R&D Research and Development Food Technician

Job Title: Bakery Technician Location: Cincinnati, OhioReports to: R&D ManagerSummary: Skilled Bakery Technician for a frozen bakery manufacturer responsible for developing, pilot-batching, and producing high?quality frozen baked goods. This hands?on role requires professional baking experience, strong technical baking skills, and the ability to support product development through formulation, scale-up, and commercial validation.Key Responsibilities:Produce and evaluate bakery product samples from concept through pilot and first commercial.Execute core baking processes: scaling/mixing, dough handling, proofing, baking, glazing/finishing, cooling, and freezing to company specifications.Troubleshoot on bakery equipment to maintain production efficiency.Run internal testing and pilot batches to refine formulations so they meet regulatory, manufacturing, and customer requirements.Create and maintain formulas, product specifications, and sales spec sheets for bakery SKUs.Collaborate with R&D, production, quality, vendors, and customers to optimize recipes, packaging, and manufacturing processes.Support SKU rationalization and cost?savings initiatives by analyzing SOPs and recommending process improvements.Prepare product cuttings, build sample cases, and coordinate shipping of samples for customer and sales requests.Maintain R&D lab and coolers/freezers: organize, rotate, and keep ingredients, samples, and tools clean and stocked.Qualifications:Formal culinary/bakery training, degree in food science, or equivalent professional baking experience.Minimum 3 years? professional baking experience in a commercial bakery or food manufacturing environment preferred.Strong knowledge of baking science, ingredient functionality, and frozen bakery handling.Familiarity with HACCP and SQF systems is a plus.Proficient with MS Office and Genesis; MRP/ERP experience is a plus.Excellent attention to detail, written and oral communication, and project management skills able to manage multiple projects in a fast?paced environment.Team player comfortable coordinating across departments and external partners.Physical / Work Conditions:Able to lift to 50 lbs. and stand/walk for entire shifts.Willingness to work flexible hours, including some early mornings and weekends, to support production testing.Able to work in hot, cold, and frozen environments as needed.What We Offer:Competitive salary and benefits.Opportunities for growth and professional development within a leading frozen bakery manufacturer.