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Food Engineering Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Senior R&D Scientist

Gloucester, MA · On-site

$90K - $112K/yr

D. in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, or related scientific discipline. * Minimum 5-8 years of progressive experience in food product development, research, innovation, or process ...

Required BS in Food Science, Food Engineering, Biochemistry, Chemistry or similar science with strong interest in product development.Food Science Foundation/ Strong T echnical Acumen .Ability to ...

Required * BS in Food Science, Food Engineering, Biochemistry, Chemistry or similar science with strong interest in product development. * Food Science Foundation/Strong Technical Acumen. * Ability ...

Required * BS in Food Science, Food Engineering, Biochemistry,Chemistryor similar science with strong interest in product development. * Food Science Foundation/Strong TechnicalAcumen. * Ability to ...

Submarine Food Service Upgrades (SFSU): Provide set-up, test, and evaluation support for SFSU ... Leverage your engineering technician skills in a high-impact R&D environment supporting national ...

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Wicked Staffing Solutions is seeking reliable Food Production Associates for our client in Chelsea ... Engineering, and Accounting, just to name a few. We offer health insurance, 401k, and referral ...

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Food Engineering information

See Massachusetts salary details

$50.8K

$160.4K

$190K

How much do food engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for food engineering in Massachusetts is $160,398.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,200.00 and $188,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

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.

Are food engineers in high demand?

Food engineering is a growing field with steady demand due to the need for food safety, quality control, and innovative processing techniques. Employment opportunities are available in manufacturing, research, and quality assurance sectors, often requiring knowledge of food science, engineering principles, and relevant certifications.

What do food engineers do?

Food engineers develop and improve processes for manufacturing, processing, and packaging 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 are popular job titles related to Food Engineering jobs in Massachusetts?

For Food Engineering jobs in Massachusetts, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Engineering jobs in Massachusetts look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Engineering jobs in Massachusetts are:

Infographic showing various Food Engineering job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $160,398 per year, or $77.1 per hour.

Senior R&D Food Scientist (Bakery/Pastry)

Dessert Holdings Inc.

Newburyport, MA • On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Dessert Holdings rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

216th of 443 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Senior R&D Food Scientist

Dessert Holdings is the leading premium dessert company in the world. We craft artisanal, scratch-made desserts at scale, combining culinary innovation with the finest real ingredients. With a rich heritage spanning seven distinctive brands, we bring unmatched expertise and tailored solutions to our Retail and Foodservice partners.

Dessert Holdings is looking for a Senior R&D Food Scientist to be based in our Newburyport, MA location and provide technical and culinary leadership for the site with additional support of other sites.  The position will be responsible for bench development and managing timelines on new product launches, cost savings initiatives, scale-up, and operational support.  Using experience in culinary development and a strong understanding of the commercializing and manufacturing process, the role will lead the enhancement of existing items and spearhead improvement initiatives. 


KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Provide project leadership in the development and commercialization of new products, product improvement, and cost savings.
  • Work on multiple interdisciplinary projects including developing and implementing plans, identifying and organizing a project team, and coordinating resources to achieve goals
  • Identify and implement innovative, practical application and modification of ingredients, formulations, and process.
  • Provide and communicate technical and business risk assessment to upper management.
  • Research and gain thorough understanding and knowledge of emerging technologies in product and ingredient technologies.
  • Support Operations and QA to resolve ingredient, formula, process issues and manage product/process changes.
  • Hold all functions to DH quality standard.
  • Provide technical support with customer on product information and process capability.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams on implementing new products, new equipment or new processes.
  • Support the process design and review on new capability expansion, cost enhancement, and/or process improvement opportunities.
  • Provide guidance, education, and training opportunities to team members.
  • Ensure the safety and compliance of the research and development process.
  • Contribute to driving the internal innovation process from a culinary perspective identifying trends and new product development opportunities to support customer needs

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

  • Degree in Food Science / Food Engineering with a strong functional Baking Science background
  • At least 8 years’ experience with bakery/food development / manufacturing
  • Experience in baking, pastry arts, R+D and Food / Baking Science including recipe/formulation  and raw material knowledge/experience
  • Experience with leading new products through concept, prototyping and commercialization within a manufacturing environment.
  • Strong bench work skills with the ability to execute solutions rapidly
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Working knowledge of MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel), SharePoint, ERP systems
  • Working knowledge of US food standards and regulations
  • Self-directed with initiative; responsible for managing own projects and ensuring all timelines are met or exceeded for self and reports
  • Ability/willingness to work off hours or extended amounts of time during product scale ups.
  • Ability/willingness to travel up to 50% of the time.

About Dessert Holdings

Dessert Holdings is a collection of premium dessert companies and brands:  The Original Cakerie, Lawler’s Desserts, Atlanta Cheesecake Company, Steven Charles, Dianne’s Fine Desserts, Kenny’s Great Pies, and Willamette Valley Pie Company.  Dessert Holdings is owned by Bain Capital, is headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, employs more than 3,500 people across ten manufacturing facilities, and is continuing its journey of rapid growth.

EEO Statement

Dessert Holdings and its related entities provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristics protected by law. 

#LI-MF1 #DH1


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