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Food Research Development Jobs in Mesa, AZ (NOW HIRING)

Sr Executive Chef

Sun City, AZ · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Research customer preferences and develops a menu which incorporates local foods and flavors ... You will be responsible for menu development, inventory, purchasing, food cost controls and staff ...

Sr Executive Chef

Sun City, AZ · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Research customer preferences and develops a menu which incorporates local foods and flavors ... You will be responsible for menu development, inventory, purchasing, food cost controls and staff ...

Sr Executive Chef

Sun City, AZ · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Research customer preferences and develops a menu which incorporates local foods and flavors ... You will be responsible for menu development, inventory, purchasing, food cost controls and staff ...

Sr Executive Chef

Sun City, AZ · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Research customer preferences and develops a menu which incorporates local foods and flavors ... You will be responsible for menu development, inventory, purchasing, food cost controls and staff ...

Senior R&D Manager - Baked Goods Private Equity-Backed Food Manufacturer An expanding, investment-backed bakery platform is seeking a commercially minded Senior R&D Manager to lead product ...

Senior R&D Manager - Baked Goods Private Equity-Backed Food Manufacturer An expanding, investment-backed bakery platform is seeking a commercially minded Senior R&D Manager to lead product ...

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Showing results 1-20

Food Research Development information

See Mesa, AZ salary details

$48.1K

$101K

$163.7K

How much do food research development jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for food research development in Mesa, AZ is $100,989.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,900.00 and $115,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Food Research Development jobs in Mesa, AZ? The most popular types of Food Research Development jobs in Mesa, AZ are:
What are popular job titles related to Food Research Development jobs in Mesa, AZ? For Food Research Development jobs in Mesa, AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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What cities near Mesa, AZ are hiring for Food Research Development jobs? Cities near Mesa, AZ with the most Food Research Development job openings:
Infographic showing various Food Research Development job openings in Mesa, AZ as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,989 per year, or $48.6 per hour.
Director of Research Development

Director of Research Development

Global Search Network

Phoenix, AZ

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Experience & Education

  • Experience: 10+ years in R&D within the CPG food industry. Strong preference for frozen desserts, dairy, or frozen novelties (e.g., ice cream formulation, processing, emulsions, fat crystallization, overrun control, texture optimization).
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field (Master's preferred).

Role Overview

The Director of Research and Development leads the technical vision, innovation pipeline, and product renovation strategy for the company's frozen novelty products. The role drives business growth by developing new products, optimizing existing ones for taste, texture, nutrition, cost, and quality, while ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and commercial scalability. It involves close collaboration with Marketing, Sales, Operations, QA, and executive leadership (CEO, CFO, Finance) to align R&D with overall business goals, including sales strategy support. The environment spans both manufacturing plant and corporate office settings.

Key focus areas include:

  • Novel texture development
  • Inclusion technology
  • Coating formulations
  • Dairy and non-dairy formulations
  • End-to-end product development from benchtop to commercialization

Key Responsibilities

  • Innovation & Product Development: Manage the full pipeline, including new product creation, sensory evaluation, formula optimization, and scale-up. Emphasize trending flavors, textures, and technologies while identifying market white-space opportunities in partnership with Marketing and Sales.
  • Optimization of Existing Products: Improve taste, texture, nutritional profile, and cost-efficiency of current lines through continuous improvement.
  • Technical Leadership & Compliance: Ensure all products meet FDA/USDA regulations, FSMA, labeling, nutritional standards, food safety (shelf-life testing, pathogen validation), and quality requirements. Work closely with QA and Operations.
  • Sensory Programs: Lead and integrate sensory evaluation across R&D, Production, and QA for consistent quality.
  • Documentation: Maintain accurate formulations, specifications, and process documentation.
  • Manufacturing & Supply Chain Collaboration: Optimize production processes (ingredient sourcing, freezing technologies, packaging). Build and manage relationships with co-packers and suppliers. Balance innovation with profitability by managing the R&D budget and contributing to COGS control.
  • Team Leadership: Lead and mentor a small team (internal flavor development specialist + external food scientists/technologists). Foster creativity, accountability, and capability building.

Technical Skills:

  • Deep knowledge of food chemistry, microbiology, and manufacturing processes specific to frozen products.
  • Proven experience scaling products from benchtop to full commercial manufacturing.
  • Strong emphasis on rice and/or starch rheology — understanding its effects on texture, processing, and final product performance (common in frozen desserts for stabilization, mouthfeel, and cost-effective formulations, including in dairy or non-dairy systems).
  • Data analysis and KPI tracking (e.g., innovation rate, time-to-market, cost optimization, product quality).
  • Ability to work within COGS targets and R&D budgetary guidelines.