ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Food Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

3P Partners

Process Engineer

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

* Own process optimization and capital execution for a high growth food manufacturing operation ... The ideal candidate combines strong engineering fundamentals with hands on execution, analytical ...

Cybercoders

Process Engineer III

Emeryville, CA

Process Engineer III We are a globally recognized Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC ... Our teams partner with leading pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food and beverage, and advanced ...

Just Food Company

Senior Product Developer

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$146K - $193K/yr

What We're Looking For Just Food Company is seeking a Senior Product Developer to lead the development, commercialization, and continuous improvement of products across our portfolio. This is a ...

Hilmar Cheese Company

Senior Research Engineer

Hilmar, CA · On-site

$111K - $153K/yr

We are a trusted partner to premier food and beverage brands in more than fifty countries helping ... Good knowledge of engineering science and technology as applied to dairy processes and food ...

Juul Labs

Senior Design Engineer

San Francisco, CA

Background or active interest in food science or food engineering. A general curiosity about phase-changes, fluid dynamics, or food-contact consumer product architecture is a major plus. EDUCATION ...

Juul Labs

Senior Design Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Background or active interest in food science or food engineering. A general curiosity about phase-changes, fluid dynamics, or food-contact consumer product architecture is a major plus. EDUCATION ...

Archer Meat Snacks

Senior Food Scientist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Meat Science, or a related technical discipline. * 4+ years of experience in food product development, R&D, or food science within the Consumer ...

Calbee America, Inc.

Food Scientist

Madera, CA · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

Position Summary: The Food Scientist at Calbee America is responsible for leading product ... They will work cross-functionally with Marketing, Sales, Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering ...

Gehl Food & Beverage

Plant Engineer

Lathrop, CA

$135K - $145K/yr

Plant Engineer Reports To : Production Manager Salary Range : $135,000 - $145,000 Why join our team ... Food & beverage or aseptic manufacturing experience * FDA-regulated utility systems knowledge

Gehl Food & Beverage

Controls Engineer

Lathrop, CA

$110K - $130K/yr

Controls Engineer Reports To: Engineering Manager Salary Range: 110K - 130K Why join our team ... Understanding of food processing/packaging operations, FDA regulations, and NFPA 70/70E/78 ...

New

JRG Partners

Food Process Scientist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

Preferred Masters in Food Science/Engineering, Material Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics or a related degree ? 3-5+ years of experience in process research in the food industry ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFood Engineer JobsFood Engineer Jobs in California

Food Engineer information

See California salary details

$18.1K

$64.3K

$131.2K

How much do food engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for food engineer in California is $64,338.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,617.00 and $77,359.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food engineer?

A Food Engineer needs a solid background in food science, chemical engineering, and process design, typically acquired through a degree in food engineering or a related discipline. Familiarity with CAD software, process simulation tools, and knowledge of food safety regulations (such as HACCP certification) are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams help distinguish successful Food Engineers. These skills are crucial to ensure safe, efficient, and innovative development of food processes and products in a fast-evolving industry.

What does a food engineer do?

A Food Engineer applies principles of engineering, microbiology, and chemistry to develop and improve food products, processing techniques, and packaging. They work to enhance food quality, safety, and shelf life while optimizing production efficiency. Food Engineers collaborate with food scientists and manufacturers to design equipment, improve preservation methods, and ensure compliance with industry regulations. Their work plays a crucial role in making food production safer, more sustainable, and cost-effective.

Are food engineers in high demand?

Food engineers are in growing demand due to the need for improved food safety, quality, and sustainable production methods. They often work in manufacturing plants, research labs, and quality assurance, with employment prospects influenced by advancements in food technology and regulations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Food Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Food Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Food Engineer jobs in California? For Food Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Food Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Food Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Food Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Food Engineer job openings:
Food Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,338 per year, or $30.9 per hour.

Process Engineer

3P Partners

Oxnard, CA • On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

  • Own process optimization and capital execution for a high growth food manufacturing operation.
  • Partner directly with plant leadership to improve throughput, yield, and operational performance.
  • Lead data driven process improvements and translate findings into actionable, ROI-backed capital projects

Position Overview
The Process Engineer will lead process improvement and capital initiatives within a growing food manufacturing facility. This role is responsible for optimizing production systems, improving efficiency and cost performance, and ensuring compliance with food safety and regulatory standards while supporting scalable growth.
Reporting to the VP Operations, this position plays a key role in driving operational excellence across the plant. The ideal candidate combines strong engineering fundamentals with hands on execution, analytical rigor, and the ability to manage cross functional projects from concept through implementation.
Key Responsibilities
  • Analyze, design, and optimize manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, yield, quality, safety, and cost
  • Identify bottlenecks and implement solutions using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies
  • Lead and support capital projects including equipment installations, line modifications, and process upgrades
  • Develop and maintain process documentation including process flow diagrams, SOPs, and work instructions
  • Support root cause analysis and corrective action initiatives related to quality, safety, and operational issues
  • Partner with Operations, Quality, R&D, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to support new product launches and scale up
  • Collect and analyze production data to develop KPIs and improve plant performance visibility
  • Ensure compliance with HACCP, GMPs, FDA, USDA, and other applicable food safety regulations

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
  • 2 to 5 years of experience in food or CPG manufacturing
  • Working knowledge of food safety and quality systems
  • Demonstrated experience leading or supporting engineering projects in a manufacturing environment
  • Experience with capital projects, continuous improvement initiatives, or formal project management methodologies preferred
  • Strong analytical, problem solving, and organizational skills
  • Ability to operate effectively in a fast paced, production focused environment

Compensation: $110,000 - $120,000

Apply