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Food Science Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Gold Coast Ingredients, Inc.

Be Seen First

Food Applications Assistant

Santa Fe Springs, CA · On-site

$24 - $25/hr

... of food science and the craft of artisan flavor making. Our Applications Laboratory works closely ... Communicate testing results, observations the Applications Manager. * Maintain inventory of ...

Astrix Inc

QA Manager - Food Manufacturing

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, Biology, or related scientific field ... Proven capability managing audit processes, corrective actions, preventive measures, data analysis ...

Kosmos Corp

Quality Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

Will manage food safety standards, USDA, and FDA regulations and will integrate food safety ... Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science, Microbiology, food process engineering, or similar ...

New

Just Food Company

Senior Product Developer

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$146K - $193K/yr

This is a highly hands-on role for a technically rigorous food scientist/developer who thrives at the intersection of formulation, process development, and manufacturing. The ideal candidate ...

Aspire Bakeries

Food Technologist, R&D

Newark, CA · On-site

$68K - $91K/yr

Strong understanding of food science principles, including ingredient functionality and testing methods * Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines * Strong ...

Aspire Bakeries

Food Technologist, R&D

Newark, CA · On-site

$68K - $91K/yr

Strong understanding of food science principles, including ingredient functionality and testing methods * Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines * Strong ...

Astrix Inc

R&D Manager- Beverages

Pacoima, CA · On-site

$45 - $56/hr

This role is ideal for a critical thinker with a strong background in food science and a passion ... Oversee and manage all product development projects within the R&D department. * Lead the ...

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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 7, 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 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 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 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 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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,154 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Food Applications Assistant

Gold Coast Ingredients, Inc.

Santa Fe Springs, CA • On-site

$24 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

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Job description

Gold Coast Ingredients, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of food flavors and colors. Development and progress have always been a crucial aspect of the way we do business, as we strive to achieve the perfect synergy between the precision of food science and the craft of artisan flavor making.


Our Applications Laboratory works closely with the Research & Development (R&D) team and customers to test our flavors across a wide variety of food and beverage applications, ensuring products meet customer requirements.


Position Summary

The Applications Assistant supports the Applications Laboratory by preparing, testing, and evaluating food and beverage prototypes. This role focuses on flavor application, product development, documentation, and laboratory organization while collaborating with the R&D and Flavor Creation teams.


Key Responsibilities

  • Prepare and evaluate flavors and other ingredients in customer applications to validate product performance, optimize formulations, and troubleshoot flavor or functionality issues.
  • Develop new application prototypes to support product development initiatives, with an emphasis on beverage formulations.
  • Identify flavor systems that improve product performance by masking undesirable tastes from vitamins, proteins, botanicals, and other functional ingredients.
  • Collaborate with Flavorists by providing application feedback and recommendations to enhance flavor performance in specific food and beverage systems.
  • Evaluate, document, and maintain accurate records of product testing, including formulations, processing parameters, sensory evaluations, and product attributes.
  • Communicate testing results, observations the Applications Manager.
  • Maintain inventory of laboratory ingredients, supplies, and consumables.
  • Keep accurate and organized laboratory records in accordance with company standards.
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment while following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and laboratory safety procedures.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.


Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Food Science or a related scientific field.
  • Laboratory experience within the food or beverage industry.
  • Culinary, beverage or food experience a plus
  • Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
  • Excellent time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Self-motivated, resourceful, creative, and eager to learn.
  • Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment.


Preferred

  • 1-3 years' experience in new product development and formulations in the food industry
  • Experience developing or evaluating beverage formulations.
  • Knowledge of food ingredients, flavor systems, and sensory evaluation techniques.

Company Description

Gold Coast Ingredients, Inc. (GCI) is a privately held, wholesale flavor and color manufacturer that has been satisfying taste since 1985. We are capable of serving all types of industries from food and beverage to nutraceutical and oral care. We work with customers to create custom formulations in a variety of forms including powder, spray-dried (encapsulated), freeze-dried, liquid, emulsion, and extracts that are compatible with any requirements.