1

Food Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PIZZA FOOD SCIENTIST Are you passionate about food innovation, bakery science, and bringing new ... Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, Engineering, Procurement, Sales, and ...

R&D Principal Scientist

Plano, TX · On-site

$119K - $140K/yr

Lead training and development for new hires and developers in R&D on flavors & seasonings development. #LI-DNI Qualifications Position requires a Bachelor's degree (US or Foreign Equivalent) in Food ...

PIZZA FOOD SCIENTIST Are you passionate about food innovation, bakery science, and bringing new ... Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, Engineering, Procurement, Sales, and ...

Pizza Food Scientist

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$77K - $90K/yr

PIZZA FOOD SCIENTIST Are you passionate about food innovation, bakery science, and bringing new ... Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, Engineering, Procurement, Sales, and ...

Food Lab Technician

Lakeland, FL · On-site

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

Basic Qualifications: * BS degree in Microbiology, Food Science, Food Engineering, or related areas (Meat Science, Chemical Engineering, or hard sciences like Chemistry or Organic/Bio-chemistry)

Food Lab Technician

Lakeland, FL

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

Basic Qualifications: * BS degree in Microbiology, Food Science, Food Engineering, or related areas (Meat Science, Chemical Engineering, or hard sciences like Chemistry or Organic/Bio-chemistry)

VP Engineering

Eden Prairie, MN · On-site

$240K - $260K/yr

Ensure compliance with all food safety, quality, environmental, and workplace safety regulations. * Develop KPIs to measure engineering, maintenance, capital project, and reliability performance.

S.) in food engineering, chemical engineering, food processing, food chemistry, food science, or a related discipline. Knowledge of thermal processing. At least 3 years of experience in food ...

VP Engineering

Eden Prairie, MN · On-site

$183K - $236K/yr

Ensure compliance with all food safety, quality, environmental, and workplace safety regulations. * Develop KPIs to measure engineering, maintenance, capital project, and reliability performance.

VP Engineering

Eden Prairie, MN

$183K - $236K/yr

Ensure compliance with all food safety, quality, environmental, and workplace safety regulations. * Develop KPIs to measure engineering, maintenance, capital project, and reliability performance.

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 ...

next page

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 Jul 14, 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.

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.

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:
Engineering Project Technician

Engineering Project Technician

Farther Farms

Rochester, NY

$25 - $38/hr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

JOB SUMMARY

Farther Farms is pioneering a novel CO₂-based food processing platform to redefine how food is made, preserved, and distributed. As Engineering Technician, you will support the design, testing, and optimization of food processing equipment and instrumentation systems. This role involves operating and modifying pilot-scale machinery, collecting and analyzing process data, and helping engineers develop reliable, scalable solutions for food production.

The ideal candidate has a strong mix of mechanical and electrical skills, experience with data acquisition and instrumentation, and the ability to create clear process documentation that supports equipment operation and validation efforts.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

  • Associate degree or equivalent technical training in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, Food Engineering, or a related discipline.
  • Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required.

Experience:

  • 3+ years of hands-on experience in an engineering lab, food processing facility, pilot plant, or equipment development environment.
  • Proven background with data acquisition systems (e.g., NI LabVIEW, Dewesoft, or similar).
  • Familiarity with food processing equipment or industrial automation systems a strong plus.

Skills & Competencies:

  • Proficiency with mechanical assembly, piping, and instrumentation layout.
  • Experience with electrical wiring, control panels, and sensor integration (thermocouple experience strongly preferred).
  • Working knowledge of food industry standards for safety and sanitation (e.g., GMP, HACCP, 3-A, USDA).
  • Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and documentation skills.
  • Comfortable working in a dynamic, experimental environment where safety and cleanliness are priorities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Instrumentation & Data Acquisition

  • Set up, calibrate, and maintain sensors, transducers, and data acquisition (DAQ) systems used for temperature, pressure, flow, and other process variables.
  • Configure and operate data collection software to monitor process performance in real time.
  • Ensure accuracy and integrity of all experimental and validation data.
  • Assemble, operate, and maintain pilot-scale food processing machinery such as mixers, peelers, ovens, conveyors, pumps, or thermal processing units.
  • Support the integration of new instruments, control systems, and automation components.
  • Conduct production equipment operation, functional tests, process trials, and performance validation under engineering supervision.
  • Identify and troubleshoot mechanical or electrical issues quickly and effectively. 

Process Documentation & Continuous Improvement

  • Develop and maintain process work instructions, test procedures, and equipment operation manuals.
  • Support the creation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in compliance with food safety and quality standards.
  • Suggest improvements to equipment performance, ergonomics, and data reliability.

Technical Support & Collaboration

  • Collaborate closely with food scientists, engineers, and process developers to implement experimental designs.
  • Maintains positive and professional relationships with all team members, third party partners, and customers
  • Build custom fixtures, prototype components, and small assemblies using machine tools and fabrication equipment.
  • Perform electrical wiring, panel assembly, and instrumentation installation as needed.

Data Management & Reporting

  • Record, organize, and summarize test data for engineering review.
  • Prepare concise technical reports, test logs, and calibration records.
  • Maintain accurate lab documentation to support regulatory and quality requirements.

Farther Farms is a food technology company working to improve the way food is made. We meld microbiology, engineering, food science, and operations expertise to bring to life innovative technologies that enable never-before-possible products. Beginning with our shelf-stable French fry, we are working to transform the way food is prepared, distributed, and accessed around the world by simultaneously uniting sustainability and delicious new food.