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Internship Food Research Development Jobs in California

O Positiv

Research & Development Manager

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$135K - $160K/yr

Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, etc.), Food Science, Pharmaceutical Science or related field * 4-8+ years of experience working in product development, R&D, and/or regulatory affairs within the ...

O Positiv

Research & Development Manager

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$135K - $160K/yr

Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, etc.), Food Science, Pharmaceutical Science or related field * 4-8+ years of experience working in product development, R&D, and/or regulatory affairs within the ...

Capitol Food Company

R&D Technician

La Mirada, CA · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Your hands-on work and feedback could help shape the food products people enjoy tomorrow!Position SummaryThe R&D Technician supports the Research & Development team with product testing, sample ...

Kinder's

Research & Development Manager

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

At Kinder's, we're passionate about creating food that brings people together. The Manager, Research & Development will be responsible for supporting the development and execution of new and improved ...

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All JobsFood Research Development JobsInternship Food Research Development JobsInternship Food Research Development Jobs in California

Internship Food Research Development information

What is an internship food research development?

Internship Food Research Development positions are entry-level roles designed for students or recent graduates interested in learning about the research and development side of the food industry. Interns in these positions typically assist with developing new food products, improving existing recipes, conducting laboratory tests, and analyzing data related to food quality and safety. These internships provide hands-on experience working with food scientists, technologists, and other professionals, offering valuable insight into how food products are created and brought to market. Interns may also be involved in sensory evaluations, ingredient sourcing, and documentation processes. This experience helps prepare candidates for future roles in food science, product development, and quality assurance.

What types of projects can I expect to work on during a food research and development internship?

As a Food Research & Development intern, you will typically assist with projects such as developing new food products, conducting sensory evaluations, and supporting ingredient testing and formulation trials. You may also help with shelf-life studies, quality analysis, and collecting data for process improvements. Collaboration with food scientists, quality assurance teams, and production staff is common, offering you insight into both laboratory and manufacturing environments. These hands-on experiences are valuable for building practical skills and understanding the end-to-end process of food innovation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an internship food research development, and why are they important?

To thrive in an Internship Food Research Development role, you need a solid background in food science or a related field, along with knowledge of laboratory techniques and safety protocols. Familiarity with analytical instruments, data analysis software, and sometimes regulatory systems like HACCP is typically required. Strong attention to detail, curiosity, and effective teamwork and communication skills are highly valued. These abilities ensure accurate research, innovation, and smooth collaboration, all of which are critical for developing safe and high-quality food products.

What is the difference between Internship Food Research Development vs Food Quality Assurance Intern?

AspectInternship Food Research DevelopmentFood Quality Assurance Intern
CredentialsRelevant coursework in food science, basic lab skillsFood safety certifications, knowledge of quality standards
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D departments, product development teamsQuality control labs, production facilities, inspection areas
Employer & Industry UsageFood manufacturing, R&D companies, product innovationFood production, safety compliance, quality monitoring
Search & Comparison IntentResearch, product development, innovation rolesQuality assurance, safety standards, compliance roles

Internship Food Research Development focuses on developing new food products and improving existing ones through research and experimentation. In contrast, Food Quality Assurance Interns concentrate on ensuring products meet safety and quality standards during production. Both roles are essential in the food industry but serve different functions within the product lifecycle.

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Research Development jobs in California?

The most popular types of Food Research Development jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Internship Food Research Development jobs in California?

For Internship Food Research Development jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Internship Food Research Development jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Internship Food Research Development jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Internship Food Research Development jobs?

Cities in California with the most Internship Food Research Development job openings:

Internship Food Research Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Internship Food Research Development job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% Internship, 60% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Entry level FOOD R&D Associate (Food Manufacture)(CA/YM)

Activ8 Recruitment & Solutions

Garden Grove, CA • On-site

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

Other

Retirement

Posted 6 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Support product development, commercialization, and maintenance of plant-based food products.

  • Plan, design, and conduct experiments related to new product development, process improvement, and product maintenance, and communicate results to management.

  • Support commercialization activities such as scale-up, production trials, process validation, and technology transfer to manufacturing.

Job description

A food manufacturing company is looking for an Entry-Level Food R&D Associate to join their team in Garden Grove, CA. A bachelor’s degree in FOOD SCIENCE is required. Up to 2 years' R&D, QC work experience in food product development, food manufacturing, or related field is required. This position is responsible for supporting product development, commercialization, and maintenance of plant-based food products. Also, contributes to innovation, problem-solving, and implementation of new technologies through collaboration with internal stakeholders and external partners. This is a full-time, in-person, position with excellent benefits, including 401K.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:30pm



Entry-Level Food R&D Associate Duties:

-Plan, design, and conduct experiments related to new product development, process improvement, commercialization support, and product maintenance with minimal supervision. Organize and analyze data and communicate project progress and experimental results to management.

-Support product maintenance activities, including formula updates, ingredient substitutions, quality improvements, cost optimization, and regulatory compliance.

-Support commercialization activities, including scale-up, production trials, process validation, and technology transfer to manufacturing.

-Provide technical support and collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Product Development, Marketing, Sales, QC/QA, Production, and SCM

-Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements related to processing, products, labeling, product claims, and advertising.

-Conduct shelf-life studies, sensory evaluations, and analytical testing of new and existing products.

-Research consumer trends, market opportunities, emerging technologies, and ingredients to support concept development and innovation initiatives.

-Develop product formulas that meet nutritional, regulatory, quality, food safety, and cost requirements



Entry-Level Food R&D Associate Skills:

-Must have a bachelor's degree in FOOD SCIENCE

-Up to 2 years' R&D, QC work experience in food product development, food manufacturing, or related field is required.

-Basic knowledge of FDA, USDA, and other regulatory requirements

-Basic knowledge of nutrition, chemistry, microbiology and statistics

-Familiarity of equipment for analytical testing and scientific lab procedures

-Experience with plant-based foods, dairy alternatives, or protein-based products is a plus

-Experience with laboratory testing and data analysis is preferred



****If interested, please apply with your most updated resume including your minimum salary requirement and why you left/or are looking to leave your current company. ****

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Activ8 West- Los Angeles (Japanese Recruiting Company) Recruitment & Solutions / Renaissance Resources Inc., has been a trusted leader in North American recruiting for Japanese businesses for over 25 years. We specialize in connecting top talent with companies in the Automotive, Electronics, Food & Beverage, Logistics, Manufacturing, Oil & Gas, Banking & Finance, and Entertainment industries. Our client-focused approach ensures that we understand your unique needs, whether you’re a company seeking skilled professionals or a candidate looking for the right career opportunity. By working closely with each individual, we provide tailored solutions that drive success.

We screen ALL Candidates to verify the validity of each applicant's provided information. Upon submitting your resume, we will contact only those candidates that we deem qualified for our client. If we do not contact you, we do not see the fit for the position. If we are unable to reach you in a reasonable timeframe, you will be eliminated from the pool of potential candidates. We prioritize direct applicants; third-party resumes may not be reviewed.

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