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Food Science Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Nutrition Scientist

Orange, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Regulatory Guidance & Risk Management: * Act subject matter expert on supplement regulations and ... MS or higher degree in nutrition science or food science. * 2+ years of experience in dietary ...

Product Development Manager

Vista, CA · On-site

$130K - $145K/yr

Ability to apply knowledge of food science and dietary supplement formulation to meet consumer needs * Exhibit skills in prioritization, time management, and project planning. * Ability to work on ...

Product Development Manager

Vista, CA · On-site

$130K - $145K/yr

Ability to apply knowledge of food science and dietary supplement formulation to meet consumer needs * Exhibit skills in prioritization, time management, and project planning. * Ability to work on ...

Product Development Manager

Vista, CA · On-site

$130K - $145K/yr

Ability to apply knowledge of food science and dietary supplement formulation to meet consumer needs * Exhibit skills in prioritization, time management, and project planning. * Ability to work on ...

Plant Manager

Turlock, CA

$170K - $190K/yr

... Engineering, Food Science, Dairy Science, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent combinations of education, specialized training, and ...

The Manager, Research & Development (R&D) is responsible for leading product innovation ... Bachelor's degree in food science, Food Technology, or related field (master's preferred). * 5+ ...

The Manager, Research & Development (R&D) is responsible for leading product innovation ... Bachelor's degree in food science, Food Technology, or related field (master's preferred). * 5+ ...

Showing results 41-60

Food Science Manager information

See California salary details

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$21

$40

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 cities in California are hiring for Food Science Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Food Science Manager job openings:
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.

Senior Managing Regulatory Scientist

Exponent Inc.

Menlo Park, CA

$107K - $147K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Exponent is the only premium engineering and scientific consulting firm with the depth and breadth of expertise to solve our clients’ most profoundly unique, unprecedented, and urgent challenges.  

Our vision is to engage multidisciplinary teams of science, engineering, and regulatory experts to empower clients with solutions that create a safer, healthier, more sustainable world. For over five decades, we've connected the lessons of past failures with tomorrow's solutions to advise clients as they innovate technologically complex products and processes, ensure the safety and health of their users, and address the challenges of sustainability.  

Join our team of experts with degrees from top programs at over 500 universities and extensive experience spanning a variety of industries. At Exponent, you’ll contribute to the diverse pool of ideas, talents, backgrounds, and experiences that drives our collaborative teamwork and breakthrough insights. Plus, we help you grow your career through mentoring, sponsorship, and a culture of learning. Thanks for your interest in joining our team! 

Key statistics: 

  • 950+ Consultants 
  • 640+ Ph.D.s 
  • 90+ Disciplines 
  • 30+ Offices globally 

We are currently seeking a Senior Regulatory Scientist for a Senior Manager level position for our Chemical Regulation & Food Safety Practice to be based in the Washington, DC or Sacramento, CA office. Other locations may be considered. In this role you will work as part of a team to to utilize your experience and skills related to (1) nutrition (with an emphasis on animal feed), food ingredients, manufacturing process procedures, (2) ensuring current regulatory compliance requirements and industry best practices associated with food, beverages, and nutritional products (human and animals), (3) food defense related issues.  


  • Providing technical expertise to our clients related to food science, regulatory affairs, product approvals (GRAS, FAP, AAFCO), and novel foods
  • Regulatory strategy and interpretation for client product portfolios and related approval
  • Identifying new clients and new business marketing opportunities in related fields
  • Developing clients through business development and marketing efforts
  • Client management and project work
  • Providing scientific technical peer review 
  • Mentoring junior staff

  • Ph.D. with a concentration in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or related sciences; Masters and Bachelors degrees with relevant experience will be considered 
  • 10 - 20 years relevant experience
  • Extensive knowledge of food industry and regulatory practices (USA, Canada, other)
  • An outstanding reputation among clients for integrity, responsiveness, and technical expertise 
  • Proven ability to build an existing personal consulting practice comprised of a substantial client base
  • Experience with marketing/business development 
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills 
  • Ability to manage multiple assignments under rigid time constraints 
  • Ability to manage client projects independently 
  • Ability to manage and participate effectively in team projects 
  • Entrepreneurial spirit is a plus

Applicants are encouraged to submit a CV (Curriculum Vitae) with publications (feel free to include publications that are in review or pending) [not restricted to 1 page].


To learn more about life at Exponent and our impact, please visit the following links:
https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent
https://www.exponent.com/company/our-impact

Attracting, inspiring, developing, and rewarding exceptional people with diverse backgrounds and expertise are central to our corporate culture. Our diverse team allows us to provide better value to our clients and enjoy an enriched work environment.  

Our firm is committed to offering a variety of programs and resources to support health and well-being. We believe that providing competitive benefits as well as compensation and recognition programs empowers our staff to do work that makes a difference. 


At Exponent, we have found that in-person interactions deepen employee engagement and are crucial for development, for realizing the full potential of our talented and diverse teams, and for building a more inclusive workplace where all have a sense of belonging. In our offices, you can expect a supportive culture and a collaborative, dynamic, multi-disciplinary work environment. Our consultants engage in-person in the office unless they are traveling for client work or other business activities.

We value the rich lives our colleagues enjoy outside of work and understand that work/life balance is critical to our employees and their well-being. Consultants have the autonomy to balance their work and personal schedules so you can meet with clients, visit inspection sites, attend conferences, and make time for priorities outside of work, too. It is this flexible, agile work style and working hours that allow our teams to drive innovation and results in their own ways, while meeting the needs of clients. #LI-Onsite


Our consultants are rewarded for their technical and business contributions and have an opportunity to plan for future success and career growth. Exponent's total compensation plan is consistent with its expectations of the quality and quantity of work performed and with the professional standards set by Exponent. 

The base salary range for this position is dependent on experience and capabilities which will be assessed during the interview process.


USD $174,000.00 - USD $213,000.00 /Yr.

Access benefits information on our Life@Exponent page:  https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent 

 
Exponent is a proud equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status. 

 
If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may email us at HR-Accommodations@exponent.com. 


US-CA-Menlo Park
US-CA-Sacramento
US-Washington, DC