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Research And Development Food Science Jobs in California

Kinder's

Research & Development Manager

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

The Manager, Research & Development will be responsible for supporting the development and ... Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field (Master's preferred). * 6 ...

Chipotle

Food Safety Analyst, R&D

Newport Beach, CA

$77K - $110K/yr

THE OPPORTUNITY As the Analyst, Food Safety Quality Assurance (R&D), you will play a key role in ... Bachelor of Science degree from a 4-year college or university in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology ...

Citrotech

Be Seen First

Research & Development Chemist

Oceanside, CA · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

Research & Development Chemist Location: Oceanside, CA (On-Site) Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5 ... You enjoy working collaboratively, thinking critically, and balancing scientific rigor with ...

Actalent

Food Scientist

Los Angeles, CA

$53 - $62.50/hr

Proficiency in food science and research and development (R&D) methodologies. * Solid understanding of microbiology principles related to flavor stability, shelf life, and food safety. * Strong ...

JRG Partners

Food Process Scientist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

... Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics or a related degree ? 3-5+ years of experience in process research in the food industry required ? Experienced with the development of new food tech ...

Gold Coast Ingredients, Inc.

Be Seen First

Food Applications Assistant

Santa Fe Springs, CA · On-site

$24 - $25/hr

... science and the craft of artisan flavor making. Our Applications Laboratory works closely with the Research & Development (R&D) team and customers to test our flavors across a wide variety of food ...

Mackie Myers

CA · On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

... food science with a practical, hands-on approach to product development and process improvement. This position offers the opportunity to work across R&D, Quality, Regulatory, Operations, and ...

PAFCO

R&D Coordinator

Vernon, CA · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

Job Title: R&D Coordinator Department: Research & Development Reports To: Technical Manager ... Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology or related field preferred or work experience ...

Actalent

Food Scientist

Commerce, CA · On-site

$53 - $62.50/hr

Proficiency in food science and research and development (R&D) methodologies. * Solid understanding of microbiology principles related to flavor stability, shelf life, and food safety. * Strong ...

New

Actalent

Food Scientist

Commerce, CA

$53 - $62.50/hr

Proficiency in food science and research and development (R&D) methodologies. * Solid understanding of microbiology principles related to flavor stability, shelf life, and food safety. * Strong ...

New

Aspire Bakeries

Food Technologist, R&D

Newark, CA · On-site

$68K - $91K/yr

Bachelor's degree (BS) or Associate degree (AA) in Food Science or related field * 1-2 years of experience in industrial food development or transferable R&D experience * Proficiency in Microsoft ...

Aspire Bakeries

Food Technologist, R&D

Newark, CA · On-site

$68K - $91K/yr

Bachelor's degree (BS) or Associate degree (AA) in Food Science or related field * 1-2 years of experience in industrial food development or transferable R&D experience * Proficiency in Microsoft ...

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Research And Development Food Science information

What does a research and development food scientist do?

A research and development food scientist develops new food products, improves existing formulations, and ensures product safety and quality. They conduct experiments, analyze ingredients, and use tools like laboratory equipment and sensory testing to innovate and meet consumer demands within food manufacturing environments.

How much does a research and development food scientist make?

Research and development food scientists typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals or those with specialized skills can earn over $100,000 annually.

What does research and development in the food industry do?

Research and development in the food industry involves creating and improving food products, developing new formulations, and ensuring product safety and quality. Food scientists use techniques like sensory evaluation and laboratory testing to innovate and meet consumer demands, often working with tools such as lab equipment and food analysis software.

How to get into research and development food science?

To pursue a career in research and development food science, a bachelor's degree in food science, chemistry, or a related field is typically required, often followed by internships or entry-level positions to gain practical experience. Advanced roles may require a master's or Ph.D., along with skills in laboratory techniques, product development, and knowledge of food safety regulations. Building expertise in sensory evaluation, food formulation, and using tools like statistical analysis software can enhance job prospects.

What is the difference between Research And Development Food Science vs Food Technologist?

AspectResearch And Development Food ScienceFood Technologist
CredentialsBachelor's or master's in food science, chemistry, or related fieldsBachelor's degree in food science, food technology, or related fields
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D centers, product development teamsManufacturing facilities, quality control labs, production lines
Industry UsageDeveloping new food products, improving formulations, innovationImplementing production processes, ensuring product quality, compliance

Research And Development Food Science focuses on creating and improving food products through research and experimentation, often working in labs and innovation teams. Food Technologists typically oversee the production process, ensuring products meet quality standards and regulations. Both roles require food science knowledge but differ in their primary focus and work environment.

What are popular job titles related to Research And Development Food Science jobs in California? For Research And Development Food Science jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research And Development Food Science jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Research And Development Food Science jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Research And Development Food Science jobs? Cities in California with the most Research And Development Food Science job openings:
Research And Development Food Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research And Development Food Science job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Research & Development Manager

Kinder's

Walnut Creek, CA • On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 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.
What We Are Looking For:
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 products across retail, club, and foodservice channels. This role will drive product formulation, process development, and innovation from concept through commercialization, ensuring every product meets Kinder's high standards for taste, quality, and scalability.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a hands-on role in a growing, values-driven food brand - partnering cross-functionally to deliver consumer-loved innovation that fuels Kinder's continued success.
What You'll Be Doing:
Lead Product Development
  • Support the end-to-end product development process - from concept ideation to launch - ensuring alignment with brand priorities, timelines, and cost objectives.

Drive Innovation & Continuous Improvement
  • Identify and execute opportunities for innovation, renovation, and cost optimization across Kinder's portfolio, leveraging emerging ingredients, technologies, and process improvements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner closely with Operations, Marketing, Culinary, and Supply Chain to translate consumer insights into technically feasible, scalable, and commercially viable products.

Technical Execution & Scale-Up
  • Support formulation work, pilot plant trials, and production scale-ups to ensure successful transfer from bench to manufacturing.
    Troubleshoot issues and optimize for quality and consistency.

Project Management
  • Manage multiple projects concurrently, ensuring milestones, deliverables, and communication are clear and on track.
    Maintain visibility to leadership through status updates and documentation.

Regulatory & Quality Alignment
  • Collaborate with Quality Assurance and Regulatory teams to ensure product compliance with ingredient standards, labeling requirements, and nutritional accuracy.

Team Collaboration & Development
  • Contribute to a collaborative, curious, and accountable culture within the R&D team while supporting the development of junior team members and technicians.

What You Bring to the Table:
Skills and Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field (Master's preferred).
  • 6-10 years of experience in food product development.
  • Proven success in CPG innovation; meat, sauces, seasonings, or condiments experience preferred.
  • Strong technical knowledge of formulation, ingredient functionality, sensory evaluation, and scale-up.
  • Excellent project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
  • Effective communicator and collaborator across multiple functions and levels.
  • Passion for great food and consumer-driven innovation.
  • MUST BE ABLE TO TRAVEL UP TO 20%

Personal Characteristics:
  • Results-oriented, hands-on leader who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
  • Collaborative and influential communicator who builds trust across teams.
  • Curious, resourceful, and solution-oriented with strong attention to detail.
  • Committed to quality, integrity, and continuous improvement.

Things About the Way We Work:
  • 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 embrace 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.

The expected starting salary range for this role is $130,000- $150,000 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

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