Food Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

As part of our cross-functional engineering team, you will contribute to both mechanical and electrical

systems as well as develop and integrate AI-enabled systems, bridging the gap between traditional

process engineering and smart automation technologies.

Duties and Responsibilities:

● Assist in the design, modeling, and prototyping of process and packaging systems.

● Support testing, assembly, and commissioning of prototypes under supervision.

● Read and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and process flow diagrams.

● Specify, install, and troubleshoot sensors, actuators, and instrumentation for food

manufacturing systems.

● Participate in wiring, panel layout, and field testing activities.

● Support integration, programming, and troubleshooting of PLC/HMI and SCADA systems.

● Contribute to coding and testing of automation or AI-driven routines (predictive maintenance,

data monitoring, optimization).

● Assist with sensor data collection, labeling, and preprocessing for machine learning models.

● Work on projects using Python, C++, or similar to interface with hardware systems.

● Maintain accurate documentation including test reports, wiring diagrams, and engineering logs.

● Ensure safe and organized work areas in labs and on production floors.

● Participate in system commissioning and troubleshooting at customer sites when required.

● Uphold SQF requirements including promotion of a strong & positive food safety culture

● Active involvement in implementation, upkeep and continuous improvement of food safety as

part of an interdisciplinary team

● Stewardship for our B-corp mission to promote worldwide health and wellness by fostering the

delivery of high quality, healthy foods through sustainable methods.

What You’ll Learn:

● How to develop and test automated food manufacturing equipment

● Machine learning integration in industrial environments

● Industry codes, standards, and best practices (UL, CE, ISA, etc.)

● Real-world project execution from concept to commissioning

● Microwave and other electrical thermal processing technologies

Required:

● Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Automation, Mechatronics, Robotics, Computer Science,

or a related engineering field (or graduation within 6 months).

● Introductory experience or coursework in:

○ CAD (SolidWorks or AutoCAD)

○ Programming (Studio 5000, Python, C++, or MATLAB)

○ Instrumentation and control systems

● Controls integration with field devices (sensors, VFDs, flow meters, actuators).

● Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, OPC UA).

● Ability to troubleshoot electrical/automation systems in a production environment.

● Hands-on mindset; comfortable using tools and learning in the field.

● Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.

● Curiosity and eagerness to learn from a multidisciplinary team.

● Active passport or ability to obtain one within the first 6 months.

Preferred (but not required):

● Minimum of 2 years’ experience in automation, instrumentation, or controls engineering.

● Familiarity with SCADA/HMI systems (Ignition, Wonderware, or WinCC).

● Experience with data collection and integration from PLC/SCADA systems into historians, MES, or

cloud platforms.

● Working knowledge of machine learning concepts and data analytics (TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-

learn, SQL).

● Practical applications of ML in industrial settings (predictive maintenance, anomaly detection,

process optimization).

● Experience developing middleware or APIs to connect automation platforms with data pipelines.

● Prior internships, capstone projects, or personal projects involving automation, robotics, or controls.

● Basic electronics experience (soldering, sensor setup, instrumentation wiring).

● Knowledge of OSHA safety standards and industrial safety practices.

● Experience in food & beverage or other regulated manufacturing environments is a plus.

Physical Requirements:

● Ability to work on the floor in a manufacturing setting; frequent walking and standing required.

● Ability to work in hot, cold, or wet environments.

● Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision,

depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

● Flexibility to alternate between hands-on manufacturing work and office-based programming/data

analysis.

● Comfortable working in environments with shifting priorities and ambiguity.