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Dairy Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Trader Joe's

Associate Category Manager, Dairy

Monrovia, CA · On-site

$95K - $110K/yr

Working with Product Developers to actively diversify Trader Joe's vendor base and develops broker ... The Associate Category Manager, Dairy has: * A Bachelor's degree and three years experience working ...

Hilmar Cheese Company

Senior Research Engineer

Hilmar, CA · On-site

$111K - $153K/yr

Design measurement and control systems for the production process based on research experiments and fundamental knowledge of dairy science and engineering principles. Develop, evaluate and scale up ...

OFI

Automation & Engineering Manager

Oxnard, CA · On-site

... dairy, nuts and spices so they can create naturally good food & beverage products that meet ... Reporting to the General Manager of Engineering, the Automation & Engineering Manager is ...

California Bioenergy LLC

Process Engineer

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

Engineering Procurement Construction (EPC) & Utility Company: California Bioenergy LLC Reports To ... Working closely with our family dairy partners and agencies, including CARB, CDFA, CPUC, CEC, and ...

Valley Milk LLC

Plant Manager

Turlock, CA

$170K - $190K/yr

... Engineering, Food Science, Dairy Science, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent combinations of education, specialized training, and ...

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All JobsDairy Engineering JobsDairy Engineering Jobs in California

Dairy Engineering information

See California salary details

$45.9K

$144.9K

$171.7K

How much do dairy engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for dairy engineering in California is $144,945.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $115,000.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is dairy engineering?

Dairy engineering is a specialized branch of engineering that focuses on the processing, production, and quality control of milk and dairy products. Dairy engineers design, develop, and maintain equipment and processes used in dairy plants to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production. They also work on improving packaging, storage, and transportation methods to extend shelf life and meet health standards. This field combines aspects of chemical, mechanical, and food engineering to optimize dairy operations and support the dairy industry.

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

To thrive as a Dairy Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical, chemical, or process engineering, often with a bachelor’s degree in engineering and knowledge of dairy processing principles. Familiarity with industry-specific equipment, automation systems (like PLCs and SCADA), and relevant food safety certifications (such as HACCP) is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help in optimizing processes and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure efficient, safe, and high-quality dairy production in a competitive industry.

What are some common challenges faced by dairy engineers when implementing new processing technologies in a production facility?

Dairy engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating new equipment into existing production lines, ensuring compliance with stringent food safety and quality standards, and minimizing downtime during installation. Collaboration with cross-functional teams—including maintenance, quality assurance, and production staff—is critical to address these challenges efficiently. Adapting to rapidly evolving technologies and balancing cost-effectiveness with innovation also requires strong problem-solving skills and continuous learning.

What is the difference between Dairy Engineering vs Dairy Technologist?

AspectDairy EngineeringDairy Technologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Dairy Engineering or related fieldDiploma or Bachelor's in Dairy Technology or Food Technology
Work EnvironmentDesigning dairy equipment, process optimization, plant layoutQuality control, processing, and production management
Industry UsageEngineering firms, dairy equipment manufacturing, plant designDairy processing plants, quality assurance labs

While both Dairy Engineering and Dairy Technologist roles are integral to the dairy industry, Dairy Engineering focuses on designing and optimizing dairy processing equipment and facilities, requiring engineering expertise. Dairy Technologists primarily handle processing, quality control, and product development, emphasizing technical knowledge of dairy products. Understanding these differences helps professionals choose the right career path or specialization within the dairy industry.

What are popular job titles related to Dairy Engineering jobs in California?

For Dairy Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Dairy Engineering jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Dairy Engineering jobs in California are:

Dairy Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dairy Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,945 per year, or $69.7 per hour.

Dairy Services Technician

Bakersfield, CA • On-site

Specialty Sales LLC
Retail • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Specialty Sales LLCexternal

$27 - $31/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Travel: 50 - 75% travel
Territory/Location: California & surrounding region
Pay Range: $27.00/hr - $31.00/hr
Founded in 1999, Specialty Herd Solutions is a fast-growing leader in the dairy industry, delivering comprehensive animal care through premium products, innovative equipment, and reliable bulk delivery. We are looking for a customer-focused professional who takes ownership , leads with integrity , and collaborates selflessly to support our clients' success.
We are seeking a Dairy Services Technician to join our team. This role is responsible for surveying, installing, programming, maintaining, and repairing Specialty Sales equipment and systems at customer locations. The ideal candidate is mechanically inclined, safety-minded, and committed to delivering excellent customer service.
  • Follow all Specialty Sales LLC safety policies and operating procedures
  • Use required PPE correctly and consistently
  • Inspect and advise customers on equipment and the proper handling of Specialty Sales products
  • Survey, install, set up, and program custom equipment at customer locations
  • Perform plumbing, welding, and electrical fabrication for systems including HoofStrong systems
  • Troubleshoot and repair installed equipment systems
  • Partner with Sales Account Managers during field inspections and repairs
  • Travel to customer sites as required
  • Maintain accurate parts inventory
  • Report all accidents, injuries, safety issues, driving citations, service interruptions, or customer complaints immediately to supervisor
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and orderly work environment
  • Assist in other company areas as needed
  • Perform additional duties to support business needs

Requirements
Employment Requirements
  • Must provide documentation of employment eligibility per state and federal regulations
  • Must be at least 21 years old
  • Must successfully pass all position-related pre-employment screenings
Education & Experience
  • High school diploma or GED required
  • Basic knowledge of plumbing, welding, and electrical wiring
  • Strong troubleshooting and equipment repair skills
Certifications & Licensing
  • Valid driver's license with a safe driving record that meets company insurability standards
  • Forklift certification preferred

Why Join Us?
  • Impact: Play a key role in delivering innovative hoof-care and dairy-equipment solutions that directly improve herd health and producer profitability.
  • Growth: Grow your career with an industry leader that truly values your expertise.
  • Rewards: Enjoy a competitive compensation and benefits package within a supportive, team-oriented culture.

What We Offer
Ready to Make an Impact? Apply today to help dairy producers succeed while advancing your own career with a company that values innovation, collaboration, and growth. We offer a competitive base compensation range. Compensation will be determined by the experience, knowledge, and abilities of the applicant. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision and life insurance plans, vacation and sick time, and a generous 401k employer contribution.
Who We Are
Specialty Herd Solutions was founded after recognizing the challenges dairy farmers faced using bagged copper sulfate for hoof care, leading to the development of an easier-to-use, more effective liquid solution. This innovation became the foundation of the company, followed shortly by the installation of its first automated footbath system. Today, Specialty Herd Solutions supports over 30% of U.S. dairy cows as a leading provider of automated hoof care technology. Driven by a mission to modernize animal care, the company delivers sustainable, customized solutions through strong partnerships-offering straightforward, no-hassle service with a focus on improving outcomes for cattle, farm employees, and dairy operations.
EEO Statement
Specialty Herd Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or any other protected status.

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