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Food Process Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Beyondmeat

Process Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

Integrate quality and food safety requirements, including critical control points, into equipment and process specifications. * Support equipment and toolingselectionby developing engineering ...

Beyond Meat

Process Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

Organize and conduct process engineering development, including PFDs, energy and mass balance, process and equipment trials, process design, specification, and commissioning. * Verify food ...

JRG Partners

Food Process Scientist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

Preferred Masters in Food Science/Engineering, Material Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics or a related degree ? 3-5+ years of experience in process research in the food industry ...

Cybercoders

Process Engineer III

Emeryville, CA

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biological Engineering, Food Engineering, or a related engineering discipline. * Minimum of 5 years of process engineering ...

Kosmos

Food Quality Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

... process engineering, or similar discipline · Solid track record of successful implementation, and compliance of food manufacturing policies and procedures, (GMP's, SSOP's, HACCP, SQF, all ...

Kosmos

Food Quality Manager

Chula Vista, CA · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

... process engineering, or similar discipline · Solid track record of successful implementation, and compliance of food manufacturing policies and procedures, (GMP's, SSOP's, HACCP, SQF, all ...

Kosmos

Food Quality Manager

San Diego, CA

$115K - $140K/yr

... process engineering, or similar discipline · Solid track record of successful implementation, and compliance of food manufacturing policies and procedures, (GMP's, SSOP's, HACCP, SQF, all ...

Dennis Group

Entry Level Process Engineer

Carlsbad, CA

$78K - $82K/yr

Process Engineers work in every aspect of a project - controls, packaging, mechanical, electrical ... engineering, and food and beverage firms is a plus Interest in food safety and sanitary design ...

Dennis Group

Entry Level Process Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

Co-op, intern or work experience with professional services, process engineering, and food and beverage firms is a plus * Interest in food safety and sanitary design principles and a desire learn ...

Saige Partners

Process Engineer

Lathrop, CA · On-site

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering. * 5+ years of experience in food manufacturing or food processing, preferably in aseptic processing. * Experience with ...

Saige Partners

Process Engineer

Lathrop, CA

$110K - $130K/yr

Qualifications: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering. 5+ years of experience in food manufacturing or food processing, preferably in aseptic processing.

Eichleay, Inc

Process Engineers

Orange, CA

... food and beverage, and advanced manufacturing environments. At Eichleay, our Process Engineering team specializes in delivering innovative, safe, and optimized process solutions for complex ...

Eichleay, Inc

Process Engineers

Larkspur, CA · On-site

... food and beverage, and advanced manufacturing environments. At Eichleay, our Process Engineering team specializes in delivering innovative, safe, and optimized process solutions for complex ...

Calbee America, Inc.

Food Scientist

Madera, CA · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Culinary Science, Food Process Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field. * Minimum of 3 years of product development experience in consumer-packaged ...

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All JobsFood Process Engineering JobsFood Process Engineering Jobs in California

Food Process Engineering information

See California salary details

$48.9K

$90.8K

$140.6K

How much do food process engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for food process engineering 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 engineers make $500,000?

In the field of food process engineering, high salaries reaching $500,000 are typically associated with senior roles such as director or vice president of engineering, often requiring extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership responsibilities. These positions may involve overseeing large-scale production, process optimization, and cross-functional teams in the food industry. Compensation varies based on company size, location, and individual expertise.

What are some common challenges faced by food process engineers when scaling up production from pilot to full-scale manufacturing?

Food process engineers often encounter challenges such as maintaining product consistency, ensuring food safety, and optimizing process efficiency when transitioning from pilot-scale to full-scale production. Equipment differences, ingredient variability, and changes in processing conditions can affect texture, flavor, and shelf life. Close collaboration with quality assurance, R&D, and production teams is essential to address these challenges and implement effective solutions that uphold product standards and regulatory requirements.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior food process engineers with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and specialized skills in automation, quality control, or management can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $300,000 annually, especially in large corporations or consulting roles. High-level engineering positions often require leadership responsibilities and expertise in industry-specific tools and regulations.

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

To thrive as a Food Process Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical, mechanical, or food engineering, often supported by a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree. Familiarity with process simulation software, food safety regulations, and quality management systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are important soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial to ensure efficient, safe, and innovative food production processes that meet industry standards.

What is food process engineering?

Food process engineering is a branch of engineering that focuses on designing and optimizing processes used in the production, processing, packaging, and distribution of food. It combines principles of chemical, mechanical, and biological engineering to ensure food safety, quality, efficiency, and sustainability. Food process engineers work on developing new food products, improving existing manufacturing processes, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. Their work is essential in scaling up food production from small batches to large-scale industrial operations.

What is the difference between Food Process Engineering vs Food Technologist?

AspectFood Process EngineerFood Technologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Food Engineering or related field; often requires engineering licensureBachelor's or Master's in Food Science or Technology; certifications like CFTech are common
Work EnvironmentDesigning and optimizing food production processes, often in manufacturing plants or R&D labsDeveloping new food products, quality control, and product testing in labs or production facilities
Industry UsageUsed in process design, equipment selection, and process improvement within food manufacturingFocuses on product development, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance

Food Process Engineers primarily focus on designing and improving food production processes, ensuring efficiency and safety. Food Technologists concentrate on developing new food products and maintaining quality standards. Both roles are essential in the food industry but serve different functions related to process optimization versus product development.

How much do food process engineers make?

Food process engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers or those in managerial roles can earn over $100,000. Skills in process optimization, quality control, and familiarity with manufacturing equipment can influence salary levels.

What is the career of a food process engineer?

