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Research And Development Food Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Home Market Foods

Sr. R&D Food Scientist

Norwood, MA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

The Senior Research & Development Food Scientist serves as a driving force behind Home Market Foods' product development initiatives. This role spans hands-on product formulation and testing, as well ...

Home Market Foods

Sr. R&D Food Scientist

Norwood, MA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

The Senior Research & Development Food Scientist serves as a driving force behind Home Market Foods' product development initiatives. This role spans hands-on product formulation and testing, as well ...

Flora Food Group

R&D Food Scientist

Hugoton, KS · On-site

Pilot Plant Supervisor / Senior R&D Manager About the Role We're looking for a Food Scientist to support pilot plant operations and industrial implementation of new products. In this role, you'll ...

Flora Food Group

R&D Food Scientist

Hugoton, KS

Pilot Plant Supervisor / Senior R&D Manager About the Role We're looking for a Food Scientist to support pilot plant operations and industrial implementation of new products. In this role, you'll ...

INA Solution Inc

R&D Food Scientist

Louisville, CO · On-site

$30 - $36/hr

Job Title: R&D Food Scientist Location: Louisville, CO Type: C2H Requirements: * Degree in Food Science (or related) + relevant experience * Food/beverage product development & commercialization ...

Flora Food Group

R&D Food Scientist

Hugoton, KS · On-site

Pilot Plant Supervisor / Senior R&D Manager About the Role We're looking for a Food Scientist to support pilot plant operations and industrial implementation of new products. In this role, you'll ...

System One

R&D Food Scientist

Paterson, NJ · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

Job Title: R&D Food Scientist Location : Paterson, NJ, Onsite Job Type: Direct Hire Compensation : $110,000-$125,000 Shift: 8:30am-5pm (some flexibility) Position Overview We are seeking an ...

System One

R&D Food Scientist

Paterson, NJ · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

Job Title: R&D Food Scientist Location : Paterson, NJ, Onsite Job Type: Direct Hire Compensation : $110,000-$125,000 Shift: 8:30am-5pm (some flexibility) Position Overview We are seeking an ...

System One

R&D Food Scientist

Paterson, NJ · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

Job Title: R&D Food Scientist Location : Paterson, NJ, Onsite Job Type: Direct Hire Compensation : $110,000-$125,000 Shift: 8:30am-5pm (some flexibility) Position Overview We are seeking an ...

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All JobsResearch And Development Food Jobs

Research And Development Food information

See salary details

$48.5K

$101.8K

$165K

How much do research and development food jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for research and development food in the United States is $101,794.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Research and Development Food professional typically collaborate with other departments within a food company?

In a food company, Research and Development (R&D) Food professionals work closely with multiple departments such as Quality Assurance, Marketing, Production, and Procurement. They often collaborate with marketing teams to align new product formulations with market trends and customer preferences, and with production staff to ensure that prototypes can be efficiently scaled for mass manufacturing. This cross-functional teamwork is essential for successfully taking a product from concept to launch, making strong communication and project management skills highly valuable in this role.

What does a Research and Development (R&D) Food professional do?

A Research and Development (R&D) Food professional is responsible for creating and improving food products, recipes, and processes. They conduct experiments to develop new flavors, enhance nutritional value, and improve product safety and shelf life. Their work often involves collaborating with food scientists, technologists, and regulatory teams to ensure products meet industry standards and consumer preferences. R&D Food professionals play a key role in innovation within the food industry, helping companies stay competitive and compliant.

What is R&D in the food industry?

Research and Development (R&D) in the food industry involves creating and improving food products, recipes, and processes through scientific research and experimentation. Food R&D professionals often work with sensory analysis, food safety standards, and new ingredient technologies to develop innovative products that meet consumer demands and regulatory requirements.

What's the highest paying job in the food industry?

In the food industry, executive roles such as Food and Beverage Directors or Chief Food Officers tend to be the highest paying positions, often earning six-figure salaries. These roles require extensive experience, leadership skills, and knowledge of food safety, quality control, and management systems.

