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Dairy Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Specialty Sales LLC

Dairy Services Technician

Geneva, NY · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

This role is responsible for surveying, installing, programming, maintaining, and repairing ... Apply today to help dairy producers succeed while advancing your own career with a company that ...

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Dairy Engineering information

See salary details

$46.5K

$146.9K

$174K

How much do dairy engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for dairy engineering in the United States is $146,868.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

In the field of dairy engineering, senior engineers or specialized roles such as process engineers, project managers, or R&D engineers with extensive experience and advanced degrees can reach or exceed a $300,000 annual salary. These positions often require advanced technical skills, leadership responsibilities, and industry expertise, typically found in large companies or with significant project scope.

What jobs pay $2000 a day?

In dairy engineering, high-paying roles such as senior dairy process engineers, plant managers, or consultants can earn around $2,000 per day, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications. These positions often require advanced technical knowledge, leadership abilities, and sometimes work in large-scale or specialized dairy facilities.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and working in high-demand industries or leadership roles.

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 does a dairy engineer do?

A dairy engineer designs, develops, and maintains equipment and processes used in the production and processing of dairy products. They work to improve efficiency, ensure product quality, and comply with safety standards, often using skills in engineering, microbiology, and food science. Dairy engineers may also oversee plant operations and implement new technologies in dairy processing facilities.
More about Dairy Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Dairy Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Dairy Engineering job openings:
What states have the most Dairy Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Dairy Engineering jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Dairy Engineering jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Dairy Engineering jobs are:
Dairy Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dairy Engineering job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $146,868 per year, or $70.6 per hour.

Water Quality Specialist - Dairy Manufacturing

Valley Queen Cheese Factory

Big Stone City, SD

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION Position Summary The Water Specialist ensures all product contact water (city water and plant generated potable water) used in the facility meets regulatory FDA Grade 'A' Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) requirements and internal food safety and quality standards. This role oversees water treatment systems, monitors water quality, supports compliance with FDA/FSMA, and ensure all water used in manufacturing, sanitation, ingredient preparation and CIP systems is compliant with internal, customer, and regulatory expectations. Essential Functions Water Quality Monitoring & Control
  • Conduct routine sampling/testing following PMO Chapter 7 and company requirements.
  • Maintain and calibrate water analysis equipment (e.g. chlorine meters, turbidity meters...).
  • Maintain accurate logs for raw, treated, and post-treatment water.
  • Conduct trend analysis to identify areas with continuous improvement opportunity.
Water System Management
  • Monitor and maintain water treatment, filtration, RO, UV and/or chemical dosing systems.
  • Manage water inventory through planning and predicting production of potable water and purchase of city water.
  • Ensure proper functioning of backflow preventers, piping, storage tanks and distribution systems.
  • Participate in maintenance planning and troubleshooting of water system components.
  • Maintain sanitary design and hygienic standards for all water contact infrastructure, including:
  • CIP rinse and final rinse water.
  • Direct-contact water used in equipment, valves, and product pathways.
  • Auxiliary systems (condensate of whey/evaporator water reuse, RO water, softened water).
  • Ensure proper function and sanitation of water filtration, reverse osmosis/polishers, chemical treatment (chlorination, chlorine dioxide generation...), UV systems, and CIP integrated water routes.
  • Partner with Maintenance to troubleshoot water heaters, boilers, supply lines, and backflow preventers.
Compliance
  • Ensure water quality meets PMO Chapter 7 requirements, FDA/FSMA Preventive Controls, and state dairy regulations.
  • Maintain complete water system records for FDA/state inspections, IMS audits, and third-party audits.
  • Support hazard analyses (HACCP/PC) with specific focus on water as an ingredient and indirect-contact risk factor.
  • Lead water-related corrective action investigations and preventive action documentation.
Documentation, Reporting & Continuous Improvement
  • Maintain water sampling schedules, test results, calibration records, and system maintenance documentation.
  • Update and manage SOPs and SSOPs for dairy water systems, CIP water use, and water testing protocols.
  • Provide monthly reports to Quality/Food Safety leadership summarizing trends, deviations, and system performance.
  • Identify opportunities to optimize water usage, reduce chemical consumption, and improve microbial control.
Training & Cross-Functional Support
  • Train CIP operators, production, and sanitation teams on proper water quality expectations and testing procedures.
  • Support Engineering during new equipment installations or modifications to ensure water contact areas meet sanitary design.
  • Serve as the dairy plant's subject matter expert during customer visits, SQF/BRC audits, and regulatory inspections.
Competencies Page Break
  • Problem Solving/Analysis
  • Integrity
  • Dependable
  • Strong Communication Skills
  • Teamwork
  • Innovative
  • Computer Skills
  • Time Management/Initiative
  • Attentive to detail
  • Continuous Learning
    • Page Break Supervisory Responsibility This position has no supervisory responsibilities but will provide guidance and direction to plant staff. Work Environment This job operates in an office, lab and plant environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration. Exposed to extreme temperature variations. The noise level in the work environment and job sites can be loud. Position Type/Expected Hours of Work This is a full-time position, typically working Monday through Friday. This position may require some work on weekends and holidays. Travel Less than five percent travel expected for this position. Required Education, Experience & Certifications
    • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Microbiology, Environmental Science, or related field-or equivalent experience.
    • 2+ years in dairy manufacturing, water treatment, or environmental monitoring.
    • Understanding of CIP systems, dairy sanitation, and hygienic design principles.
    • Familiarity with PMO Chapter 7, FSMA, and state dairy regulatory requirements.
    • Experience with microbial testing, water analysis equipment, and trend evaluation.
    Preferred Education, Experience & Certifications
    • Bilingual in English/Spanish.
    • HACCP and/or Preventive Controls Qualified Individual certification.
    • Experience with RO systems, evaporator condensate reuse (COW), and dairy utility systems.
    • Knowledge of SSOP development, CIP troubleshooting, and environmental microbiology.
    Additional Eligibility Qualifications Minimum age requirement is 18. Other Duties Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of responsibilities, duties or tasks that are required of the employee for this job. Responsibilities, duties and tasks may change at any time with or without notice.

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