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Food Process Engineering Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Overview The Process Chemist is tasked with ensuring that our products meet the quality criteria of ... Background on Chemistry/Electrical/Civil Engineering or Laboratory field work (Chemical, Food ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$95K - $125K/yr

The Senior Mechanical Engineer will be responsible for the design of mechanical systems as part of a team that designs buildings and support systems for food processing plants and warehouses. The ...

Overview The Process Chemist is tasked with ensuring that our products meet the quality criteria of ... Background on Chemistry/Electrical/Civil Engineering or Laboratory field work (Chemical, Food ...

Overview The Process Chemist is tasked with ensuring that our products meet the quality criteria of ... Background on Chemistry/Electrical/Civil Engineering or Laboratory field work (Chemical, Food ...

Overview The Process Chemist is tasked with ensuring that our products meet the quality criteria of ... Background on Chemistry/Electrical/Civil Engineering or Laboratory field work (Chemical, Food ...

Showing results 41-60

Food Process Engineering information

See Florida salary details

$37K

$68.8K

$106.5K

How much do food process engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for food process engineering in Florida is $68,764.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,700.00 and $77,000.00 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 are popular job titles related to Food Process Engineering jobs in Florida?

For Food Process Engineering jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Food Process Engineering job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,764 per year, or $33.1 per hour.

Automation and Controls Engineer

Winter Haven, FL • On-site

Gulftech Group
Agriculture, Construction, and Mining Machinery Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

$90K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

 

Job Title:                     Automation & Controls Engineer

Department:                Engineering

Reports To:                  Engineering Manager

FLSA:                           Exempt

Status:                        Full Time

Schedule:                    Monday-Friday

Direct Reports:           None

Location:                   Winter Haven, FL

Who We Are                                              

A multi-national well-established Original Equipment Manufacturer. Our brands have a long-standing and significant presence and brand recognition within their target markets and industries with a strong emphasis on total customer satisfaction. 

The Gulftech International family of companies are the world’s recognized leaders in engineering, manufacturing, lease, sale and service of industrial food processing machinery. Our companies serve the largest food production and processing companies across the globe.

Job Summary

The Automation & Controls Engineer is responsible for creation, design, and change management of machine control and safety systems for food processing equipment in a washdown environment.  Work includes design of PLC/PCB hardware and software, motor controls, pneumatic controls, vision system, cabling, interlock devices, wiring and networking components.  Documentation requirements include creation and maintenance of schematics and compiled code.

Responsibilities

  • Designs and assistance in the design of automation processes for producing high yield and high-quality food products, incorporating machinery developed by the company
  • Develop design concepts for improving machinery and processes
  • Communicates with customers and company staff on Automation issues relating to processes which include product yield, quality, throughput, safety systems, information systems, machinery and process designs
  • Develop training plans for the Automation & Controls Engineer technology that is released for Production
  • Support customer issues remotely upon request from the A&C Manager
  • Find and propose new innovations for the Sales and Management teams
  • Help the Sales and Management teams design and implement innovation
  • Work closely with the mechanical engineering team on new product development
  • Assist in PLC and HMI program standardization
  • Assist start-ups of newly installed equipment
  • Review automation design packages
  • Assist the Engineering Manager with budgeting department expenses for A&C New Product Development related activities
  • Assist the Engineering Manager with budgeting hours for A&C New Product Development related activities
  • Assist the Supply Chain in electrical component issues
  • Suggest and implement machine improvements
  • Work with the A&C Manager on all A&C related items
  • Follows proper safety procedures and safeguards others’ safety at all times, understanding the obligation to refuse to perform any tasks that are unsafe
  • Provides consultation services on process controls and other Automation and Control issues for both domestic and international company directors
  • Accept travel assignments both domestic and international to make service calls to both existing and potential customers
  • Provides consultation service to customers on Automation and Control issues
  • Performs and assists in performing process control evaluations at customer sites
  • Assists in designing systems to collect and provide machinery and systems process data files for analysis
  • Initiates and assists in commissioning of new controls installations at customer sites
  • Perform all other duties and assist with special projects as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Other Qualifications 

  • Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.
  • Willingness to travel up to 15%
  • Food Processing experience is a plus
  • 5+ years of programming Programable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human Machine Interface (HMIs), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, variable frequency drive (VFD), and SQL
  • Must be detail-oriented, analytical and computer literate with proven leadership skills
  • Knowledge and understanding of construction, manufacturing and installation practices/techniques
  • Ability to read and comprehend complex instructions, short correspondence, technical material, drawings and blueprints
  • Ability to write correspondence and technical instructions
  • An ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, vendors, and other employees of the company
  • Must have strong computer skills (Microsoft Office)
  • Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed written and oral instructions
  • Ability to deal with problems involving concrete variables in standardized situations
  • Valid Driver’s License
  • Must have, or be able to obtain, a passport for international travel

Benefits and Compensation 

  • Medical (PPO & HSA options), dental, and vision insurance 
  • Paid time off including vacation, sick leave, and holidays 
  • Employee assistance program (EAP) 
  • Retirement - 401k 
  • Retirement - Profit sharing 
  • Free Life/AD&D Insurance
  • Tuition Assistance 
  • Company cell phone 

*The pay range for this role begins at $90,000+ annually.  Salary information is a general guideline only. Actual compensation considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, location, work experience, education, and key skills. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

*The Company is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity in any term, condition, or privilege of employment. We do not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of age, ancestry, race, sex (including pregnancy and sexual orientation/gender identity), color, religion, national origin, parental status, marital status, political affiliation, family medical history or genetic information, military or veteran status, disability, medical condition, or any other non-merit based factor or status protected by federal, state or local law.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by most people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and requirements. Scheduling flexibility is required to accommodate changing business needs.



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About Gulftech

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Agriculture, construction, and mining machinery manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Denver, CO, US