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Food Science Jobs in Washington, IA (NOW HIRING)

Kraft Heinz Company

Quality Supervisor

Muscatine, IA · On-site

$77K - $97K/yr

Education or relevant operational job knowledge of Food Science, Food Production, Manufacturing Quality/Operations, Quality Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, or other relevant environments.

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Food Science information

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How much do food science jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for food science in Washington, IA is $20.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.57 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food science?

A Food Science job involves applying biology, chemistry, and engineering principles to develop and improve food products, ensure safety, and enhance nutritional value. Professionals in this field work in research, quality control, product development, and regulatory compliance. They collaborate with food manufacturers, government agencies, and research institutions to innovate food processing techniques and maintain industry standards.

What does a food science do?

A Food Science professional's daily tasks can include developing new food products, conducting laboratory tests for quality and safety, analyzing ingredient properties, and ensuring compliance with food regulations. Professionals often collaborate closely with production teams, quality assurance departments, and research & development groups to optimize processes and resolve technical challenges. Regular responsibilities may also involve documenting findings, presenting research, and staying updated on industry trends and food safety standards. This role is dynamic and offers opportunities to contribute to projects that directly impact consumer health and satisfaction.

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

To thrive in Food Science, you need a solid background in chemistry, microbiology, and food processing, often supported by a degree in food science or a related field. Experience with laboratory equipment, food safety standards (like HACCP), and quality control systems is typically essential. Strong analytical thinking, teamwork, and effective communication skills help professionals excel in this role. These abilities are critical to ensuring product quality, safety, and innovation in the food industry.

Are food scientists in high demand?

Food scientists are in steady demand due to the need for food safety, product development, and quality assurance in the food industry. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as companies focus on innovation, nutrition, and regulatory compliance, often requiring skills in laboratory analysis and food technology.

Is a food science degree worth it?

A food science degree prepares individuals for careers in food product development, quality assurance, and safety, often requiring knowledge of chemistry, microbiology, and food processing techniques. It can lead to roles in manufacturing, research, and regulatory agencies, with job prospects influenced by industry demand and certifications such as HACCP. The degree provides practical skills and industry-specific knowledge valuable for employment in the food sector.

What can you do with a food science degree?

A food science degree prepares individuals for careers in food product development, quality assurance, food safety, and research. Graduates can work in manufacturing, regulatory agencies, or research laboratories, often utilizing skills in chemistry, microbiology, and food processing techniques.

Which job is best in food science?

The best job in food science depends on individual interests and skills, but roles such as food scientist, quality assurance manager, and product development scientist are highly regarded. These positions often require knowledge of food safety regulations, laboratory skills, and sometimes advanced degrees or certifications. They typically offer opportunities for innovation, research, and advancement within the food industry.

What cities near Washington, IA are hiring for Food Science jobs?

Cities near Washington, IA with the most Food Science job openings:

Food Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Science job openings in Washington, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,840 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

FOOD APPLICATIONS SCIENTIST

Kent Corporation

Muscatine, IA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Are you passionate about science, innovation, and helping customers solve complex formulation challenges? Grain Processing Corporation (GPC), a KENT WORLDWIDE™ company, is seeking an Applications Scientist to join our Technical Solutions group on the Innovative Solutions team in Muscatine, Iowa. This on-site role serves as a key customer-facing technical resource, partnering with commercial teams, customers, and industry stakeholders to demonstrate the value and performance of GPC ingredients across food, nutraceutical, and personal care applications. In this highly collaborative position, you will support sales growth and business development through technical consultations, customer presentations, product demonstrations, trade shows, and application expertise. You'll play an important role in translating scientific knowledge into practical solutions that help customers succeed while strengthening relationships and advancing commercialization opportunities.
 
  • This position is designed and intended to be performed in Muscatine, Iowa. Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates, subject to business needs and company guidelines.
PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: 
 
  • Provide technical expertise and application support through customer meetings, presentations, virtual consultations, technical reports, and troubleshooting activities
  • Collaborate with commercial teams, customers, scientists, operations, quality, regulatory, and external partners to develop application solutions that support customer success and business growth
  • Support trade shows, technical seminars, customer visits, training programs, product demonstrations, and other business development initiatives to promote GPC ingredients and capabilities
  • Develop and optimize formulations utilizing GPC ingredients to address customer needs, support innovation initiatives, and drive commercialization opportunities
  • Assess, refine, and provide recommendations on new product concepts and prototypes as part of an iterative product development and commercialization process
  • Design, conduct, and analyze laboratory experiments to evaluate ingredient functionality and performance in food, nutraceutical, and personal care applications
  • Independently design testing protocols, experimental methodologies, and validation procedures aligned with project objectives, industry standards, and scientific best practices
  • Evaluate finished product performance and characterize ingredient attributes using analytical techniques, laboratory instrumentation, and sensory assessment methodologies
  • Generate technical literature, application guides, product documentation, customer-facing materials, summaries, and reports that translate scientific findings into actionable insights
  • Effectively manage multiple projects and priorities while ensuring timely completion of assignments and deliverables
  • Maintain accurate laboratory records, experimental data, and project documentation while adhering to safety, quality, and regulatory requirements
  • Perform other duties as assigned

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND/OR QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science is required. Candidates with a bachelor's degree in a related scientific discipline may be considered if they possess 3 to 5 years of experience in food applications, ingredient functionality, and product formulation
  • Experience supporting customers, providing technical consultation, or partnering with commercial teams in a customer-facing environment required
  • Strong knowledge of food chemistry, organic chemistry, ingredient functionality, and formulation science
  • Extensive laboratory experience, including operation of laboratory equipment, analytical techniques, data collection, and safe laboratory practices
  • Strong customer-facing communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to effectively communicate technical information to diverse audiences
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with customers, commercial teams, suppliers, and cross-functional stakeholders to deliver application solutions and support business objectives
  • Demonstrated understanding of ingredient performance within food, nutraceutical, or personal care formulations
  • Experience developing formulations, testing protocols, and technical documentation preferred
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and experience utilizing ERP systems, laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and other scientific software tools
  • Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and drive projects to completion

WORK ENVIRONMENT & TRAVEL

  • Travel up to 40% may be required to support customer visits, technical service activities, product demonstrations, trade shows, industry conferences, training programs, supplier meetings, and other business development initiatives
  • Combination of laboratory, office, and customer-facing work environments, supporting both technical development and commercial initiatives
  • Frequent exposure to laboratory equipment, ingredients, chemicals, moving mechanical parts, fumes, and airborne particles while following established safety procedures

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