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Taste Testing Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Tofurky

Senior Food Scientist (61026)

Hood River, OR · On-site

$93K - $100K/yr

Testing and Analysis * Design and run shelf-life studies, including product performance under ... Support sensory programs: prepare samples for internal and external tasting and analyze results to ...

Tofurky

Senior Food Scientist (61026)

Hood River, OR · On-site

Testing and Analysis * Design and run shelf-life studies, including product performance under ... Support sensory programs: prepare samples for internal and external tasting and analyze results to ...

Sonatype

OR · On-site

You routinely orchestrate fleets of agents in parallel across planning, coding, testing, and review, and your own time is spent on direction, verification, and taste rather than generation. * Multi ...

Allison Inn & Spa

Executive Chef

Newberg, OR · On-site

$130K/yr

Develop recipes and portion specifications in accordance with consumer tastes, nutritional needs ... testing and menu development. * Assist operation managers as requested in areas such as plate ...

Allison Inn & Spa

Executive Chef

Newberg, OR · On-site

$130K/yr

Develop recipes and portion specifications in accordance with consumer tastes, nutritional needs ... testing and menu development. * Assist operation managers as requested in areas such as plate ...

chi

Executive Chef | The Allison Inn & Spa

Newberg, OR

$75K - $103K/yr

Develop recipes and portion specifications in accordance with consumer tastes, nutritional needs ... testing and menu development. * Assist operation managers as requested in areas such as plate ...

chi

Executive Chef | The Allison Inn & Spa

Newberg, OR · On-site

$75K - $103K/yr

Develop recipes and portion specifications in accordance with consumer tastes, nutritional needs ... testing and menu development. * Assist operation managers as requested in areas such as plate ...

Microbac

Analyst I

Prineville, OR · On-site

As a privately held third-party testing company, Microbac operates with a commitment to our ... hear; and taste or smell. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and sit. * The ...

Portland Bottling Company

Lab Technician

Portland, OR · On-site

$21/hr

Tests materials and ingredients used in beverages for such qualities as odor, appearance, taste, total acidity, carbonation, nitrogen, and pH levels to verify conformity to specifications. * Testing ...

Curry Health Network

Laboratory Assistant

Gold Beach, OR · On-site

$22.46 - $33.97/hr

Processes and prepare specimens for testing or submission to reference laboratory accurately ... Taste or Smell From 1/3 to 1/2 of the time: Up 2/3 of the time and more: Stand, walk, sit, talk or ...

Curry Health Network

Laboratory Assistant

Gold Beach, OR · On-site

$22.46 - $33.97/hr

Processes and prepare specimens for testing or submission to reference laboratory accurately ... Taste or Smell From 1/3 to 1/2 of the time: Up 2/3 of the time and more: Stand, walk, sit, talk or ...

Curry Health Network

Laboratory Assistant

Brookings, OR · On-site

$22.46 - $33.97/hr

Processes and prepare specimens for testing or submission to reference laboratory accurately ... Taste or Smell From 1/3 to 1/2 of the time: Up 2/3 of the time and more: Stand, walk, sit, talk or ...

Curry Health Network

Laboratory Assistant

Brookings, OR · On-site

$22.46 - $33.97/hr

Processes and prepare specimens for testing or submission to reference laboratory accurately ... Taste or Smell From 1/3 to 1/2 of the time: Up 2/3 of the time and more: Stand, walk, sit, talk or ...

Curry Health Network

Laboratory Assistant

Brookings, OR · On-site

$22.46 - $33.97/hr

Processes and prepare specimens for testing or submission to reference laboratory accurately ... Taste or Smell From 1/3 to 1/2 of the time: Up 2/3 of the time and more: Stand, walk, sit, talk or ...

Legacy Health

Ophthalmic Technician 2

Portland, OR · On-site

$28.47 - $40.71/hr

... and testing, we invite you to consider this opportunity. Dever's Eye Institute, part of Legacy ... of needs and tastes. Beautiful parks and more biking paths per mile than any city in the US ...

Legacy Health

Ophthalmic Tech II

Portland, OR · On-site

$28.47/hr

... and testing, we invite you to consider this opportunity. Dever's Eye Institute, part of Legacy ... of needs and tastes. Beautiful parks and more biking paths per mile than any city in the US ...

DEVERS EYE CLINIC

Ophthalmic Technician 2

Portland, OR · On-site

$28.47 - $40.71/hr

... and testing, we invite you to consider this opportunity. Dever's Eye Institute, part of Legacy ... of needs and tastes. Beautiful parks and more biking paths per mile than any city in the US ...

Legacy Health

Ophthalmic Technician 2

Portland, OR · On-site

$28.47 - $40.71/hr

... and testing, we invite you to consider this opportunity. Dever's Eye Institute, part of Legacy ... of needs and tastes. Beautiful parks and more biking paths per mile than any city in the US ...

