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Dairy Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Work for dairy farm families * High school diploma or GED preferred; formal engineering/maintenance training a plus * 1+ year maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment (food & beverage ...

Dairy Extension Aide

Ithaca, NY · On-site

$15 - $20.75/hr

The Dairy Extension Aide plays a vital role in delivering educational programming, supporting research translation, and building strong connections across the agricultural community. Working under ...

"Valley Queen is a privately owned dairy manufacturer located in Milbank, South Dakota. Founded in ... The Engineering Manager is responsible for safely leading capital projects, small projects ...

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Showing results 1-20

Dairy Engineering information

See salary details

$46.5K

$146.9K

$174K

How much do dairy engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 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 with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and specialized skills in automation, process optimization, or research can reach or exceed a $300,000 annual salary, especially in leadership roles or large companies. High compensation often correlates with managerial responsibilities, advanced certifications, and working in high-demand or high-cost regions.

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.

What is the highest paying job in food engineering?

In food engineering, senior roles such as Food Engineering Managers or Directors typically have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures. These positions require extensive experience, advanced technical knowledge, and leadership skills, and they oversee large-scale food production processes and innovation efforts.
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:
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 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $146,868 per year, or $70.6 per hour.
Utilities Mechanic - Night Shift

Utilities Mechanic - Night Shift

Cumberland Dairy

Bridgeton, NJ • On-site

$34 - $36/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Cumberland Dairy, a DFA Company, is seeking a Utility Technician to join their team!!!
OUR OPERATORS FOR THIS POSITION START AT AN HOURLY RATE OF:
  • Starting at $34 - $36 /hour - based on skillset level and experience

SCHEDULE: 2-2-3 based rotating turn schedule (12-hour shifts)
  • Night Shift 6pm-6:30am

We Offer:
  • 401(k) with company contribution
  • Competitive pay
  • Paid vacation and holidays
  • Career growth opportunities - we promote from within!
  • Comprehensive healthcare benefits
  • Service recognition and employee appreciation events
  • Employee referral program
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Uniforms provided
  • Work for dairy farm families

JOB SUMMARY
Cumberland Dairy has immediate job openings for a skilled Boiler Engineer responsible in ensuring the Plant Boilers, Chiller Systems, Air Compressors, Wastewater, and other utility systems run efficiently by decreasing downtime due to mechanical challenges. This operator will assist with the installation, maintenance, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of plant machinery used for production.
Cumberland Dairy is a farmer-owned brand of Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), a dairy marketing cooperative owned by more than 12,500 family farmers. Our mark matters and it represents the wholesomeness of dairy that we share with our communities and loved ones. DFA manufactures a variety of dairy products, including cheese, butter, fluid milk, ice cream, dairy ingredients and more, under well-known and established regional brands. Our fingerprints touch thousands of brands across the marketplace, and we're passionate about delivering the simple pleasures of dairy to people everywhere, straight from our family farm-owners. At Cumberland Dairy, we produce millions of gallons of ultra-pasteurized, refrigerated, extended shelf-life products annually and are proud to provide families with fresh, delicious dairy.
By joining DFA, you can help us continue to make a difference that matters. We care deeply about the well-being of our neighbors and friends, and we celebrate the diversity of our company and our world. It takes an incredible team to deliver the goodness of dairy and enrich our communities - come join us!
REQUIREMENTS:
  • High School diploma or general education degree (GED) preferred
  • 4 years of maintenance, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electronic, computer-controlled equipment, PLC and HVAC or related experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment
  • Valid Black Seal Operators License for operation of the boilers required and (would prefer or be working towards) NJ Blue Seal Operators License for boiler and operation of refrigeration installed in the plant in accordance with the laws of the state of NJ
  • Knowledge of and ability to read charts, blueprints, tables, and schematics
  • Able to inspect equipment, recognize potential problems, and take appropriate corrective action to prevent component failures or equipment down time
  • Able to use a variety of maintenance tools, hand and power tools, electric meters, and material handling equipment in a safe manner
  • Able to perform maintenance activities/repairs independently and assist on more complicated repairs
  • Able to perform minor to mid-sized projects from planning to installation
  • Knowledge of OSHA and EPA standards and requirements
  • Knowledge of plant operations [or business function specific to the job description
  • Knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations regarding waste, air, wastewater, land application, and storm water
  • Skill in performing safety inspections and ensuring compliance with OSHA safety standards
  • Skill in developing safety procedures and protocols
  • Skill in analytical thinking and problem solving
  • Able to problem solve, multi-task and prioritize own work activities
  • Able to interact positively and work effectively with others (interpersonal skills)
  • Able to perform all required preventative, productive, predictive, and scheduled maintenance procedures
  • Must be able to read, write and speak English

An Equal Opportunity Employer