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Research Development Food Scientist Jobs in Rialto, CA

... R&D, HR, and Finance to align plant operations with company objectives. Manage plant budgets and capital expenses effectively. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Food Science ...

Associate Scientist II

Orange, CA · On-site

$36 - $40/hr

... other Research areas to address key project questions related to biodistribution and ... Plan and execute quantitative ligand binding assays, including design, development, optimization ...

Data Scientist

Riverside, CA · On-site +1

$106K - $138K/yr

... research and development initiatives. Requirements Help Conditions of employment * You must be a U ... Applying advanced data science techniques (such as data extraction, transformation, cleaning ...

New

Research Associate III

Pomona, CA · On-site

$83K - $101K/yr

Applies scientific theory to reach conclusions based on data analysis. * In collaboration with senior R&D personnel, prepares documentation for New Product Development (NPD) toll-gate and design ...

... food science, apparel merchandising and management, and hospitality management. With access to on ... Students gain real-world experience through research projects, greenhouse and fieldwork, and ...

R&d Technician

Orange, CA · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

... R&d, industrial machinery, hvac, hvac system, hvac equipment, blueprint, schematic, Electronics ... About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent ...

Showing results 41-60

Research Development Food Scientist information

See Rialto, CA salary details

$50.6K

$130.5K

$174.5K

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

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development food scientist in Rialto, CA is $130,478.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,800.00 and $173,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a research development food scientist do?

A Research Development Food Scientist is responsible for creating and improving food products and processes. They conduct experiments, analyze ingredients, and develop new recipes or formulations to enhance taste, nutrition, and shelf-life. These professionals often work closely with quality assurance, marketing, and production teams to ensure new products meet safety standards and consumer needs. Their role also includes staying updated on food trends, regulations, and technological advancements to drive innovation in the food industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research development food scientist?

To thrive as a Research Development Food Scientist, you need a strong background in food science, chemistry, and product formulation, often supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, analytical testing methods, and food safety regulations, as well as certifications like HACCP, are commonly required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills for innovating and refining food products. These capabilities ensure the successful development of safe, appealing, and market-ready food items that meet regulatory and consumer demands.

What are some common challenges faced by research development food scientists when working on new product formulations?

Research Development Food Scientists often encounter challenges such as balancing consumer preferences with technical and regulatory requirements during new product development. Creating innovative formulations may involve overcoming issues related to ingredient functionality, shelf-life stability, and sensory attributes. Additionally, collaborating with cross-functional teams—such as marketing, quality assurance, and production—requires effective communication to ensure that prototypes can be scaled up successfully while meeting cost and safety standards.

What is the difference between Research Development Food Scientist vs Food Technologist?

AspectResearch Development Food ScientistFood Technologist
CredentialsBachelor’s or Master’s in Food Science or related field; certifications varyBachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D facilities, product development settingsManufacturing plants, quality control labs, production lines
Industry UsageDevelops new products, improves existing recipes, conducts researchEnsures product quality, implements production processes, quality assurance

Research Development Food Scientists focus on creating and improving food products through research and experimentation, often working in labs. Food Technologists typically oversee production processes and quality control in manufacturing settings. Both roles require food science knowledge but differ in their primary responsibilities and work environments.

What cities near Rialto, CA are hiring for Research Development Food Scientist jobs?

Cities near Rialto, CA with the most Research Development Food Scientist job openings:

Sr Research Engineer - Polymer Materials

James Hardie

Fontana, CA • On-site

$120K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


James Hardie rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

85th of 544 rated manufacturers


Job description

James Hardie is the industry leader in exterior home and outdoor living solutions, with a portfolio that includes fiber cement, fiber gypsum, composite and PVC decking and railing products. Our family of trusted brands includes Hardie, TimberTech, AZEK Exteriors, Versatex, fermacell, and StruXure.
With over 8,000 employees and our U.S. operating entities headquartered in Chicago, we boast 31 operating sites, 6 recycling facilities, and 6 research and development centers globally. Powered by a dynamic workforce, we're united by our purpose of Building a Better Future for All through sustainable innovation, a Zero Harm culture, and a commitment to empowering our people and communities.
For more information, visit www.jameshardie.com.

