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Cheese Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Great Lakes Cheese

Lead Cheese Technologist

Hiram, OH

$69K - $93K/yr

Job Overview The Lead Cheese Technologist is a technical leader responsible for advancing cheese ... Conducts research utilizing scientific and sound experimental methodology, while expanding and ...

Great Lakes Cheese

Lead Cheese Technologist

Hiram, OH · On-site

$69K - $93K/yr

Job Overview The Lead Cheese Technologist is a technical leader responsible for advancing cheese ... Conducts research utilizing scientific and sound experimental methodology, while expanding and ...

Schreiber Foods

Principal Scientist

Green Bay, WI · On-site

Science We are seeking an innovative and strategic Principal Scientist to drive the development of ... cheese, process cheese, cream cheese, yogurt, & other products). Leverages strong financial ...

SAVENCIA

Industrial Director - Cheese

New Holland, PA · On-site

... cheese and dairy industry. Responsibilities Operational Leadership: * Direct and oversee all ... Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, Food Science, or a related field. An ...

Savencia

Industrial Director - Cheese

New Holland, PA · On-site

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, Food Science, or a related field. An ... cheese and dairy industry. Skills: * Proven track record of managing large-scale manufacturing ...

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Cheese Scientist information

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$91K

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How much do cheese scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for cheese scientist in the United States is $90,961.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $100,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest salary for food scientists?

The highest salaries for food scientists, including cheese scientists, can exceed $100,000 annually, especially for those with advanced degrees, extensive experience, or leadership roles in the industry. Senior food scientists working in large companies or specialized research may earn higher compensation, often supplemented with bonuses and benefits.

Is cheese taster a job?

A cheese taster is a professional role that involves evaluating the flavor, texture, and quality of cheese samples. This job often requires a refined palate, sensory skills, and knowledge of cheese varieties, and may be part of quality control or product development in the dairy industry.

What is a Cheese Scientist job?

A Cheese Scientist, also known as a Dairy Scientist or Cheese Technologist, studies and improves cheese production, quality, and safety. They work with ingredients, microbial cultures, and aging processes to develop new cheese varieties and enhance existing ones. Cheese Scientists often collaborate with dairy producers, conduct laboratory experiments, and ensure regulatory compliance. Their role combines food science, microbiology, and chemistry to produce high-quality cheese products.

How much does a fermentation scientist make?

A fermentation scientist typically earns between $60,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. They often work in laboratories or production facilities, utilizing skills in microbiology and bioprocessing to develop fermentation processes.

Do you need a PhD to be a Food Scientist?

A PhD is not required to become a Cheese Scientist or Food Scientist, as many roles are accessible with a bachelor's or master's degree in food science, microbiology, or related fields. Advanced positions or research roles may prefer or require a PhD, along with laboratory skills and industry experience.

What types of projects or research might a Cheese Scientist work on as part of their daily responsibilities?

Cheese Scientists are often engaged in a mix of hands-on research and product development projects, such as developing new cheese varieties, improving existing production processes, or enhancing product shelf life and texture. Daily tasks might include designing and conducting experiments, analyzing microbial and chemical properties of cheeses, and collaborating with production teams to troubleshoot issues. Teamwork is common, involving regular interaction with quality assurance specialists, marketing, and regulatory personnel. These responsibilities give Cheese Scientists unique opportunities for innovation while contributing directly to the success of the business and the satisfaction of customers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Cheese Scientist position, and why are they important?

A Cheese Scientist requires a strong background in food science, microbiology, and dairy technology, usually with at least a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. Technical expertise with laboratory equipment, microbial analysis systems, and familiarity with quality control and safety certifications like HACCP are typically necessary. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective teamwork and communication skills help Cheese Scientists excel in collaborative and innovative environments. These abilities ensure that cheese products are consistently high quality, safe, and meet evolving industry and consumer standards.

More about Cheese Scientist jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Cheese Scientist jobs? The most popular types of Cheese Scientist jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Cheese Scientist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cheese Scientist jobs are:
Cheese Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cheese Scientist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $90,961 per year, or $43.7 per hour.
Director, Disruptive Innovation (Cheese)

Director, Disruptive Innovation (Cheese)

