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Food Research Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Chipotle

Food Safety Analyst, R&D

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$77K - $110K/yr

THE OPPORTUNITY As the Analyst, Food Safety Quality Assurance (R&D), you will play a key role in executing daily lab and test kitchen operations at the Chipotle Cultivate Center (CCC). You will be ...

Aspire Bakeries

Food Technologist, R&D

Van Nuys, CA · On-site

$68K - $91K/yr

As a Food Technologist, you will be accountable for driving new product development and continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring formulations meet customer expectations, regulatory standards ...

Aspire Bakeries

Food Technologist, R&D

Van Nuys, CA · On-site

$68K - $91K/yr

As a Food Technologist, you will be accountable for driving new product development and continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring formulations meet customer expectations, regulatory standards ...

Gold Coast Ingredients, Inc.

Be Seen First

Food Applications Assistant

Santa Fe Springs, CA · On-site

$24 - $25/hr

Our Applications Laboratory works closely with the Research & Development (R&D) team and customers to test our flavors across a wide variety of food and beverage applications, ensuring products meet ...

Nissin Foods (USA) Co., Inc.

R&D Specialist

Gardena, CA · On-site

$67K - $72K/yr

S. degree in nutrition, food science, or food technology is preferred. * 2+ year related experience in Research and Development or related field in the food industry. Preferred Qualifications:

Calbee America, Inc.

Senior R&D Manager

Madera, CA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

The Sr. R&D Manager leads both cross-functional process management and core R&D activities, working ... Ensure products meet quality, food safety, labeling, and regulatory requirements. * Work closely ...

Limagrain

R&D operations employee

Gilroy, CA · On-site

$72K - $78K/yr

Hazera Job Title: R&D operations employee Job Location: Gilroy, Salinas Contract type: Permanent ... healthy food. Our goal is to form teams that inspire and learn from each other as they work to ...

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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 16, 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 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 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 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 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $100,461 per year, or $48.3 per hour.

Program Manager, R&D (Dietary Supplements)

O Positiv

Santa Monica, CA • On-site

$135K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Who We Are
O Positiv Health is a Los Angeles-based women's health company on a mission to support women through every stage of life-from their first period to well beyond their last. Since launching in 2018, O Positiv has reshaped the women's health space, tackling long-overlooked issues with innovative, science-backed products and boldly breaking taboos along the way. Our growing portfolio spans PMS & hormone balance, vaginal & urinary health, digestion, menopause, and conception support-offering vitamins, supplements, and personal care products that women trust.
Today, O Positiv products are sold nationwide at Target, Walmart, CVS, Meijer, Amazon, TikTok Shop, and OPositiv.com. We're proud to hold the #1 Vaginal Probiotic nationwide and multiple top-performing products across major wellness categories. We are scaling fast and shaping the future of women's health. Our team combines an entrepreneurial spirit with a passion for innovation and a commitment to impact. Join us, and you'll have the opportunity to grow alongside a company that's making a real difference.
Your Role
Note: This role is for physical product development (dietary supplements/consumer goods manufacturing)-not a digital/software Product Manager position.
The Program Manager, R&D is responsible for driving the execution and coordination of product development across both new product initiatives and portfolio maintenance efforts that accelerate O Positiv's growth. You will keep each product moving on schedule from concept to launch, and 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 a highly organized project driver with strong communication skills, the ability to manage many moving pieces among competing priorities, and a comfort keeping projects moving in a fast-paced environment. The Program Manager, R&D will report to the VP of Research & Development and will work cross functionally with internal and external stakeholders to keep O Positiv's product roadmap moving. Where the R&D Managers drive the technical execution, this candidate will keep the project execution on track to bring each product to market on time.
Responsibilities and Duties
  • Manage project coordination across the full development pipeline including tracking, expediting, and facilitating the progress of each product from concept through launch
  • Build and maintain development timelines with clear milestones, owners, dependencies, and critical-path items
  • Maintain a clear view of the pipeline capturing what's in flight, blocked, coming, or at risk
  • Run project check-ins with R&D stakeholders that drive progress and hold stakeholders accountable to deliverables
  • Coordinate sample logistics, trial batches, stability data, certificates of analysis, and specification sheets so materials and documentation move quickly between R&D, Quality, and vendors
  • Track vendor lead times, flag delays early, lead external supplier meetings alongside R&D, and keep development materials moving.
  • Partner closely with the R&D Manager throughout development, where they drive the technical decisions and you drive the plan, timeline, and coordination, acting as the execution liaison that keeps everyone aligned
  • Coordinate launch readiness across departments, including artwork proofing, documentation routing, and review
  • Keep project trackers, formulation and specification documentation, and development records organized and current in project management tools, with clear status reporting

Qualifications and Skills
  • Experience:
    • Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience; a background in a science, food science, or related field is a plus but not required
    • 4-8+ years of project management experience, ideally within supplements, functional foods, beauty/skincare, or consumer health
    • Demonstrated experience managing external vendors or contract manufacturers and juggling multiple concurrent projects
    • Proficiency with project management tools (e.g., Monday.com, Smartsheet, Asana) and Microsoft Office
  • Interpersonal:
    • Exceptional organization and prioritization; you keep many moving pieces on track without dropping details
    • Strong communication skills: clear, proactive, and able to align different groups of people
    • Thrives in fast-paced environments and stays calm when priorities compete
    • A natural driver who pushes projects forward and holds others accountable with professionalism
    • Adaptable, curious, and willing to learn new tools and processes
    • Team-player, hard-working, and goal-oriented, with 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 - $155,000 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

Click here to view our Applicant Privacy Policy.
O Positiv is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.
O Positiv believes in the power of building a diverse and culturally inclusive team. We seek candidates from all backgrounds to join our teams. We're driven to build a workplace based on inclusive behaviors and equitable systems, where all employees can bring their authentic selves, feel engaged, and share their perspectives as a valued member of O Positiv.

Apply