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Food Research Development Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Reporting to the R&D Analytical Team Leader, the team supports a wide variety of stakeholders ... From parts for the automotive industry to medical equipment, air bags, food packaging and clothing ...

Set up and execute laboratory work to as outlined by R&D scientist. * Analyzing samples by ... Legality and Food Safety (if applicable) and client needs on Indorama's products and services.

Set up and execute laboratory work to as outlined by R&D scientist. * Analyzing samples by ... Legality and Food Safety (if applicable) and client needs on Indorama's products and services.

From medical supplies and electronics to food packaging and cosmetics, we create the building ... This role supports professional growth and development through challenging assignments and exposure ...

Support protocol development by advising on nursing procedures, participant safety, sample-handling ... Act (HIPAA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (as applicable), and agency-specific human research ...

Support protocol development by advising on nursing procedures, participant safety, sample-handling ... Act (HIPAA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (as applicable), and agency-specific human research ...

Support protocol development by advising on nursing procedures, participant safety, sample-handling ... Act (HIPAA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (as applicable), and agency-specific human research ...

From medical supplies and electronics to food packaging and cosmetics, we create the building ... This role supports professional growth and development through challenging assignments and exposure ...

Senior Research Scientist

The Woodlands, TX · On-site

$88K - $112K/yr

... Food Safety (if applicable) and client needs on Indorama's products and services. * Guarantee all documentation under your responsibility updated and available for consulting * Interact with R&D team ...

Senior Research Scientist

The Woodlands, TX · On-site

$88K - $112K/yr

... Food Safety (if applicable) and client needs on Indorama's products and services. * Guarantee all documentation under your responsibility updated and available for consulting * Interact with R&D team ...

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Food Research Development information

See Houston, TX salary details

$46.3K

$97.2K

$157.6K

How much do food research development jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for food research development in Houston, TX is $97,210.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,000.00 and $111,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Food Research Development jobs in Houston, TX?

The most popular types of Food Research Development jobs in Houston, TX are:

What are popular job titles related to Food Research Development jobs in Houston, TX?

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

What job categories do people searching Food Research Development jobs in Houston, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Research Development jobs in Houston, TX are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Food Research Development jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Food Research Development job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Research Development job openings in Houston, TX 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 $97,210 per year, or $46.7 per hour.

Food Research & Development Specialist

Houston, TX

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Job Summary:

We are seeking a Food Research & Development Specialist to support product innovation, formulation, and continuous improvement within our food manufacturing operation. This role bridges creativity and execution, working closely with Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain to develop, test, scale, and commercialize food products that meet quality, safety, cost, and regulatory standards.

You will play a hands-on role in benchtop development, pilot trials, and production scale-up, ensuring concepts move efficiently from idea to shelf.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Develop and refine food formulations for new products, line extensions, and reformulations.
  • Conduct bench-top, pilot, and plant trials, documenting procedures, observations, and results.
  • Partner with Operations and Engineering to support scale-up and commercialization of R&D concepts.
  • Work closely with Quality and Regulatory teams to ensure products meet FDA, USDA, GMP, HACCP, and labeling requirements.
  • Perform ingredient evaluations, shelf-life studies, sensory testing, and cost optimization analyses.
  • Maintain accurate formulation records, specifications, SOPs, and trial documentation.
  • Support supplier collaboration, ingredient sourcing, and evaluation of alternative raw materials.
  • Troubleshoot product and process issues related to texture, flavor, stability, yield, or shelf life.
  • Assist in maintaining R&D lab organization, safety standards, and sanitation protocols.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across product quality and manufacturing efficiency.

Qualifications:

Required
  • Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Nutrition, or a related field.
  • 2+ years of experience in food R&D, product development, or food manufacturing.
  • Hands-on experience with formulation, testing, and basic lab equipment.
  • Strong documentation and organizational skills.
Preferred
  • Experience supporting pilot plant or commercial-scale production.
  • Familiarity with thermal processing, emulsions, sauces, beverages, or dry blends (adjust based on product type).
  • Knowledge of nutritional labeling, regulatory compliance, and ingredient statements.
  • Working knowledge of food safety systems (GMP, HACCP, SSOPs, and SOPs)
  • Experience with sensory panels and shelf-life testing.
  • Proficiency with formulation software or Excel-based costing models.
Ideal Candidate Will Be:
  • Curious, methodical, and detail-oriented.
  • Comfortable balancing creativity with operational constraints.
  • Strong cross-functional communication skills.
  • Able to manage multiple projects and timelines simultaneously.
  • Solutions-focused with a continuous improvement mindset.
Why Join Craftory?

Craftory is reimagining how heritage-rich flavors are shared with the next generation. We produce ready-to-eat broths, soups, and proteins in shelf-stable Tetra Recart packaging. With product lines like Simmer Craft organic broths and Craft Cuts luncheon meats, we serve consumers seeking comfort foods.

Well established food manufacturing in Southern Cali. We specialize in Vietnamese meatball, sausage to retail and food service. We have been in the industry for over 38 years.