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Food Contract Manufacturing Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Manufacturing Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Manufacturing Engineer Location: South Chesterfield, VA, US 23834 Work Arrangement: Onsite What we ... contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the Company. Dover Food ...

... including contract manufacturing sites. * Lead technical oversight of plant and co-packing ... Experience in CPG/Food required. * BS or MS and wide range of product and process development ...

Plant Manager

Stevensburg, VA · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Food Safety & Quality Assurance * Employee Safety * Employee Management * Organization and ... Bachelors degree in a related field with strong preference for LEAN manufacturing credentials.

Food Safety & Quality Assurance * Employee Safety * Employee Management * Organization and ... Bachelors degree in a related field with strong preference for LEAN manufacturing credentials.

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Food Contract Manufacturing information

What is food contract manufacturing?

Food contract manufacturing is when a company outsources the production of its food products to a third-party manufacturer. This allows businesses to scale up production, reduce costs, or focus on other aspects like marketing and distribution. The contract manufacturer uses its own facilities, equipment, and staff to produce food items according to the client’s specifications, recipes, and quality standards. This arrangement can also help companies enter new markets or launch new products more efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food contract manufacturing professional?

Success in Food Contract Manufacturing requires a solid understanding of food production processes, quality assurance standards, and regulatory compliance, often supported by a background in food science or manufacturing management. Familiarity with manufacturing equipment, ERP systems, HACCP certification, and food safety protocols is typically necessary. Excellent project management, problem-solving, and communication skills help professionals coordinate clients' needs and maintain operational efficiency. These competencies ensure safe, high-quality product delivery and strong client relationships in a competitive market.

What are some common challenges faced in food contract manufacturing roles, and how can I prepare for them?

One of the main challenges in Food Contract Manufacturing is ensuring strict compliance with food safety regulations and quality standards, which often involves working under tight deadlines and managing multiple client specifications. Professionals in this field must be adept at coordinating between production, quality assurance, and client management teams to address unexpected issues, such as supply chain disruptions or last-minute recipe changes. Being detail-oriented, adaptable, and proactive in communication can help you succeed in this dynamic environment. Gaining familiarity with regulatory requirements (like FDA or USDA standards) and understanding modern food processing technologies will also give you a strong advantage.

What is the difference between Food Contract Manufacturing vs Food Quality Assurance Specialist?

AspectFood Contract ManufacturingFood Quality Assurance Specialist
CredentialsRelevant food manufacturing certifications, such as HACCP, GMPCertifications like HACCP, SQF, or ISO 22000
Work EnvironmentFood production facilities, manufacturing plantsQuality labs, inspection sites, office settings
Employer & Industry UsageFood manufacturing companies, contract manufacturersFood companies, regulatory agencies, quality departments
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding manufacturing processes, outsourcing food productionEnsuring product safety, compliance, and quality standards

Food Contract Manufacturing involves producing food products on behalf of other brands, focusing on production processes and scaling. Food Quality Assurance Specialists focus on maintaining product safety, quality standards, and compliance. While both roles require food safety certifications and work within the food industry, their primary responsibilities differ—manufacturing vs quality assurance.

What are popular job titles related to Food Contract Manufacturing jobs in Virginia?

For Food Contract Manufacturing jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Contract Manufacturing jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Contract Manufacturing jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Food Contract Manufacturing jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Food Contract Manufacturing job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Contract Manufacturing job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Temporary, and 67% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Project Engineer, Food Manufacturing

Ethos

Newport News, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Project Engineer, Food Manufacturing

The Project Engineer, Food Manufacturing will lead a small team on medium to large-scale projects or take charge of a critical portion of a more complex initiative; you'll play a pivotal role in driving success.

Position Responsibilities:

         Develop engineering designs, material specifications, and project cost estimates.

         Conduct feasibility studies and research to support design choices.

         Responsible for ensuring designs meet required standards and codes, validating field work and creating as-built drawings.

         Review engineering submissions for accuracy and compliance, coordinate project activities with vendors, contractors, and plant teams to stay on schedule and collaborate with management and engineering teams to implement plans.

         Direct vendors and contractors on layout planning and utility requirements.

         Manage project budgets to ensure financial targets are met.

Requirements

         Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Engineering, Engineering Management, or related field and 5+ years of experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.

         Knowledge of engineering principles and techniques related to food processing and the meat industry, preferred.

         Ability to apply sound engineering principles to operational and design issues.

         Knowledge of installation and construction project scheduling.

         Must possess Project Management skills; Contract Administration skills; National codes and standards interpretation skills. Previous experience in the management of multi-million-dollar projects with large scopes, desirable.

         Proficient in engineering economics.

         Proficient in AutoCAD.

         Knowledge of engineering principles and techniques related to food processing and the meat industry, preferred.

Benefits

  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
  • Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
  • Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
  • Short Term & Long Term Disability
  • Training & Development