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Food Manufacturing Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

... food processing, metallurgy, biomedical, and material handling. We have an immediate direct-hire ... The Manufacturing Engineering Manager leads manufacturing engineering activities in a high ...

Actalent

Manufacturing Engineer

Westerville, OH

$70K - $90K/yr

... food manufacturing. Additional Skills & Qualifications * Experience in manufacturing engineering, including exposure to automation, robotics, and mechanical engineering applications. * Background in ...

New

Management Alliance Programs, Inc

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Project Manager - Food Manufacturing

Modesto, CA · On-site

$60 - $90/hr

... engineering standards, and food safety regulations (HACCP, GMP). [1, 2] * Cross-Functional ... Partner with operations, manufacturing, procurement, and external vendors/contractors to align ...

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Kari Out

Manufacturing Engineer

Paterson, NJ · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

... engineering discipline. * Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement methodologies. * Project Management experience required. * Experience in food manufacturing ...

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Food Manufacturing Engineering information

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$80K

$123.1K

$154K

How much do food manufacturing engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for food manufacturing engineering in the United States is $123,079.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,000.00 and $136,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Food Manufacturing Engineering vs Food Processing Technician?

AspectFood Manufacturing EngineeringFood Processing Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related fieldHigh school diploma or associate degree, technical training
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and optimize manufacturing processes in factoriesOperate and maintain processing equipment on the production line
Industry UsageUsed by companies to improve efficiency and product quality

Food Manufacturing Engineering focuses on designing and improving production processes, requiring engineering credentials. In contrast, Food Processing Technicians handle daily operations and equipment maintenance, often with technical training. Both roles are essential in the food industry but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What is the highest paying job in food engineering?

The highest paying roles in food manufacturing engineering typically include senior engineering managers, plant directors, or operations directors, with salaries often exceeding $120,000 annually. These positions require extensive experience, leadership skills, and knowledge of manufacturing processes and quality standards.

What engineers make $500,000?

In food manufacturing engineering, senior-level engineers with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and specialized skills in process optimization or automation can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially in leadership roles or with bonuses and profit sharing. Such high salaries are more common in large companies or executive positions overseeing multiple facilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Food Manufacturing Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Manufacturing Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, food science, and process optimization, often supported by a degree in chemical, mechanical, or food engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, process control systems, and industry-specific standards such as HACCP or SQF certifications is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating across departments and addressing production challenges. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure efficient, safe, and high-quality food production in a competitive manufacturing environment.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

In food manufacturing engineering, senior-level engineers with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and specialized skills in process optimization or automation can reach or exceed a $300,000 annual salary, especially in leadership roles or large companies. High compensation often involves managerial responsibilities, project management, or working in high-demand sectors within the industry.

What is Food Manufacturing Engineering?

Food Manufacturing Engineering is a specialized field that focuses on the design, development, and optimization of processes and equipment used to produce food products on an industrial scale. Professionals in this field apply principles of engineering, biology, and chemistry to ensure food safety, quality, and efficiency in manufacturing operations. They work on everything from developing automated processing lines to improving packaging and storage methods. This role is integral to meeting industry standards and regulatory requirements while also innovating for better productivity and sustainability.

What can you do with a food engineering degree?

A food engineering degree prepares individuals for roles such as food process engineer, quality assurance manager, or production supervisor in the food manufacturing industry. Graduates can work on developing, optimizing, and ensuring the safety of food production processes, often using skills in process design, food science, and equipment operation.

What are some common challenges faced by engineers in food manufacturing, and how can they be effectively managed?

Engineers in food manufacturing frequently encounter challenges such as maintaining product quality while optimizing production efficiency, ensuring compliance with stringent safety and hygiene regulations, and adapting to evolving automation technologies. Effective management of these challenges involves staying current with industry standards, collaborating closely with quality assurance and operations teams, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives. Strong problem-solving skills, proactive communication, and a willingness to learn new technologies are essential for success in this dynamic environment.
More about Food Manufacturing Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Food Manufacturing Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Food Manufacturing Engineering job openings:
What states have the most Food Manufacturing Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Food Manufacturing Engineering jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Food Manufacturing Engineering jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Food Manufacturing Engineering jobs are:
Food Manufacturing Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Manufacturing Engineering job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,079 per year, or $59.2 per hour.

Engineering Manager - Food

Foodemploymentstaffing.com

Berkeley, CA

$150K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Engineering Manager Food ManufacturingBerkeley, CAA growing food manufacturing company is seeking an experienced Engineering Manager to lead plant engineering, equipment reliability, capital projects, preventative maintenance strategy, and continuous improvement initiatives within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on engineering leader who enjoys solving complex equipment and process challenges, improving plant performance, and partnering cross-functionally with Production, Quality, Food Safety, R&D, Operations, and outside vendors.The Engineering Manager will play a key role in improving equipment uptime, supporting operational efficiency, reducing downtime, and ensuring manufacturing systems, utilities, and facility infrastructure are operating safely and reliably.Key ResponsibilitiesLead initiatives to improve equipment reliability, plant efficiency, manufacturing performance, and overall operational effectiveness.Analyze downtime trends, equipment failures, and process inefficiencies to identify root causes and implement long-term corrective actions.Develop, support, and improve preventative and predictive maintenance programs for production and facility equipment.Provide technical troubleshooting support for manufacturing systems, processing equipment, packaging equipment, utilities, heating/cooling systems, and facility infrastructure.Manage engineering projects, including equipment upgrades, new installations, automation initiatives, facility improvements, and process optimization projects.Partner with Production, QA, Food Safety, R&D, and Operations to support manufacturing goals, product quality, and food safety standards.Coordinate with outside vendors, contractors, and service providers for repairs, equipment servicing, and project execution.Support spare parts strategy, equipment lifecycle planning, engineering documentation, SOPs, and long-term capital improvement planning.Ensure compliance with GMP, HACCP, OSHA, food safety, and company safety standards.QualificationsBachelor?s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field preferred.5+ years of plant engineering, manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, maintenance/reliability, or related experience in a manufacturing environment.Food manufacturing or consumer packaged goods manufacturing experience preferred.Strong knowledge of manufacturing equipment, process systems, plant utilities, facility operations, and reliability engineering principles.Experience leading equipment improvement, process optimization, capital projects, and continuous improvement initiatives.Familiarity with preventative maintenance systems, root cause analysis, GMP, HACCP, and food safety standards preferred.Strong project management, analytical, communication, and cross-functional leadership skills.Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and engineering documentation.CMMS and Microsoft Office experience preferred.This position operates in a food manufacturing environment and requires close collaboration with plant operations and technical teams. The role may require occasional off-hours support for troubleshooting, maintenance coordination, or project implementation.Qualified candidates should have a strong engineering foundation, a hands-on leadership style, and the ability to drive meaningful improvements in plant reliability, safety, efficiency, and performance.Send resume to: jobs foodemployment.com