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Food Science Jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO (NOW HIRING)

Ready Foods

Commercialization Manager

Denver, CO · On-site

$54.82 - $90.45/hr

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Engineering, Supply Chain, Business or related field (MBA preferred) * 5-8 years of experience in commercialization, project management, or operations within food ...

GREENFIELD MILLING

Director of R&D

Denver, CO · On-site

Bachelor's degree in microbiology, Biotechnology, food science, biology, or a related field, plus 2-3 years of relevant experience. * Relevant industry experience R&D, and commercialization of food ...

Greenfield Milling

Director of R&D

Denver, CO · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Bachelor's degree in microbiology, Biotechnology, food science, biology, or a related field, plus 2-3 years of relevant experience. * Relevant industry experience R&D, and commercialization of food ...

Greenfield Milling

Director of R&D

Denver, CO

$100K - $125K/yr

Bachelor's degree in microbiology, Biotechnology, food science, biology, or a related field, plus 2-3 years of relevant experience. * Relevant industry experience R&D, and commercialization of food ...

Greenfield Milling

Director of R&D

Denver, CO

$100K - $125K/yr

Bachelors degree in microbiology, Biotechnology, food science, biology, or a related field, plus 23 years of relevant experience. * Relevant industry experience R&D, and commercialization of food or ...

Greenfield Milling

Director of R&D (Denver)

Denver, CO

$100K - $125K/yr

Bachelor's degree in microbiology, Biotechnology, food science, biology, or a related field, plus 2-3 years of relevant experience. * Relevant industry experience R&D, and commercialization of food ...

Izzio Artisan Bakery LLC

Quality Engineer

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Bachelor's degree in food science, food engineering, microbiology, chemical engineering, or related field * 2+ years of experience in food manufacturing quality or food safety * Experience managing ...

Izzio Artisan Bakery

Quality Engineer

Thornton, CO · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Bachelor's degree in food science, food engineering, microbiology, chemical engineering, or related field * 2+ years of experience in food manufacturing quality or food safety * Experience managing ...

Izzio Artisan Bakery LLC

Quality Engineer

Thornton, CO · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Bachelor's degree in food science, food engineering, microbiology, chemical engineering, or related field * 2+ years of experience in food manufacturing quality or food safety * Experience managing ...

InnovAge

Dietitian

Denver, CO · On-site

$31.01 - $46.54/hr

Bachelor's degree in food science, nutrition, and/or dietetics from an accredited college/university is required. * Current medical terminology and the ability to complete written assessments and ...

InnovAge

Dietitian

Denver, CO

$31.01 - $46.54/hr

Bachelor's degree in food science, nutrition, and/or dietetics from an accredited college/university is required. * Current medical terminology and the ability to complete written assessments and ...

Albertsons

Quality Assurance Coordinator

Denver, CO · On-site

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Microbiology, or a related discipline. * 1-3 years of progressive experience in quality assurance, food safety, or laboratory roles within dairy ...

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Food Science information

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How much do food science jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for food science in Highlands Ranch, CO is $23.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $29.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food science?

A Food Science job involves applying biology, chemistry, and engineering principles to develop and improve food products, ensure safety, and enhance nutritional value. Professionals in this field work in research, quality control, product development, and regulatory compliance. They collaborate with food manufacturers, government agencies, and research institutions to innovate food processing techniques and maintain industry standards.

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

To thrive in Food Science, you need a solid background in chemistry, microbiology, and food processing, often supported by a degree in food science or a related field. Experience with laboratory equipment, food safety standards (like HACCP), and quality control systems is typically essential. Strong analytical thinking, teamwork, and effective communication skills help professionals excel in this role. These abilities are critical to ensuring product quality, safety, and innovation in the food industry.

What does a food science do?

A Food Science professional's daily tasks can include developing new food products, conducting laboratory tests for quality and safety, analyzing ingredient properties, and ensuring compliance with food regulations. Professionals often collaborate closely with production teams, quality assurance departments, and research & development groups to optimize processes and resolve technical challenges. Regular responsibilities may also involve documenting findings, presenting research, and staying updated on industry trends and food safety standards. This role is dynamic and offers opportunities to contribute to projects that directly impact consumer health and satisfaction.

Which job is best in food science?

The best job in food science depends on individual interests and skills, but roles such as food scientist, quality assurance manager, or product development scientist are highly regarded. These positions often require knowledge of food safety regulations, laboratory skills, and sometimes advanced degrees or certifications. They typically involve working in laboratories, manufacturing facilities, or research settings to improve food quality and safety.

What can you do with a food science degree?

A food science degree prepares individuals for careers in food product development, quality assurance, food safety, and research. Graduates can work in manufacturing, regulatory agencies, or research laboratories, often utilizing skills in chemistry, microbiology, and food processing techniques.

Is a food science degree worth it?

A food science degree prepares individuals for careers in food product development, quality assurance, and safety, often requiring knowledge of chemistry, microbiology, and food processing techniques. It can lead to roles in manufacturing, research, and regulatory agencies, with job prospects influenced by industry demand and certifications. The degree provides a solid foundation for entering the food industry but should be complemented with practical experience or specialized training for better opportunities.
What are popular job titles related to Food Science jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO? For Food Science jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Highlands Ranch, CO are hiring for Food Science jobs? Cities near Highlands Ranch, CO with the most Food Science job openings:
Food Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Science job openings in Highlands Ranch, CO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,307 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Director, Disruptive Innovation (Cheese)

Leprino Foods Company

Denver, CO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Leprino Foods rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

57th of 436 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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