Baking Science Lead: Product Innovation & Scale-Up

Ardent Mills; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 95,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage

Retirement Savings with Company Match

Paid Time Off and Holidays

Wellness Programs

EAP

Job summary

Ardent Mills in Denver, CO is seeking a Sr. Food Scientist to lead the development of grain- and legume-based food products, with a focus on baking applications. You will guide experimental work, analyze data, and drive commercialization from concept to launch onsite at AMIC in Denver.

The role requires a strong baking science foundation, knowledge of ingredient functionality, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to translate market needs into innovative solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Grain Science, Baking Science, Cereal Chemistry, or related field.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• 5–8 years in food product development, baking science, or related R&D.
• Experience with commercial baking processes and baked goods formulation.
• Knowledge of flour functionality and grain-based ingredients.
• Experience with laboratory, pilot plant, and production-scale trials.

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 bakery and food applications.
• Partner with Operations, Milling, Engineering and Quality teams to ensure scalability and manufacturability.
• 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.
• Develop technical reports, product specifications, and application guidance.
• Monitor industry trends, emerging ingredients, and new technologies.

Skills

Analytical skills

Troubleshooting

Project management

Communication

Baking science

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Grain Science, Baking Science, Cereal Chemistry, or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Ardent Mills in Denver, CO is seeking a Sr. Food Scientist to lead the development of grain- and legume-based food products, with a focus on baking applications. You will guide experimental work, analyze data, and drive commercialization from concept to launch onsite at AMIC in Denver.

The role requires a strong baking science foundation, knowledge of ingredient functionality, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to translate market needs into innovative solutions.