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Food Research Development Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Maker's Pride

R&D Food Scientist

Front Royal, VA · On-site

We operate 9 commercial bakeries, making Maker's Pride the largest cookie and cracker contract manufacturer in the United States The R&D Food Scientist L1 - NBI (New Bakery & Innovation R&D Platform ...

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$48.1K

$100.9K

$163.6K

How much do food research development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for food research development in Virginia is $100,921.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,800.00 and $115,500.00 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 Virginia? The most popular types of Food Research Development jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Food Research Development jobs in Virginia? For Food Research Development jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Food Research Development jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Food Research Development jobs in Virginia are:
Food Research Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Research Development job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $100,921 per year, or $48.5 per hour.
R&D Food Scientist

R&D Food Scientist

Hearthside Food Solutions LLC

Front Royal, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Hearthside Food Solutions rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

299th of 380 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

JOB SUMMARY
Maker's Pride is the leading contract manufacturer in North America with 25 manufacturing facilities across four product platforms (Baking, Bars, Refrigerated & Frozen, and Packaging). We operate 9 commercial bakeries, making Maker's Pride the largest cookie and cracker contract manufacturer in the United States
The R&D Food Scientist L1 - NBI (New Bakery & Innovation R&D Platform) within Maker's Pride (MP) is a technical position within the greater R&D team that requires a self-motivated, technically curious & creative, customer focused candidate who will work comfortably cross functionally on the New Bakery & Innovation Business Platform (NBI) with Operations, Sales, Quality, Regulatory, Marketing, Supply Chain, Procurement, Finance, Project Management and Engineering to drive results within Maker's Pride.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES / WHAT YOU GET TO DO
Project Management:
  • Works on the new bakery projects in the New Bakery & Innovation R&D platform from concepts, ingredient sourcing, reformulating, cost management and product life cycle maintenance
  • This position requires an individual to balance multiple assignments/tasks concurrently and demonstrate the ability to work independently or to lead a team within R&D
  • Sets goals, specifications and manages full-scale production plant trials
  • Works closely in cross-functional teams including Operations, Quality, Regulatory, Food Safety and Finance to design food products that meet nutrition guidelines, claims on pack and can be produced cost effectively across the many MP plants domestically. Enables business decision and gets results through clear cross functional communication
  • Upon completion of successful trials this R&D Food Scientist will then turnover the production phase to Operations with set specifications, process instructions, appropriate yields and run rates
  • Understands the business need, designs, implements tests, analyzes data, draws conclusions, documents, communicates results, and commercializes products
  • Positively and proactively interacts with customers, prospects, R&D management and all colleagues to keep projects on track. Constructive technical relationship building, trust and communication skills are key to success in this role
  • Travels and collaborates with plant personnel in production facilities
  • Assists, Core Bakery R&D, upon availability to drive improvements in production processes to ensure consistency, efficiency, and waste reduction in manufacturing across production lines

Leadership:
  • This role involves leading New Bakery & Innovation projects ensuring that all products meet quality, cost, safety, and market standards while business decisions are made efficiently
  • Identifies and evaluates food trends with the Marketing Insights team that supports the business vision and customer strategy within a rolling 2-year horizon
  • Develops an understanding of what MP food processing lines are capable of manufacturing
  • Collaborates cross functionally within MP R&D platform teams (Bars, Bakery, Refrigerated & Frozen and Packaging) as needed. Works comfortably with suppliers and manufacturing facilities

Product Development:
  • Manages some incoming new projects cross functionally
  • Leads bench, pilot plant and production trials on new projects
  • Manages new formulas within targeted costs for Private Label which can get produced commercially on the MP manufacturing lines across multiple MP plants to drive revenue growth
  • Translates market trends and the consumer/business needs into innovative products and packages that can be commercialized in a fast-paced environment

Ingredient Sourcing & Research:
  • Has knowledge of suppliers, food manufacturers, trends, technological advancements, and ingredient innovations, incorporating them into product development
  • Influences, manages projects/people, and solves problems effectively and efficiently
  • Brings an entrepreneurial spirit and growth mindset

Cost and Process Optimization:
  • Drives improvements in production processes to ensure consistency, efficiency, and waste reduction in manufacturing
  • Proactively works with Procurement and suppliers to source innovative ingredients that align with product goals and enhance margin. Enables cross functional business decisions
  • Provides training and support to Operations staff on new recipes and processes

Customer & Market Focus:
  • Stays up-to-date on Bakery trends and competitive products through Marketing Insights
  • Stays up-to-date with industry developments, ingredients, and emerging technologies
  • Engages with customers and Sales teams to ensure that products meet consumer preferences
  • Attends industry conferences, trade shows, and meetings with customers while identifying market needs and new business opportunities

Regulatory & Compliance:
  • Collaborates with the Regulatory team to ensure all product formulations comply with food safety regulations and labeling standards
  • Works with Legal and Regulatory teams to manage product claims, certifications (e.g., gluten-free, organic) and ingredient transparency

Collaboration:
  • Ability to manage a high-volume workflow in a fast paced, action-oriented environment
  • Works closely with cross-functional teams including Business Development, Supply Chain, and Packaging to develop products that drive revenue results to meet the company's goals
  • Communicates findings, challenges, and solutions effectively with stakeholders at various levels on regular intervals and through structured 1:1s

KEY COMPETENCIES / WHAT WE WANT FROM YOU
  • Collaborates within R&D and cross functionally on projects that drive revenue results
  • Basic knowledge of commercial Bakery production equipment and processes is preferred
  • Excellent project management, critical thinking, organizational, and leadership skills
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Experience with nutrition analysis and labeling software (ESHA Genesis, ASD Product Vision, or similar)
  • Familiarity with Regulatory standards, nutritional labeling, and product safety protocols
  • A desire to drive your future and accelerate your career while leading, coaching and mentoring others

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
  • B.S. or M.S. in Food Science, Bakery Science, Culinary Science, Agricultural Science or similar is required
  • Internship in Food Science, Quality or R&D and/or 0-2 years of relevant experience preferred
  • Baking experience preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Sitting at a workstation for extended periods of time
  • Stand, walk, climb stairs on a frequent basis
  • Office-based with regular time spent in the R&D lab/ pilot plant and production facilities
  • Up to 25% travel to suppliers, production sites or to attend industry conferences

No relocation is available for this opportunity.
Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position. It is the candidate's responsibility to ensure they are legally authorized to work in the location to which they apply.
#LI-MA1 #LI-onsite
Maker's Pride is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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