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Food Process Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Senior Project Engineer

Smithfield, VA

$92K - $120K/yr

Knowledge of engineering principles and techniques related to food processing and the meat industry, preferred. * Ability to apply sound engineering principles to operational and design issues.

Industrial Engineer

Culpeper, VA

$50/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

We have an Excellent Contract position for an Industrial Engineer to join a leading Company located ... Experience with process equipment relating to propellant manufacture or food processing such as ...

Senior Project Engineer

Smithfield, VA · On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

Knowledge of engineering principles and techniques related to food processing and the meat industry, preferred.Ability to apply sound engineering principles to operational and design issues.Knowledge ...

Industrial Engineer

Culpeper, VA

$50/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

We have an Excellent Contract position for an Industrial Engineer to join a leading Company located ... Experience with process equipment relating to propellant manufacture or food processing such as ...

... food and pharmaceutical products. The markets we serve have an urgent need for disruptive ... Process Engineer or Supervisor in day-to-day planning of both extruder and converter machine ...

... food and pharmaceutical products. The markets we serve have an urgent need for disruptive ... Process Engineer or Supervisor in day-to-day planning of both extruder and converter machine ...

Mechanical Engineer

Winchester, VA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

... the food processing, can making, and material handling industries. Ashworth strives to be the ... Position Summary Mechanical Engineer contributes to a team responsible for planning, conceptualize ...

Industrial Engineer

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$92K - $114K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... food processing, metallurgy, biomedical, and material handling. We have an exciting opportunity for ... The Industrial Engineer plays a key role in driving operational excellence through process ...

Physically process bulk bags of dry ingredients * Use LogPro system to maintain/log ingredient ... Basic to intermediate understanding of engineering, electronics, and pneumatics Skills and ...

Senior Supplier Quality Engineer

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$91K - $101K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... food processing, metallurgy, biomedical, and material handling. We have an immediate direct-hire ... The Senior Supplier Quality Engineer leads and ensures supplier quality performance for parts ...

Controls Engineer

Chester, VA · On-site

$76K - $99K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

ITAC serves Process & Industrial clients with integrated engineering and construction services for ... We specialize in power generation & utilities, chemicals, food & beverage, forest products ...

Showing results 41-60

Food Process Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$49.1K

$91.2K

$141.3K

How much do food process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for food process engineer in Virginia is $91,228.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,900.00 and $102,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

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

Infographic showing various Food Process Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $91,228 per year, or $43.9 per hour.

$92K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.

Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special - a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact. Apply Now!

THE VALUE YOU'LL BRING:

As a key member of our dynamic Engineering team, you will dive into data analysis and design innovative implementation plans to optimize production processes. Your mission? Maximize efficiency, eliminate waste, and reduce operating costs-all while ensuring that our world-class brands, including Smithfield, Eckrich, and Nathan's Famous, continue to exceed the expectations of our customers and consumers.

You'll apply your expertise in science and mathematics to develop cutting-edge technical projects that transform the pork and packaged meat industry. Whether leading a small team on medium to large-scale projects or taking charge of a critical portion of a more complex initiative, you'll play a pivotal role in driving success. While you're fully capable of working independently and making impactful decisions, you'll also collaborate with senior leaders when facing complex challenges, ensuring every project is executed with precision.

If you're ready to apply your engineering skills to revolutionize manufacturing, enhance operational efficiencies, and deliver exceptional results for some of the most iconic brands in the industry, we want you on our team!

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.

  • Design and Project Management: You'll develop engineering designs, material specifications, and project cost estimates. You'll also conduct feasibility studies and research to support design choices. You will be responsible for ensuring designs meet required standards and codes, validating field work and creating as-built drawings. You will review engineering submissions for accuracy and compliance, coordinate project activities with vendors, contractors, and plant teams to stay on schedule and collaborate with management and engineering teams to implement plans.

  • Design Implementation and Coordination: You will be accountable for directing vendors and contractors on layout planning and utility requirements. You'll reviews consultant work and suggest changes as needed and maintain documentation, including manuals, drawings, specs, and vendor contacts.

  • Reports, Proposals, and Project Preparation: You'll conduct planning and operational reviews during pre-project phases, define project scope, prepare proposals, and evaluate bids. You'll also submit regular status reports to management, assist with contract administration and prepares project documents and monitor installations to ensure they meet specs, budgets, and timelines.

  • Budget and Contract Management: You will manage project budgets to ensure financial targets are met.

WHAT WE'RE SEEKING:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Engineering, Engineering Management, or related field and 5+ years of experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.

  • Knowledge of engineering principles and techniques related to food processing and the meat industry, preferred.

  • Ability to apply sound engineering principles to operational and design issues.

  • Knowledge of installation and construction project scheduling.

  • Must possess Project Management skills; Contract Administration skills; National codes and standards interpretation skills. Previous experience in the management of multi-million-dollar projects with large scopes, desirable.

  • Proficient in engineering economics.

  • Proficient in AutoCAD.

  • Energized by collaboration through travel to other locations. (50% of the time).

OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:

  • Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, organizational planning, teamwork, analytical reasoning, and adaptability.

  • Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.

  • Knowledge of engineering principles and techniques related to food processing and the meat industry, preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

  • The majority of the time is spent in an office setting outside of the production plant. The plant environment will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals.

  • Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud when in the production area.

IndSPR-Corp

The expected pay range for this position is $85,000 - $120,000 annually.

Smithfield Foods provides pay ranges that reflect its good faith estimate of thesalary or hourly wagethe company reasonably expects to pay for a positionat the time of hire. Individual compensation will be determined based on several factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the role, location of the position, the candidate's qualifications and experience, internal equity, external market pay for comparable positions and budget considerations. At Smithfield Foods, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive total rewards package. Learn more about our benefits package here.

Relocation Package Available Yes

EEO Information

Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.