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Food Process Engineering Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Zachry Group

Sr Engineer Process

Downers Grove, IL

$148K - $211K/yr

Successful candidate will be responsible for leading a team supporting process engineering and ... Food and Beverage Industry Experience in gas purification technologies such as Pressure Swing ...

Zachry Group

Sr Engineer Process

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$148K - $211K/yr

Successful candidate will be responsible for leading a team supporting process engineering and ... in Food and Beverage Industry • Experience in gas purification technologies such as Pressure ...

Linde

CO2 OES Process Engineer

Burr Ridge, IL · On-site

$90K - $132K/yr

Provide technical and engineering support to CO2 production facilities, including troubleshooting ... Linde serves a variety of end markets such as chemicals & energy, food & beverage, electronics ...

WSP

Chemical Process Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75 - $105/hr

Your Impact * Assist with performing basic professional process engineering work related to a wide ... manufacturing, food and beverages, and clean/renewable energy industries. * Under general ...

Ingredion

Senior Process Engineer

Bedford Park, IL

$102K - $136K/yr

Without even realizing it, you've experienced our work in your favorite chocolate, your pet's food ... Develop and deliver complex engineering designs, including process flow diagrams, P&IDs, and cost ...

Amylu Foods

Meat Scientist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Advanced degree in Meat Science, Food Science, Food Process Engineering, or another related field. * Meat manufacturing experience. * Experience working in a USDA regulated facility. * Lean/Six Sigma ...

W3Global Inc.

Meat Scientist

Chicago, IL

$75K - $85K/yr

Master's degree or higher in Meat Science, Food Science, Food Process Engineering , or a related technical discipline. * Experience within meat manufacturing operations. * Experience working in a ...

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Food Process Engineering information

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$51K

$94.8K

$146.8K

How much do food process engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for food process engineering in Chicago, IL is $94,792.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,700.00 and $106,100.00 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 Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Food Process Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Process Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Food Process Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Process Engineering job openings in Chicago, IL 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 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,792 per year, or $45.6 per hour.

Process Engineer | Project Management

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Westchester, IL

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Position:  Process Engineer – Piping, Fluid & thermal systems
Location:  Westchester, IL 60154

We are seeking a Process Engineer to join the Sterling team.  In this role you will design and develop industrial process systems supporting manufacturing and production projects. This position is responsible for fluid flow, piping, thermal systems, equipment selection, and process documentation from initial concept through detailed design.

The Process Engineer will work closely with Project Engineers, Project Managers, designers, equipment vendors, and customers to deliver safe, reliable, and cost-effective process solutions.

RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Define process requirements, operating conditions, flow rates, and system specifications.
  • Perform fluid-flow, pressure-drop, pump-sizing, heat-transfer, and heat-loss calculations.
  • Size and specify piping, pumps, valves, heat exchangers, and related process equipment.
  • Develop and review Process Flow Diagrams and Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams.
  • Design stainless steel, sanitary, and industrial piping systems.
  • Select appropriate materials and components based on process, sanitary, safety, and regulatory requirements.
  • Develop process equipment specifications and coordinate with vendors through selection and procurement.
  • Manage process-design deliverables, milestones, equipment costs, and technical documentation.
  • Participate in design reviews with project engineering and project management.
  • Ensure designs meet performance, manufacturability, serviceability, operator-interface, and safety requirements.
  • Review process designs for compliance with applicable ASME, ASME BPE, ASME B31.3, NFPA, and industry standards.
  • Communicate design progress, technical risks, scope changes, and project needs to the project team.
QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
  • Five or more years of process engineering experience supporting industrial or manufacturing system design.
  • Demonstrated experience taking process designs from initial specifications through concept and detailed design.
  • Strong knowledge of fluid dynamics, pressure-drop calculations, thermal management, and heat-loss analysis.
  • Experience designing piping systems and selecting pumps, valves, heat exchangers, and process equipment.
  • Experience developing PFDs, P&IDs, process specifications, and equipment documentation.
  • Proficiency with AutoCAD and SolidWorks is required.
  • Working knowledge of ASME BPE, ASME B31.3, NFPA, and other applicable process-system standards.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
  • Stainless steel and sanitary piping-system design.
  • Food, beverage, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, chemical, or hygienic manufacturing environments.
  • Process simulation, piping design, and pipe-stress analysis tools.
  • Finite Element Analysis using ANSYS, COSMOS, or similar software.
  • Vendor coordination, equipment procurement, installation support, or system commissioning.
This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer who enjoys owning the technical details of process-system design while collaborating with multidisciplinary project teams.