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Candy Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As the Process Expert Engineer, you'll design, implement, and optimize the advanced control systems ... Experience in the design, construction, and operation of sugar candy, chewing gum, snacks, or ...

Continuous Improvement Manager

Erlanger, KY · On-site

$93K - $125K/yr

The Industrial Engineer will provide technical skills in a high velocity warehousing operation ... Modest monthly candy allotment (Airheads, Airheads Xtremes, and Mentos) Perfetti Van Melle, USA is ...

Automation Expert Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$114.45 - $160.23/hr

... iconic candy and chocolate brands such as Carambar, Lutti, Krema, Poulain, Vichy and Terry's. A ... As the Automation Expert Engineer, you'll design, implement, and optimize the advanced control ...

Continuous Improvement Manager

Erlanger, KY · On-site

$93K - $125K/yr

The Industrial Engineer will provide technical skills in a high velocity warehousing operation ... Modest monthly candy allotment (Airheads, Airheads Xtremes, and Mentos) Perfetti Van Melle, USA is ...

... Engineering, or a related field. * 3+ years of confectionery product development experience; 5+ years preferred. * Experience developing products such as gummies, chocolate, licorice, hard candy ...

2nd Shift Machinist

Wyomissing, PA · On-site

$19.25 - $25.50/hr

S. able to make hollow molded chocolate candy products and multicolor chocolate candy novelties ... Skilled in CNC programming and operation. * Strong understanding of materials such as carbon steel ...

2nd Shift Machinist

Wyomissing, PA · On-site

$19.25 - $25.50/hr

S. able to make hollow molded chocolate candy products and multicolor chocolate candy novelties ... Skilled in CNC programming and operation. * Strong understanding of materials such as carbon steel ...

Showing results 41-60

Candy Engineer information

See salary details

$16.5K

$68K

$159.5K

How much do candy engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 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 is a candy engineer?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a candy engineer?

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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,951 per year, or $32.7 per hour.

Process Expert Engineer

Orangeburg, SC • On-site


Ferrara
Manufacturing • 5 - 10K employees

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

109th of 443 rated food and drinks producers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by parents


Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Join us at a defining moment.
We're building the largest food manufacturing facility in our network, a bold investment that will set new standards for scale, technology, and efficiency. This is a rare opportunity to play a critical role to build a site from the ground up, shaping the people strategy, culture, and operations that will power our future.
We're looking for a builder. Someone who thrives in fast-moving, ambiguous environments and brings an entrepreneurial mindset. This role requires agility, curiosity, and a hands-on approach. You'll be solving problems in real time, building processes from scratch, and creating a high-performing, engaged workforce from day one. If you're driven by impact, ownership, and results, this is your chance to leave a lasting mark.
Work Location: Orangeburg
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.
Want to make an impact?
Step into a career-defining role where your expertise will shape the automation backbone of a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility for a global leader in sugar confections. As the Process Expert Engineer, you'll design, implement, and optimize the advanced control systems that power efficiency, reliability, and scalability across our new flagship site. By leading automation strategy from concept through commissioning, you'll help set the standard for innovation and operational excellence in the fast-moving consumer goods industry.
Ways you will make a difference
Process Optimization & Technical Leadership
  • Lead the specification, development, design, and optimization of manufacturing processes for confectionery products, ensuring efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
  • Provide expert guidance on all aspects of process engineering, including raw material handling, mixing, molding, coating, and extruding.
  • Drive process efficiency initiatives that lead to cost savings and sustainable improvements.
  • Identify and troubleshoot process-related issues using root cause analysis techniques to minimize downtime and enhance production stability.
  • Evaluate new processing equipment and technology solutions, working closely with R&D and suppliers to ensure successful implementation.

Project Management & Execution
  • Manage engineering projects from concept through execution, including defining scope, managing budgets, timelines, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
  • Scope and execute workstreams, trials, and process qualifications to validate new equipment and processes in production environments.
  • Ensure process solutions integrate seamlessly into manufacturing facilities without negatively impacting production efficiency (e.g., scrap rates, run rates).
  • Lead and participate in Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs), commissioning, and startup of equipment.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Leadership
  • Work closely with R&D, Quality, Packaging, Supply Chain, Operations, and PMO teams to support technical evaluations, process design, and long-term technology strategy.
  • Coach and train factory operations on process theory of operations.
  • Continuously evaluate new technologies to keep the facility ahead of the curve in performance and sustainability.

Compliance & Continuous Improvement
  • Ensure all manufacturing processes comply with health and safety regulations, food safety standards (HACCP, GMP, ISO), and environmental guidelines.
  • Apply Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to drive continuous improvement, optimize process flows, and reduce waste.
  • Support initiatives related to Food Safety, EHS, and Sustainability, ensuring compliance with industry standards and corporate objectives.

Skills that will make you successful
  • Experience in the design, construction, and operation of sugar candy, chewing gum, snacks, or prepared food processing facilities
  • Thorough knowledge of food safety and sanitary design, and knowledge of food industry standards, practices, and regulations
  • Experience with the development of process design basis and select unit operations, the preparation of mass and energy balances, and the preparation of hydraulic and thermal calculations
  • Experience with application, sizing, and specification of process equipment (mixers, cookers, ovens, vessels, pumps, agitators, heat exchangers, filters, separators, clean-in-place, conveyors, dryers, filling, packaging, and emission control units) and utility equipment (boilers, compressors, filters, chillers, cooling towers, and water treatment systems)
  • Strong technical expertise in automation, controls, robotics, and industrial IT systems
  • Experience with process flow drawing (PFD) and P&ID development preferred
  • Experience working with equipment supply and technology vendors to identify, specify, purchase, review submittals and incorporate data into designs
  • Experience with equipment procurement support and bid evaluation
  • Excellent problem-solving skills with a focus on root cause and continuous improvement
  • Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly across functions and levels

Experiences that will support your success
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Chemical, related Engineering discipline (Master's preferred)
  • 10+ years of engineering experience in manufacturing, ideally FMCG, food & beverage, or CPG industries
  • Track record of leading process design, integration, and commissioning for large-scale capital projects

What We Offer
At Ferrara, we're proud to support our employees with comprehensive benefits that enhance health, financial wellness, and include 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-Benefits-Resource-Center
Compensation
The salary range for this role is $98,843 to $138,381 annually.
#LI-AG1
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, employment decisions and opportunities at Ferrara will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil union status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, military or veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic information, pregnancy (childbirth or related medical condition), or on any other basis prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.


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