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Food Research Development Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Ofinno

6G Standards Research Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$162K - $315K/yr

Ofinno is a leading research and development lab headquartered in Reston, Virginia, specializing in ... Free Food -- Our kitchen is always fully stocked, including lunch, protein bars, fruit, sodas ...

Ofinno

6G Standards Research Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$162K - $315K/yr

Ofinno is a leading research and development lab headquartered in Reston, Virginia, specializing in ... Free Food -- Our kitchen is always fully stocked, including lunch, protein bars, fruit, sodas ...

Ofinno

6G System Architecture Research Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$162K - $315K/yr

Ofinno is a leading research and development lab headquartered in Reston, Virginia, specializing in ... Free Food -- Our kitchen is always fully stocked, including lunch, protein bars, fruit, sodas ...

Ofinno

6G System Architecture Research Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$162K - $315K/yr

Ofinno is a leading research and development lab headquartered in Reston, Virginia, specializing in ... Free Food -- Our kitchen is always fully stocked, including lunch, protein bars, fruit, sodas ...

Smoore Labs

Research Scientist

Manassas, VA · On-site

Maintain detailed records of formulations, tests, and evaluations to support product development ... D. degree in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Material Science, food Science or a related ...

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Food Research Development information

See Virginia salary details

$48.1K

$100.9K

$163.6K

How much do food research development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,921 per year, or $48.5 per hour.

Associate R&D Technologist

Smithfield Foods, Inc.

Smithfield, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.
Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special - a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact. Apply Now!
THE VALUE YOU'LL BRING:
The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.
As an Associate Research and Development Technologist, you will play a key role in driving innovation and efficiency. You will support research projects, document critical findings, and contribute to cost optimization efforts through formulation and processing improvements. Your work will help create cutting-edge product prototypes, shaping future development initiatives. Additionally, you will identify and approve potential ingredient and manufacturing suppliers, ensuring high-quality standards and operational excellence.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.
  • Product Development and Commercialization: You will support the development of new products and line extensions, guiding them from bench-top concepts to full commercialization. By conducting pilot plant tests and production trials, you will help generate viable prototypes and refine formulations for improved product quality. Additionally, you will collaborate with R&D team members, contributing to hands-on innovation and ensuring successful product development.
  • Process and Data Management: You will manage product formulations using an online database system, creating and adjusting recipes to meet development needs. Additionally, you will maintain accurate project files, specifications, and key product data to ensure seamless documentation and formulation integrity.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Business, Marketing, Sales, Manufacturing, and Engineering, to support product development efforts. Through clear verbal and written communication, you will document and organize product reviews while ensuring stakeholders stay informed on project progress.
  • Skill Development and Compliance: You will improve product development skills through training, hands-on experience, and understanding USDA/FDA regulations.

WHAT WE'RE SEEKING:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Food Science or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
  • Company will consider a currently enrolled Bachelors Degree college student with an anticipated graduation by end of the current semester/quarter as qualified
  • Strong scientific knowledge of meat, non-meat ingredients and their functionality. Able to work with pilot plant equipment with minimal supervision.
  • Proficient in on-line work systems and product development software tools.
  • Continuously improves and updates food/meat science and product development skills and understands all aspects of current plant process systems.
  • Must have the ability to complete required applicable forms in English, which requires the ability to read and write in English.
  • Ability to multi-task; strong interpersonal, communication, organizational and time management skills.
  • May require travel up to 40% of the time.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Office and plant setting. The plant environment will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals.
  • Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud when in the production area.
  • Occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds
  • Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
  • Frequently required to stand; sit; walk; use hands handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, and talk or hear.

The expected pay range for this position is $52,500 - $77,500 annually.
Smithfield Foods provides pay ranges that reflect its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the company reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of hire. Individual compensation will be determined based on several factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the role, location of the position, the candidate's qualifications and experience, internal equity, external market pay for comparable positions and budget considerations. At Smithfield Foods, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive total rewards package. Learn more about our benefits package here.
Relocation Package AvailableYes
EEO Information
Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.

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