Research and Development Baker

Job Details

Job Location
: OKC - Headquarters - OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73127

Position Type
:
Full Time

Education Level
:
Not Specified

Travel Percentage
:
None

The Research & Development Baker is responsible for developing, testing, and improving bakery products for large-scale manufacturing. This role blends hands‑on baking expertise with food science, process optimization, and cross‑functional collaboration to create high‑quality, consistent, and scalable baked goods. The R&D Baker supports innovation, product renovation, cost optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives from bench‑top through commercial production.

• Develop new bakery products and improve existing formulas to meet quality, cost, shelf‑life, and scalability requirements
• Conduct bench, pilot, and plant trials to validate formulations and processes
• Scale recipes from kitchen to commercial production while maintaining product integrity
• Evaluate ingredients, suppliers, and alternative formulations for functionality, quality, and cost efficiency
• Collaborate with Operations, Quality Assurance, Procurement, and Marketing teams during product development and commercialization
• Troubleshoot production issues related to dough handling, baking performance, texture, flavor, and appearance
• Document formulas, procedures, specifications, and trial results accurately and clearly
• Support shelf‑life studies, sensory evaluations, and product testing
• Stay current with baking trends, ingredients, processing technologies, and regulatory requirements
• Ensure compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory standards (e.g., GMPs, HACCP)

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Baking & Pastry Arts, Food Science, or a related field (or equivalent industry experience)
• 3+ years of professional baking experience, preferably in a manufacturing or R&D environment
• Strong understanding of bakery ingredients, dough systems, and baking processes
• Experience scaling formulations for commercial production
• Familiarity with food safety and quality systems
• Strong problem‑solving, analytical, and organizational skills
• Ability to work hands‑on in a test kitchen and production environment
• Effective communication and documentation skills

• Experience with frozen, par‑baked, or extended shelf‑life bakery products
• Knowledge of process controls and manufacturing equipment
• Sensory evaluation or product testing experience
• Experience working in cross‑functional product development teams