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All JobsTaste Testing JobsTaste Testing Jobs in Oregon

Taste Testing information

See Oregon salary details

$13

$26

$41

How much do taste testing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for taste testing in Oregon is $26.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.35 and $30.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does taste testing pay?

Taste testing jobs typically pay between $10 and $25 per hour, depending on the company and location. Some opportunities may offer flat rates for specific projects or product testing sessions, which can last from a few minutes to several hours.

How do I get a job as a taste tester?

To become a taste tester, you typically need a good sense of taste and smell, attention to detail, and sometimes a background in food science or related fields. Many companies hire taste testers through job postings, and some require passing a taste test or sensory evaluation. Building experience in food or beverage industries can improve your chances of securing such roles.

What is the difference between Taste Testing vs Food Quality Inspector?

AspectTaste TestingFood Quality Inspector
Required CredentialsNone or basic sensory trainingFood safety certifications, quality assurance training
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, food production facilities, tasting roomsManufacturing plants, inspection sites, laboratories
Employer & Industry UsageFood companies, flavor houses, research labsFood manufacturing, regulatory agencies, quality assurance firms

While both roles involve working with food, Taste Testing focuses on evaluating flavor, aroma, and overall sensory experience, often without formal certifications. Food Quality Inspectors assess compliance with safety and quality standards, requiring certifications and detailed inspections. Taste Testing is more subjective and sensory-based, whereas Food Quality Inspectors perform objective evaluations to ensure product safety and standards.

Is taste testing a real job?

Taste testing is a legitimate job where individuals evaluate the flavor, texture, and overall quality of food or beverages. It often requires sensory skills, attention to detail, and sometimes training or certifications, and is commonly performed in food companies, research labs, or product development settings.

Can you get paid to taste test food?

Taste testing jobs are paid positions where individuals evaluate food products for companies, often requiring sensory skills and attention to detail. Payment can vary from hourly wages to per-product compensation, and some roles may require training or certification in food safety or sensory analysis.

What is taste testing?

Taste testing is the process of sampling and evaluating foods or beverages to assess their flavor, texture, aroma, and overall quality. It is commonly used by food manufacturers, restaurants, and research organizations to gather feedback on new products or recipes. Professional taste testers, also known as sensory analysts, may be trained to detect subtle differences in taste and texture, while consumer taste testers provide insights based on personal preference. The results from taste testing help companies improve existing products and develop new ones that better meet consumer expectations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a taste tester, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Taste Tester, you need a refined palate, sensory evaluation skills, and often a background in food science or culinary arts. Familiarity with sensory analysis tools, tasting protocols, and sometimes certifications such as sensory panel training are commonly required. Strong attention to detail, clear communication, and objectivity help professionals provide accurate and constructive feedback. These skills are vital for ensuring product quality, consistency, and consumer satisfaction in the food and beverage industry.

What are some of the common challenges faced by taste testers, and how can they be managed?

Taste testers often encounter challenges such as palate fatigue, maintaining objectivity, and adhering to strict dietary guidelines. To manage palate fatigue, testers take regular breaks and cleanse their palates between samples. Staying objective requires following standardized evaluation protocols and sometimes participating in blind testing panels. Additionally, taste testers must be vigilant about allergens and food sensitivities, making communication with supervisors and teams crucial for safety and effectiveness.
What are popular job titles related to Taste Testing jobs in Oregon? For Taste Testing jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Taste Testing jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Taste Testing jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Taste Testing jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Taste Testing job openings:
Taste Testing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Taste Testing job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, and 52% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,707 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

Senior Food Scientist (61026)

Tofurky

Hood River, OR • On-site

$93K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Come work with Tofurky! We are the Nation's leading manufacturer of plant-based proteins and dairy-free cheeses. Our range of 35+ products can be found in more than 25,000 grocery stores throughout North America. We're on a mission to erase the myth that people have to make a choice between enjoying tasty food OR taking care of themselves and the planet. We can do both.
Tofurky is hiring a Senior Food Scientist to join our Research & Development team. This position is full-time and onsite at our location in Hood River, Oregon.
The Senior Food Scientist is a hands-on technical leader responsible for driving the development, improvement, and commercialization of our plant-based protein and dairy-free cheese products. Reporting to the VP of R&D, this role owns projects from concept through production scale-up, leads plant trials, drives cost-savings and quality initiatives, and serves as a senior technical resource across the R&D team. This position is designed for an experienced food scientist who can work autonomously, lead multiple projects in parallel, and thrive in a fast-moving, small-team environment.
The ideal candidate is curious, detail-oriented, and highly organized. You document your work meticulously because you know reproducibility matters and that institutional knowledge must survive turnover. You're an easy-going team player who is comfortable in a startup-like environment, moving fast, prioritizing effectively, and leading projects from bench to shelf.
Essential Functions
Formulation and Product Development
  • Develop product formulations, processing procedures, and product specifications for new products, line extensions, product improvements, and cost-savings projects.
  • Work collaboratively to execute development from bench to production scale, finding ingredient alternatives, optimizing formulas, and improving ingredient functionality to reduce cost while protecting quality.
  • Design and execute product quality and stability experiments; analyze and interpret data to make sound technical recommendations on product and process.
  • Document processes, formulas, ingredients, and results related to production tests, samples, and product evaluations.
  • Evaluate prototypes provided by 3rd party partners and assist in quality, product improvement, and productivity initiatives for co-manufactured (CO-MAN) products.
  • Work with outside suppliers and vendors to source and evaluate ingredients.