A food process engineer designs, develops, and improves manufacturing processes for food products to ensure safety, quality, and efficiency. They work with equipment, automation, and quality control systems in food production facilities, often requiring knowledge of food science, engineering principles, and regulatory standards. Careers in this field typically involve problem-solving, process optimization, and compliance with safety regulations.
What are popular job titles related to Food Process Engineering jobs in California? For Food Process Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Food Process Engineering jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Food Process Engineering jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Food Process Engineering jobs? Cities in California with the most Food Process Engineering job openings:
Food Process Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Process Engineering job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,813 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Process Engineer

Beyondmeat

El Segundo, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Beyond Meat, Inc., otherwise known as Beyond The Plant Protein Company, is a plant protein company offering a portfolio of plant-based products made from simple ingredients without GMOs, no added hormones or antibiotics, and 0mg of cholesterol per serving. Founded in 2009, Beyond Meat's core products are designed to have the same taste and texture as animal-based meat while being better for people and the planet.

The Company's brand promise, Eat What You Love, represents a strong belief that there is a better way to feed our future and that the positive choices we all make, no matter how small, can have a great impact on our personal health and the health of our planet. By shifting from animal-based protein to plant-based protein, we can positively impact four growing global issues: human health, climate change, constraints on natural resources and animal welfare.

Job Description

The Process Engineer will report to the Head of Commercialization and work closely in a cross-functional environment with Engineering, R&D, Quality, and Operations teams. This roleis responsible foradvancing Beyond Meat's innovative products from early feasibility through full production readiness, supporting manufacturing, and enabling successful, on-time product launches.

The Process Engineer will focus on food process engineering, process development, and scale-up, ensuring manufacturing systems consistently deliver high-quality products that meet defined specifications. Key responsibilities include developing and implementing processes during feasibility and pilot phases, followed by scaling, commissioning, and supporting production-ready manufacturing operations.

The ideal candidate is an engineer with 1-2 years of relevant experience, strong process development fundamentals, and a clear interest in translating bench-scale concepts into pilot and commercial production-particularly within innovative food products. Success in this role requires a collaborative, hands-on, and results-driven mindset.

This position may require frequent and/or irregular travel. The successful candidate willdemonstratethe ability to apply scientific principles and data-driven methodologies to food process development, take initiative, remain organized, and deliver results aligned with projectobjectivesand timelines.

TASKS, DUTIES, & GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Assistin the ideation, design, setup, and execution of pilot-scale experiments.

  • Support new product production runs and commercialization activities.

  • Identify, evaluate, and test new equipment and technologies for pilot-scale product development.

  • Optimizeand troubleshoot processes and equipment to achieve target product quality attributes.

  • Communicate process engineering learnings, results, and manufacturingcapabilities clearlyacross cross-functional commercialization teams.

  • CollaboratebetweenR&D and Operations teams on new and renovated product development programs to meet programobjectives, manufacturability, timelines, and cost targets.

  • Organizeand conduct process engineering development,includingPFDs, energy and mass balance, process and equipment trials, process design, specification,andcommissioning.

  • Verifyfood manufacturing processes and equipment for production capability, scale, and readiness.

  • Identifykey product and process parameters and scale-up factors critical to commercial success.

  • Assess existing and emerging food manufacturing equipment and technologies; propose innovative solutions for future commercialization.

  • Advance product and process development from feasibility through new product introduction (NPI) and production launch.

  • Ensure design-for-manufacturability and process viability at pilot scale while meeting projectobjectives.

  • Integrate quality and food safety requirements, including critical control points, into equipment and process specifications.

  • Support equipment and toolingselectionby developing engineering specifications andassistingwith procurement, installation, and commissioning.

  • Contribute to cost estimates, capital and expense budgets, and associated project plans for process engineering activities.

  • Maintain and follow GMP and Lab safety protocols in compliance with EH&S guidelines.

Supervisory Duties (if applicable)

  • None

EDUCATION,SKILLS &QUALIFICATIONS

  • BS in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering, Biosystems Engineering or Food Process Engineering-required

  • 1-2years of relevant food process engineering experience working with R&D, Commercialization, and Operations in NPI process development, production scale-up, and commercial launches-required

  • Prior experience in the food industry-required

  • Experience withGMP and SQFsystems-preferred

  • Computer literacy in Microsoft 365 (Office, Teams, Outlook, etc.) DOE software, AutoCAD, CFD

  • Proven engineering experience in agrowth-orientedbusiness environment,witha track recordofovercoming difficult challengestoachievebusiness and projectobjectives.

  • Demonstrated success inprocess engineering development, scale-up, and commissioningincludinghigh-impactwork output, trials, and production launches.

  • Strong problem-solving ability to simplify complex processes andimplement practical solutions.

  • Excellentoral and written communication skills.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • Willingness to travel up to25%to manufacturing facilities and suppliers.

  • Hands-on involvement with equipment and experimental work during process scale-up.

  • Ability to stand or sit for extended periods and perform physical tasks including climbing, kneeling, bending, andlifting upto 50 lbs.

  • Position is in El Segundo, California and in a mix of Pilot Plant, Laboratory, Plant Facilities, and OfficeEnvironments;requires a tolerance for high worker traffic, close quarters, noise, odors, and varying room temperatures and lighting.

The starting annual base pay for this role is between USD $100,000 and $115,000. The actual base is dependent upon many factors, such as training, transferable skills, work experience, business needs and market demands. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. The role may also be eligible for bonus, equity, and benefits.

Beyond The Plant Protein Company is an equal employment opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, gender identify, sexual orientation, national origin, liability for military service, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you are interested in learning the status of your application, please note you will be contacted directly by the appropriate human resources contact person if you are selected for further consideration. Beyond Meat reserves the right to defer or close a vacancy at any time.
For all U.S. based roles: Applicants must be authorized to work for a U.S. employer. E-Verify is used to validate employment eligibility. This role is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship at this time.

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