Leprino Foods Company

Denver, CO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Leprino Foods rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 395 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Within our Corporate Cheese Research and Innovation team located in Denver, Leprino is seeking a Director, Disruptive Innovation to help shape the future of dairy manufacturing science and technology. This role leads the development of innovation strategies and technical solutions that create long-term competitive advantages across our cheese business, with a focus on reducing manufacturing costs, improving ingredient functionality, advancing process performance, and expanding the capabilities of large-scale dairy production systems. You'll work alongside a highly technical team with deep expertise across cheese science, manufacturing, and process technology while helping identify, evaluate, and develop new ideas that challenge traditional industry methods. The role partners closely with engineering, operations, technical services, and R&D teams to move innovative concepts into practical manufacturing solutions. The strongest candidates will combine technical depth with strategic leadership and bring experience building innovation roadmaps that create measurable value for the organization.
At Leprino, starting compensation for this role typically ranges between $200,000 and $238,000. This position has an annual target bonus of 25%.
What You'll Do:
  • Build and advance new cheese manufacturing technologies that create long-term structural advantages in cost, throughput, ingredients, process capability, and capacity planning.
  • Research and evaluate emerging dairy processing methods, equipment, ingredients, and manufacturing approaches that are new to Leprino or entirely new to the industry.
  • Develop and guide short- and long-term innovation strategies that support large-scale mozzarella and cheese manufacturing across a global production network.
  • Partner closely with operations, technical services, food safety, engineering, and R&D teams to move innovative concepts from early-stage evaluation into plant application.
  • Guide technical innovation initiatives tied to manufacturing efficiency, process performance, product functionality, and operational reliability.
  • Coordinate external partnerships with universities, research centers, equipment manufacturers, startups, and technical innovators across the dairy industry.
  • Support intellectual property development, open-source innovation reviews, and technical assessments tied to future manufacturing capabilities.
  • Lead cross-functional project teams focused on solving difficult manufacturing and processing challenges. This role is centered on manufacturing innovation and process technology, not consumer product commercialization!
  • Review technical risks tied to regulatory requirements, food safety standards, and operational feasibility during innovation development activities.
  • Help shape long-range innovation priorities for Leprino's cheese business through technical research, plant collaboration, industry engagement, and strategic planning.
  • Mentor scientists and technical professionals while building strong collaborative relationships across global teams.
  • Travel domestically and internationally to manufacturing facilities, technical partners, and innovation centers to evaluate emerging technologies and strengthen industry partnerships!

You Have At Least (Required Qualifications):
  • A Master's degree in Dairy Science, Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Microbiology, Chemistry, or another closely related technical field.
  • 12 years of senior-level technical experience within a large food or manufacturing organization supporting process technology, manufacturing innovation, product functionality, or technical operations.
  • Experience developing short- and long-term innovation strategies that create measurable organizational value.
  • Proven experience developing and implementing innovative strategies that deliver increased value to an organization.
  • Experience leading technical innovation initiatives that involve cross-functional coordination across operations, engineering, quality, R&D, or manufacturing leadership teams.
  • Knowledge of dairy chemistry, dairy proteins, dairy carbohydrates, cheese manufacturing systems, process improvement methods, and food safety standards.
  • Experience evaluating or implementing new manufacturing technologies, ingredients, processing systems, or production methodologies.
  • Experience with StageGate and project management principles.
  • A willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally up to approximately 40% of the time.

We Hope You Also Have (Preferred Qualifications):
  • A Ph.D. in Dairy Science, Dairy Chemistry, Food Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • 15 years of technical leadership experience within a large-scale global dairy or food manufacturing organization.
  • Experience supporting dairy or cheese manufacturing environments with a business-to-business product focus.
  • Experience working with intellectual property strategy, external research partnerships, or technical innovation programs tied to food manufacturing.
  • Experience supporting international operations, acquisition integrations, or multi-region manufacturing environments.

At Leprino, we believe in equal employment opportunity and make employment decisions based on each individual's unique talents, experience, skills, and knowledge; we do not discriminate on the basis of any personal characteristics. We know we are better together and are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive culture in which all employees can thrive.
Offering You In Return:
A chance to be part of a global team of individuals passionate about producing and delivering high-quality products that help feed and nourish families around the world. Leprino could not be where it is today without our incredible employees. That is why we share in our success together by rewarding you for your hard work. Hiring great people who are in it for the long run is our goal. Through competitive salaries and bonuses, life, medical/dental/vision coverage, voluntary benefits, employee assistance programs, wellness incentives, tuition assistance, vacation, ten paid holidays, sick time, paid parental leave, annual merit increases, as well as the LFC Profit-Sharing & 401(k) plan. Your impact will be noticed and rewarded, as you seek to further our company, our customers, and one another.
Our Story:
Leprino's history dates back to the 1950s, when Jim Leprino first started making small batches of mozzarella for local markets and eateries in the Little Italy neighborhood of Denver. We've grown a bit since then. Today, Leprino is the world's largest manufacturer of mozzarella and lactose, and a leading producer of whey protein. Still owned by Jim and the Leprino family, our sights are set to be the "World's Best Dairy Food and Ingredient Company." From a small corner grocery store we have grown to over 5,500 employees throughout the globe. Will you join us on our journey?
Leprino uses Psychemedics for a 90-day hair follicle drug test as a pre-employment screening tool and also participates in E-Verify. Some positions at the Denver corporate office may require Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) based on role and location.

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