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Food Research Development Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Leprino Foods Company

R&D Test Kitchen Cook

Denver, CO

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

Within our Quality team located in Denver - Leprino is seeking a R&D Test Kitchen Cook to move our ... A Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Dairy Science, or a related field; or ...

INA Solution Inc

R&D Food Scientist

Louisville, CO · On-site

$30 - $36/hr

Job Title: R&D Food Scientist Location: Louisville, CO Type: C2H Requirements: * Degree in Food Science (or related) + relevant experience * Food/beverage product development & commercialization ...

Leprino Foods Company

R&D Test Kitchen Cook

Denver, CO · On-site

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

Within our Quality team located in Denver - Leprino is seeking a R&D Test Kitchen Cook to move our ... A Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Dairy Science, or a related field; or ...

JBS USA

PRINCIPAL R&D SCIENTIST-SAUSAGE

Greeley, CO · On-site

JBS USA Research & Development is seeking a Principal Scientist to join our team in Greeley, CO at ... Solid understanding of food safety, HACCP, sanitary equipment design, and commercialization ...

JBS USA

PRINCIPAL R&D SCIENTIST-SAUSAGE

Greeley, CO · On-site

Principal R&D Scientist - Sausage Role Summary: JBS USA Research & Development is seeking a ... Solid understanding of food safety, HACCP, sanitary equipment design, and commercialization ...

JBS USA

PRINCIPAL R&D SCIENTIST-SAUSAGE

Greeley, CO · On-site

Principal R&D Scientist-Sausage Role Summary: JBS USA Research & Development is seeking a Principal ... Solid understanding of food safety, HACCP, sanitary equipment design, and commercialization ...

Dessert Holdings Inc.

R&D Food Scientist

Aurora, CO · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

R&D Food Scientist Are you ready to elevate your career in manufacturing operations and be a part of creating the world's best desserts? Dessert Holdings partners with some of North America's most ...

Compass Group

EXECUTIVE CHEF

Centennial, CO · On-site

$72K - $82K/yr

... food. * Research customer preferences and develops a menu which incorporates local foods and ... Participates in the development and implementation of business strategies for the community which ...

Morrison Living

EXECUTIVE CHEF

Centennial, CO · On-site

$72K - $82K/yr

... food. * Research customer preferences and develops a menu which incorporates local foods and ... Participates in the development and implementation of business strategies for the community which ...

Compass Group

EXECUTIVE CHEF

Centennial, CO

$72K - $82K/yr

... food. * Research customer preferences and develops a menu which incorporates local foods and ... Participates in the development and implementation of business strategies for the community which ...

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Food Research Development information

See Colorado salary details

$51K

$107K

$173.5K

How much do food research development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for food research development in Colorado is $107,038.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,500.00 and $122,500.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Research Development jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Food Research Development jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Food Research Development jobs in Colorado? For Food Research Development jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Food Research Development jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Food Research Development jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Food Research Development jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Food Research Development job openings:
Food Research Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Research Development job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,038 per year, or $51.5 per hour.
R&D Specialist I (Cheese)

R&D Specialist I (Cheese)

Leprino Foods Company

Denver, CO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Leprino Foods rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 397 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Within our Corporate Cheese Division's R&D team in Denver, Leprino is seeking a Cheese R&D Specialist I to support product development, laboratory activities, and pilot plant trials. In this role, you will prepare samples, organize materials, support product evaluations, and help keep research projects moving efficiently from concept through commercialization. This position plays a hands-on role in developing new cheese products while ensuring our laboratories and pilot facilities are organized, well-prepared, and ready for innovation.
At Leprino, starting hourly compensation for this role typically ranges between $22.94 and $25.80. This position has an annual target bonus of 3.5%.
What You'll Do:
  • Support Cheese Research & Development projects by preparing samples, organizing materials, and documenting daily project activities.
  • Receive, label, store, and organize product samples from manufacturing facilities and external suppliers.
  • Prepare ingredients and materials for laboratory, kitchen, and pilot plant trials while maintaining accurate records.
  • Coordinate sample preparation, evaluations, and shipments to internal teams and customers.
  • Assist with bench-top experiments, product demonstrations, and other research activities that support new product development. Join a team that helps bring new cheese innovations to life!
  • Operate and troubleshoot kitchen and pilot plant equipment, including mixers, ovens, shredders, and related processing equipment.
  • Maintain clean, organized laboratory and pilot plant work areas through routine housekeeping and scheduled sanitation activities.
  • Communicate project updates, observations, and opportunities for improvement with the Cheese R&D team and cross-functional partners.
  • Access internal systems and databases to organize project information, product specifications, and sample records.
  • Collaborate with Product Development, Quality Assurance, Innovation, Culinary, and Research & Development teams to support project timelines and business priorities. Your contributions will help transform ideas into products enjoyed by customers across the country!

You Have At Least (Required Qualifications):
  • A high school diploma or equivalent.
  • At least 3 years of experience supporting laboratory, food production, food preparation, research, product development, or related technical environments.
  • Experience using Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
  • Experience preparing, handling, organizing, or documenting food products, ingredients, samples, or laboratory materials.
  • The ability to safely lift up to 50 pounds as part of routine job responsibilities.

We Hope You Also Have (Preferred Qualifications):
  • An associate or bachelor's degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Biology, Chemistry, Culinary Science, or a related field.
  • Experience in the food, dairy, beverage, or consumer packaged goods industry.
  • Experience supporting laboratory, pilot plant, or product development activities.
  • Experience operating food processing or laboratory equipment used in research, product development, or pilot-scale production.

At Leprino, we believe in equal employment opportunity and make employment decisions based on each individual's unique talents, experience, skills, and knowledge; we do not discriminate on the basis of any personal characteristics. We know we are better together and are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive culture in which all employees can thrive.
Offering You In Return:
A chance to be part of a global team of individuals passionate about producing and delivering high-quality products that help feed and nourish families around the world. Leprino could not be where it is today without our incredible employees. That is why we share in our success together by rewarding you for your hard work. Hiring great people who are in it for the long run is our goal. Through competitive salaries and bonuses, life, medical/dental/vision coverage, voluntary benefits, employee assistance programs, wellness incentives, tuition assistance, vacation, ten paid holidays, sick time, paid parental leave, annual merit increases, as well as the LFC Profit-Sharing & 401(k) plan. Your impact will be noticed and rewarded, as you seek to further our company, our customers, and one another.
Our Story:
Leprino's history dates back to the 1950s, when Jim Leprino first started making small batches of mozzarella for local markets and eateries in the Little Italy neighborhood of Denver. We've grown a bit since then. Today, Leprino is the world's largest manufacturer of mozzarella and lactose, and a leading producer of whey protein. Still owned by the Leprino family, our sights are set to be the "World's Best Dairy Food and Ingredient Company." From a small corner grocery store we have grown to over 5,500 employees throughout the globe. Will you join us on our journey?
Leprino uses Psychemedics for a 90-day hair follicle drug test as a pre-employment screening tool and also participates in E-Verify. Some positions at the Denver corporate office may require Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) based on role and location.

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