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Food Science Lab Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Califia Farms, LLC

Scientist II

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Conduct lab experiments and manufacturing line trials to ensure process accuracy and product ... Bachelor's degree or higher in Food Science, Food Technology, or Chemical Engineering (with ...

HP Hood

Lab Technician-Graveyard

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$31.50/hr

Data entry and report generation utilizing all lab equipment and software. * Audit CIP chemical ... Education and Experience: * BS in Food Science or related field * Knowledge of food microbiology ...

HP Hood

Lab Technician-Graveyard

Sacramento, CA

$31.50/hr

Data entry and report generation utilizing all lab equipment and software. * Audit CIP chemical ... Education and Experience: * BS in Food Science or related field * Knowledge of food microbiology ...

Freudenberg

QC/QA Technician (f/m/d)

City Of Industry, CA

$19 - $24.25/hr

... and lab safety. Qualifications: * Experience in food, beverage, flavor, or pharmaceutical industry required; Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred. * Background in food science, food ...

HACO Culinary

R&D Food Technologist

La Puente, CA

$71K/yr

... applies food science knowledge to optimize process of dressings & sauces; assists R&D and Sales ... Maintain orderly records of lab documentation in electronic formats, company portals (Safety Chain ...

GFF Career Page

R&D Food Technologist

La Puente, CA · On-site

$71K/yr

... applies food science knowledge to optimize process of dressings & sauces; assists R&D and Sales ... Maintain orderly records of lab documentation in electronic formats, company portals (Safety Chain ...

New

GFF

R&D Food Technologist

La Puente, CA · On-site

$71K/yr

... applies food science knowledge to optimize process of dressings & sauces; assists R&D and Sales ... Maintain orderly records of lab documentation in electronic formats, company portals (Safety Chain ...

Jensen Meat

Sample Lab Technician

San Diego, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Job Type Full-time Description Sample Lab Technician Department: Sales FLSA Status: Full-Time, Non ... Associate degree in Business, Food Science, Culinary Arts, Logistics, or a related field preferred.

Actalent

Lab Technician

Fresno, CA

$18.75 - $25/hr

Lab Technician I This Lab Technician I role supports day-to-day laboratory operations by performing ... Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, or a related ...

Actalent

Lab Technician

Fresno, CA · On-site

$18.75 - $25/hr

Lab Technician I This Lab Technician I role supports day-to-day laboratory operations by performing ... Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, or a related ...

RIZO-LOPEZ FOODS, Inc.

QA/QC Technician

Modesto, CA · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

If you're passionate about food science, microbiology, or quality control-and ready to make a real ... You'll learn industry-standard lab testing, perform quality audits on the production floor, and ...

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Food Science Lab information

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How much do food science lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for food science lab in California is $22.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $27.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest salary for a Food Scientist?

The highest salaries for Food Scientists can exceed $100,000 annually, especially for those with advanced degrees, extensive experience, or leadership roles in research and development. Salaries vary by industry, location, and employer size, with top earners often working in large corporations or specialized sectors.

What is the difference between Food Science Lab vs Food Technologist?

AspectFood Science LabFood Technologist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Food Science or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Food Science, Food Technology, or related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting, conducting experiments and quality testsProduction facilities, overseeing food processing and product development
Industry UsageResearch, quality control, product testingProduct development, manufacturing, quality assurance

Food Science Lab roles focus on laboratory research, testing, and quality analysis, while Food Technologists work in production environments, developing and improving food products. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often collaborate within the food industry, but their daily tasks and work settings differ.

What is a Food Science Lab?

A Food Science Lab is a specialized facility where scientists and technicians study the physical, chemical, and microbiological properties of food. These labs are used to develop new food products, improve food safety, test quality, and analyze nutritional content. Food Science Labs play a key role in ensuring that the food we eat is safe, nutritious, and meets regulatory standards. They use advanced equipment and techniques to conduct experiments and support the food industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Food Science Lab Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Science Lab Technician, you need a solid background in chemistry, biology, and food safety, often supported by a degree in food science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, analytical testing methods, and safety protocols—along with certifications like HACCP—are commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring accurate testing, regulatory compliance, and the consistent quality of food products.

