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Dairy Processing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

fairlife

Senior Dairy Processing Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $138K/yr

The Sr. Dairy Processing Engineer will come in with deep technical expertise in fluid milk membrane separations (especially ultrafiltration), thermal processing (HTST/HHST/UHT), and end-to-end milk ...

fairlife

Senior Dairy Processing Engineer

Chicago, IL

$107K - $138K/yr

The Sr. Dairy Processing Engineer will come in with deep technical expertise in fluid milk membrane separations (especially ultrafiltration), thermal processing (HTST/HHST/UHT), and end-to-end milk ...

fairlife

Senior Dairy Processing Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $138K/yr

The Sr. Dairy Processing Engineer will come in with deep technical expertise in fluid milk membrane separations (especially ultrafiltration), thermal processing (HTST/HHST/UHT), and end-to-end milk ...

Albertsons

Process Engineer - Dairy

Boise, ID · On-site

Exposure to industrial controls and automation in dairy processing environments (e.g., PLC/SCADA systems such as Rockwell, Siemens, Wonderware) and recipe management / process control limits

Albertsons

Process Engineer - Dairy

Boise, ID · On-site

Exposure to industrial controls and automation in dairy processing environments (e.g., PLC/SCADA systems such as Rockwell, Siemens, Wonderware) and recipe management / process control limits

The Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania has a robust dairy processing sector, with over 100 dairy processing plants across the Commonwealth. These plants produce a wide range of dairy products, including cheese, yogurt, ice ...

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Dairy Processing information

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How much do dairy processing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for dairy processing in the United States is $25.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $29.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a dairy processing operator?

A dairy processing operator is responsible for operating and monitoring equipment used to produce dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt. They ensure quality control, follow safety protocols, and may need certifications in food safety or machinery operation. The role often involves working in a manufacturing environment with shifts and adherence to hygiene standards.

What jobs pay $10,000 a month without a degree?

In dairy processing, high-paying roles such as plant managers or operations supervisors can earn around $10,000 or more monthly, especially with extensive experience and industry knowledge. These positions often require strong leadership skills, technical expertise, and experience in food safety and equipment management, but may not always require a formal degree.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Dairy Processing position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Dairy Processing, you need practical knowledge of food safety, sanitation procedures, and basic mechanical skills, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with automated processing equipment, pasteurization systems, and HACCP certifications are commonly required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this field. These skills ensure product quality, compliance with food regulations, and efficient production in a fast-paced environment.

What is a Dairy Processing job?

A Dairy Processing job involves handling, pasteurizing, packaging, and storing dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt. Workers ensure quality control, maintain sanitation standards, and operate machinery for efficient production. Responsibilities vary by role but often include monitoring temperatures, performing inspections, and troubleshooting equipment. These jobs are typically found in dairy plants, manufacturing facilities, and food production companies.

What jobs pay $2000 a day?

In dairy processing, high-paying roles such as senior plant managers, quality assurance directors, or specialized consultants can earn around $2,000 per day, especially with extensive experience and certifications. These positions often require advanced skills, leadership abilities, and knowledge of industry regulations, and may involve long or irregular hours.

What does a typical workday in Dairy Processing involve?

A typical day in Dairy Processing often includes operating and monitoring milk processing machinery, testing products for quality and safety, following sanitation protocols, and recording production data. You may also be responsible for packaging dairy products and troubleshooting equipment issues as they arise. Work is usually performed in temperature-controlled facilities as part of a coordinated team, with close adherence to safety and hygiene standards. Effective communication with supervisors, quality control, and maintenance teams is essential to ensure smooth operations. Over time, operators may gain experience to move into roles such as team lead, quality assurance, or plant management.

What is the highest salary in the dairy industry?

In the dairy processing industry, executive roles such as plant managers or operations directors can earn salaries exceeding $150,000 annually, especially in large companies or with extensive experience. Highly specialized roles or those with advanced degrees and certifications may also command higher compensation. Overall, salaries vary based on location, company size, and individual qualifications.
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Dairy Processing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dairy Processing job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 15% Full Time, 80% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,986 per year, or $25.5 per hour.
Senior Dairy Processing Engineer

Senior Dairy Processing Engineer

fairlife

Chicago, IL • On-site

$107K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

fairlife, LLC is a Chicago-based nutrition company that creates great-tasting, nutrition-rich and dairy products to nourish consumers.
With over $3B in annual retail sales, fairlife's portfolio of delicious, lactose-free, real dairy products includes: fairlife® ultra-filtered milk; Core Power® High Protein Shakes, a sports nutrition drink to support post-workout recovery; fairlife® nutrition plan™, a nutrition shake to support the journey to better health.
A wholly owned subsidiary of The Coca-Cola company, fairlife, LLC has been recognized by both Fast Company and Nielsen for its industry leading innovation.
To learn more about fairlife and its complete line of products, please visit fairlife.com.
job purpose:
The Sr. Dairy Processing Engineer will come in with deep technical expertise in fluid milk membrane separations (especially ultrafiltration), thermal processing (HTST/HHST/UHT), and end-to-end milk unit operations-from raw milk receiving through packaging. This role is a hands-on technical authority who will be integral to process technology innovation as well as troubleshooting manufacturing issues, optimizing process capabilities and product quality, supporting pilot-to-plant scale-up, and serving as a trusted partner to Operations, Manufacturing, and Quality.
responsibilities:
Manufacturing technical leadership, Operational Support and Troubleshooting
  • Serve as a go-to technical expert for fluid milk separation, standardization, homogenization, pasteurization systems (HTST/HHST/UHT), and packaging performance.
  • Diagnose and resolve process and product issues.
  • Partner with Operations/Manufacturing/Quality to drive safe, compliant, and reliable production and troubleshoot process deviations, and identify root causes for quality issues.

