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Food Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Food Research Engineer

Lakeland, FL · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Background in food engineering or food processing required * Bachelors of Science degree or equivalent in Food Science, Microbiology, Food Engineering or Agricultural Engineering from an accredited ...

Food Research Engineer

Lakeland, FL · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Background in food engineering or food processing required * Bachelors of Science degree or equivalent in Food Science, Microbiology, Food Engineering or Agricultural Engineering from an accredited ...

Food Scientist

Stockton, CA · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Bachelor's in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field. * 2 years of handson experience in ingredient manufacturing and/or food formulation. * At least one year ...

Food Scientist

Stockton, CA · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Bachelor's in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field. * 2 years of hands-on experience in ingredient manufacturing and/or food formulation. * At least one year ...

Food Scientist

Stockton, CA · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Bachelor's in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field. * 2 years of hands-on experience in ingredient manufacturing and/or food formulation. * At least one year ...

Work with process development to develop process flow charts for engineering * Ability and ... Education & Experience: * BS, MS, or PhD in Food Science, Meat Science, Food Engineering, or ...

Pet Food Scientist

Salisbury, MD · On-site

$68K - $102K/yr

Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in Food/Meat Science, nutrition, packaging or Food Engineering. * 2-5 years related work experience. * Requires knowledge of the product development ...

... Engineering, Culinary Science, etc.) · 2-5 years of experience in food manufacturing or R&D (dairy or refrigerated foods preferred) · Strong understanding of food safety, shelf-life validation, and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Food Engineering information

See salary details

$46.5K

$146.9K

$174K

How much do food engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for food engineering in the United States is $146,868.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Food Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Engineer, you need a solid background in food science, chemical engineering, and process design, typically supported by a degree in food engineering or a related field. Familiarity with food processing equipment, quality control systems, and regulatory compliance tools—such as HACCP certification and CAD software—is often required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork set top performers apart in this field. These skills and qualifications are essential for developing safe, efficient, and innovative food processing solutions that meet industry standards.

What are some common challenges faced by food engineers when working on product development teams?

Food engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing product innovation with food safety regulations, optimizing production processes for efficiency, and ensuring consistent product quality. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams—including food scientists, quality assurance, and marketing—requires effective communication to align technical constraints with business goals. Additionally, adapting to rapidly changing consumer preferences and integrating sustainable practices into production can present ongoing challenges in this role.

What is food engineering?

Food engineering is a multidisciplinary field that combines principles of engineering, biology, and physical sciences to develop processes and systems for the production, processing, packaging, and distribution of food. Food engineers work to improve food quality, safety, and sustainability by designing equipment, optimizing manufacturing methods, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Their work is essential for mass-producing food products efficiently while maintaining nutritional value and taste.

What is the difference between Food Engineering vs Food Science?

AspectFood EngineeringFood Science
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related fieldsBachelor's or higher in Food Science, Chemistry, or related fields
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, R&D labs, process designLaboratories, research facilities, quality control
Industry UsageDesigning food processing systems, optimizing productionDeveloping new food products, analyzing food properties
Common Search/ComparisonFood Engineering vs Food Science

Food Engineering focuses on designing and optimizing food processing systems and manufacturing processes, while Food Science emphasizes developing new food products and analyzing food properties. Both roles often overlap but serve distinct functions within the food industry.

More about Food Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Food Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Food Engineering job openings:
What states have the most Food Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Food Engineering jobs include:
Food Scientist - Dry Sausage

Food Scientist - Dry Sausage

Tyson Foods

Springdale, AR • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Tyson Foods rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Tyson Foods

Based on 511 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.0

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.0 out of 10

Food and drinks producers average

Based on 11,364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

The best things about working at Tyson Foods

  • 93%

    93% say their health insurance is affordable

    say their health insurance is affordable

  • 81%

    81% say their managers don’t change their shifts at short notice

    say their managers don’t change their shifts at short notice

  • 81%

    81% say they get paid time off

    say they get paid time off

Featured by Tyson Foods, based on 511 Breakroom Quiz responses from their frontline employees


Job description

Job Details:

Applying to this requisition will put you intoconsideration for either Food Scientist I,Food Scientist IIor Sr. Food Scientist I. Level will bedeterminedthrough the interview process.

Summary:

Primary focus will be withinDry/Semi Dry Sausage, Innovation, TechnologyDevelopmentand/or Quality improvement. Focus areas are developing emerging technologies, costoptimizationand commercializing new and improved products and/or processes through guidance from their manager. This covers all stages of product development and process development including writing new product specifications, ensuring regulatory labeling and food safety requirements are met. The person in this position will have a strong working knowledge of scientific methods and is expected toleverageknowledge related to ingredients, productformulationand food processing to support best in class development of new, innovative food products.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Working with and strongly influencing marketing, insights, sales, culinary, FSQA, operations andpurchasingdepartments, coordinating with suppliers of ingredients, ensuring smooth startupfor new product production processes

  • Modifying oroptimizingexisting products, developing specifications for product production labeling, and compiling cost analysis information.

  • Work multiple development and optimization projects of moderate complexity, independently, from concept through commercialization with guidance from manager. This includes planning, executing experiments, analyzing data, reportingresults.

  • Execute the development process with activities that include bench top development, pilot plant testing, and scaleup production at a federally inspected research facility and final commercialization at full scale production facility

  • Help team toidentifyinnovation that is treated as IP that can give Tyson a competitive edge in the industry

  • Analyze data to build productaspecification that is process capable

  • Present technical data or concepts to laypersons on their level of understanding

  • Compile cost analysis information and provide to product management

  • Ensure costing structure meets the financial expectations of projects

  • Work on cross functional teams across the organization for project completion that willultimately helpachieve our growth and EBIT strategies

  • Travel to plant productionfacilities

  • Take on and complete special projects as needed.

