Sr. Principal Scientist

Tribonet; Denver, Northern (CO, KY); Hybrid; USD 145,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage

Health Savings Accounts

Life and Disability Programs

Retirement Savings with Company Match

EAP and Paid Time Off

Job summary

Ardent Mills is seeking a Sr. Principal Scientist to lead grain science and flour functionality efforts in Denver, focusing on cereals, milling, ingredient technology, and finished product quality. You will drive breakthrough innovations and translate science into commercial value for customers and markets.

The role emphasizes strategic leadership, cross‑functional collaboration, and development of differentiated grain‑based solutions for customers, with an on‑site, full‑time work arrangement.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. with extensive industry experience in cereals and flour functionality.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments, develop SOPs and protocols, synthesize data, and communicate findings clearly through reports and presentations

Skills

Grain science

Cereal chemistry

Baking applications

Ingredient functionality

Dough systems

Statistical analysis

DOE (design of experiments)

Technical leadership

Education

Master’s in Food Science or Grain Science

Ph.D. preferred

Tools

Mixograph

Farinograph

Alveograph

Rheometer

RVA

Job description

An educational platform on tribology — the science of friction, wear and lubrication

Who is it for

Engineers, researchers, students and industry professionals

The Sr. Principal Scientist serves as a scientific leader and recognized subject matter expert in grain science, flour functionality, baking applications, ingredient technology, and food innovation. This role leverages deep technical expertise in cereals, milling, ingredient functionality, dough systems, and finished product quality to drive breakthrough innovation, solve complex technical challenges, and advance Ardent Mills’ product and technology pipeline. The Sr. Principal Scientist translates scientific insights into commercial value through strategic leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and development of differentiated grain-based solutions for customers and markets.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments, develop SOPs and protocols, synthesize data, and communicate findings clearly through reports and presentations
• Lead collaborative projects with internal and external partners, including academic researchers, analytical service providers, consultants, ingredient suppliers, equipment manufacturers, IP counsel, and regulatory professionals
• Perform ingredient screening, shelf-life studies, and sensory evaluations to support product and process innovation
• Develop and apply ingredient evaluation and characterization tools that effectively advance R&D initiatives and innovation projects
• Build technical capabilities and subject matter expertise within the team in areas such as ingredient functionality, nutrition science, and application design
• Partner cross-functionally with Procurement, Quality, Marketing, Manufacturing, and Regulatory teams to ensure ingredient and product specifications meet customer and business requirements
• Support new product development from concept through commercialization by identifying and optimizing ingredients and process parameters
• Apply statistical and scientific principles, including design of experiments (DOE), sensory analysis, and Six Sigma methods, to guide problem-solving and data-based decision-making
• Maintain accurate and compliant laboratory documentation, including data entry in the knowledge management system, and ensure adherence to all safety and quality standards
• Provide leadership in laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance, procurement of supplies, and training of team members on methods, systems, and safety practices
• Proven ability to influence at all levels of the organization and effectively lead through collaboration and expertise
• Strategic thinker capable of connecting scientific discoveries to business opportunities and customer needs
• Strong business acumen and understanding of product commercialization, manufacturing, and market dynamics
• Demonstrated ability to be a self-starter who independently identifies opportunities, anticipates business needs, and drives results with minimal direction
• Proven ability to coach, mentor, and develop scientific talent while fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous learning
• Stay current on emerging technologies, scientific advancements, and competitive trends to identify and recommend innovation opportunities
• Contribute to a culture of collaboration, technical excellence, and continuous improvement within the R&D organization

Essential Skills And Experience

• Master’s degree in Food Science, Grain Science, Cereal Science, Food Chemistry, Food Engineering, or related field with 15+ years of industry experience; Ph.D. preferred
• Deep expertise in grain science, cereal chemistry, flour milling, flour functionality, ingredient functionality, and baking applications
• Extensive experience working with wheat flours, whole grains, specialty grains, grain-based ingredients, dough systems, and baked products
• Demonstrated understanding of flour quality attributes, protein functionality, starch chemistry, enzyme systems, hydrocolloids, and their impact on processing and finished product performance
• Proven experience in bakery product development, including breads, buns, rolls, tortillas, pizza crusts, sweet goods, snacks, and other grain-based applications
• Advanced knowledge of baking processes, rheological testing, ingredient interactions, shelf-life optimization, and product quality evaluation
• Expertise in analytical, pilot plant, and commercial-scale evaluation of grain-based ingredients and finished products
• Demonstrated ability to connect grain, ingredient, processing, and sensory characteristics to customer requirements and commercial outcomes
• Experience applying statistical analysis, DOE, and predictive modeling to understand ingredient interactions and optimize product performance
• Proven track record of developing and commercializing innovative grain-based ingredients and applications
• Ability to think strategically about technology and guide groups of scientists to solve technical challenges
• Proven coaching and mentoring abilities that foster & promote a culture of technical learning

