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Food Process Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Process Engineer

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$103.20 - $154.79/hr

With unique food science expertise and proprietary processes, we've pioneered many firsts. The fire ... The Process Engineer works closely with multiple departments including production, warehouse ...

New

Process Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Overview The Process Engineer position is an exciting opportunity to join PM Group's quickly ... We are world leaders in the pharma, food, biotech, medical technology and mission critical sectors.

We are looking for a highly detail-oriented Sr. Process Engineer to assist in development, control, and documentation of food manufacturing process to assure we produce top quality food with ...

... global life sciences and food and beverage industries. Our employees provide best-in-class ... The Entry-Level Process Engineer is responsible for supporting the documentation of the process ...

Overview The Process Engineer position is an exciting opportunity to join PM Group's quickly ... We are world leaders in the pharma, food, biotech, medical technology and mission critical sectors.

... global life sciences and food and beverage industries. Our employees provide best-in-class ... The Entry-Level Process Engineer focuses on the design and engineering of manufacturing facility ...

... global life sciences and food and beverage industries. Our employees provide best-in-class ... The Entry-Level Process Engineer focuses on the design and engineering of manufacturing facility ...

... food and beverage industries. Our more than 1,100 employees provide best-in-class solutions that ... The Process Engineer III is responsible for leading the design for a defined scope of a project ...

... food and beverage industries. Our more than 1,100 employees provide best-in-class solutions that ... The Process Engineer III is responsible for leading the design for a defined scope of a project ...

... food and beverage industries. Our more than 1,100 employees provide best-in-class solutions that ... The Process Engineer III is responsible for leading the design for a defined scope of a project ...

... food and beverage industries. Our more than 1,400 employees provide best-in-class solutions that ... The Process Engineer IV serves as a senior technical leader within the Process discipline ...

... food and beverage industries. Our more than 1,400 employees provide best-in-class solutions that ... The Process Engineer IV serves as a senior technical leader within the Process discipline ...

Senior Process Engineer

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

We chart our own course and chase big ideas to make food unforgettable. As we expand globally and ... We are looking for a highly detail-oriented Sr. Process Engineer to assist in development, control ...

Senior Process Engineer

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

We chart our own course and chase big ideas to make food unforgettable. As we expand globally and ... We are looking for a highly detail-oriented Sr. Process Engineer to assist in development, control ...

Process Engineer, Tech Ops

Orange, CA · On-site

$135K - $140K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Engineering, Materials Science, Food Science, or a related scientific field. * 3+ yeas of process engineering experience in solid dose manufacturing ...

Process Engineer, Tech Ops

Orange, CA · On-site

$135 - $140/hr

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Engineering, Materials Science, Food Science, or a related scientific field. * 3+ yeas of process engineering experience in solid dose manufacturing ...

New

Process Engineer, Tech Ops

Orange, CA · On-site

$135 - $140/hr

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Engineering, Materials Science, Food Science, or a related scientific field. * 3+ yeas of process engineering experience in solid dose manufacturing ...

Showing results 21-40

Food Process Engineer information

See California salary details

$48.9K

$90.8K

$140.6K

How much do food process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for food process engineer in California is $90,813.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $101,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food process engineer?

A Food Process Engineer designs, develops, and optimizes food manufacturing processes to ensure efficiency, quality, and safety. They work with equipment, ingredients, and technologies to improve food production methods. Their role may involve research, troubleshooting, and implementing automation to enhance productivity. Food Process Engineers collaborate with food scientists, quality assurance teams, and production staff to meet industry regulations and consumer demands.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a food process engineer?

A Food Process Engineer’s daily responsibilities often include designing and optimizing production processes, troubleshooting equipment or product issues, and ensuring compliance with food safety and quality standards. You may also coordinate closely with production staff, quality assurance teams, and R&D departments to implement new technologies or process improvements. Documentation and analysis of process data, as well as participation in meetings to discuss ongoing projects, are common parts of the day-to-day routine. This dynamic role offers variety and the opportunity to continuously make impactful improvements to food production.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food process engineer?

