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Food Scientist Jobs in Renton, WA (NOW HIRING)

Northwest Frozen LLC

Senior Food Scientist

Seatac, WA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS Northwest Frozen needs a high-agency food scientist who can bridge product development, shelf life science, and food safety. This role will work closely with our QA Manager and ...

Northwest Frozen LLC

Senior Food Scientist

Seatac, WA · On-site

$125K/yr

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERSNorthwest Frozen needs a high-agency food scientist who can bridge product development, shelf life science, and food safety. This role will work closely with our QA Manager and ...

CookUnity

Senior Manager, Food Safety

Seattle, WA · On-site

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Food Safety, or a related discipline; advanced degree preferred * HACCP, PCQI, and/or Certified Food Safety Manager credentials * 7+ years of ...

CookUnity

Senior Manager, Food Safety

Seattle, WA · On-site

$95K - $110K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Food Safety, or a related discipline; advanced degree preferred * HACCP, PCQI, and/or Certified Food Safety Manager credentials * 7+ years of ...

CookUnity

Senior Manager, Food Safety

Seattle, WA · On-site

$95K - $110K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Food Safety, or a related discipline; advanced degree preferred * HACCP, PCQI, and/or Certified Food Safety Manager credentials * 7+ years of ...

Starbucks

sensory scientist sr

Seattle, WA · On-site

$104K - $142K/yr

Sensory Scientist Sr will drive complex, cross-functional sensory research projects, leading ... Sensory evaluation or product development experience in food/beverage, or behavior/psychology ...

Mafix

R&D Scientist

Seattle, WA · On-site

... positive and food abundant future! Position Details: We are looking for an experienced ... This R&D Scientist will work closely with the Head of Technology to advance Mafix's first ...

Mafix

R&D Scientist

Seattle, WA · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

... positive and food abundant future! Position Details: We are looking for an experienced ... This R&D Scientist will work closely with the Head of Technology to advance Mafix ...

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All JobsFood Scientist JobsFood Scientist Jobs in Renton, WA

Food Scientist information

See Renton, WA salary details

$41.6K

$102.3K

$180K

How much do food scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for food scientist in Renton, WA is $102,315.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,500.00 and $112,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a food scientist do?

A food scientist studies the physical, biological, and chemical makeup of food to develop safe, nutritious, and flavorful food products. They work on improving existing food items, creating new products, and ensuring quality and safety standards are met. Food scientists also research ways to process, preserve, package, and distribute food efficiently. Their work helps ensure the food supply is safe, sustainable, and appealing to consumers.

How to become a food scientist?

A food scientist studies the taste, quality, processing, and production of food. You can become a food scientist by completing a bachelor’s degree in agricultural science, dietetics and nutrition, or food science. You can then pursue a master’s degree to improve your job outlook, secure higher-ranking positions within the food industry, or specialize in a specific area of food science. You can also work toward a doctorate in food science and technology to do research in the field.

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

To thrive as a Food Scientist, you need a strong background in food chemistry, microbiology, and product development, usually supported by a degree in food science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, sensory analysis tools, and regulatory compliance systems like HACCP is essential. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills for excelling in this role. These skills ensure the development of safe, high-quality food products and compliance with industry standards.

What are some of the typical challenges a food scientist faces when developing new products?

Food Scientists often encounter challenges balancing consumer preferences, regulatory requirements, and production costs when developing new products. For instance, they must ensure that a product meets safety and labeling standards while also achieving the desired taste, texture, and shelf life. Additionally, working collaboratively with marketing, quality assurance, and production teams to bring a product from concept to launch can present logistical and communication hurdles. Staying current with emerging food trends and technologies is also crucial to remain competitive in the industry.

What is the difference between Food Scientist vs Food Technologist?

AspectFood ScientistFood Technologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Food Science, Chemistry, or related fieldBachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, product development, quality controlManufacturing facilities, quality assurance, production lines
Employer & Industry UsageFood manufacturing, research institutions, government agenciesFood production companies, processing plants, quality assurance departments
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in food research and developmentExploring careers in food production and quality control

Food Scientists focus on research, product development, and improving food safety, often working in labs. Food Technologists typically work in manufacturing settings, applying scientific principles to produce and ensure the quality of food products. While their roles overlap, Food Scientists are more research-oriented, whereas Food Technologists are more involved in production processes.

Are food scientists in demand?

