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Food Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Wonderful Company

Food Scientist II

Lost Hills, CA

$91K - $124K/yr

Apply food science and engineering principles to deliver technical and innovative solutions for pistachio, almond, and nut-based products. * Independently manage complex technical projects, taking ...

JBT Marel Corporation

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)

Kellanova

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemistry, Microbiology, or a related field. * 3+ years of experience in Food Safety, Sanitation, or Quality within the food manufacturing ...

Lancesoft

Process Technologist

Terre Haute, IN

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 ...

Schwans

Sr. Process Engineer

Sioux Falls, SD

$81K - $136K/yr

Bachelor's Science in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical or Food are ideal). Master's of Science in Engineering preferred. * 6+ years of related experience, ideally in manufacturing environments.

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 ...

Johnson Service Group

Be Seen First

Process Engineer

Plymouth, IN · On-site

$60 - $75/hr

Bachelor's degree in Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field * Minimum of 10 years of experience in a food manufacturing environment * Strong knowledge of HACCP, GMPs, and SQF ...

Dessert Holdings Inc.

R&D Food Scientist

Aurora, CO · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Degree in Food Science / Food Engineering with a strong functional Baking Science background bachelor's 0 to 5 years' experience required, with strong preference for internships or co-ops with food ...

Vibrant Ingredients

Beverage Developer

Vista, CA

Science degree (preferably in Food Science/Food Engineering) from a reputable schoolProven track record of success in beverage development in the Food Service or beverage industryFull working ...

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How much do food engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 23, 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 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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

In the field of food engineering, salaries of $300,000 or more are uncommon and typically achieved by senior-level professionals with extensive experience, leadership roles, or specialized expertise. High compensation may also be found in executive or consulting positions within the broader engineering industry, but such salaries are rare for standard food engineering roles. Advanced degrees, certifications, and management responsibilities can contribute to higher earning potential.

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 engineers make $500,000?

In the field of food engineering, high salaries reaching $500,000 are uncommon and typically occur at senior levels in large corporations or in executive roles such as Chief Food Engineer or Director of Food Technology. Achieving such compensation often requires extensive experience, advanced degrees, leadership responsibilities, and sometimes stock options or bonuses.

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 is the highest paying job in food engineering?

The highest paying roles in food engineering typically include senior management positions such as Food Engineering Director or Vice President of Food Technology, which can offer salaries exceeding $150,000 annually. These roles often require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and expertise in process optimization, quality control, and regulatory compliance.
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:
What job categories do people searching Food Engineering jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Food Engineering jobs are:
Food Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Engineering job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $146,868 per year, or $70.6 per hour.
Food Scientist II

Food Scientist II

The Wonderful Company

Lost Hills, CA

$91K - $124K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

The Wonderful Company rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

243rd of 385 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Company Description
Wonderful Pistachios & Almonds is the largest vertically integrated pistachio and almond processor in the world. Located in California's Central Valley, our nuts are Non-GMO Project Verified and sustainably harvested, providing a smart, healthy choice for consumers around the world. Our facilities are equipped with the most advanced processing technology available, allowing us to efficiently sort, grade, process, roast, flavor, and package billions of nuts each year. We are committed to providing the highest-quality nuts to our customers and consumers worldwide.
Job Description
SUMMARY OF POSITION
The Food Scientist II supports R&D initiatives ranging from new product development and innovation to product quality improvement, sensory analysis, shelf-life evaluation, and regulatory compliance. The role requires applying strong technical and scientific principles to drive innovation, ensure product excellence, and independently manage projects from concept through commercialization. The position demands comfort with ambiguity, initiative in problem-solving, attention to detail, and the ability to translate complex challenges into actionable solutions.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Apply food science and engineering principles to deliver technical and innovative solutions for pistachio, almond, and nut-based products.
  • Independently manage complex technical projects, taking initiative to identify challenges, link cross-functional insights, and drive progress amid ambiguity.
  • Use ingredient functionality expertise to improve existing product quality and develop innovative new products. Lead feasibility trials and commercial scale-ups to resolve processing challenges.
  • Assess new technologies for roasting, seasoning, and nut-based product applications, driving innovation, solving technical challenges, and keeping pace with industry trends.
  • Manage regulatory compliance activities by maintaining accurate nutrition, ingredient, and labeling information for all products and ensuring alignment with domestic and international requirements.
  • Apply sensory science methodologies to assess product quality, conduct discrimination and descriptive analysis, and generate actionable recommendations.
  • Conduct data-driven shelf-life studies; evaluate correlations between organoleptic changes, lipid oxidation, and packaging film properties. Recommend shelf-life extension strategies.
  • Maintain detailed project documentation, specifications, reports, and data archives.
  • Support and promote a safe, healthy, and compliant work environment.
  • Drive product and process advancement through creativity, adaptability, and initiative.
  • Build effective cross-functional relationships and collaborate with marketing, sales, and operations to ensure successful commercialization and continuous improvement initiatives.

SKILL REQUIREMENTS
Language skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills are necessary.
  • Ability to communicate and interact with all levels of the organization, including senior management, customers, consumers, and regulatory officials.

Mathematical skills
  • Exhibit strong analytical Skills (math and Excel)
  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals, along with computing ratios and percentages

Computer skills
  • Proficient in Excel and Word applications.
  • Understanding of Oracle and Discoverer reporting tools.

Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
  • BS or Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
  • Minimum 5 years of relevant industry experience.
  • Proven ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and navigate ambiguity while taking ownership of projects from ideation to execution.
  • Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  • Hands-on, self-motivated, and results-oriented with a collaborative and innovative mindset.

Pay range: $91,000.00 - $124,500.00/yr
Qualifications
Additional Information
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