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Food Research Development Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Development programs for advancement and career growth Please review the job profile below and ... Stays current with industry trends, research, and emerging technologies What You'll Bring With You:

... with Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP), local ... Participates with the PI and study team to identify and prioritize the development of systems and ...

Development programs for advancement and career growth Please review the job profile below and ... Stays current with industry trends, research, and emerging technologies What You'll Bring With You:

Nutrition West Center of Excellence - Research & Development Salary Range: $73,508/yr - $98,000 per ... Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering * 1-3 years' experience in consumable goods (food ...

New

Perform research and development projects to develop new formulas, processing procedures and ... Bachelor's degree in food science or related field.Minimum of one (1) to two (2) years' experience ...

Perform research and development projects to develop new formulas, processing procedures and ... Bachelor's degree in food science or related field. * Minimum of one (1) to two (2) years ...

Perform research and development projects to develop new formulas, processing procedures and ... Bachelor's degree in food science or related field. * Minimum of one (1) to two (2) years ...

Executive Chef

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

... and research & development * Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing culinary team rooted in accountability, professionalism, and growth * Oversee ordering, inventory, food cost management ...

Be Seen First

The Company is one of the Midwest's largest fresh food producers, and for 40 years has developed ... Research and identify new business opportunities in various markets * Engage directly with clients ...

... and research & development * Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing culinary team rooted in accountability, professionalism, and growth * Oversee ordering, inventory, food cost management ...

... and research & development * Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing culinary team rooted in accountability, professionalism, and growth * Oversee ordering, inventory, food cost management ...

Executive Chef

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

... and research & development * Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing culinary team rooted in accountability, professionalism, and growth * Oversee ordering, inventory, food cost management ...

Showing results 21-40

Food Research Development information

See Michigan salary details

$42.3K

$88.7K

$143.8K

How much do food research development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for food research development in Michigan is $88,723.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,500.00 and $101,500.00 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 Michigan?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Food Research Development job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,723 per year, or $42.7 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Product Development Specialist
Department: Product Development
Reports To: Product Development Director
Employment Type: Contract
Job Summary
National Food Group is seeking an innovative and driven Product Development Specialist to join our Product Development team in a temporary role, with the potential to transition into a full-time position based on performance and business needs.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a hands-on role in developing and launching food products that serve K-12 students across the country. Working closely with manufacturing partners, suppliers, and internal stakeholders, you will help bring new product ideas to life while supporting the continuous improvement of our existing portfolio.
The ideal candidate is passionate about food innovation, curious about consumer and market trends, and energized by turning insights into commercially successful products. You'll leverage industry research, customer feedback, and market data to identify growth opportunities and support the development of products that meet the evolving needs of school nutrition programs.
Success in this role requires strong collaboration skills, attention to detail, and the ability to navigate the technical and operational challenges of product commercialization across multiple manufacturing environments. If you enjoy solving problems, building relationships, and making a meaningful impact through food innovation, we'd love to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities
  • Support growth and innovation initiatives for Zee Zees product lines.
  • Partner with manufacturers on formula and flavor development activities, including benchtop sample creation.
  • Plan, coordinate, and execute plant trials with manufacturing partners to support product and process commercialization and continuous improvement.
  • Support technical aspects of new product development projects and line extensions.
  • Assist in identifying ingredients, suppliers, and manufacturing partners that support innovation and product growth.
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to accelerate speed-to-market.
  • Validate product claims and ensure K12 nutrition regulations are met with cross functional team guidance.
  • Update and maintain existing products to accommodate label changes, regulatory updates, and business requirements.
  • Assist in managing the product lifecycle from concept development through commercialization.
Qualifications
Education amp; Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Dietetics, or a related field with demonstrated experience supporting product scale-up, plant trials, and commercialization activities.
  • Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in food product development.
  • Hands-on experience working with food manufacturers and/or co-manufacturing partners, including plant trials, scale-up activities, and commercialization support.
  • Experience developing retail and/or foodservice products from concept through commercialization.
  • Experience troubleshooting formulation, processing, or manufacturing challenges during product development and commercialization.
Skills amp; Competencies
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with exceptional attention to detail.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead projects and collaborate effectively across multiple departments.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
  • Effective conflict resolution and relationship management skills.
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
What We're Looking For
  • A creative thinker who can identify emerging trends and uncover opportunities for innovation.
  • Someone who is open to learning, coaching, and continuous professional growth.
  • A self-starter with a strong work ethic and a results-driven mindset.
  • An individual who thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and embraces change.
We love when our team members are happy and healthy! At National Food Group, you'll have the following benefits and perks:
  • Medical insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision care insurance
  • Group life amp; voluntary life insurance
  • 401(k) savings plan
  • Flexible savings plan
  • Short-term amp; long-term disability
  • PTO amp; PTO buy up
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Wellness reimbursement
Our office work environment:
Works in a temperature-controlled office environment.
This job requires the ability to perform duties contained in the job description for this position, including, but not limited to, the above requirements. Reasonable accommodations will be made to fulfill these requirements.
The above statements generally describe the principal and essential functions of the job but should not be construed as a detailed description of all essential functions that may be inherent in the job.
Equal Employment Opportunity
National Food Group is an equal opportunity employer.
*Please also include your salary requirements when submitting your resume.