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Food Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Process Engineer

Sioux Falls, SD · On-site

$81.75K - $136.25K/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.

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 ...

Hold a bachelor's degree in Food Science or Food Engineering, with a strong Baking Science background * Have 0-5 years of experience (internships or co-ops with food manufacturers strongly preferred)

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 ...

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 ...

Completed Sophomore-level status or higher toward a BS degree in an Engineering program (Electrical, Automation, Mechanical, Chemical, Biological, Food Engineering or Manufacturing preferred)Ability ...

Intern

Carrollton, TX

$16.25 - $21/hr

Job Summary The Engineering Intern is a hands on technical contributor supporting continuous improvement, capital projects, and day to day engineering activities within a food grade powder blending ...

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Food Engineering information

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$46.5K

$146.9K

$174K

How much do food engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 3, 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 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 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 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:
Sr. Process Engineer

Sr. Process Engineer

Schwans

Sioux Falls, SD • On-site

$81.75K - $136.25K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

At CJ Schwan's, we don't just make food - we help create moments that matter. From kids devouring pizza after soccer practice, to students laughing over dumplings in a cafeteria, to families enjoying pie during the holidays, our team members play an important role in bringing those everyday moments to life. Our portfolio includes iconic pizzas, global flavors and timeless desserts from brands like Red Baron®, bibigo®, Tony's®, Big Daddy's®, Freschetta®, Pagoda®, Edwards® and Mrs. Smith's®. Enjoyed in homes, schools, restaurants and just about everywhere people shop and eat, our products reflect a commitment to quality, innovation and the power of food to bring people together.
We are hiring a Sr. Process Engineer for our corporate team to work out of either Sioux Falls, SD, or Marshall, MN (with potential consideration to Minneapolis/St. Paul for the right candidate). In this role, you will be responsible for the investigation, development, improvement, and testing of complex, new or modified food processing techniques. The position also supports department and corporation strategies in the areas of process development and engineering; test runs and specification development.
What You Will Do:
  • Identify, develop, and evaluate new process technologies providing breakthrough capabilities for all innovations, renovations, and productivity initiatives within Schwan's manufacturing and co-packer facilities,
  • Lead the process development and process capability assessment to ensure product design aligns with process capability.
  • Develop and execute Commissioning, Qualification and Verification protocols.
  • Apply advanced statistics, experimental designs (DOE) and six sigma in problem-solving.
  • Interfaces with manufacturing and operations engineering departments to identify, educate and implement major cost savings projects or product improvements involving new processes, processing technology, and equipment.
  • Collaborates with other R&D groups, Manufacturing, and Engineering to develop process and equipment specifications for existing and new equipment or production lines including any improvement and/or changes.
  • Works with product development and manufacturing staff to develop process or equipment to reach attainment goals for new and existing production lines.
  • Develops, presents, and communicates preliminary capital proposals of new processing technology, equipment, or cost reduction opportunities including determination of ROI and other benefits, process or equipment specifications, and estimated capital investment and production capacity and attainment.

What We Look For:
  • 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.
  • Working knowledge of R& D product development flow from conception to product launch.
  • Strong in statistical analysis and Statistical Process Control (SPC)
  • Ability to develop and execute Commissioning, Qualification and Verification protocols.
  • Ability to read and produce tooling conceptual drawing with a CAD program such as SolidWorks. 3D printing experience is a plus.
  • Ability to develop Process Flow Diagrams and write preliminary capital proposals.
  • Ability to perform mass balance calculations, cycle time studies, and payback calculations.

What We Offer:
The base salary range for this position is $81,750 to $136,250 annually with eligibility for a 10% annual incentive bonus that is based on organizational performance. The pay range represents the numerous factors considered in the hiring decisions including, but not limited to education, skills, work experience, certifications, geography etc. As such, starting pay for the successful candidate(s) could fall anywhere within the stated range.
Beyond base salary, we offer a competitive Total Rewards package designed to support your overall well-being, including comprehensive health benefits, time off programs, and retirement and financial offerings.
CJ Schwan's and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, national origin, or any other protected characteristic. We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs. For accommodation requests or assistance with the application, please email career.search@schwans.com.
Education:
(A) Master of Science degree (U.S. or foreign equivalent) in Industrial Engineering, Food Engineering,Chemical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering or closely related field; OR (B) Alternatively, a Bachelor of Science(U.S. or foreign equivalent) in Industrial Engineering, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering or MechanicalEngineering or closely related field. Experience: Candidates with a Master#s of Science degree listed above arerequired to have (A) at least 3 years of experience in an engineering position in manufacturing, including as aproject engineer at companies providing engineering services to food and beverage manufacturers and packagers
(B) At least one year of experience in engineering, testing, commissioning, and maintaining process operations in the foodor pharmaceutical industry OR at least one year of experience providing engineering project support for food andbeverage packaging and processing facilities
(C) At least one year of experience in writing preliminary capitalproposals and commercializing new process technology and new processing equipment for manufacturing food OR at leastone year of experience as a Project Engineer preparing bid packages for project equipment, components andinstallation on engineering projects for food and beverage manufacturers and packagers. All experience can be gained concurrently in the same 3 year period.
Alternatively, candidates who have a Bachelor of Science degree listed aboveare required to have at least 6 years of experience in (A) and one year in (B) and (C). All experience can be gained concurrently in the same 6 year period.
This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications associated with the job. An individual must be able to perform all ofthe duties and responsibilities listed in a fully competent manner to be considered successful in the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individualswith disabilities to perform essential duties and responsibilities.

Schwan's Home Delivery logo

About Schwan's Home Delivery

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Since 1952, we have been delivering delicious meal solutions for you to share with family and friends -- any time of the day and for any occasion. Some may know us for our ice cream but millions more choose us for our superior quality foods such as wild-caught seafood, USDA choice meats, flavorful fruits and vegetables and of course, decadent desserts. All 100% satisfaction guaranteed. And all frozen fresh and delivered to your door.

Industry

Food and drink manufacturing

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Marshall, MN, US

Year founded

1952