Good To Have

• Sensory: analytical (R&D, Operations) and effective (consumer)
• Expertise in wheat flour milling operations, flour specifications, grain quality evaluation, and cereal chemistry
• Experience supporting commercial bakeries, foodservice customers, consumer packaged goods manufacturers, or ingredient suppliers
• Strong understanding of grain processing technologies, functional ingredients, dough development, fermentation systems, and baking operations
• Experience with analytical and rheological tools such as Mixograph, Farinograph, Extensograph, Alveograph, RVA, Texture Analyzer, and related bakery quality systems
• Recognized industry leadership within grain science, baking science, cereal chemistry, or ingredient innovation organizations
• Comfort stretching outside of current expertise with technical curiosity, strong critical thinking skills and a passion for food science and learning
• Global Experience: consumer packaged goods companies, ingredient suppliers, flavor & fragrance suppliers

Physical requirements and working conditions (with or without reasonable accommodation) CONDITIONS (WITH OR WITHOUT REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION):

• Lifting/Carrying: Capable of carrying items up to 50 lbs.
• Capable of conducting work at company facility, third party pilot plants, with potential visits to manufacturing facilities (company owned, third party)
• Ability to stand for extended periods during testing and product evaluations
• Ability to work with and consume wheat-based products; no wheat/gluten sensitivity, intolerance, or allergy
• Position requires regular work in laboratory and pilot plant environments where all major food allergens may be present, including but not limited to wheat, milk, eggs, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, fish, and shellfish
• Must be able to safely work in and around products and ingredients containing food allergens
• This is a full-time, in-office position requiring on-site attendance five days per week
• Travel: 20-30%

Location

Denver CO

Address

1875 Lawrence Street, Denver CO, 80202

Employment Type

Full time

Competitive Compensation

We provide market-driven base pay, based on skills, abilities, and level of experiences. Our salary ranges are broad, and individual salary will be market competitive based on a candidate’s unique set of skills and level of experience. The starting range for this position is $145,000.00 – $170,000.00, with additional earning potential possible commensurate with experience. Additionally, we believe that our team members are the reason for our success and all team members are incentive eligible with a target based on contribution, company performance, and individual results achieved. While the specific bonus plan and target amount will be determined based on the role and breadth of contributions, the targeted bonus plan and targeted percentage amount for this role is Bonus – MIP, 15% Annual.

Benefits

At Ardent Mills we offer a wide range of benefits to our team members and their eligible family members. Some of our great benefit programs you may be eligible for include:

• 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).

Application Deadline

09/21/2026

09/21/2026

EEO Commitment

At Ardent Mills, everyone matters and everyone has a voice. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal opportunities are available to all applicants and team members and the decisions will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, veteran status, age, political affiliation, or any other non-merit characteristic protected by law or not. Together, celebrating our differences, we make Ardent Mills. The preceding position description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this position. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees in this position. The description, duties, functions, and responsibilities are subject to change at the discretion of Ardent Mills.

En Ardent Mills, todos importan y todos tienen voz. Estamos comprometidos a brindar un ambiente de respeto mutuo donde haya igualdad de oportunidades disponibles para todos los solicitantes y miembros del equipo y las decisiones se basarán en el mérito, la competencia, el desempeño y las necesidades comerciales. Estamos orgullosos de ser un empleador que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades. No discriminamos por motivos de raza, color, religión, credo, origen nacional, ascendencia, estado civil, sexo, orientación sexual, identidad o expresión de género, discapacidad física o mental, embarazo, información genética, condición de veterano, edad, política. afiliación, o cualquier otra característica no meritoria protegida por ley o no. Juntos, celebrando nuestras diferencias, formamos Ardent Mills. La descripción del puesto anterior ha sido diseñada para indicar la naturaleza general y los deberes y responsabilidades esenciales del trabajo realizado por los empleados dentro de este puesto. Es posible que no contenga un inventario completo de todos los deberes, responsabilidades y calificaciones requeridas de los empleados en este puesto. La descripción, los deberes, las funciones y las responsabilidades están sujetos a cambios a discreción de Ardent Mills.