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Food Research Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

O Positiv

Research & Development Manager

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$135K - $160K/yr

Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, etc.), Food Science, Pharmaceutical Science or related field * 4-8+ years of experience working in product development, R&D, and/or regulatory affairs within the ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Lab37

Research & Development Chef

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$75K - $110K/yr

Our mission is to revolutionize the food industry by creating innovative robotic solutions that ... This isn't just an R&D role -- you're helping define the culinary roadmap for a business with ...

Hyf

Co-op - Research & Development

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Record, compile and analyze experimental data and present findings to the R&D team. * Assist with ... Hyfé transforms food waste into high-value ingredients using a label-friendly, thermochemical ...

mybakemark

02701A - Manager, R&D

Fresno, CA · On-site

The Manager, Research & Development (R&D) is responsible for leading product innovation ... Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, labeling standards, and industry guidelines.

mybakemark

02701A - Manager, R&D

Fresno, CA

The Manager, Research & Development (R&D) is responsible for leading product innovation ... Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, labeling standards, and industry guidelines.

Del Taco

R&D Chef

Lake Forest, CA · On-site

$89K - $110K/yr

Research and Development REPORTS TO: Director of Culinary Research & Development LOCATION: Lake ... Practical operational capabilities must include: food costing and related financial skills ...

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Food Research Development information

See California salary details

$47.9K

$100.5K

$162.8K

How much do food research development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for food research development in California is $100,461.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,500.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food research development?

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.

What are the typical responsibilities of a 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 food research development, 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 are the most commonly searched types of Food Research Development jobs in California?

The most popular types of Food Research Development jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Food Research Development jobs in California?

For Food Research Development jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Research Development jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Research Development jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Food Research Development jobs?

Cities in California with the most Food Research Development job openings:

Food Research Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Research Development job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 77% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,461 per year, or $48.3 per hour.

Research & Development Manager

O Positiv

Santa Monica, CA

$135K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Your Role

The Research & Development Manager is responsible for supporting the execution of product development for both new product initiatives and portfolio maintenance efforts that accelerate O Positiv's growth. You will be part of the creation of OP's rapidly growing product line and new offerings in women's health, wellness and more.

The ideal candidate is an individual with a strong scientific research background, a high level of organization among competing priorities, and a natural curiosity with a willingness to learn. The Research & Development Manager will report to the VP of Research & Development and will work cross functionally with internal and external stakeholders to support innovation and execution of O Positiv's product roadmap.

Responsibilities and Duties

  • Bring innovative and differentiated products from concept to market that support our core customers' health goals and align with O Positiv's commitments / standards
  • Conduct ingredient research / literature reviews; identify novel ingredients and formats to explore / evaluate for product feasibility
  • Stay up to date to new trends in ingredients (vitamins, minerals, herbs, etc.) relevant to OP's product roadmap and concept designs
  • Substantiate claims by composing comprehensive summaries of clinical research that support product claims
  • Manage project coordination in tracking, expediting, and facilitating the progress of each product's development through the product's launch date
  • Assist with the artwork development process to proof and ensure proper routing and compliance to regulatory requirements
  • Provide scientific support on marketing campaigns, landing pages, and other customer-facing literature
  • Provide feedback on samples submissions and ensure formulations meet OP's specifications, are efficacious and fall within budget requirements
  • Support the reformulation of existing products to ensure products continue to be differentiated and meet marketing and customer expectations

Qualifications and Skills

  • Experience:
    • Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience in Science (e.g. Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, etc.), Food Science, Pharmaceutical Science or related field
    • 4-8+ years of experience working in product development, R&D, and/or regulatory affairs within the functional foods, supplements, or skincare industry
    • Exceptional expertise in technical research including ingredient pathology, project management, and vendor relationship management
  •  Interpersonal:
    • Strong leadership & communication skills: listen, mentor, and teach by example
    • Thrives in fast-paced environments
    • Strong project management and prioritization skills
    • Ability to manage multiple moving pieces and lead different groups of individuals
    • Adaptable to new technology and innovations
    • Thoughtful and self-reflective, willingness to learn and adapt
    • Team-player, hard-working, organized, and goal-oriented
    • Excitement for startups and building from the ground up

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Hours and Compensation

The anticipated base compensation range for this role will be $135,000 - $160,000 annually. Compensation will be commensurate with the candidate's experience and local market rates. 

  • Job Type: Full-time 
  • Pay based on prior experience
  • Position will be based out of Santa Monica, Los Angeles - in person (Mon-Thurs in office/Friday remote 

 Benefits & Perks

  • Flexible PTO, Sick Days, and Wellness Days
  • Monthly Social Hours
  • Medical, Vision, and Dental Coverage
  • 401K with matching
  • $50/month Fitness Reimbursement + Up to $1,800 in annual wellness benefits
  • An environment of collaboration, high performance, & respect amongst all employees and managers

Apply