Research and Development Baker

The Research & Development Baker is responsible for developing, testing, and improving bakery products for large-scale manufacturing. This role blends hands-on baking expertise with food science, process optimization, and cross-functional collaboration to create high-quality, consistent, and scalable baked goods. The R&D Baker supports innovation, product renovation, cost optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives from bench-top through commercial production.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop new bakery products and improve existing formulas to meet quality, cost, shelf-life, and scalability requirements

• Conduct bench, pilot, and plant trials to validate formulations and processes

• Scale recipes from kitchen to commercial production while maintaining product integrity

• Evaluate ingredients, suppliers, and alternative formulations for functionality, quality, and cost efficiency

• Collaborate with Operations, Quality Assurance, Procurement, and Marketing teams during product development and commercialization

• Troubleshoot production issues related to dough handling, baking performance, texture, flavor, and appearance

• Document formulas, procedures, specifications, and trial results accurately and clearly

• Support shelf-life studies, sensory evaluations, and product testing

• Stay current with baking trends, ingredients, processing technologies, and regulatory requirements

• Ensure compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory standards (e.g., GMPs, HACCP)

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Baking & Pastry Arts, Food Science, or a related field (or equivalent industry experience)

• 3 years of professional baking experience, preferably in a manufacturing or R&D environment

• Strong understanding of bakery ingredients, dough systems, and baking processes

• Experience scaling formulations for commercial production

• Familiarity with food safety and quality systems

• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and organizational skills

• Ability to work hands-on in a test kitchen and production environment

• Effective communication and documentation skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with frozen, par-baked, or extended shelf-life bakery products

• Knowledge of process controls and manufacturing equipment

• Sensory evaluation or product testing experience

• Experience working in cross-functional product development teams