What is the job description of food research and development?

Food research and development professionals design, test, and improve food products, focusing on flavor, texture, safety, and shelf life. They analyze ingredients, develop prototypes, and collaborate with production teams, often using laboratory equipment and food science knowledge to meet consumer demands and regulatory standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Research and Development Food Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research and Development Food Scientist, you generally need a degree in food science or a related field, strong analytical skills, and a solid understanding of food chemistry and product formulation. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, sensory evaluation software, and food safety regulations such as HACCP is typically required. Creativity, problem-solving ability, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for innovating and refining food products. These competencies are vital for developing safe, high-quality foods that meet consumer demands and regulatory standards.

What is the difference between Research And Development Food and Quality Assurance Food?

AspectResearch And Development FoodQuality Assurance Food
Primary FocusDeveloping new food products and improving existing recipesEnsuring food products meet safety and quality standards
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, product development kitchensQuality control labs, production facilities
Required CredentialsFood science degree, culinary skills, R&D experienceFood safety certifications, quality management training
Industry UsageFood manufacturing, product innovationFood safety, compliance, and quality assurance

Research And Development Food professionals focus on creating and improving food products, while Quality Assurance Food specialists ensure these products meet safety and quality standards. Both roles are essential in the food industry but serve different purposes in the product lifecycle.

How to get into food R&D?

To pursue a career in food research and development, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in food science, chemistry, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions in food companies helps develop skills in product formulation, sensory evaluation, and food safety. Strong analytical, creativity, and knowledge of industry tools like laboratory equipment are essential for success in food R&D roles.
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Research And Development Food jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research And Development Food job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,794 per year, or $48.9 per hour.
Research & Development Food Technologist

Research & Development Food Technologist

Chairmans Foods

Nashville, TN • On-site

Other

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Chairmans Foods specializes in producing a wide range of high quality, consistent customer solutions - main courses, side dishes, queso, ready-to-eat protein salads custom solutions for foodservice operators and retail stores. Chairmans has succeeded over the years with open communication, integrity, and with a deep commitment to southern hospitality.


Driven by our mission, vision and values, employee and food safety are always our top priority. www.chairmansfoods.com


JOB SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Vice President of R&D, the Food Technologist has the primary function of hands-on product development with a focus on new products, change management and innovation. You will often work independently within the R&D organization and will have occasional customer and sales contact. This position will also assist in testing, plant trials, gather data, gather ingredients, communicate objectives, retain samples, ship samples and report results. You will present and evaluate ingredients, packaging and products for internal and external approvals and evaluations.



DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Develop formulas and applications
  • Take products from concept to launch
  • Assist with sourcing packaging and ingredients
  • Evaluate ingredients and processes
  • Evaluate new equipment (lab/production)
  • Be a food and technical resource for development, flavors, colors, functionality, and packaging
  • Run plant trials, tests, and scale-ups
  • Follow GMP’s, SOP’s and SSOP’s
  • Ship and receive samples and ingredients
  • Other duties as requested, directed, or assigned


JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Culinary creativity; knowledge of current food trends
  • Knowledge of USDA and FDA standards
  • Proficient in MS Office
  • Excellent math calculations and analyses
  • Ability to interpret data from tests and lab results, experimental design and project management
  • Good communication and presentation skills
  • Organized, detail oriented and proactive
  • Must be comfortable in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to lead projects autonomously, formulate, apply, evaluate packaging and assist in commercialization


EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

  • Minimum Bachelors degree in Food Science or related discipline required.
  • 1-3 years related work experience in food manufacturing product development/R&D with exposure to packaging development and sourcing.
  • Experience with both Food Service and Retail-facing products/packaging is preferred.


TRAVEL

  • 20-50% overnight travel, as needed, to support plant trials in Chairmans Foods manufacturing facilities.


Apply