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Food Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Gehl Food & Beverage

Process Engineer

Lathrop, CA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

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 ...

3P Partners

Process Engineer

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

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 ...

Just Food Company

Senior Product Developer

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$146K - $193K/yr

What You'll Bring * Bachelor's degree in food science, food engineering, chemical Engineering, or a related discipline required. * Ideally 8 years of hands-on food product development ...

California Natural Products

Process Engineer

Lathrop, CA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

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 ...

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 ...

JRG Partners

Pilot Plant Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$135K - $160K/yr

Bachelor's degree in food engineering, food science or a similar discipline. ? experience in working with Pilot and Labs vendors and co-manufacturers. * possess experience working in a consumer food ...

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 · 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 ...

Lindt and Sprungli

Chocolate Technologist

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$83K - $108K/yr

Independently plan and lead plant trials (internal or co-manufactured) Minimum Education & Experience Required * BS in food science, food technology, chemistry, chemical/biological/food engineering ...

JRG Partners

Director of R & D

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$210K - $240K/yr

Bachelor's degree in food engineering, food science or a similar discipline; Master's degree or MBA a plus ? experience in working with ingredient suppliers and co-manufacturers * possess experience ...

Lindt and Sprungli

Chocolate Technologist

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$83K - $108K/yr

Independently plan and lead plant trials (internal or co-manufactured) Minimum Education & Experience Required * BS in food science, food technology, chemistry, chemical/biological/food engineering ...

Califia Farms

Sr. Scientist II, R&D

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

D. in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline. * Bachelor's degree with extensive relevant industry experience may also be considered. * 7-10+ years of food and ...

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All JobsFood Engineering JobsFood Engineering Jobs in California

Food Engineering information

See California salary details

$45.9K

$144.9K

$171.7K

How much do food engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for food engineering in California is $144,945.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $115,000.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Where do most food engineers work?

Most food engineers work in food manufacturing facilities, processing plants, and research laboratories. They often collaborate with quality assurance teams and use tools like CAD software and process control systems in their work environment.

What do food engineers do?

Food engineers develop and improve processes for manufacturing, packaging, and preserving food products. They apply principles of engineering, microbiology, and chemistry to ensure food safety, quality, and efficiency, often working with equipment, automation, and quality control systems.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

In the field of food engineering, engineers typically do not reach $300,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in specialized or executive roles in other engineering disciplines like petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering. Senior-level engineers with extensive experience, advanced degrees, or leadership positions in high-demand industries may approach or exceed this salary range. Salary levels depend on factors such as location, company size, and individual expertise.

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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

In the field of food engineering, earning $500,000 annually is uncommon and typically associated with executive-level positions such as chief engineering officers or senior management roles in large corporations. These roles often require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership skills, and compensation may include bonuses and stock options.

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 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.

What are popular job titles related to Food Engineering jobs in California? For Food Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Food Engineering jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Food Engineering jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Food Engineering jobs? Cities in California with the most Food Engineering job openings:
Food Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Engineering job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% Internship, 81% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $144,945 per year, or $69.7 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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