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Meat Science Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Food Quality Manager

Chula Vista, CA · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

... meat processing · Multitask, well organized, and results oriented Qualifications Education and Experience: · Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science, Microbiology, food process engineering, or ...

$46K - $87K/yr

... science or related studies Experience * 2-year prior food service sales background strongly preferred. Professional Skills * Deep expertise of meat and seafood category or restaurant/culinary ...

Beyond Meat, Inc., otherwise known as Beyond The Plant Protein Company, is a plant protein company ... The successful candidate willdemonstratethe ability to apply scientific principles and data-driven ...

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Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology, Biology, Quality Assurance, or a ... Experience working in Ready-to-Eat (RTE) or meat processing facilities is highly preferred.

Buyer - Seafood

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Our warehouses offer bulk quantities of fresh meat, seafood, produce, dairy, a wide selection of ... Often requires a degree in agribusiness, animal science, or equivalent experience in butchery or ...

Buyer - Seafood

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Our warehouses offer bulk quantities of fresh meat, seafood, produce, dairy, a wide selection of ... Often requires a degree in agribusiness, animal science, or equivalent experience in butchery or ...

Head of Marketing (Alameda)

Alameda, CA · On-site

$180K - $225K/yr

... meat without slaughter, we're reimagining the future of food in ways that are better for people and the planet. We're a lean, passionate team of scientists, chefs, engineers, and operators who ...

Showing results 41-60

Meat Science information

See California salary details

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$17

$23

How much do meat science jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat science in California is $17.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is meat science?

A Meat Science job involves the study of meat production, processing, safety, and quality control. Professionals in this field work in various roles, including research, product development, food safety, and quality assurance. They apply principles of biology, chemistry, and engineering to improve meat products and ensure they meet industry and regulatory standards. Careers in meat science can be found in the food industry, government agencies, and academia.

What does someone in meat science do?

Professionals in Meat Science often split their time between laboratory analysis, quality assurance activities, and collaboration with production teams to ensure product safety and quality. Daily tasks may include conducting tests on meat samples, monitoring processing conditions, analyzing sensory qualities, and implementing food safety protocols. They also frequently document results, develop new processing methods, and may assist with training staff on best practices. Working closely with other departments such as R&D, operations, and regulatory affairs is common to maintain compliance and innovate product offerings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in meat science?

To thrive in Meat Science, you need a deep understanding of animal biology, food safety, and meat processing, typically supported by a degree in animal science, food science, or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory analysis tools, HACCP certification, and specialized meat quality assessment systems is often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills are key soft skills in this field. These competencies ensure the production of safe, high-quality meat products while enabling effective collaboration with production, research, and regulatory teams.

How much does a meat scientist make?

A meat scientist's salary typically ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced roles or those with specialized skills in food safety or quality assurance may earn higher salaries, and many work in research facilities, processing plants, or academia.

What can you do with a meat science degree?

A meat science degree prepares individuals for careers in meat processing, quality assurance, research, and product development within the meat industry. Graduates can work as meat graders, quality control technicians, research scientists, or in regulatory roles, often requiring knowledge of food safety standards and processing techniques.

What cities in California are hiring for Meat Science jobs?

Cities in California with the most Meat Science job openings:

Infographic showing various Meat Science job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,726 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Food Quality Manager

Kosmos

Chula Vista, CA • On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Growing San Diego Food Company is looking for a FSQA Manager will have a solid vision and strong will to manage the QA department, its programs and activities that will ensure compliance with company policies. Will manage food safety standards, USDA, FDA, regulations and will integrate food safety, quality assurance and quality control into all functions and people across the plant.

Essential Job Duties:

· Manage and sustain all SQF required programs

· Lead efforts to achieve >90% SQF scores

· Review, update and create HACCP plans to keep up with business needs

· Organize, maintain library, and file all QA documents/programs to easily present or compile information as needed

· Monitor product manufacturing in a way that result in company compliance with regulatory SSOP, GMP, HACCP, and SQF standards for third party audits and customer requirements.

· Establish manufacturing specifications, standards, protocols and procedures for quality control and new product development.

· Develop and execute training programs that support the Company's objectives with regards to quality and food safety plantwide.

· Support sales with compliance in label submittal for new products

· Create, update, manage product specifications, and maintain files organized

· Keep up with plant certifications, Kosher, Halal, Organic, GMO, GF, USDA, FDA, and specific customer audits.

· Manage 3rd shift sanitation crew to ensure compliance with equipment and building sanitation

· Coach and develop subordinates, provide training, certifications, and other growth opportunities

· Apply timely discipline, hire and terminate employees as needed

· Make sure all swab testing, pH, sodium, etc. are consistent with plant process needs

Education and Experience:

· Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science, Microbiology, food process engineering, or similar discipline

· Solid track record of successful implementation, and compliance of food manufacturing policies and procedures, (GMP's, SSOP's, HACCP, SQF, all prerequisites)

· Strong Microsoft Office and other systems knowledge

· 10-15 years as QA Manager in the food industry with minimum 5 years in a USDA environment

· Must be SQF Practitioner, and have HACCP certification

Other Capabilities / Physical requirements:

· Self-starter and takes initiative.

· Professional, dependable, flexible and takes ownership

· Demonstrate integrity with honest ethical actions

· Ability to work in a cold environment / meat processing

· Multitask, well organized, and results oriented

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

· Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science, Microbiology, food process engineering, or similar discipline

· Solid track record of successful implementation, and compliance of food manufacturing policies and procedures, (GMP's, SSOP's, HACCP, SQF, all prerequisites)

· Strong Microsoft Office and other systems knowledge

· 7-20 years as QA Manager in the food industry

· Must be SQF Practitioner, and have HACCP certification

Other Capabilities / Physical requirements:

· Self-starter and takes initiative.

· Professional, dependable, flexible and takes ownership

· Demonstrate integrity with honest ethical actions

· Ability to work in a cold environment / meat processing

· Multitask, well organized, and results oriented