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Food Science Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

JRG Partners

Food Process Scientist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

The Food Science Scientist will be part of the AI Food team and will be reporting to the Director ... Partner with plant managers to design and implement key projects. ? Summarizing and synthesizing ...

GT'S Living Foods

Food Scientist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Bachelor degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or related field * Experience in the ... Self-starter with strong project management abilities, capable of leading R&D initiatives ...

GT'S Living Foods

Food Scientist

Vernon, CA

Bachelor degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or related field * Experience in the ... Self-starter with strong project management abilities, capable of leading R&D initiatives ...

New

Kosmos

Food Quality Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

... Science, Microbiology, food process engineering, or similar discipline · Solid track record of ... A Manager in the food industry with minimum 5 years in a USDA environment · Must be SQF ...

Kosmos

Food Quality Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

... Science, Microbiology, food process engineering, or similar discipline · Solid track record of ... A Manager in the food industry with minimum 5 years in a USDA environment · Must be SQF ...

Jobtailor

R&D Manager

Imperial, CA · On-site

$150 - $210/hr

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition, or Culinary School certification ... Proven experience managing teams, projects, and cross-functional initiatives in a fast paced ...

Kosmos

Food Quality Manager

Chula Vista, CA

... Science, Microbiology, food process engineering, or similar discipline · Solid track record of ... A Manager in the food industry with minimum 5 years in a USDA environment · Must be SQF ...

Archer Meat Snacks

Senior Food Scientist

Vernon, CA · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Meat Science, or a related technical ... Strong analytical, project management, and cross-functional collaboration skills. * Advanced ...

Sambazon Inc

Food Technologist

San Clemente, CA · On-site

$26 - $28/hr

B.S. degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Nutrition, or similar science-based discipline. * Prefer one to two years of work experience, including internships. * Ability to manage multiple ...

Sambazon Inc

Food Technologist

San Clemente, CA · On-site

$26 - $28/hr

B.S. degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Nutrition, or similar science-based discipline. * Prefer one to two years of work experience, including internships. * Ability to manage multiple ...

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Food Science Manager information

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How much do food science manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for food science manager in California is $21.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $23.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a food science manager do?

A Food Science Manager oversees teams that develop, test, and improve food products to ensure quality, safety, and compliance with regulations. They manage research projects, coordinate with other departments like production and marketing, and implement quality control standards. Their role often includes supervising food scientists and technologists, analyzing data from experiments, and staying updated on industry trends. Food Science Managers play a key part in launching new products and maintaining the safety and nutritional value of foods.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food science manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Science Manager, you need a solid background in food science, chemistry, or a related field, often supported by a bachelor's or master's degree and experience in food product development or quality assurance. Familiarity with laboratory testing equipment, food safety regulations, and systems like HACCP or SQF is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help you manage teams and collaborate across departments. These skills ensure the development of safe, high-quality products while maintaining regulatory compliance and effective team operations.

What are some common challenges food science managers face when leading product development teams?

Food Science Managers often navigate the complex balance between innovation, regulatory compliance, and cost-effectiveness while leading product development teams. They must ensure that new formulations meet safety and quality standards, all while aligning with consumer trends and company goals. Effective communication and collaboration with cross-functional teams—such as marketing, procurement, and quality assurance—are crucial to address these challenges. Additionally, adapting to rapidly changing technologies and market demands can present ongoing hurdles that require flexibility and strategic planning.

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

AspectFood Science ManagerFood Technologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or master's in food science, management experienceBachelor's in food science or related field
Work EnvironmentOversees teams, manages projects, strategic planningDevelops and tests food products, laboratory work
Employer & Industry UsageFood manufacturing, quality assurance, R&DProduct development, quality control, testing labs

Food Science Managers typically oversee teams and projects in food companies, requiring management skills and experience, while Food Technologists focus on product development and testing. Both roles are essential in the food industry but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Science jobs in California?

The most popular types of Food Science jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Food Science Manager jobs in California?

For Food Science Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Science Manager jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Science Manager jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Food Science Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Food Science Manager job openings:

Food Science Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Science Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,154 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Food Process Scientist

San Francisco, CA • On-site

JRG Partners
See more jobs at JRG Partnersexternal

$110K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Food Process Scientist
Our client, a dynamic, innovative and growing Food Tech Company is seeking a Food Process Scientist for their San Francisco location.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a fast growing company!!
The Food Science Scientist will be part of the AI Food team and will be reporting to the Director of Food Ai. The main responsibility of this individual will be able to successful apply robust science and data capture in executing food process development work from pilot stage through to the commissioning and qualification of new product introductions into high volume production for commercial launches.
This position will be physically located in San Francisco, CA.
Specifically, they will:
? Design, review, execute, and analyze process development experiments at the benchtop scale, leading to process transfer to pilot plant and commercial scale.
? Participate in prototype development, installation, and evaluation of new technologies in partnership with the AI Team.
? Performing troubleshooting, routine maintenance, and calibration of process equipment.
? Partner with plant managers to design and implement key projects.
? Summarizing and synthesizing experimental plans and results to their supervisor and the larger team in an organized, concise, and logical manner, both verbally and visually
? Define the physical, chemical, and biological transformations that must occur to produce food products meeting customer and consumer requirements, and translate into clear design specifications & process requirements.
? Develop cost estimates and capital requests for small and large-scale trials.
? Collaborate with Food Scientist team to reformulate, alter, and move forward in data-driven experimental designs
? Primary owner of process development for priority businesses and brands, particularly on major initiatives, from the initial concept through final commercialization phases.
? Support research efforts for both short-term and long-term company goals
Requirements:
? Preferred Masters in Food Science/Engineering, Material Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics or a related degree
? 3-5+ years of experience in process research in the food industry required
? Experienced with the development of new food tech processes, and process transfer to production.
? Knowledge of unit operations and processing equipment.
? Intermediate project management knowledge and strong collaboration skills.
? Experienced with a range of bioreactor platforms and control systems.
? Detail-oriented and well-organized.
? Strategic, big-picture thinking skills.
? Excellent critical thinker.
? Excel in a start-up environment and excited to create new procedures and processes from scratch, with a strong entrepreneurial mindset
? Be agile, adaptable, and thrive in a dynamic and changing culture
? Authorization to work in the U.S. required
Compensation based on experience!

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