Food scientist and technologist

Food scientists and technologists research new food sources and nutritional content, and develop ways to process safe and healthy food. They may create new foods and ways to preserve products.

Also known as

Food scientist, food engineer, packaging technologist, food product development technologist, food technology adviser, food quality consultant, food engineer

Work environment

  • Usually work regular business hours
  • Usually work in offices, laboratories and factories
  • May work in hazardous conditions involving chemicals or bacteria
  • Need to be accurate, safety conscious and identify and solve problems

Salary information

MOST COMMON
UPPER
LOWER
$53K-$153K 53000

Typical tasks

  • Make sure products meet quality standards
  • Develop and improve new foods and drinks
  • Test and refine food and drink samples
  • Analyse food for nutritional content
  • Choose ingredients for recipes
  • Improve how food and drinks are made
  • Develop and improve food packaging

Outlook

New Zealand’s food and beverage sector is developing premium, safe and sustainable products for local and export markets. Trends include healthier foods, traceable supply chains, reduced waste, alternative ingredients and improved processing technology. International demand for trusted food products supports innovation, although businesses must also respond to changing regulations, costs and consumer preferences.

What employers and industry want in graduates

  • Strong understanding of food science and production processes
  • Careful attention to food safety, quality and accuracy
  • Ability to analyse results and solve technical problems
  • Curiosity about new ingredients, products and technologies
  • Clear communication with production, quality and research teams
  • Awareness of sustainability, consumer needs and regulations

AUT programmes

The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.

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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.