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Food Startup Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... tempo food manufacturing facility. In this role, you won't just press buttonsyou will own your ... Key Responsibilities Startup & Changeovers: Perform pre-shift line calibrations, assemble packaging ...

We are more than just a restaurant; we are a startup with big ambitions, focused on creating a memorable dining experience and becoming the go-to spot for food lovers. As we grow, we're looking for ...

Senior Automation/Controls Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

... in startup, commissioning, and qualifying their food and beverage production facilities. The role requires regular onsite presence to ensure necessary diagnoses, troubleshooting, and operational ...

Comfort with ambiguity and urgency -- able to set direction and execute in a fast-moving startup environment Nice-to-have * Experience with food, agricultural, or consumer goods robotics where object ...

Showing results 41-60

Food Startup information

See California salary details

$11

$21

$40

How much do food startup jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for food startup 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 is a food startup?

A food startup is a new and innovative company focused on creating, producing, or distributing food and beverage products or services. These startups often seek to solve challenges in the food industry, such as sustainability, health, convenience, or technology integration. Food startups can range from those developing plant-based alternatives, meal delivery services, food tech platforms, or unique packaged goods. They often leverage new trends and consumer demands to disrupt traditional food markets. Starting a food startup typically involves product development, market research, regulatory compliance, and building a strong brand.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a food startup?

To thrive in a Food Startup, you need a strong grasp of food safety regulations, product development, and basic business management, often supported by experience in the food industry or a related degree. Familiarity with tools like inventory management software, point-of-sale systems, and certifications such as ServSafe is highly beneficial. Creativity, resilience, and strong networking abilities set standout founders and team members apart. These skills are crucial for ensuring product quality, regulatory compliance, and sustainable business growth in a competitive market.

What are some common challenges faced when working in a food startup, and how can I prepare for them?

Working in a food startup often involves fast-paced environments with shifting priorities, limited resources, and multitasking across various roles. You may face challenges like adapting to rapid changes in product direction, tight deadlines, or meeting strict food safety regulations. Being flexible, open to learning, and proactive in problem-solving will help you thrive. Collaborating closely with a small, passionate team is common, so strong communication skills are essential for success.

What is the difference between Food Startup vs Food Product Developer?

AspectFood StartupFood Product Developer
CredentialsVaries; often includes culinary, business, or food science backgroundTypically requires food science, culinary, or related certifications
Work EnvironmentStartups, small teams, flexible settingsCorporate or R&D labs, product development facilities
Employer & Industry UsageFood industry startups, entrepreneursFood companies, manufacturing, R&D departments
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Food startups focus on launching new food businesses, often involving entrepreneurship and innovation. Food product developers work on creating, testing, and refining food products within established companies or startups. While both roles require food science knowledge, startups emphasize business development and agility, whereas product developers focus on technical product creation.

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Food Startup jobs?

Cities in California with the most Food Startup job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Startup job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, and 28% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,154 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Food Manufacturing Operator | 2nd Shift

Randstad

Carson, CA • On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Full-time, Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 17 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Perform pre-shift line calibrations, assemble packaging equipment, and execute machine setups based on daily production specifications.

  • Identify operational issues, clear line jams, and resolve mechanical or timing faults on high-speed packaging equipment during operation.

  • Monitor automated packaging machinery to ensure product output meets high volume and efficiency targets.


Job description

Salary: $19 - 20 per hour + none
Reference: 1167907-2

Job Description:
Role Overview
We are seeking a reliable, hands-on Machine Operator who thrives in a high-tempo food manufacturing facility. In this role, you won't just press buttonsyou will own your production line from start to finish. You'll be responsible for full equipment setup before the shift kicks off, maintaining high speed during operation, and rapidly troubleshooting mechanical hiccups to prevent downtime.
Key Responsibilities
Startup & Changeovers: Perform pre-shift line calibrations, assemble packaging equipment, and execute precise machine setups based on daily production specs.
Real-Time Troubleshooting: Identify operational issues, clear line jams, and resolve mechanical or timing faults on high-speed packaging equipment under tight deadlines.
Line Execution: Monitor automated packaging machinery (conveyors, fillers, sealers, labelers) to ensure product output meets high volume and efficiency targets.
Quality & Safety: Enforce strict adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs), and workplace safety protocols.
Documentation: Keep accurate logs of machine downtime, output counts, changeover timing, and waste tracking.
Work Environment & Physical Demands
Cold Storage Conditions: Daily work takes place inside a chilled packaging warehouse maintained at 35°F to 40°F (cold-weather protective gear is provided).
Fast-Paced Setting: Requires standing for long periods, frequent lifting (up to 50 lbs), bending, and constant agility in a fast-moving, high-noise facility.
Qualifications
1+ years of machine operating experience in food processing, packaging, or industrial manufacturing.
Strong mechanical aptitude with a proven track record of quick problem-solving under pressure.
Solid understanding of food safety standards (GMP) and workplace safety protocols.
Ability to work comfortably in cold ambient temperatures for the entirety of your shift.
High attention to detail and strong communication skills.

location: Carson, CA
work hours: 02:30 PM - 11:00 PM

dress code:
Shirts or t-shirts must have sleeves and be without any holes or rips. Pants without any holes or rips. No profane or suggestive texts and images. Steel toe shoes required


Equal Opportunity Employer: Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or any other legally protected group status.
At Randstad, we welcome people of all abilities and want to ensure that our hiring and interview process meets the needs of all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation to make your application or interview experience a great one, please contact HRsupport@randstadusa.com.
Pay offered to a successful candidate will be based on several factors including the candidate's education, work experience, work location, specific job duties, certifications, etc. In addition, Randstad offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: medical, prescription, dental, vision, AD&D, and life insurance offerings, short-term disability, and a 401K plan (all benefits are based on eligibility).
This posting is open for thirty (30) days.
Qualified applicants in San Francisco with criminal histories will be considered for employment in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.
Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

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About Randstad USA

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Our business is supporting business productivity, from matching the right people with great jobs to custom project solutions and consulting. We use innovative technologies and a passion for people to provide you with the best experience possible. We provide outsourcing, staffing, consulting and workforce solutions within the areas of engineering, accounting and finance, healthcare, human resources, IT, legal, life sciences, manufacturing and logistics, office and administration and sales and marketing. We can’t wait to tell you all about it.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US