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Bakery Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... bakery science, and bringing new pizza products to life? Join Palermo's and help shape the future of frozen pizza through hands-on product development, commercialization, and continuous improvement ...

Pizza Food Scientist

Milwaukee, WI ยท On-site

$77K - $90K/yr

... bakery science, and bringing new pizza products to life? Join Palermo's and help shape the future of frozen pizza through hands-on product development, commercialization, and continuous improvement ...

... bakery science, and bringing new pizza products to life? Join Palermo's and help shape the future of frozen pizza through hands-on product development, commercialization, and continuous improvement ...

R&D Food Scientist

Paterson, NJ ยท On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in bakery science, ingredient functionality, product development, and process optimization within the food manufacturing or CPG industry.

R&D Food Scientist

Paterson, NJ ยท On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in bakery science, ingredient functionality, product development, and process optimization within the food manufacturing or CPG industry.

R&D Food Scientist

Paterson, NJ ยท On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in bakery science, ingredient functionality, product development, and process optimization within the food manufacturing or CPG industry.

R&D Food Scientist

Paterson, NJ ยท On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in bakery science, ingredient functionality, product development, and process optimization within the food manufacturing or CPG industry.

R&D Food Scientist

Paterson, NJ ยท On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in bakery science, ingredient functionality, product development, and process optimization within the food manufacturing or CPG industry.

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Bakery Science information

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How much do bakery science jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for bakery science in the United States is $14.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.26 and $16.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What kind of job can I get with a food science degree?

A food science degree can lead to careers such as bakery scientist, food technologist, quality assurance manager, or product development specialist. These roles involve developing, testing, and improving baked goods and food products, often requiring knowledge of food safety, ingredients, and processing techniques.

What jobs can you get with a baking degree?

A baking degree can lead to jobs such as pastry chef, bakery manager, or production baker. These roles typically require knowledge of baking techniques, food safety, and often involve working in commercial kitchens or bakeries with standard equipment. Certifications like ServSafe may enhance job prospects.

What is the difference between Bakery Science vs Bakery Technician?

AspectBakery ScienceBakery Technician
CredentialsDegree in Food Science, Baking Science, or related fieldTechnical training or certification in bakery equipment and processes
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, product development, quality controlBakery production floors, equipment operation
Industry UsageProduct innovation, quality assurance, researchProduction, troubleshooting, equipment maintenance

Bakery Science focuses on research, product development, and quality assurance within the bakery industry, often requiring a degree in food science. Bakery Technicians typically work hands-on in bakery production, operating equipment and maintaining processes. While both roles are essential in the bakery industry, Bakery Science emphasizes innovation and research, whereas Bakery Technicians focus on daily production and technical support.

What is a bakery scientist?

A bakery scientist is a professional who researches and develops baked goods, focusing on improving ingredients, processes, and product quality. They often work in food laboratories, applying knowledge of food science, chemistry, and microbiology to create new recipes or enhance existing products, and may use tools like sensory evaluation and laboratory equipment.

How is science involved in baking?

Bakery science involves understanding the chemical and physical processes that occur during baking, such as gluten development, fermentation, and heat transfer. Bakery scientists and bakers use this knowledge to improve recipes, ensure product consistency, and develop new baked goods, often utilizing tools like microscopes and laboratory testing. A strong foundation in chemistry and food science is essential for this role.

What is bakery science?

Bakery science is the study of the principles and processes involved in the production of baked goods such as bread, cakes, pastries, and cookies. It combines knowledge from food science, chemistry, biology, and engineering to improve the quality, safety, and efficiency of bakery products. Professionals in bakery science work on ingredient functionality, product development, quality control, and troubleshooting baking issues. This field is essential for both artisanal and industrial-scale baking operations.

What are some common challenges faced in a Bakery Science role, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Bakery Science often encounter challenges like maintaining product consistency, troubleshooting ingredient variations, and adapting recipes for large-scale production. Addressing these issues typically involves close collaboration with quality assurance teams, ongoing product testing, and keeping up to date with the latest advancements in baking technology and ingredient sourcing. Strong analytical skills and clear communication with production staff are key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring high-quality, safe baked goods.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Bakery Science, and why are they important?

To excel in Bakery Science, a strong background in food science, baking technology, and chemistry is essential, often supported by a degree in bakery or food science. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, quality control systems, and certifications like HACCP or SQF is commonly required. Attention to detail, creativity, and effective problem-solving are valuable soft skills in this role. These qualifications ensure the development of safe, high-quality baked products and innovation in a competitive food industry.
More about Bakery Science jobs
What cities are hiring for Bakery Science jobs? Cities with the most Bakery Science job openings:
What states have the most Bakery Science jobs? States with the most job openings for Bakery Science jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Bakery Science jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Bakery Science jobs are:
Infographic showing various Bakery Science job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $30,591 per year, or $14.7 per hour.
Director of Bakery Science & Innovation

