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Food Process Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

We are the leading provider of sustainable Engineering, Architecture, Construction and Consulting ... global life sciences and food and beverage industries. Our employees provide best-in-class ...

We are the leading provider of sustainable Engineering, Architecture, Construction and Consulting ... global life sciences and food and beverage industries. Our employees provide best-in-class ...

We are the leading provider of sustainable Engineering, Architecture, Construction and Consulting ... global life sciences and food and beverage industries. Our employees provide best-in-class ...

Cargill is a family company committed to providing food and agricultural solutions to nourish the ... Possesses working knowledge of engineering subject matter * Project management experience.

New

Cargill is a family company committed to providing food and agricultural solutions to nourish the ... Possesses working knowledge of engineering subject matter * Project management experience.

New

Process Engineer

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$103K - $154K/yr

With unique food science expertise and proprietary processes, we've pioneered many firsts. The fire ... Author engineering reports. * Perform challenging engineering office work in connection with cost ...

Process Engineer

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$103K - $154K/yr

With unique food science expertise and proprietary processes, we've pioneered many firsts. The fire ... Author engineering reports. * Perform challenging engineering office work in connection with cost ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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.

Process Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

We are world leaders in the pharma, food, biotech, medical technology and mission critical sectors ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, Computer Science, or related discipline.

Process Engineer

Oakdale, CA · On-site

$63K - $93K/yr

You will collaborate across operations, maintenance, engineering, finance, and supply chain teams ... Our focus on innovation extends beyond making great food, it also reflects our commitment to ...

Showing results 41-60

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 23, 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 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 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, 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 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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Food Process Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,813 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Sr. Process Engineer, Life Science

Paper Converting Machine

Los Angeles, CA

$112K - $144K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

About Us:

BW Design Group is a fully integrated architecture, engineering, construction, system integration, and consulting firm committed to helping our clients realize their most critical goals from Strategy to Commercialization. As the only firm born from a manufacturing technology company to become an independent and fully integrated firm, we combine deep domain expertise in the manufacturing environment with an approach that is built to serve the dynamic needs of our clients. Rooted in our distinct culture of Truly Human Leadership, we cultivate the leaders who will define tomorrow and partner with our clients in the food & beverage, life sciences, industrial, and advanced technology industries to build the future of manufacturing and technology.


 

Barry-Wehmiller is a diversified global supplier of engineering consulting and manufacturing technology for the packaging, corrugating, sheeting and paper-converting industries. By blending people-centric leadership with disciplined operational strategies and purpose-driven growth, Barry-Wehmiller has become a $3 billion organization with nearly 12,000 team members united by a common belief: to use the power of business to build a better world.


 

Job Description:

Who You'll Work With

You will join one of our 45 offices in the US, be part of a committed team of over 1500 professionals, and work in teams and directly with our clients doing work that is shaping the world around us. You will be welcomed into a rapidly growing business and team and empowered to make an impact. You will be valued, cared for, and challenged on your path to becoming a world-class professional consultant and surrounded by leaders who are committed to creating an environment that enables you to realize your own success and fulfillment.

When you join Design Group as a Sr. Process Engineer, you are joining a team that will challenge you and position you for growth. In this role, you will work with a team of industry experts to help the world's leading companies solve their most difficult problems. You will join our Architecture/Engineering Process Practice and partner with seasoned leaders, technical specialists, and subject matter experts to deliver the highest quality solutions to our clients with consistency and accuracy.

What You'll Do

You'll work individually and in teams to support capital projects and implement solutions for our clients. Together, you will help our clients make critical changes to improve their performance and realize their most important goals.

  • High energy and collaborative Process Engineer or Senior Process Engineer who will work with and guide our process engineering team on a broad range of client life sciences projects. This role may require leadership at client sites.
  • Process mechanical design as part of multi-discipline project teams in an A&E environment.
  • Executes process system engineering from conceptual/planning to final/detail design phase on a wide range of projects from system enhancements or unit operation optimization through all-new greenfield construction.
  • Works closely with Client personnel including Manufacturing, Facilities and Maintenance, Quality, and Validation to ensure systems are designed in accordance with current Good Manufacturing Practices.
  • Process mechanical design of processes and equipment used in the manufacture of sterile product within the pharmaceutical, biological, and medical device industries.
  • Develop process flow diagrams (PFDs)preparing energy and mass balances, conducting cycle time and bottleneck analysis, equipment selection, sizing and specifications, utility requirements matrix, and gap analysis, etc.
  • Understanding and development of process construction documents including piping & instrument diagrams (P&IDs), equipment general arrangement drawings, piping plans inclusive of orthographic and isometric drawings, operator access platform and equipment support drawings, line lists, tie-in lists, installation specifications, bills of material (BOM), scopes of work, etc.
  • Interfaces with OEM's/vendors as needed to accomplish equipment sizing and selection.
  • Directs the work performed by CAD designers.
  • Facilitates design coordination with controls/automation, utilities, and building systems.
  • Provides onsite support as needed during system testing, start-up, commissioning, and qualification.
  • Develops project scopes and assists with preparation of proposals for engineering/design services as well as complete constructed solutions.
  • Stays abreast of new and emerging technologies, and current Good Manufacturing Practices
  • Make an impact day-to-day with your skills and expertise, strengthening that relationship with our clients and team

What You'll Bring

  • Minimum of 10 years of pharmaceutical and biologics process system engineering/design experience.
  • Knowledge and design experience including CIP/SIP, Support Equipment (Washers, Autoclaves, Lyophilizers), and High Purity Water Systems (WFI and RODI).
  • Working knowledge of process definition means and methods including identifying process unit operations required
  • Experience with FDA and EMA regulatory standards.
  • Familiar with process control methodologies, types of control valves and instrumentation, developing functional specifications, and comfortable working with automation engineers.
  • Excellent communication skills, written and oral, interpersonal skills and ability to interact with our valued team members and clients.
  • Computer skills including AutoCAD (basic), Microsoft Office, and Microsoft Project (basic). Familiarity with 3D modeling, computer-based hydraulic analysis and process simulation software skills are considered a plus.
  • Willing and able to travel as necessary for project requirements to include but not be limited to: project installation and start-up activities, client meetings, company sponsored meetings, trainings, industry related seminars, forums, or conventions, etc.
  • BS degree in Chemical, Mechanical or Bio Engineering is preferred but consideration will be given to other engineering degrees based on actual project experience.

Our culture and commitment to our people is what sets us apart. We foster an environment of mutual respect, integrity, and unconditional interest in the individual and collective success of our professionals. Our model and entrepreneurial mindset offer a rewarding, challenging, and highly flexible path. As a Sr. Process Engineer, you will build a meaningful and fulfilling career with the support of professional development resources and mentorships including our First Year Experience program, Individual Development Plans, and Career Path resources and tools. You will be surrounded by exceptional talent who will support your development as both a world-class engineer and a highly effective leader.

Feel like you're on the path to becoming a Sr. Process Engineer but you're not quite there yet? We'd love to connect with you to see if we can take you from where you are today and grow you into a Design Group Engineering Consultant.

#LI-TT

The approximate pay range for this position is $120,000-$160,000. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to background, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as geographic location of the position.


 

At Barry-Wehmiller we recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. We know that our differences often can bring about innovation, excellence and meaningful work-therefore, people from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require reasonable accommodations during the interview process.

Barry-Wehmiller is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V This organization uses E-Verify.


 

Applicants may be subject to pre-employment screening which may include drug screening, reference checks, employment verifications, background screening and/or skills assessments.


Company:

Design Group