To thrive as a Food Process Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical or food engineering, strong problem-solving abilities, and experience with food safety regulations, typically supported by an engineering degree. Familiarity with software tools such as AutoCAD, process simulation programs, and knowledge of relevant certifications like HACCP or Six Sigma is often required. Attention to detail, effective teamwork, and strong communication skills help you succeed in cross-functional environments. These abilities ensure the safe, efficient, and innovative development of food processing systems that meet quality and regulatory standards.

What does a food process engineer do?

A food process engineer designs, develops, and improves manufacturing processes for food products to ensure safety, quality, and efficiency. They analyze production methods, optimize equipment, and may use tools like process simulation software, often working in manufacturing facilities and requiring knowledge of food safety standards. Their role helps streamline production while maintaining compliance with industry regulations.

What job categories do people searching Food Process Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Process Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Food Process Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Food Process Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Process Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,813 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Process Engineer

SCN BestCo

Santa Cruz, CA • On-site

$103.20 - $154.79/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Key responsibilities

  • Manage the day-to-day production of multiple processes and manufacturing/packaging equipment.

  • Collaborate with production, warehouse, quality, and maintenance departments to ensure high-quality, cost-effective production.

  • Develop and implement process improvements, including designing modifications, validating new processes and equipment, and investigating equipment failures.


Job description

California
2200 Delaware Ave
Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

California
2200 Delaware Ave
Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

We believe being healthy should not require tradeoffs. SCN BestCo is a leading innovator, developer and manufacturer of Vitamin, Mineral & Supplement (VMS), Over-the-Counter (OTC) and prebiotics/probiotics in enjoyable forms such as gummies, lozenges and chews. With over 50 years of excellence, our team leads the way in changing how consumers make healthier choices. With unique food science expertise and proprietary processes, we’ve pioneered many firsts. The fire in our belly to create new to the world products has guided and continues to be core to our mission of making health and wellness more enjoyable. Come join us and become a part of our winning formula!

The Process Engineer improves production process output and product quality while managing the day-to-day production of multiple processes and manufacturing/packaging equipment. The Process Engineer works closely with multiple departments including production, warehouse, quality, and maintenance to ensure consistent, high quality, and cost-effective production. This position develops innovative solutions to improve safety, production throughput, and quality.

Estimated starting annual base salary is $103,196.11 - $154,794.17 per year less applicable withholdings and deductions, paid on a bi-weekly basis. Please note that the actual compensation offered may vary based on relevant factors as determined by the Company, which may include, but is not limited to, location, experience, qualifications, education, skillset, and market conditions. The target base compensation for this role is in the low to middle of the range, with the top of the range reserved for only exceptional circumstances. In addition, this role is eligible for a discretionary, variable annual incentive, paid based on Company performance factors. SCN BestCo offers a competitive benefits package to eligible full-time employees, which currently includes medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with employer matching contributions, life insurance, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more, as well as paid sick leave in accordance with applicable law. Each benefit is subject to eligibility requirements as specified in plan documents, and the Company reserves the right to modify the benefits it offers from time to time.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Specialize in production areas (moguls & packaging), focusing on long-term sustainable process improvements.
  • Collaborate across organizational and department functions to identify areas for process and product improvements.
  • Design modifications to eliminate machine or system malfunctions.
  • Develop workflows to reduce and eliminate redundant work.
  • Lead teams to investigate equipment failures and difficulties to diagnose faulty operation and make recommendations to maintenance.
  • Perform challenging engineering office work in connection with cost analyses, progress reports, and research or other specialized technical studies.
  • Implement and validate new processes and equipment.
  • Develop and execute installation, operational, and/or performance qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) documents.
Required QualificationsEducation & Experience:
  • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, chemical, or electrical engineering, or related field.
  • 2 years’ experience in manufacturing, process, or continuous improvement engineering, or related field.
  • Experience leading cross-functional teams in root cause analysis.
  • Strong communication, teamwork, and independent decision-making skills.
  • Advanced knowledge in Microsoft Office including Excel, Outlook, and Word.
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD (2D design).
  • Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations. Ability to perform statistical analysis to focus efforts on top losses or opportunities.
  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
  • Must be able to demonstrate practical problem solving and trouble shooting skills. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Professional engineering license in mechanical, chemical, or electrical engineering, or related field.
  • Six Sigma, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), and/or Lean Manufacturing certification.
  • Knowledge of FDA regulations, failure investigation principles, and/or statistical principles and analysis.
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Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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