  • Develop culinary samples/prototypes of new products,modifyingexisting products,optimizingexisting products, developing specifications

  • Develop product production labels and compiling cost analysis information

  • Strong working knowledge of scientific methods and is expected toleverageknowledge related to ingredients, productformulationand food processing to support best in class development of new, innovative food products

  • Work with and influence cross-functional team members (marketing, insights, sales, culinary, FSQA, operations andpurchasingdepartments, coordinating with suppliers of ingredients) while ensuring smooth start-up for new product production processes

  • Work with process development to develop process flow charts for engineering

  • Ability and Initiative to grow within the organization and develop a personal development plan with your manager

Requirements for Food Scientist I:

Education & Experience:

  • BS, MS, or PhD in Food Science, Meat Science, Food Engineering, or related field. PhD or M.S with no experience. B.S. with minimum of 2 years of relevant experience. No degree with minimum with 8yearsrelevant experience.

Requirements for Food Scientist II:

Education & Experience:

  • BS, MS, or PhD in Food Science, Meat Science, Food Engineering, or related field. Alt. Proteinscienceor equivalent Experience: PhD with no experience. M.S. with minimum of 2 years of relevant experience B.S. with minimum of 3 years of relevant experience. No degree with minimum of 8yearsrelevant experience.

Requirements forSr.Food Scientist I:

Education & Experience:

  • BS, MS, or PhD in Food Science, Meat Science, Food Engineering, or related field. PhD with minimum of 2 years of relevant experience M.S. with minimum of 3 years of relevant experience B.S. with minimum of 5 years of relevant experience No degree with minimum of 10 years relevant experience

Computer Skills:

  • Requires good computer skills withabilityto fullyutilizeMS Office products and Tyson systems (or like systems).

Communication Skills:

  • Good verbal and written communication skillsrequired

  • Presentation skillsrequired

  • Must have the ability to effectively communicate with cross functional business partners

Special Skills:

  • Strong critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills

  • Strong project management skills. Strong numerical skills

  • Understanding of product formulation, food processing and the Research and Development process

  • Understanding of regulatory labeling and food safety requirements

Supervisory:none.

Travel:

  • 50% - 12+ domestic trips per year

  • Travel will berequiredtoaccomplishour internal and external customer needs

This includes customer meetings, plant production facilities for testing and commercialization of new products, process trouble shooting and any other regular business needs

Relocation Assistance Eligible:

Yes

Work Shift:

1ST SHIFT (United States of America)

Certain roles at Tyson require background checks. If you are offered a position that requires a background check you will be provided additional documentation to complete once an offer has been extended.

Hourly Applicants ONLY -You must complete the task after submitting your application to provide additional information to be considered for employment.

Tyson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, national origin, color, religion, age, genetics, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.

We provide our team members and their families with paid time off; 401(k) plans; affordable health, life, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; and more.

If you would like to learn more about your data privacy rights and how you may use that information, please read our Job Applicant Privacy Notice here.

Unsolicited Assistance: Tyson Foods and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited support from external recruitment vendors for open positions within the United States. Any resumes or candidate profiles submitted by recruitment vendors or headhunters to any employee or applicant tracking system at Tyson Foods or its subsidiaries, without a valid written request and search agreement approved by HR, will be considered the property of Tyson Foods. No fees will be paid if the candidate is hired due to an unsolicited referral.


Working at Tyson Foods

Perks for frontline workers

From Tyson Foods, via Breakroom

  • Pay: Competitive Pay and Benefits

  • Benefits: Health, vision, and dental Insurance on day one of full-time employment

  • Education: Fully-funded education for all US-based Team Members!

  • Financial Benefits: 401(k) & Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)

  • Career Growth: Grow your career with an industry leader, and Fortune 100 company!

  • Safety: Committed to workplace safety!

  • Time Off: Generous paid time off / earned time off for Team Members

  • Work-Life Balance: Includes Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), paid parental leave, discount programs, adoption assistance, etc.

What to expect from working at Tyson Foods

From Tyson Foods

About Tyson Foods, in their own words

From Tyson Foods

Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN) is a world-class food company and recognized leader in protein. Founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson, it has grown under four generations of family leadership. The Company is unified by this purpose: Tyson Foods. We Feed the World Like Family™ and has a broad portfolio of iconic products and brands including Tyson®, Jimmy Dean®, Hillshire Farm®, Ball Park®, Wright®, State Fair®, Aidells® and ibp®. Tyson Foods is dedicated to bringing high-quality food to every table in the world, safely and affordably, now and for future generations. Headquartered in Springdale, Arkansas, the company had approximately 138,000 team members as of September 2024.

Company values

From Tyson Foods

We are a company of people engaged in the production of food, seeking to pursue truth and integrity, and committed to creating value for our shareholders, our customers, our team members, and our communities.

Who we are: We strive to be honorable and operate with integrity. We strive to be faith-friendly and inclusive. We strive to serve as stewards of the resources entrusted to us. We strive to provide a safe work environment.

What we do: We feed our families, the nation, and the world with trusted food products. We serve as stewards of the animals, land, and environment entrusted to us. We strive to provide a safe work environment for our team members.

How we do it: We strive to earn consistent and satisfactory profits for our shareholders and to invest in our people, products, and processes. We strive to operate with integrity and trust in all we do. We strive to honor God and be respectful of each other, our customers, and other stakeholders.

"From the beginning, our company has been built on faith, family, and hard work. That tradition, our Core Values, and 'doing what's right' are deeply embedded in our culture."

John Tyson, Chairman


What Tyson Foods employees say

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