Process design, scale-up, and optimization
  • Define critical process parameters, key performance indicators, and control plans.
  • Design, coordinate, and execute pilot and commercial-scale plant trials.
  • Own process capability improvements and provide technical input to capital projects and equipment selection.
  • Provide subject-matter expertise on OEM platforms and engineering approaches.

Technical Advocacy
  • Proactively identify opportunities for process optimization that improve efficiency, sustainability, yield or product shelf-life.
  • Lead initiatives and manage stakeholders across Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain.

Milk chemistry, physical chemistry, and product quality
  • Apply deep knowledge of milk composition and how processing impacts chemistry, physical properties, and functional performance of milk and its components.
  • Partner with Product Development and Operations on formulation/processing choices for fluid dairy products, including shakes and other forms (sensory, taste, texture, stability, shelf-life).

Analytics & data-driven decision making
  • Define plans and execute and interpret analytical testing results tied to processing and shelf-life: milk composition chemistry, rheology, chromatographic/volatile profiling and other relevant analytical methods.
  • Establish and improve SOPs, troubleshooting playbooks, and process data reviews

People leadership
  • Individual contributor to start. Will build and develop a team of 1-4 (e.g., process engineers, dairy scientists, technicians).
  • Build strong cross-functional relationships and communicate clearly from plant floor to leadership level.

skills/qualifications required:
  • MS in Dairy Science, Food Engineering, Food Science, Chemical Engineering, or closely related field with a focus on dairy processing and/or thermal processing.
  • 5-10 years of progressive experience in fluid dairy processing spanning pilot through commercial manufacturing.
  • Demonstrated expertise in:
    • HTST/HHST and/or UHT processing of fluid milk (and/or cream) and practical plant troubleshooting.
    • End-to-end milk unit operations: raw receiving → clarification/separation → standardization → homogenization → pasteurization/aseptic processing → packaging.
    • Ultrafiltration of milk and/or dairy membrane separations (MF/UF/NF/RO familiarity as a plus).
  • Strong technical competence in dairy physical chemistry and processing impacts on proteins/fats/enzymes.
  • Proven ability to partner with Operations/Manufacturing/Quality in a high-accountability environment.
  • Experience with aseptic systems and packaging interactions (commercial aseptic operations strongly preferred).
  • Track record of leading cross-functional root-cause investigations (e.g., flavor defects, oxidation, shelf-life failures, stability issues).
  • Experience in capital projects preferred.
  • Familiarity with regulatory expectations and operator training frameworks for pasteurization systems preferred.

how fairlife nourishes you:
At fairlife, we believe in better - and that includes how we support our people. We offer a comprehensive suite of benefits and wellbeing resources designed to support you physically, emotionally, socially, and financially, both in and out of work.
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, effective day one!
  • Supplemental health plans (hospital indemnity, accident, and critical illness insurance)
  • Paid Time Off to recharge and support work-life balance
  • Paid parental leave & adoption assistance (up to $10,000)
  • Parental support & family care benefits, including childcare resources and lactation support
  • 401(k) to support retirement planning with up to 9% in employer match
  • Wellness reimbursement (up to $500 for qualified wellbeing expenses)
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for emotional wellbeing and work-life support
  • Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability
  • Employer HSA funding (for HDHP participants)
  • Tuition reimbursement (up to $10,000) and student loan repayment ($200/month)
  • Learning & development programs to unlock your full potential
  • Rewards & recognition, matching gifts, free product, and Business Resource Groups

fairlife's nour!sh program is designed to meet you where you are - supporting your individual wellbeing journey while enabling you to do your best work every day.
position location: Chicago, IL
reports to: Sr. Director, R&D
travel requirements: 40-50% travel to our plants
exempt/nonexempt: Exempt
*Base pay offered may vary depending on geography, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position, is offered.
Base pay range:
$135,000-$165,000 USD
fairlife, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. All qualified applicants and employees will be given equal opportunity. Selection decisions are based on job-related factors.
In addition to its nondiscrimination commitment, the Company will also provide reasonable accommodation of qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the Company. If you have a disability and would like to request accommodation in order to apply for a position with us, please email careers@fairlife.com.
For Recruitment AgenciesAt fairlife, we manage the majority of our hiring internally through our dedicated Talent Acquisition team, which is actively engaged in direct candidate sourcing. Most of our roles are filled through applications submitted via our careers site or through direct outreach by our team.
As our recruitment is primarily handled in-house, we work only occasionally with external agencies, and only those on our existing, pre-approved vendor list. At this time, we are not reviewing or expanding that list.
Unsolicited resumes or submissions from external agencies not authorized by our Talent Acquisition team will be considered direct candidate applications. As such, fairlife will not assume responsibility for any placement fees associated with these submissions.

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