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Food Manufacturing Jobs in Rockingham, NC (NOW HIRING)

ThompsonFirstGroup

Maintenance Mechanic

Wadesboro, NC · On-site

$23 - $29.50/hr

... or food processing), Industrial Management or other technical certification preferred, or 2+ years experience working in a mechanical role in a manufacturing environment focused on process ...

Novipax Buyer LLC

QA Technician

Rockingham, NC · On-site

... food and healthcare professionals and patients. Novipax manufactures a suite of category-leading absorbents, including Dri-Loc, Pad-Loc, Multi-Loc and Prep Pads, and the revolutionary active ...

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All JobsFood Manufacturing JobsFood Manufacturing Jobs in Rockingham, NC

Food Manufacturing information

See Rockingham, NC salary details

$37K

$84.3K

$114.9K

How much do food manufacturing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for food manufacturing in Rockingham, NC is $84,321.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,600.00 and $103,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is food manufacturing?

Food manufacturing is the process of transforming raw ingredients into finished food products through various methods such as processing, packaging, and distribution. This industry includes everything from large-scale production of packaged goods to specialized food items. Food manufacturing ensures that products meet quality, safety, and regulatory standards before reaching consumers. It involves numerous roles, including machine operators, quality assurance specialists, and food scientists, all working together to produce safe and consistent food products.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in food manufacturing, and why are they important?

To excel in Food Manufacturing, strong knowledge of food safety standards, quality control, and production processes is essential, often supported by relevant certifications such as HACCP or SQF. Familiarity with manufacturing equipment, automated production systems, and inventory management software is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective problem-solving are crucial soft skills for maintaining efficiency and product quality. These competencies ensure safe, consistent, and high-standard food production in a regulated, fast-paced environment.

What are common challenges faced by professionals in food manufacturing, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in food manufacturing often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict quality control, adhering to food safety regulations, and meeting high production demands. These challenges can be addressed by staying current with industry standards, participating in ongoing training, and working closely with quality assurance and maintenance teams. Effective communication and collaboration across departments are essential for quickly resolving issues and ensuring smooth production processes.

Is food manufacturing a good career?

Food manufacturing is a stable career that offers opportunities in production, quality control, and management. It often requires attention to safety standards, technical skills, and sometimes certifications, with work environments that can be fast-paced and physically demanding.

What is the difference between Food Manufacturing vs Food Processing Worker?

AspectFood ManufacturingFood Processing Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications varyHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certifications may be required
Work EnvironmentFactories, production lines, industrial settingsFactories, production lines, industrial settings
Industry UsageUsed broadly across food production companiesSpecific to processing tasks within food manufacturing
Job FocusOverseeing entire production processes or specific stagesPerforming specific processing tasks like cutting, packaging

Food Manufacturing and Food Processing Worker roles are closely related, often working in the same environments. Food Manufacturing covers a broader scope, including overseeing entire production lines, while Food Processing Workers focus on specific tasks like packaging or preparing food products. Both roles require similar credentials and are essential in the food industry.

What is the difference between food manufacturing and food processing?

There is one significant difference between food processing and food manufacturing, and that is what each industry does with a given food product. Food processing is taking a raw product and turning it into an ingredient, like turning vanilla beans into vanilla extract, whereas food manufacturers purchase ingredients and use them within a product, like taking the vanilla extract and using it to make cookies. Both industries work primarily in plant or factory settings, and sometimes food processing and manufacturing is done on the same site, but the duties of manufacturers versus processors differ in their day-to-day operations.

More about Food Manufacturing jobs
What are popular job titles related to Food Manufacturing jobs in Rockingham, NC? For Food Manufacturing jobs in Rockingham, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Food Manufacturing jobs in Rockingham, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Food Manufacturing jobs in Rockingham, NC are:
What cities near Rockingham, NC are hiring for Food Manufacturing jobs? Cities near Rockingham, NC with the most Food Manufacturing job openings:
Food Manufacturing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Manufacturing job openings in Rockingham, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,321 per year, or $40.5 per hour.

ADVANCED SKILL MECHANIC (FOOD INDUSTRY, PLC KNOWLEDGE)

Unaka Company

Bennettsville, SC

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Job Summary: We are seeking an experienced, highly skilled mechanic with a strong background in the food industry. The ideal candidate will possess advanced mechanical skills, experience with food-processing or packaging equipment, and a working knowledge of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). This role is responsible for the maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of complex machinery to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable plant operations.

Key Responsibilities:

Perform preventative and corrective maintenance on food processing and packaging equipment.

Diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and PLC-related issues.

Read and interpret mechanical, electrical, and PLC schematics.

Install, modify, and upgrade machinery as needed.

Maintain detailed maintenance records and documentation.

Ensure equipment and work area meet all safety and food safety requirements.

Collaborate with production, engineering, and quality teams to support continuous improvement.

Train and mentor junior mechanics and technicians as needed.

Qualifications:

Minimum 5 years of mechanical maintenance experience in a food manufacturing environment.

Proven knowledge of food safety and GMP requirements.

Working knowledge of PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar).

Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.

Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and manuals.

Familiarity with electrical systems, pneumatics, and hydraulics.

Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Willingness to work flexible hours and respond to emergencies.

Education: High school diploma or GED required. Technical certificate or associate degree in industrial maintenance, mechatronics, or related field preferred.

Physical Demands: Ability to lift 50 lbs., climb ladders, work in confined spaces, and stand for extended periods.

Experience: Minimum 3-5 years in the food processing industry

Skills: Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic abilities for electrical, electronic, and mechanical systems.

Familiarity with preventive and predictive maintenance practices.

SOPAKCO is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and ensuring fair treatment for all employees, regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status. This commitment aligns with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. Additionally, we require adherence to all state and federal food manufacturing laws, food safety requirements, good manufacturing practices (GMPs), and other standard industry manufacturing practices at all times.

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About Unaka

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Construction materials wholesalers

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Greeneville, TN, US

Year founded

1959

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