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Food Research Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kinder's

Research & Development Manager

Walnut Creek, CA

$130K - $150K/yr

At Kinder's, we're passionate about creating food that brings people together. The Manager, Research & Development will be responsible for supporting the development and execution of new and improved ...

Kinder's

Research & Development Manager

Walnut Creek, CA

$130K - $150K/yr

At Kinder's, we're passionate about creating food that brings people together. The Manager, Research & Development will be responsible for supporting the development and execution of new and improved ...

O Positiv

Research & Development Manager

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$135K - $165K/yr

Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, etc.), Food Science, Pharmaceutical Science or related field * 3-6 years of experience working in product development, R&D, and/or regulatory affairs within the ...

Kinder's

Research & Development Manager

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

At Kinder's, we're passionate about creating food that brings people together. The Manager, Research & Development will be responsible for supporting the development and execution of new and improved ...

UPSIDE Foods

Food Process Engineer I

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Research & development of food processes for novel food technologies * Plan and execute experiments to optimize product and process, utilizing statistical experiment design when needed. * Source ...

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$48.5K

$101.8K

$165K

How much do food research development jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for food research development in the United States is $101,794.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $116,500.00 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.
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Food Research Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Research Development job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,794 per year, or $48.9 per hour.
Technician, Research & Development

Technician, Research & Development

See's Candy Shops, Inc.

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$26 - $28/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

See's Candies rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 10 rated sweet chocolate shops

Job description

Work is Sweet!
'Quality without Compromise' is not just a motto at See's Candies. It is the most important ingredient in our recipe for success. See's Candies has been in business since 1921 and maintains a reputation for producing the highest quality candy and providing superior customer service.
See's is a leader in the confectionery industry with over 250 retail shops across the USA, a growing e-commerce business, and expanding opportunities internationally. We are seeking friendly, enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about helping us grow and thrive in our second century.
Job Description Summary:
The Research & Development (R&D) Technician supports R&D management in developing new confectionary and candy products, testing new ingredients, and reformulating current products to improve product attributes and processes and/or to comply to new regulations.
The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $26- $28 per hour; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Job Description:
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Provide assistance and support benchtop and plant trials under direction of R&D management. Support tasks include (but not limited to) collecting trial samples for evaluation and recording trial data. Attention to details is essential.
  • Provide documentation support through accurate data gathering and entry into technical documents such as specifications, JobAids, and related documents.
  • Support entry of recipes/formulations into ERP/software system.
  • Support sensory and/or laboratory analyses and testing through preparing and labeling samples, scheduling sensory tests, and distributing confectionary and candy samples. Familiarity with food and beverage sensory testing is a plus.
  • Utilize the digital sensory evaluation platform (e.g., RedJade) to design and execute studies, including setting up evaluations and extracting statistically-sound data analyses to support product development decisions.
  • Assist R&D management with data gathering and recording of processing settings from confectionery production lines.
  • Coordinate the storage of samples under direction of R&D management.
  • Participate in the sensory evaluations, as appropriate, under the direction of R&D management. Timely communicate task/project updates to appropriate stakeholders.
  • Attend and participate in operational and project meetings, as appropriate.
  • Follow all company, safety, and regulatory standards.
  • Accommodate flexibility on rare occasions to work outside standard business hours to support trial & production schedules.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • 1 - 2 years experience in technical support, product development, manufacturing, engineering or other relevant category of food manufacturing/consumer goods industry.
  • Previous technician and/or Summer Intern experience(s) at a consumer goods/food industry company is a plus.
  • Laboratory or product development bench work experience in food and beverage industry is a plus.
  • Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
  • Strong time management skills. Proactive and attention to details.
  • Basic computer skills required, including Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams.
  • Must adhere to strict food production and hygiene protocols, including wearing hairnets, gloves, non-slip shoes, as appropriate.
  • Able to safely work around food products, which may include common allergens such as nuts, peanuts, and dairy.
  • Authorized to work in the U.S.

OTHER INFORMATION:
  • This is a hands-on, on-site position.
  • Primary work location is located at See's Candies Los Angelos Manufacturing Plant.

Core Values
All team members must demonstrate a commitment to See's core principles and workplace values, including integrity, commitment, experience, and stewardship in all aspects of their work.
The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, in addition to a full range of generous medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an "at-will position" and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.
See's is an EOE
See's will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable local, state or federal law (including San Francisco Ordinance #131192 and Los Angeles Municipal Code 189.00).

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