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Candy Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Controls Engineer

Itasca, IL

$81.23K - $113.72K/yr

As a Controls Engineer, you'll play a key role in shaping the automation and technology that power our candy production. You'll design, maintain, and optimize control systems that keep our equipment ...

As a Controls Engineer, reporting to the Maintenance Manager, you'll play a key role in shaping the automation and technology that power our candy production. You'll design, maintain, and optimize ...

We're currently seeking a passionate and enthusiastic Process Engineer to join our growing team ... Modest monthly candy allotment (Airheads, Airheads Xtremes, and Mentos) Perfetti Van Melle, USA is ...

Product Manager (NetSuite)

Westbury, NY · On-site

$125K - $195K/yr

About Nassau Candy Nassau Candy is a premier manufacturer, importer, and distributor of specialty ... Work closely with: * Internal IT and engineering teams * External NetSuite implementation partners

... engineering * Lead packaging and equipment line trials; serve as the single point of contact and ... Modest monthly candy allotment (Airheads, Airheads Xtremes, and Mentos) Perfetti Van Melle, USA is ...

Seasonal Data Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$134.90K - $162K/yr

See's Candies is a leader in the confectionery industry, known for its high-quality candy and superior customer service. The Data Engineering - Data & Analytics (Contractor) will support the ...

Controls Engineer

Fairfield, CA · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

As a Controls Engineer, reporting to the Maintenance Manager, you'll play a key role in shaping the automation and technology that power our candy production. You'll design, maintain, and optimize ...

Controls Engineer

Itasca, IL · On-site

$81.23K - $113.72K/yr

As a Controls Engineer, you'll play a key role in shaping the automation and technology that power our candy production. You'll design, maintain, and optimize control systems that keep our equipment ...

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Candy Engineer information

See salary details

$16.5K

$68K

$159.5K

How much do candy engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for candy engineer in the United States is $67,951.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27,000.00 and $101,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Candy Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Candy Engineer, you need a strong background in food science, chemistry, and process engineering, typically supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with confectionery manufacturing equipment, quality control systems, and food safety certifications like HACCP is important. Creativity, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills help you innovate and maintain product consistency. These abilities are crucial for developing high-quality, safe, and appealing confections in a competitive market.

What are some common challenges faced by Candy Engineers in the product development process?

Candy Engineers often encounter challenges related to balancing taste, texture, and shelf stability while also considering large-scale manufacturing constraints. Ensuring that new recipes can be efficiently produced in bulk without compromising quality is a frequent hurdle. Additionally, complying with food safety regulations and adapting formulations to accommodate dietary trends (like sugar-free or allergen-free products) require innovative problem-solving skills. Working closely with food scientists, quality assurance teams, and production specialists is essential to address these challenges effectively.

What are Candy Engineers?

Candy Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and test new types of candies and confections. They use their knowledge of food science, chemistry, and engineering to create innovative sweets with appealing flavors, textures, and appearances. Candy Engineers also work to improve manufacturing processes, ensure product safety, and may be involved in quality control to meet regulatory standards. Their work can involve both hands-on experimentation and collaboration with research and development teams in the food industry.

What is the difference between Candy Engineer vs Confectionery Technologist?

AspectCandy EngineerConfectionery Technologist
CredentialsBachelor's in Food Science or Chemical EngineeringBachelor's in Food Science or Chemistry
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, R&D labsProduct development, quality control labs
Industry UsageFood manufacturing companies, candy producersConfectionery companies, R&D departments
Job FocusDesigning and optimizing candy production processesDeveloping new confectionery products and recipes

While both Candy Engineers and Confectionery Technologists work in the candy industry, Candy Engineers primarily focus on process design and manufacturing efficiency, whereas Confectionery Technologists concentrate on product development and recipe innovation. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often collaborate in the candy production process.

More about Candy Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Candy Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Candy Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Candy Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Candy Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Candy Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,951 per year, or $32.7 per hour.
Controls Engineer

$81.23K - $113.72K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Ferrara Candy rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

92nd of 378 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Work Location: Itasca

Itasca, IL

Due to the highly interactive nature of this manufacturing position, in-person attendance and flexibility are essential for supporting production schedules, effective communication and collaboration, real-time problem solving, and participation in cross-functional initiatives. Schedules may vary and are subject to change.

Want to make an impact?

As a Controls Engineer, you'll play a key role in shaping the automation and technology that power our candy production. You'll design, maintain, and optimize control systems that keep our equipment running efficiently, reliably, and safely helping us deliver consistently high-quality products. Working closely with maintenance, engineering, and production teams, you'll troubleshoot complex systems, implement innovative solutions, and drive continuous improvement across the plant.

Ways you will make a difference
  • Designs, develops and supervises all aspects of electrical control systems, equipment and machinery.
  • Manages the installation and support of PLC based hardware and software.
  • Plans and manages new or modifies existing installations to minimize waste of materials, improve quality and reduce downtime.
  • Identifies and resolves malfunctioning of equipment or systems provides technical support and guidance to maintenance and production team members.
  • Programming Logic Controllers (PLCs) (e.g. Allen-Bradley, Siemens). Dealing with RSLogix 5000, RSLogix 500, FactoryTalk Studio, and Rslinx on regular basis. Hands on PLC controls system knowledge, PLC programming, instrument programming and integration. 
  • Configuring and designing HMI/OIT systems (e.g. Allen Bradley, Siemens, Wonderware, etc.). Program HMI and PLC ladder logic and integrate discrete/analog devices.
  • Familiar with Industry Standards UL and CE
  • Familiar with Vision Systems (e.g. Eagle Vision, Keyence)
  • Familiar with various Motion Controllers/Actuators (e.g. Yasakawa, ABB, Kinetix)
  • Familiarity with RS232 and RS485 protocol, Profibus DP/PA protocols, Variable Frequency Drive systems, Motor Control Centers, Analog and Digital signals, Low to Medium power distribution systems.
  • Experience and skill in troubleshooting control system issues. Provide hands-on on-site support to trouble shoot existing installations, PLCs, HMIs, Instruments and VFD issues.
  • Read and understand electrical schematics, ladder logic programs, process flow diagram and process and instrumentation diagrams.
Skills that will make you successful
  • Ability to walk and/or stand for prolonged periods; ability to bend, stoop and reach.
  • This position requires knowledge and awareness of manufacturing and industrial sites.
  • Protective gear will be required where appropriate. 
  • Position requires ability to work varying start times and weekends dependent on business needs. 
Experiences that will support your success
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering, Engineering or Business
  • 3 to 5 years of process industry related experience with automation control, PLC Ladder Logic programming, HMI design and configure.
What We Offer

At Ferrara, we're proud to support our employees by providing comprehensive benefits such as health insurance, dental insurance, a 401(k), and paid time off (PTO).  Eligible employees may also receive an annual bonus based on company performance. Learn more about our benefits at https://flimp.live/Ferrara-Candy-2025-OE-QR

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $81,225 - $113,715 annually.


What Ferrara Candy employees say

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