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Food Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Gehl Food & Beverage

Process Engineer

Lathrop, CA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) * Write and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and batch records * Lead equipment ...

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 ...

California Natural Products

Process Engineer

Lathrop, CA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) * Write and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and batch records * Lead equipment ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Archer Meat Snacks

Senior Food Scientist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $120K/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

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 ...

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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 Jul 26, 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 in the Food Engineer position, and why are they important?

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.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Food Engineer?

Food Engineers typically spend their days designing, testing, and optimizing processes for manufacturing food products, ensuring these processes meet both efficiency and safety standards. They frequently collaborate with food scientists, quality assurance specialists, and production staff to troubleshoot issues and improve product quality. In addition to hands-on work with equipment and production lines, Food Engineers also analyze data, document procedures, and stay up-to-date with evolving food safety regulations. This variety allows for a dynamic work environment that combines technical expertise with teamwork and ongoing learning.

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

Process Engineer

Gehl Food & Beverage

Lathrop, CA • On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Gehl Foods rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 432 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Description

Now Hiring: Process Engineer
Reports To: Engineering Manager
Salary Range: 110K - 130K


Why join our team?  

  • Full benefits package - medical, dental, vision & 401(k) match  
  • Generous PTO & holidays  
  • Growth opportunities to expand skillsets and enhance career  
  • Amazing team & culture focused on:  

Communication | Community Involvement | Wellness | Employee Activities  


Other Benefits & Programs We Offer:  

  • Referral bonus program  
  • Tuition reimbursement  
  • FSA Medical plan option with annual company contribution  
  • Perks at Work - discounts on shopping, travel & more  
  • Proven continued business growth for future opportunities

Position Overview

The Process Engineer leads process design, validation, and improvement initiatives in an aseptic manufacturing environment. This role develops process flow diagrams (PFDs), P&IDs, SOPs, and batch instructions, evaluates equipment and production capability, and supports plant operations, troubleshooting, and cost-reduction projects.


Key Responsibilities

  • Develop process flow diagrams (PFDs) and P&IDs for pilot and commercial aseptic food production lines
  • Create and manage project plans, schedules, and technical documentation
  • Ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)
  • Write and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and batch records
  • Lead equipment qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) and process validation programs
  • Establish operating parameters and acceptable process ranges
  • Evaluate manufacturing system capability for new and existing products
  • Support new product development and customer product trials
  • Troubleshoot processing and production performance issues
  • Drive continuous improvement and yield optimization initiatives
  • Collaborate with Quality, Production, Maintenance, and Supply Chain teams
  • Identify and implement cost-savings projects, new technologies, and equipment upgrades
  • Develop ROI justifications and technical proposals for capital projects
  • Assist in training operators and maintenance teams on equipment operation, sanitation, and maintenance
  • Support pilot plant operations and scale-up from pilot to commercial production  

Requirements

  • Bachelor's or master's degree in food engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering
  • 5+ years of food processing or food manufacturing experience
  • Experience scaling processes from pilot plant to commercial production
  • Working knowledge of aseptic processing and sanitary design principles
  • Ability to create PFDs and P&IDs using CAD software
  • Experience with PLC and HMI automation systems
  • Knowledge of equipment sizing and specification for food processing equipment
  • Experience writing technical documentation, operating instructions, and project proposals
  • Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills
  • Advanced computer skills (Microsoft Office, spreadsheets, and CAD tools)
  • Strong communication, organization, and collaboration skills
  • Ability to work cross-functionally with operations and customers
  • Desire to learn and support continuous improvement initiatives

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