedures, observations, and results.
  • Partner with Operations and Engineering to support scale-up and commercialization of R&D concepts.
  • Work closely with Quality and Regulatory teams to ensure products meet FDA, USDA, GMP, HACCP, and labeling requirements.
  • Perform ingredient evaluations, shelf-life studies, sensory testing, and cost optimization analyses.
  • Maintain accurate formulation records, specifications, SOPs, and trial documentation.
  • Support supplier collaboration, ingredient sourcing, and evaluation of alternative raw materials.
  • Troubleshoot product and process issues related to texture, flavor, stability, yield, or shelf life.
  • Assist in maintaining R&D lab organization, safety standards, and sanitation protocols.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across product quality and manufacturing efficiency.

Qualifications:

Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Nutrition, or a related field.
  • 2+ years of experience in food R&D, product development, or food manufacturing.
  • Hands-on experience with formulation, testing, and basic lab equipment.
  • Strong documentation and organizational skills.
Preferred
  • Experience supporting pilot plant or commercial-scale production.
  • Familiarity with thermal processing, emulsions, sauces, beverages, or dry blends (adjust based on product type).
  • Knowledge of nutritional labeling, regulatory compliance, and ingredient statements.
  • Working knowledge of food safety systems (GMP, HACCP, SSOPs, and SOPs)
  • Experience with sensory panels and shelf-life testing.
  • Proficiency with formulation software or Excel-based costing models.
Ideal Candidate Will Be:
  • Curious, methodical, and detail-oriented.
  • Comfortable balancing creativity with operational constraints.
  • Strong cross-functional communication skills.
  • Able to manage multiple projects and timelines simultaneously.
  • Solutions-focused with a continuous improvement mindset.
Why Join Craftory?

Craftory is reimagining how heritage-rich flavors are shared with the next generation. We produce ready-to-eat broths, soups, and proteins in shelf-stable Tetra Recart packaging. With product lines like Simmer Craft organic broths and Craft Cuts luncheon meats, we serve consumers seeking comfort foods.

Well established food manufacturing in Southern Cali. We specialize in Vietnamese meatball, sausage to retail and food service. We have been in the industry for over 38 years.

Education:{"credentialcategory":"bachelor degree","@type":"EducationalOccupationalCredential"}Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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