Scale-Up and Manufacturing Support
  • Design and lead in-house and plant trials, create analytical reports, organize sensory tastings, and draw conclusions and recommendations for next steps.
  • Translate bench formulas to pilot and production scale, including working with co-manufacturing partners.
  • Understand production equipment constraints (e.g., sizing, slicing, shredding, binding) to ensure formulations are manufacturable.
  • Partner with operations to provide technical support that drives quality and value improvement in processes.
  • Collaborate with production, maintenance, and QA to improve current products by creating and implementing new quality parameters (e.g., temperature and time data, amperage testing).
  • Partner with operations to implement cost-optimization approaches focused on waste reduction.

Testing and Analysis
  • Design and run shelf-life studies, including product performance under various conditions.
  • Conduct quality evaluations and contribute to quality disposition decisions on existing products.
  • Support sensory programs: prepare samples for internal and external tasting and analyze results to inform formulation decisions.

Documentation and Regulatory
  • Create nutritional specs, ingredient specs, and allergen statements for in-house Tofurky products across the USA, Canada, UK, and Australia using Genesis software.
  • Review nutritional claims, identify gaps and non-compliance, and recommend action plans to ensure compliance; support non-GMO Project verification.
  • Establish and maintain systems and processes for storing, reviewing, and sharing labeling information.
  • Support food safety initiatives through knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and HACCP principles, and help maintain regulatory compliance for domestic and international markets.
  • Maintain internal R&D documentation: systematically record experiments, formulations, trial outcomes, sensory evaluations, and observations.

Project Management and Leadership
  • Independently manage time and projects for assigned tasks; develop weekly work-plans to manage projects and ensure deadlines are met.
  • Lead and prioritize multiple projects in parallel, adjusting based on Tofurky's dynamic needs.
  • Manage external consultants engaged on R&D projects.
  • Lead training and onboarding of new R&D team members and QA techs on current product formulations and processes.
  • Communicate project status, results, and recommendations clearly to stakeholders.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Marketing/NPD: translate technical results and constraints to marketing partners; support New Product Development timelines and participate in feasibility discussions.
  • Supply Chain & QA: partner on ingredient sourcing, supplier qualification, and continuity planning; help qualify secondary suppliers and develop test plans for new ingredients; communicate R&D ingredient needs early.
  • Finance: ensure R&D cost-savings projects are tracked and reported correctly.
  • Prepare product prototypes and samples for sales events, trade shows, and internal reviews.

Qualifications
  • Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, or a related discipline, with experience scaled to the degree level:
    • Bachelor's degree and 7-8+ years of food product development experience; or
    • Master's degree and 5+ years of food product development experience; or
    • Ph.D. in a related field and 2-3+ years of industry product development experience (this is an experienced, hands-on role - recent Ph.D. graduates without industry experience are not a good fit).
  • A proven track record of developing and commercializing successful food product formulations in a manufacturing or CPG environment.
  • Demonstrated experience executing development from bench to production scale for new products, product improvements, and cost-savings projects.
  • Experience designing and conducting plant trials and new product start-ups.
  • Strong ability to find ingredient alternatives, optimize formulas, and enhance ingredient functionality for cost savings.
  • Knowledge of food processing technology, ingredient functionality, formulation techniques, sensory analysis, food cost and scaling, and food storage and packaging.
  • Working knowledge of food safety (GMP, HACCP) and regulatory/labeling requirements; experience with nutritional labeling software (Genesis preferred).
  • Excellent project management skills with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects independently in a fast-paced environment.
  • Experience with plant-based or alternative protein/dairy products is highly desired.

Work Environment and Physical Demands
This job operates in an office and laboratory setting with frequent exposure to production areas. This role routinely uses standard office and lab equipment. This position is frequently required to enter production and warehousing floors and must follow personnel procedures pertaining to dress and code of conduct in those areas.
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
This is a salaried, exempt position. Typical days and hours of work are Monday through Friday. Flexibility in work schedule is required to accommodate business needs. Occasional extended hours and weekend work may be required. This is a full-time, onsite position at our Hood River, Oregon location.
Travel
Occasional travel may be required to support plant trials, co-manufacturing partners, and supplier visits.

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