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Food Tech Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lindt and Sprungli

Chocolate Technologist

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$83K - $108K/yr

Independently plan and lead plant trials (internal or co-manufactured) Minimum Education & Experience Required * BS in food science, food technology, chemistry, chemical/biological/food engineering ...

Lindt and Sprungli

Chocolate Technologist

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$83K - $108K/yr

Independently plan and lead plant trials (internal or co-manufactured) Minimum Education & Experience Required * BS in food science, food technology, chemistry, chemical/biological/food engineering ...

TriCom Quest

Be Seen First

Machine Operator at Yakult USA - 1st / 2nd / 3rd shift

Fountain Valley, CA · On-site

$21.50 - $27.50/hr

Basic knowledge of food technology/science, HACCP, GMP * Basic machine operating skills. * Technical degree/license in food technology/science or relevant experience. * Excellent interpersonal and ...

Lindt and Sprungli

Chocolate Technologist

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$83K - $108K/yr

Independently plan and lead plant trials (internal or co-manufactured) Minimum Education & Experience Required * BS in food science, food technology, chemistry, chemical/biological/food engineering ...

Lindt and Sprungli

Chocolate Technologist

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$83K - $108K/yr

Independently plan and lead plant trials (internal or co-manufactured) Minimum Education & Experience Required * BS in food science, food technology, chemistry, chemical/biological/food engineering ...

mybakemark

02701A - Manager, R&D

Fresno, CA · On-site

Bachelor's degree in food science, Food Technology, or related field (master's preferred). * 5+ years of experience in bakery product development. * Strong knowledge of ingredient functionality ...

GFF Career Page

R&D Food Technologist

La Puente, CA · On-site

$71K/yr

The R&D Food Technologist is a salaried position based in City of Industry, CA reporting to the R&D Manager. This role supports product development and commercialization for all manufacturing sites ...

mybakemark

02701A - Manager, R&D

Fresno, CA · On-site

Bachelor's degree in food science, Food Technology, or related field (master's preferred). * 5+ years of experience in bakery product development. * Strong knowledge of ingredient functionality ...

HACO Culinary

R&D Food Technologist

La Puente, CA · On-site

$71K/yr

The R&D Food Technologist is a salaried position based in City of Industry, CA reporting to the R&D Manager. This role supports product development and commercialization for all manufacturing sites ...

GFF

R&D Food Technologist

La Puente, CA · On-site

$71K/yr

The R&D Food Technologist is a salaried position based in City of Industry, CA reporting to the R&D Manager. This role supports product development and commercialization for all manufacturing sites ...

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Food Tech information

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$19

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How much do food tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for food tech in California is $19.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.71 and $23.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food tech?

Food Tech professionals are experts who apply technology, science, and engineering principles to the production, processing, preservation, packaging, and distribution of food. They work to improve food quality, safety, and sustainability by developing new food products, optimizing manufacturing processes, and ensuring compliance with health regulations. Their work helps bring innovative and healthier food options to consumers while minimizing waste and environmental impact.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food technologist?

To thrive as a Food Technologist, you need a solid background in food science, chemistry, and microbiology, usually supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with laboratory analysis equipment, food safety standards, and quality control systems like HACCP is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this field. These competencies ensure the safe development, production, and improvement of food products while maintaining regulatory compliance and high quality.

What are some common challenges faced by food tech professionals when developing new food products?

Food Tech professionals often encounter challenges such as balancing taste, texture, and shelf life while adhering to food safety regulations and cost constraints. They must work collaboratively with cross-functional teams including R&D, quality assurance, and marketing to ensure new products meet both consumer expectations and regulatory requirements. Additionally, staying updated on emerging food trends and technologies is crucial to remain competitive in the industry.

What is the difference between Food Tech vs Food Scientist?

AspectFood TechFood Scientist
Required CredentialsDegree in Food Technology, Food Engineering, or relatedDegree in Food Science, Chemistry, or related
Work EnvironmentProduct development labs, manufacturing facilities, R&D centersLaboratories, research institutions, quality control labs
Employer & Industry UsageFood manufacturing companies, startups, R&D firmsResearch institutions, food companies, government agencies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in food product development and innovationResearching scientific roles in food safety, quality, and research

Food Tech professionals focus on developing new food products, improving manufacturing processes, and applying technology to food production. Food Scientists primarily conduct research, analyze food safety, and study food properties. While both roles work within the food industry, Food Tech emphasizes product development and technological application, whereas Food Scientists focus on scientific research and analysis.

How do I become a food technologist?

To become a food technologist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in food science, microbiology, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships and developing skills in food safety, quality control, and product development are important; certifications like HACCP can also enhance job prospects.

What can you do with food tech?

A Food Tech professional works on developing, improving, and managing food production processes, including product development, quality control, and food safety. They may use tools like automation, data analysis, and food science techniques to innovate and optimize food systems in manufacturing or research settings.

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Food Tech jobs?

