Sr. Food Technologist, R&D

About the role

We are seeking a Sr. Food Technologist to join our team at our Santa Ana, CA Bakery. As a Sr. Food Technologist, you will be accountable for leading product development and ensuring successful commercialization from concept through full-scale manufacturing, delivering consistent, high-quality products that meet customer expectations.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates a strong passion for food and innovation
• Reads and understands a basic formula
• Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner, gathers and analyzes information skillfully, develops alternative solutions
• Helps ensure a seamless transition and sustainable quality of product from bench top to manufacturing (through line trials) to customer
• Communicates with project managers to accurately maintain data generated in preparation and completion of requested samples
• Adheres to NPD/BRC guidelines/GMPs
• Uses a computer keyboard and monitor more than 25% of total work time
• Regularly required to climb, stand or walk for extended periods of time
• Uses a computer keyboard and monitor more than 25% of total work time
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or related field
• 3–5 years of experience in industrial food development
• Strong English communication skills (verbal and written)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Solid mathematical skills, including fractions and decimals

Qualifications

• Additional culinary education or training
• Experience in culinary or product development environments
• Fluency in Spanish
• Experience working on line trials or customer-facing innovation sessions
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and professional development

SkillsAbility to read and understand a basic formula

Ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner

Ability to communicate with project managers

Ability to adhere to NPD/BRC guidelines/GMPs

Ability to use a computer keyboard and monitor

Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds

Benefits

• 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 – A competitive 401(k) with immediate company match, 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.

Pay

Salary Range: $83,000 – $110,000

Schedule

Regularly required to climb, stand or walk for extended periods of time