Food scientists are in demand due to the growing focus on food safety, product development, and nutrition. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as companies seek expertise in quality control, research, and innovation within the food industry.

Do food scientists make a lot of money?

Food scientists typically earn a median annual salary that is above the national average, with salaries varying based on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, but experienced professionals with advanced degrees and specialized skills can earn higher wages, especially in research and development roles or management positions.

What are job opportunities in food science?

Food scientists can find job opportunities in food manufacturing, research and development, quality assurance, and regulatory agencies. They often work in laboratories, production facilities, or corporate settings, utilizing skills in chemistry, microbiology, and food safety standards. Certifications such as HACCP or SQF can enhance employment prospects.

What can you do as a food scientist?

A food scientist researches and develops food products, ensuring safety, quality, and nutritional value. They analyze ingredients, test for contaminants, and develop new food processes or formulations, often using laboratory equipment and scientific methods. Their work supports food manufacturing, quality control, and regulatory compliance.
More about Food Scientist jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Scientist jobs in Renton, WA?

The most popular types of Food Scientist jobs in Renton, WA are:

What job categories do people searching Food Scientist jobs in Renton, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Scientist jobs in Renton, WA are:

What cities near Renton, WA are hiring for Food Scientist jobs?

Cities near Renton, WA with the most Food Scientist job openings:

Food Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Scientist job openings in Renton, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,315 per year, or $49.2 per hour.

Senior Food Scientist

Northwest Frozen LLC

Seatac, WA • On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

We are not looking for a generalist. We are looking for an expert who can own refrigerated ready meal shelf life validation, strengthen the science behind food safety, and communicate credibly with some of the largest retailers in the United States and beyond.

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

Northwest Frozen needs a high-agency food scientist who can bridge product development, shelf life science, and food safety. This role will work closely with our QA Manager and partner across QA, R&D, and operations to validate shelf life, evaluate process risk, improve product stability, and bring strong technical judgment to refrigerated ready meals and pasteurized meal systems.

WHAT YOU WILL OWN
  • Lead refrigerated ready meal shelf life validation programs, including microbiological, quality, and sensory assessments.
  • Prepare clear, credible customer-facing technical reports related to shelf life validation, sensory parameters, and supporting data for some of the largest retailers in the United States and beyond.
  • Provide deep technical expertise in pasteurization, sous vide, cook-in-pouch systems, and hot fill soups and sauces.
  • Partner with the QA Manager on the food science behind food safety, including hazard evaluation, validation strategy, process controls, and practical risk-based decision making.
  • Evaluate and recommend clean label preservation strategies, including Whole Foods Market-approved natural preservatives and other natural hurdle systems.
  • Support development and refinement of HACCP plans and food safety documentation for commercialized products.
  • Investigate root causes of shelf life and quality issues, including microbiological risk, texture change, oxidation, package interaction, and formulation-process interaction.
  • Work across QA, R&D, and operations to improve formulations, processes, product performance, and speed to commercialization.
MUST-HAVE BACKGROUND
  • Degree in Food Science, Food Microbiology, Food Engineering, or a closely related field.
  • Expert-level experience in refrigerated ready meal shelf life validation and food safety.
  • Strong hands-on experience with pasteurization and lethality-based processing, especially sous vide and cook-in-pouch systems.
  • Working knowledge of hot fill soups and sauces.
  • Experience writing technical reports for major retail customers and translating data into clear customer-ready conclusions.
  • Strong understanding of sensory shelf life parameters and how to build scientifically defensible validation approaches.
  • Strong understanding of HACCP, GMPs, food safety systems, and applied microbiology.
  • Clear communicator who can work effectively with QA, operations, product development, and external customers.
STRONGLY PREFERRED
  • Experience with clean label systems and natural preservatives, including retailer-driven ingredient standards.
  • Experience in frozen foods, refrigerated prepared foods, or multi-component ready meals.
  • Comfort designing validation plans, challenge studies, and shelf life protocols that hold up to customer scrutiny.
  • Track record of solving technical problems in a fast-moving, growth-oriented manufacturing environment.
THE KIND OF PERSON WHO WILL WIN HERE

You are technically sharp, commercially credible, and practical. You know how to make the science useful. You can move from microbiological risk to sensory shelf life to customer-facing reporting without losing rigor. You do not wait to be told where the risk is - you see it, explain it, and help the team solve it.

Northwest Frozen is an equal opportunity employer.

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