Cities in California with the most Food Tech job openings:

Food Tech jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Tech job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,425 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Food Technologist (Liquid Applications)

Kinder's

Walnut Creek, CA • On-site

$105K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

BUILT ON FLAVOR. FUELED BY PEOPLE.

What's it like to work at Kinder's? Well, there's a lot of snacking and geeking out over what we all cooked over the weekend. Beyond that, there's also plenty of hard work. Because we don't just like flavor, we're obsessed with it.

With over 100 products sold nationwide, we're now a top-five brand in multiple flavor categories at Costco, Walmart, Whole Foods, and more. We're not your typical CPG company. Privately held and founder-led, we like to think of ourselves as a pirate ship in a sea of cruise ships. Our crew is adventurous and fearless. We chart our own course and chase big ideas to make food unforgettable.

As we expand globally and approach $1 billion in revenue, we need more smart-and-scrappy, flavor-obsessed people to come aboard. If you're looking for a place where you can see the real impact of your work... this is it! Every day, you'll be part of a journey to add flavor to millions of meals and lives.

How You'll Have an Impact at Kinder's:

The Food Technologist provides technical support for product development activities for liquid application projects from exploratory/concept through commercialization. Emphasis on bench-top formulation for innovation and renovation projects, product cuttings, and documentation.

Key Responsibilities:
  • With guidance, support product development innovation, renovation, cost optimization and quality initiatives. Follow-through on product refinements based on PD, Marketing, and Customer feedback.
  • Leverage vendor capabilities and co-packers to expand formulation possibilities, new ingredients, and product technologies to increase speed to market.
  • In conjunction with Culinary Team and PD teams support internal cuttings, providing guidance on product development and provide recaps and next steps.
  • Optimize product formulations based on consumer feedback, ingredient opportunities, nutritional guidelines, and cost constraints.
  • Assist new product launches including plant trials and initial production runs at contract manufacturers. Confirm specifications are met for product. With process engineer, confirm specs are met for package, and process. Coordinate logistics for plant trial unique raw materials and sample delivery/acquisition.
  • Support shelf-life stability testing for new products.
What You Bring to the TableSkills and Experience
  • BS Degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, or a similar discipline
  • 1-3 years food industry experience.
  • Knowledge of food manufacturing, formulation, and ingredient functionality for sauces.
  • Understanding of food safety and microbiology.
  • Familiarity with packaging technology to evaluate adequacy of packaging.
  • Understanding of food labeling regulations.
  • Excellent time management skills, sense of urgency, and desire to complete all assignments on a timely basis.
  • Must be able to travel up to 20% of the time.

Personal Characteristics

  • Growth mindset with an excitement to learn.
  • Passionate people-lover excited by the opportunity to build strong relationships with teammates, consumers, and production partners.
  • Low ego with a strong sense of humility.
  • High level of adaptability to thrive in a dynamic, lean, and agile environment.
  • Collaborative mindset with an ability to find creative solutions.
  • Self-starter who takes initiative and is willing to speak theirmind.
  • Excited to be part of a fast-moving team with the ability to be a leader and a follower where required.
  • Enjoy making decisions and finding ways to say 'yes' as often as possible to impactful and important priorities.

Location & Pay Transparency

This position will be based onsite in Walnut Creek, CA. Travel will be required up to 20%. The expected starting salary range for this role is $105,000–$115,000 per year. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range based on the location of the role. The amount a particular employee will earn within the salary range will be based on factors such as relevant education, qualifications, performance, and business needs.

SEASONED FOR SUCCESS:
  • No two days here are the same.
  • We try to be good team members and good communicators, but we don't live by hierarchy and structure – everyone is a difference maker here.
  • We make a lot of decisions in the face of incomplete information – our team embraces ambiguity and tries to make good decisions fast rather than great decisions slow.
  • We believe our job is to take smart risk, not to eliminate risk.
  • We believe in growing our skills and becoming a better company with more managerial expertise, but we are an entrepreneurial company at heart.
  • We aren't trying to be average – we want to do exceptional things, and we are willing to work hard to achieve them.
BENEFITS THAT BRING MORE TO THE TABLE:

We offer a range of total rewards that may include paid time off, 401k, bonus / incentive eligibility, equity grants, competitive health benefits, and other family-friendly benefits, including parental leave. Kinder's benefits vary based on eligibility and can be reviewed in more detail during the interview process.

OUR RECIPE FOR BALANCE:

We believe great culture starts with people. We're a people-first company built on connection, collaboration, and balance. Most of our work happens in the office to spark creativity and community, but we also offer flexibility so team members have the autonomy to work outside the office when needed to support their work-life balance and personal commitments.

WHERE EVERY INGREDIENT MATTERS:

Kinder's is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, citizenship, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, veteran status, as well as any other legally-protected characteristic. If you have a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act or similar law, and you need any accommodation during the application process or to perform these job requirements, please reach out to us at careers@kinders.com