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Food Process Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

CRB

Process Engineer IV - West Region

Irvine, CA · On-site

Company Description CRB is a leading provider of sustainable engineering, architecture ... food and beverage industries. Our more than 1,400 employees provide best-in-class solutions that ...

Revolution Foods

Process Engineer

Commerce, CA

$115K - $130K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field * 5 ... Proven experience with process optimization, line balancing, and production scaling * Hands-on ...

Revolution Foods

Process Engineer

Commerce, CA · On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field * 5 ... Proven experience with process optimization, line balancing, and production scaling * Hands-on ...

3P Partners

Process Engineer

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

* Own process optimization and capital execution for a high growth food manufacturing operation ... Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical ...

ASR Group

Process Engineer II

Crockett, CA

$81K - $151K/yr

The company produces a full line of grocery, industrial, food service and specialty sweetener ... This is a hands-on engineering role that includes regular time on the manufacturing floor. DETAILED ...

Divert

Process Engineer - Operations

Turlock, CA · On-site

$120K/yr

S. to reduce wasted food and positively impact people and the environment. What You'll Do: The Process Engineer - Operations is the key engineering point of contact for Diverts Operations teams. The ...

CRB

Process Engineer III

Emeryville, CA · On-site

Company Description CRB is a leading provider of sustainable engineering, architecture ... food and beverage industries. Our more than 1,100 employees provide best-in-class solutions that ...

CRB

Process Engineer III

Emeryville, CA

Company Description CRB is a leading provider of sustainable engineering, architecture ... food and beverage industries. Our more than 1,100 employees provide best-in-class solutions that ...

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CRB

Process Engineer III

Emeryville, CA

Company Description CRB is a leading provider of sustainable engineering, architecture ... food and beverage industries. Our more than 1,100 employees provide best-in-class solutions that ...

PM Group

Process Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

We are world leaders in the pharma, food, biotech, medical technology and mission critical sectors ... Act as an embedded technical resource within client engineering, validation, or operational teams.

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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 Jul 5, 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

Process Engineer IV - West Region

CRB

Irvine, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Company Description
CRB is a leading provider of sustainable engineering, architecture, construction and consulting solutions to the global life sciences and food and beverage industries. Our more than 1,400 employees provide best-in-class solutions that drive success and positive change for our clients, our people and our communities. CRB is a privately held company with a rich history of serving clients throughout the world, consistently striving for the highest standard of technical knowledge, creativity and execution.
Job Description
The Process Engineer IV serves as a senior technical leader within the Process discipline, providing leadership at the project level on complex projects of varying size and scope. This role is responsible for overseeing discipline execution, managing discipline-level budgets, and ensuring technical quality from concept through construction and startup.
The Process Engineer IV has a deep understanding of process design development and field implementation across all project phases. They lead and coordinate the work of junior and senior engineers and designers, collaborate closely with project managers and cross-discipline teams, and serve as a key technical interface with clients, vendors, and construction partners.
Core Responsibilities
  • Plan, direct, and execute discipline work on large, complex projects, including management of the discipline budget and scope.
  • Partner with Project Managers on proposal development, man-hour planning, and scheduling for process scope.
  • Lead client interactions and coordinate with internal stakeholders and external partners to align technical solutions with project and client goals.
  • Provide technical oversight and quality control, including review and verification of calculations, drawings, and specifications.
  • Identify and resolve non-compliant or challenging existing conditions during site walks and field surveys.
  • Develop construction drawing packages and specifications for advanced and complex projects with minimal oversight.
  • Lead and support construction activities, including RFIs, submittal reviews, punch list development, construction progress reporting, commissioning, and startup support.
  • Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior and mid-level process engineers and designers.
  • Develop and deliver internal process discipline training and knowledge-sharing presentations.
  • Lead advanced system design programming, master planning efforts, and process strategy development.
  • Direct and coordinate discipline staff in the execution of complex process design and engineering efforts.

Advanced Technical Leadership Activities
The Process Engineer IV may lead or provide oversight for complex and high-impact activities, including:
  • Site selection and feasibility evaluations
  • Master planning and facility layout development
  • Capacity planning and expansion strategies
  • Management of complex or novel vendor packages
  • Participation in or facilitation of risk assessments (e.g., HAZOPs, HCCPs, etc.)
  • 3D model review and multi-discipline coordination
  • Site walkdowns, field reports, and construction observations
  • Commissioning and startup planning and execution

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Biological, or Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program
  • Master's degree in a related specialization is a plus
  • 10+ years of relevant experience in process engineering for lead-level responsibilities
  • 15+ years of relevant experience for senior-level responsibilities
  • Experience across design firms, operating companies, and/or construction environments within the life sciences or food & beverage industries
  • Strong working knowledge of applicable industry standards, regulatory guidance, and local building codes

Preferred Qualifications
  • Professional Engineering (PE) license
  • Proven technical leadership experience on large or complex projects
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong internal and external technical network, including clients, vendors, and construction partners
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with cross-discipline teams and construction trade partners
  • Broad experience across a variety of facilities, equipment, and process systems within life sciences or food & beverage environments

Additional Information
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
CRB is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and it is our policy to provide equal opportunity to all people without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other legally protected category. Employment is contingent on background screening.
CRB does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or agencies. Any resume submitted to any employee of CRB without a prior written search agreement will be considered unsolicited and the property of CRB. Please, no phone calls or emails.
CRB offers a complete and competitive benefit package designed to meet individual and family needs.
If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

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