What are some typical challenges faced when working in a Food Science Lab environment?

Working in a Food Science Lab often involves balancing multiple projects with tight deadlines, such as product testing, quality analysis, and research experiments. Professionals must adapt to frequently changing protocols and meticulously document results to ensure accuracy and compliance with food safety regulations. Additionally, collaboration with cross-functional teams—like product development, quality assurance, and regulatory affairs—is essential, requiring strong communication and teamwork skills. Staying current with new technologies and industry standards can also be an ongoing challenge but is key to career growth in this field.

What is the highest paying job in food science?

In food science, senior roles such as Food Science Directors or R&D Managers typically have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures. These positions require advanced education, extensive experience, and leadership skills, and they often involve overseeing product development, quality assurance, or regulatory compliance.

Do food scientists work in labs?

Yes, food scientists typically work in laboratories where they conduct experiments, analyze food products, and develop new food items. Their work often involves using specialized equipment and following safety protocols to ensure food quality and safety.

What kind of job can I get with a food science degree?

A food science degree can lead to roles such as food scientist, quality assurance manager, product development specialist, or food safety auditor. These jobs typically involve laboratory work, product testing, and ensuring compliance with safety standards, often requiring knowledge of food chemistry, microbiology, and regulatory guidelines.
What are popular job titles related to Food Science Lab jobs in California? For Food Science Lab jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Food Science Lab jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Food Science Lab jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Food Science Lab jobs? Cities in California with the most Food Science Lab job openings:
Food Science Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Science Lab job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,361 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

Beverage Developer - Food Services

Vibrant Ingredients

Vista, CA • On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

JOB TITLE: Beverage Developer- Food Service

REPORTS TO: Director of Research and Development

JOB SUMMARY: Vibrant Ingredients seeks a highly skilled and detail-oriented Beverage Developer to support the growth of the Food Service Beverage business.


Skills, Traits, & Competencies:

  • Beverage Development Skills: > 8 years’ experience, with a proven track record of sales in the beverage categories
  • Experience in Coffee would be an advantage
  • Ability to produce a Food service beverage from concept to commercialization
  • Excellent technical execution and project management skills
  • Highly developed organizational skills
  • Well-developed communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively throughout all levels of the organization.
  • Great presentation skills and a love for customers are necessary
  • Ability to travel up to 25%

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Develops food service beverage solutions for customers including coffee, tea, refresher type products that are cost effective, stable, utilizing the breath of the Vibrant Ingredient portfolio (Functional ingredients, coffee & tea extracts, flavors). Completes stability testing, documentation, costing and supports commercialization.
  • Ability to manage and drive projects to a successful outcome
  • Capable of multitasking and prioritizing projects.
  • Ability to develop Technical to Technical relationships with customers
  • Will be expected to support customer visits with sales.
  • Participates in Life Cycle Management of products focusing on reducing costs and maximizing margin. Completing all necessary stability testing.
  • Participates in supporting Innovation presentations, Ideation, Rapid Prototyping.
  • Supports production runs of new products for select customers.
  • Capable of developing a wide range of beverage applications with experience in product processing (Pasteurization, Homogenization, hot-fill, indirect and direct steam processing, carbonation, canning)
  • Follows basic GLP, ISO procedures, safety, lab notebooks and/or other electronic record keeping
  • May supervise Technicians


Minimum Qualifications:

  • Science degree (preferably in Food Science/Food Engineering) from a reputable school
  • Proven track record of success in beverage development in the Food Service or beverage industry
  • Full working knowledge of Beverage development
  • Good knowledge of manufacturing processes and delivery technologies
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills.
  • Good computer software skills including MS Office (Excel, PPT, Word, etc.), Salesforce.