Summary

This position can be based at our Wilmington, OH or Fontana, CA plant

The Senior Research Engineer / Scientist - Polymer Materials will support the development, optimization, and deployment of PVC material technologies for highperformance, durable building products. This role requires deep fundamentals in polymer science and polymer engineering, with emphasis on PVC chemistry, physics, processing, and structure-property-process relationships, bridging laboratory research and manufacturing implementation.

What You'll Do:

Key Responsibilities

Polymer Formulation & Materials Development

Develop, optimize, and evaluate PVC formulations, including base resins, stabilizer systems, lubricants, impact modifiers, process aids, fillers, and pigments. Apply fundamental polymer science and engineering principles (polymer thermodynamics, viscoelasticity, molecular weight effects, phase behavior, and degradation mechanisms) to guide formulation design. Demonstrate strong understanding of PVCspecific behavior, including fusion/gelation, thermal stability, shear sensitivity, rheology, and morphology development. Establish and interpret structure-property-processing relationships to balance durability, mechanical performance, surface quality, and manufacturability. Conduct laboratoryscale compounding, extrusion, and molding to support new product, cost, and sustainability initiatives. Drive AI assisted material characterizations and formulation development. 

Process & Manufacturing Support

Support PVC extrusion and compounding processes, including formulationdriven troubleshooting of surface defects, instability, degradation, dimensional control, and throughput limitations. Apply polymer processing fundamentals (heat transfer, shear and elongational flow, residence time, die swell, cooling, and orientation effects) to diagnose and resolve manufacturing issues. Partner with manufacturing, quality, and process engineering teams to scale laboratory formulations to robust, highyield production. Support pilotscale and plant trials. 

Testing & Characterization

Design and execute experimental plans using thermal, mechanical, rheological, and environmental characterization techniques (DSC, TGA, DMA, rheometry, weathering, impact, tensile, flexural). Interpret data using firstprinciples understanding of polymer behavior and PVC material response. Maintain high standards for documentation and technical rigor. 

Project Management & Technical Communication

Plan and execute technical projects with defined scope and milestones. Communicate complex polymer concepts clearly through written reports and presentations. Collaborate with suppliers and internal stakeholders. 

What You'll Bring:

Required Qualifications 

PhD in Polymer Science, Polymer Engineering, Materials Science, or Chemical Engineering with 0-7 years of experience, or MS with 3-10 years of experience.  

Strong fundamental knowledge of polymer chemistry and polymer engineering. Deep understanding of PVC materials including stabilization chemistry, fusion behavior, degradation mechanisms, and extrusion processing.  

Experience in AI assisted material characterizations and formulation development for composite materials. 

Strong written and verbal communication skills. 

Travel -35% (mainly domestic) 

Preferred Qualifications 

Handson experience with PVC compounding, extrusion, or formulation development. Experience supporting highvolume manufacturing or pilotscale operations. Familiarity with building materials and durability requirements. 

What You'll Receive:

As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay scale for this position is $120,000 - $135,000.  Placement in the range depends on several factors such as experience, skills, geography and internal equity and may change over time. This position qualifies for benefits and you will be eligible to participate in a bonus plan.

At James Hardie, we recognize that our success depends on our people. We've worked hard to build a generous and competitive benefits program that demonstrates our commitment to our employees.

  • Compensation: competitive salary and bonus eligibility
  • Insurance: day-one health coverage medical, dental, vision, life insurance
  • Paid Time Off: vacation and company holidays
  • Retirement: 401(k) with 6% match
  • Investments: Employee Stock Purchase plan (ESP)
  • Work-Life Balance: parental leave, wellness programs
  • Purpose. Impact. Community: Sustainability Initiatives | James Hardie
  • More: Click here to learn more about our benefits

Build a Better Future for All - Apply now!

#LI-MB22

James Hardie Building Products Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, veteran's status, marital status, pregnancy, disability, or any other basis protected by law.
James Hardie will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, in accordance with its plans and policies.
The position responsibilities outlined above are in no way to be construed as all encompassing. Other duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may be required and/or assigned as necessary.


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