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Food Science Lab Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Chedraui USA

Director, Food Quality Assurance

Commerce, CA · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

... food science and other industry-related programs. This includes associate developmental training, Quality Assurance Manual maintenance and QA lab test equipment upgrade. * Provides technical ...

Astrix Inc

R&D Manager- Beverages

Pacoima, CA · On-site

$45 - $56/hr

... in food science and a passion for developing innovative flavor and beverage solutions. The ideal candidate will supervise a team of chemists and lab technicians while ensuring all products meet ...

Vie Del

Laboratory Technician

Fresno, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

... Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology or related field preferred; or a minimum of two years experience in wine or food lab and two (2) years related college work. Language Skills Ability to read ...

Vie Del

Laboratory Technician

Fresno, CA · On-site

$18.75 - $25/hr

... Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology or related field preferred; or a minimum of two years experience in wine or food lab and two (2) years related college work. Language Skills Ability to read ...

Santa Cruz Nutritionals

Innovation Scientist

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$101K - $152K/yr

With unique food science expertise and proprietary processes, we've pioneered many firsts. The fire ... Partner with Stability Program team to develop lab and commercial stability testing plan, monitor ...

Clorox

Senior Food Product Developer

Pleasanton, CA · Hybrid

$140K - $185K/yr

The role requires culinary creativity grounded in food science, disciplined risk management, and ... performance in lab and pilot-scale environments. In some cases, end-to-end developments to ...

Ventura Foods

Food Technologist

Brea, CA · On-site

$76K - $96K/yr

Performs departmental housekeeping as required, including lab organization and ordering supplies ... Bachelor of Science Degree in Food Science or related field, Biology, Chemistry or equivalent ...

Ventura Foods

Food Technologist

Brea, CA

$76K - $96K/yr

Performs departmental housekeeping as required, including lab organization and ordering supplies ... Bachelor of Science Degree in Food Science or related field, Biology, Chemistry or equivalent ...

Ventura Foods

Food Technologist

Brea, CA · Hybrid

$76K - $96K/yr

Performs departmental housekeeping as required, including lab organization and ordering supplies ... Bachelor of Science Degree in Food Science or related field, Biology, Chemistry or equivalent ...

Ventura Foods

Food Technologist

Brea, CA

$76K - $96K/yr

Performs departmental housekeeping as required, including lab organization and ordering supplies ... Bachelor of Science Degree in Food Science or related field, Biology, Chemistry or equivalent ...

Gallo

Seasonal Lab Assistant

Fresno, CA

$20/hr

A Taste of What You'll Do As a Seasonal Lab Assistant, you'll play a hands-on role in supporting ... Associate's degree in chemistry, food science, biology, or chemical engineering plus 1 year of ...

E. & J. Gallo

Seasonal Lab Assistant

Fresno, CA · On-site

$20/hr

A Taste of What You'll Do As a Seasonal Lab Assistant, you'll play a hands-on role in supporting ... Associate's degree in chemistry, food science, biology, or chemical engineering plus 1 year of ...

Gallo

Seasonal Lab Assistant

Fresno, CA

$20/hr

A Taste of What You'll Do As a Seasonal Lab Assistant, you'll play a hands-on role in supporting ... Associate's degree in chemistry, food science, biology, or chemical engineering plus 1 year of ...

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Food Science Lab information

See California salary details

$11

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$33

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.

Director, Food Quality Assurance

Chedraui USA

Commerce, CA • On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Chedraui rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Director, Food Quality Assurance
Store Support Center
We are searching for an experienced Director, Food Quality Assurance for our StoreSupport Center located at 600 Citadel Drive, Commerce, CA, 90040.
SUMMARY
TheDirector, Food Quality Assurance directs, facilitates and leads the QualityAssurance Team in the development and maintenance of an enterprise-wide qualityassurance system for corporate brand products by performing the followingduties personally and/or with other team members.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES ANDRESPONSIBILITIES includethe following. Other duties may be assigned or required:
  • Directs and coordinates the development of Quality Assurance Team goals and objectives in harmony with company-wide and corporate procurement goals and objectives.
  • Provides technical expertise and assists in store associate training, establishment of sales materials, procedures and guidelines as it relates to company-wide food safety HACCP-based programs and compliance to State and Local agencies and Health Departments, FDA, USDA and EPA regulations.
  • Provide technical expertise and assists in the establishment of food safety and HACCP programs in all operating companies.
  • Performs the duties of quality assurance liaison with government agencies. Coordinates action necessary with regards to proposed and new regulations and policies issued by State and local Health Departments, US FDA, USDA, EPA, and Department of Commerce as it relates to foodservice and retail food industry.
  • Ensures that Quality Assurance Department capabilities are in-step with technological advances in food science and other industry-related programs. This includes associate developmental training, Quality Assurance Manual maintenance and QA lab test equipment upgrade.
  • Provides technical expertise as a member of company Product Recall Task Force. Writes and updates Product Recall Standard Operating Procedure. Coordinates the issuing of company-wide Product Removals and Product Recalls.
  • Provides technical direction in new product development to ensure proper positioning of corporate brand products relative to pre-determined tiers and/or brand.
  • Ensures that applicable packaging and labeling meet US FDA, USDA, Department of Commerce, EPA, and State regulatory requirements. Responsible for EPA submittal and maintenance of corporate brand product registration in states where products are sold.
  • Directs action to be taken when customer complaints are received on both national brand and private label products. Provides technical expertise to Customer Relations Coordinator in response to customer requests. Coordinates with vendor on corrective action to be taken. Liaison for legal, risk management, operations, warehouse and buying.
  • Writes and implements quality assurance procedures for monitoring corporate brand standards in all warehouses. Provides direction in rejection of product that are not in compliance with established Smart & Final Product specifications and/or government standards.
  • Establishes product specifications for corporate brand products and ensures that they are updated relative to target brand trends.
  • Ensures that corporate brand products and vendors meet regulatory, food safety and Smart & Final requirements. Establishes guidelines and writes procedure for vendor manufacturing facility inspections and approves vendors as potential corporate brands suppliers.
  • Develops materials and participates in product information seminars and cuttings for sales associates.
  • Participates in Corporate Procurement Team activities.

SUPERVISORYRESPONSIBILITIES
Directs the Corporate Brands Team - Quality Assurance.Carries out leadership responsibilities in accordance with company policies andapplicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and trainingassociates; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance;rewarding and disciplining associates; addressing complaints and resolvingproblems. Employs facilitation skills to ensure team success.
EDUCATION and/orEXPERIENCE
BA/BSin food science/chemistry/related field and a minimum of 8 to 10 years managerialexperience of a quality assurance function in a corporate brands setting orrelated field or equivalent combination education and experience.
OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES:
Must have validdriver's license and ability to drive vehicle.
COMPENSATION: The salary range for this position is$140,000.00 to $160,000.00. The actual starting pay will be determined by anumber of qualifications; including, experience and relevant skills.
Our company provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) toall employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color,religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.

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