Sr. Food Scientist
Ardent Mills•Denver, CO
•$95,000 - $115,000•Onsite
About The Position
The Sr. Food Scientist is responsible for developing and optimizing grain- and legume- based food products and ingredient solutions, with a particular focus on baking applications. You will lead experimental work, analyze technical data, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and support the commercialization of new products from concept through launch. This role requires a strong foundation in baking science, ingredient functionality, and product development, as well as the ability to translate customer and market needs into innovative solutions.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Grain Science, Baking Science, Cereal Chemistry, or a related technical discipline required.
- Minimum of 5-8 years of experience in food product development, baking science, ingredient applications, or related R&D roles.
- Strong experience with commercial baking processes and baked goods formulation.
- Knowledge of flour functionality, grain-based ingredients, dough systems, and ingredient interactions.
- Experience conducting laboratory, pilot plant, and production-scale trials.
- Demonstrated success leading product development projects from concept through commercialization.
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, project management, and communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively across R&D, Operations, Quality, Commercial, and Marketing teams.
Nice To Haves
- Master's degree preferred.
- Experience in flour milling, grain-based ingredients, or cereal science.
- Experience developing bread, buns, rolls, tortillas, pizza crusts, sweet baked goods, snacks, or other bakery applications.
- Familiarity with commercial food manufacturing and processing environments.
- Experience with experimental design and statistical analysis tools.
Responsibilities
- Lead product development and innovation projects from concept through commercialization.
- Design, execute, and interpret baking, ingredient functionality, and application trials.
- Develop and optimize formulas, processing parameters, and product specifications.
- Evaluate flour and ingredient performance across a variety of bakery and food applications.
- Partner with Operations, Milling, Engineering and Quality teams to ensure products are scalable, manufacturable, and meet performance expectations.
- Analyze technical data and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
- Lead plant trials, product scale-up activities, and commercialization efforts.
- Collaborate with Marketing and Commercial teams to identify market opportunities and support innovation initiatives.
- Develop technical reports, product specifications, and application guidance.
- Monitor industry trends, emerging ingredients, and new technologies to identify innovation opportunities.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and technical capability development within the R&D organization.
Benefits
- Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage
- Health and Dependent Savings Accounts
- Life and Disability Programs
- Voluntary Benefit Programs
- Company Sponsored Wellness Programs
- Retirement Savings with Company Match
- Team Member and Family Assistance Program (EAP)
- Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
- Employee Recognition Program with Rewards (RAVE)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
