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Food Engineering Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

In fact, one of our facilities was recently named a top food production plant by Food Engineering Magazine. BENEFITS : Health, Life, Paid Vacations & Holidays, and more! (see full list below) WORKING ...

In fact, one of our facilities was recently named a top food production plant by Food Engineering Magazine . BENEFITS : Health, Life, Paid Vacations & Holidays, and more! (see full list below ...

... engineering, construction, and operations support; custodial and grounds maintenance services ... As the Food Services Manager , will oversee the entire food service operation across the program ...

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Food Engineering information

See Virginia salary details

$46.1K

$145.6K

$172.5K

How much do food engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for food engineering in Virginia is $145,608.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $115,500.00 and $171,500.00 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 Virginia? For Food Engineering jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Food Engineering jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Food Engineering job openings:
Maintenance Technician I

Maintenance Technician I

Cuisine Solutions

Sterling, VA • On-site

$28 - $32/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Cuisine Solutions rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

113th of 397 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

TITLE: Maintenance Technician
Are you ready to start earning and receiving benefits today with one of the most innovative food companies in the world?
Cuisine Solutions, a premium, fully-cooked frozen food manufacturer, has immediate openings for production workers. Production employees follow procedures and recipes to prepare food with the highest quality standards. You'll work in a safe, high-end environment. In fact, one of our facilities was recently named a top food production plant by Food Engineering Magazine.
BENEFITS: Health, Life, Paid Vacations & Holidays, and more! (see full list below)
WORKING HOURS: 6am-3pm at the Sterling Plant; 22445 Sous Vide Lane Sterling, VA 20166
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Maintenance Techs will ensure the efficient and reliable operation of high speed and complex processing and packaging equipment. This includes troubleshooting, problem identification, maintaining, testing, installing and conducting all mechanical repairs on all of the processing and packaging equipment.
  • Troubleshoot, install, repair and maintain the operating condition of production and processing machinery and surrounding equipment, this would include but not limited to hydraulic and pneumatic systems, robotics, motors, pumps, conveying system, cooking equipment , etc..
  • Troubleshoot malfunctioning components of processing equipment.
  • Ability to read electrical schematics as well as manufacturers maintenance manuals to determine proper operation.
  • Maintain a comprehensive preventative maintenance program for machinery in facility.
  • Complete accurately and timely documentation of maintenance records, work orders and task records.
  • Be able to perform all Lockout Tag Out (LOTO) procedures.
  • Good mechanical aptitude and operation knowledge of control systems.
  • Effective troubleshooting skills and systematically diagnose mechanical or electrical problems
  • Setup, Start-Up, Adjust and Operation of Equipment; Proper Shutdown and Changeover as required by company standards and to minimize downtime

BENEFITS:
  • Health Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Short Term Disability
  • Paid Vacation& Sick leave
  • Paid Holidays

Cuisine Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

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