Product Developer

Aspire Bakeries LLC; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & wellness

Work-life balance

Retirement plans

Life insurance

Job summary

Aspire Bakeries LLC in Santa Ana is seeking a Product Developer to lead product development from concept through full-scale manufacturing. This onsite role focuses on innovative food products and successful commercialization at the Santa Ana bakery.

The ideal candidate has a 1–2 year track record in industrial food development, strong English communication, and proficiency with Microsoft Office. Willingness to travel ~25% is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or Culinary is required.
• 1–2 years of experience in industrial food development.
• Strong English communication, both written and verbal.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to meet physical requirements (standing, lifting up to 50 pounds).
• Willingness to travel ~25% for line trials or ideation sessions.

Responsibilities

• Lead product development activities from concept to full-scale manufacturing.
• Ensure smooth transfer from benchtop to line trials and customer delivery.
• Apply passion for food and innovation throughout the product development process.
• Interpret and work with basic product formulas.
• Operate R&D equipment and master proper settings.
• Communicate with project managers and maintain data on samples.

Skills

Strong English communication

Microsoft Office

Mathematical skills

Physical stamina

GMP compliance

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or Culinary

Tools

R&D equipment

Job description

Hungry for a career that’s as rewarding as it is delicious?

At Aspire Bakeries, we don’t just bake breads, cookies, and cakes - we create foods that bring people together. From La Brea Bakery® artisan breads to Otis Spunkmeyer® cookies, our products are enjoyed by millions of people every day. And behind every bite are talented manufacturing and support teams who take pride in their work and our food.

We’re looking for hard-working people who will bring integrity, creativity, and a passion for excellence to everything they do - whether that’s on the bakery floor, in the office, or supporting customers. In return, we offer a workplace culture built on care, ownership, and growth - where your contributions matter and your career can rise as high as our bread loaves!

With 13 commercial bakeries across North America and a reputation as an industry leader, Aspire Bakeries is rising together with our people and our customers to be the best all-around bakery solution. If you’re ready to grow with us, we’d love to hear from you

Why You’ll Love Working At Aspire Bakeries

• Culture - Our culture thrives on collaboration, diversity, and a shared passion for excellence. We support team members, empower growth, and encourage everyone to bring their authentic selves to work.
• Health & Wellness – Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus company-paid life insurance and additional voluntary options to fit your needs.
• Work-Life Balance – Paid parental leave, generous paid time off, and holidays so you can recharge and spend time on what matters most.
• Financial Security – Competitive retirement plans, plus short- and long-term disability coverage for peace of mind.
• Growth & Development – Opportunities to build skills, grow your career, and develop expertise through Aspire Bakeries’ learning and development programs.
• Flexibility & Support – HSA and FSA plans to help you manage everyday expenses.
• Recognition & Rewards – Performance incentive plans that celebrate achievements across sales, bakery performance, and individual contributions.

About The Role

We are seeking a Product Developer to join our team at our Santa Ana bakery. As a Product Developer, you will lead product development activities and help ensure successful commercialization from concept through full-scale manufacturing. This onsite role is ideal for someone with a strong passion for food, innovation, and developing high-quality products.

Compensation

• Salary Range: $72,000 - $80,000

Core Accountabilities (What You’ll Be Doing)

• Lead product development activities from concept through full-scale manufacturing.
• Ensure a seamless transition and sustainable product quality from benchtop development through line trials and customer delivery.
• Apply a strong passion for food and innovation throughout the product development process.
• Interpret and work effectively with basic product formulas.
• Operate R&D equipment and develop expertise in appropriate equipment use and settings.
• Communicate with project managers and accurately maintain data related to sample preparation and completion.
• Pursue continuous learning through workshops, training, and subject-specific education.

Minimum Qualifications (What You Bring to the Table) (Required to be considered)

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or Culinary.
• 1-2 years of experience in industrial food development.
• Strong English verbal and written communication skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Solid mathematical skills, including fractions and decimals.
• Ability to meet physical requirements, including standing for extended periods and lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to adhere to NPD/BRC guidelines and GMPs.
• Ability to travel approximately 25% for line trials or customer-driven ideation sessions.

Preferred Qualifications (Extra Ingredients For Success)

• Strong passion for food and innovation.
• Willingness to expand technical expertise through workshops, training, and continuing education.
• Experience or willingness to develop expertise with R&D equipment and settings.

Aspire Bakeries LLC values the contribution each Team Member brings to our organization. The final determination of a successful candidate’s starting pay will vary based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to location, shift, education, skill, and experience within the job or the industry. The pay scale listed for this position is generally for candidates that meet the specified qualifications and requirements listed in this specific job description. Additional pay may be determined for those candidates that exceed these specified qualifications and requirements. We provide a competitive compensation package that recognizes your experience, credentials, and education alongside a robust benefits program to meet your needs. For union-represented postings, wage rates and ranges are governed by applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Aspire Bakeries is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to screen, assess, and select applicants.