Job Description

Food Scientist (Bakery Scientist)
R&D | Product Development 
Fulltime
Milwaukee, WI

Are you a seasoned bakery professional   with a passion for food science and the technical know-how to back it up? Do you have hands-on experience developing baked goods—especially pizza crusts—and thrive on taking products from concept through commercialization?

Palermo’s is seeking a Bakery Scientist to lead the charge in developing innovative, best-in-class crusts that deliver on taste, texture, and performance at scale. If you're looking to apply your deep bakery expertise in a high-growth, consumer-focused environment, this role is for you. Join our collaborative R&D team where your skills will make a tangible impact on millions of pizzas enjoyed across the country.

Perks…

• 20 free pizzas per month
• Comprehensive benefits including 401(k) & Roth with company match—starting the 1st of the month after hire
• Paid Time Off and a Floating Holiday of your choice
• Opportunities for training, career advancement, and professional development
• ‍ Work with cutting-edge bakery science tools and a state-of-the-art R&D kitchen

Where You’ll Work…

This position works closely with our internal bakeries and select external suppliers, with access to our onsite pilot plant and bakery lab at our Milwaukee HQ. You’ll also be part of a high-energy team that thrives on pushing boundaries and reimagining what pizza can be.

What You’ll Do…

• Design and develop new pizza crust and bakery-style products from concept to commercialization.
• Apply bakery science and engineering principles to test ingredients, optimize processes, and scale up products for manufacturing.
• Partner with cross-functional teams in R&D, marketing, operations, quality, and sales to bring innovations to life.
• Conduct hands-on testing in the bakery pilot plant and support full-scale production runs.
• Lead cost optimization projects while maintaining high quality and taste standards.
• Provide technical support for sales presentations, customer visits, trade shows, and PR events.
• Stay ahead of bakery trends and contribute to innovation strategy.
• Maintain technical documentation, raw material specs, and process specifications.

What You Bring…

• Bachelor's degree in Bakery Science, Food Science, Culinary Arts, Chemistry, Biology, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of experience developing products in the food industry—especially within baked goods or pizza dough.
• Strong problem-solving skills and scientific rigor, with the ability to innovate and adapt to unforeseen technical challenges.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills—able to collaborate and influence across departments.
• Experience with cost of goods (COG) analysis, BOM creation, and ingredient specifications.
• Confidence presenting to internal stakeholders, customers, and leadership teams.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office; familiarity with ERP systems is a plus.
• Ability to travel occasionally for supplier visits or commercialization support.

Why You’ll Succeed…

• You’re naturally curious and love working with your hands.
• You’re a data-driven thinker who thrives in a lab or bakery environment.
• You balance creativity with structure and precision.
• You bring energy to your work and enjoy seeing products go from the bench to the shelf.
• You’re a team player who believes in collaboration and continuous learning.

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