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Product Development Scientist Jobs in California

Natera

Scientist, IVD Product Development

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$116K - $146K/yr

We are looking for a highly motivated Scientist with a strong focus on process optimization and product verification studies to join the Early Cancer Detection product development team, joining a ...

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All JobsProduct Development Scientist JobsProduct Development Scientist Jobs in California

Product Development Scientist information

See California salary details

$45.4K

$81.6K

$118.9K

How much do product development scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for product development scientist in California is $81,575.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,100.00 and $93,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a product development scientist do?

A Product Development Scientist is responsible for researching, designing, and developing new products or improving existing ones, often within industries like food, pharmaceuticals, or consumer goods. They collaborate with cross-functional teams such as marketing, engineering, and manufacturing to ensure products meet quality, safety, and regulatory standards. Their work includes conducting experiments, analyzing data, and scaling up processes from the laboratory to full production. Product Development Scientists play a key role in bringing innovative products to market and ensuring they satisfy customer needs.

What does a product development scientist do?

A product development scientist assists a company with the entire process of new product development, from inception to production. As a product development scientist, your primary responsibilities are to research customer demand, develop concepts, and work on the formulation and completion of a product. You also document the development process, test new products to ensure adherence to safety standards and regulations, and assist with production. Your duties involve handling experimental design and execution, reviewing and analyzing data, and creating reports and preparing presentations. A product development scientist can work in a variety of industries, such as food, cosmetics, or pharmaceutical, and may benefit from a diverse professional background.

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

To thrive as a Product Development Scientist, you need a strong background in chemistry, biology, or engineering with a relevant degree, along with expertise in experimental design and data analysis. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, statistical software, and quality management systems is typically required, and certifications in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) can be advantageous. Excellent problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork skills help drive innovation and facilitate collaboration across multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are essential for developing effective, safe, and market-ready products in competitive scientific industries.

What are some typical cross-functional collaborations for a product development scientist, and how do they impact project outcomes?

Product Development Scientists frequently collaborate with teams such as engineering, marketing, regulatory affairs, and quality assurance. These collaborations ensure that product concepts are both scientifically sound and commercially viable, comply with regulatory standards, and meet customer needs. Effective communication and coordination with these groups are essential for troubleshooting challenges, refining formulations, and accelerating product launch timelines. Building strong relationships across departments can significantly impact the success and speed of bringing new products to market.

What is the difference between Product Development Scientist vs Formulation Scientist?

AspectProduct Development ScientistFormulation Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Biology, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, product testing, cross-functional teamsLaboratories focused on formulation, testing, and stability studies
Industry UsageConsumer goods, pharmaceuticals, food & beveragePharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food & beverage

Product Development Scientists and Formulation Scientists often share similar educational backgrounds and work environments. However, Product Development Scientists focus on creating and improving products from concept to market, while Formulation Scientists specialize in developing specific formulations, such as drug or cosmetic formulas. Both roles are essential in bringing innovative products to consumers across various industries.

More about Product Development Scientist jobs

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Product Development Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Product Development Scientist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,575 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

SR NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT SCIENTIST

Sierra Nevada Brewing

Chico, CA

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Sierra Nevada Brewing rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

54th of 443 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

SR NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT SCIENTIST
Employment Type Full Time
Position Location CA Chico
ID 6842

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