Director of Bakery Science & Innovation

Dawn Foods

Louisville, KY โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Dawn Foods is a global leader in bakery manufacturing and ingredients distribution. As the partner of choice for inspiring bakery success, we help customers grow their business through meaningful partnerships, research-driven insights and innovations, and products and expertise they can depend on. As a family-owned company, our commitments to our people, products, customers, and corporate values, are all part of our recipe for success.
Why work for Dawn Foods?
PEOPLE. PRODUCTS. CUSTOMERS.
Why should you apply? We invest in you!
  • Industry-leading health insurance on Day 1!
  • Competitive Pay
  • 401(K) + company match
  • 10 Paid Company Holidays
  • Paid Time Off
  • Professional training
  • Family-owned business over 100 years in service
  • An opportunity for career advancement, working as part of an empowering workforce

Job Purpose and Overview
This position is responsible for coordinating the development and implementation of key Bakery Science and Packaging Engineering activities within Dawn Foods as well as the execution of long-term Regional Innovation. In addition, this role will be expected to coordinate with the Global Innovation team to ensure that North America is participating in the right Global Innovation projects as well as aware of what innovations are being worked in the other regions (Europe and LATAM) and create prioritization for what can be leveraged back to NA.
This role is expected to help transform Dawn's understanding of the science of baking, ingredient science, processing capabilities, as well as the interaction between ingredients and equipment. This should be focused on creating value through this scientific understanding, allowing us to create a competitive advantage in the market. This position is also responsible for the supervision and development of several food scientists and packaging engineers.
This is a hybrid position based in either Jackson, Michigan or Louisville, Kentucky, with up to 20% travel required. Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates based on business needs and eligibility.
What You'll Do as a Director of Bakery Science and Innovation at Dawn Foods?
  • Leads the long-term product and packaging innovation process for Dawn North America.
  • Develop new methods and tools to enhance and integrate emerging technologies into new and existing products creating meaningful differentiation in the market.
  • Proven leadership, communication, and diplomacy skills necessary to effect evolutionary change in Dawn.
  • Developed people leader who motivates teams and individuals.
  • Solid business acumen to be able to translate technology possibilities into opportunities for Dawn.
  • Creates and maintains methods for establishing project priorities, defining metrics, and tracking project progress.
  • Maintains and evaluates a comprehensive list of innovation opportunities and technology advancements.
  • Provides guidance and support for team members' development including individual development plans and performance reviews.
  • Creates accountability around solid scientific processes with the ability to teach these to other functions.
  • Ability to enhance the Science of Baking at Dawn and scientific understanding of our ingredients and processes.
  • Ability to work cross-functionally to aid in a variety of projects (quality issues, capital execution, supply chain constraints, cost reduction opportunities) using solid scientific understanding and processes to allow for non-obvious solutions.
  • Ability to understand and leverage the interaction between our capital equipment, manufacturing processes, and ingredients to control finished product outputs, quality, and performance.
  • Understand and promote the philosophies and policies of Dawn Food Products, Inc. supporting the Circle of Excellence.
  • Other duties or assignments as needed.

What Does It Take to be a Director of Bakery Science and Innovation at Dawn Foods?
Below are the minimum qualifications to be a fit for this job.
  • A bachelor's degree in food science, Material Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or similar disciplines and 8+ years of relevant experience

-or-
  • Master's degree in food science, Material Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or similar disciplines and 6+ years of relevant experience

-or-
  • PhD in Food Science, Material Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or similar disciplines and 4+ years of relevant experience.
  • Proven track record with a minimum of 2 years in people management (developing, coaching, mentoring, directing) and budget management.
  • Experience with using a full range of statistical and analytical tools and fundamentals.
  • Ability to be self-directed, forward-thinking, and make complex decisions that drive business performance.
  • The ability to leverage external networks to build a pipeline of emerging technologies.
  • High level of business acumen to understand which technologies apply to Dawn and how to create meaningful value through these technologies.
  • Demonstratable ability in sound scientific processes
  • Experience in Processing R&D and the interaction between ingredients and processing technology and its impact on finished goods performance.
  • Experience in ingredient technology and/or processing is desired.
  • Working in B2B, CPG, or other food background desired.

Physical Demands & Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
  • The normal setting for this job is an office environment or work-from-home office with up to 20% travel.
  • Ability to work at a computer for extended periods (up to 8 hours per day).
  • Required to use motor coordination with arm, hand, finger, and leg dexterity.
  • Ability to participate in virtual meetings and in-person collaboration as needed.

Note: The level of physical effort may vary from site to site and in some cases be greater or lesser than documented here
If this sounds like the opportunity that you have been looking for, please click "Apply."
About Our Benefits
Dawn is proud to employ the top talent in the baking industry, and we reward our people with comprehensive health and well-being coverage, competitive compensation packages, and award-winning benefit offerings. We also help protect your future financial health with a generous 401(k) matching program that provides additional retirement funds and many tools and resources on financial wellness. Dawn encourages professional growth through tuition assistance and educational programs, and we are always searching for ways to improve our industry-leading services and benefits.
Compensation:Base Salary $124,750 - $212,070 with bonus potential#LI-CJ1 #Hybrid
An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender expression, citizenship status, military or veteran status, genetic information or any other status or condition that is protected by applicable law.
Requisition ID: 38133
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, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
Date: Jul 8, 2026
If you need accommodation for any part of the employment process because of a disability, please send an email to careers@dawnfoods.com.