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

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Lead process engineering design efforts for pet food, meat processing, and industrial manufacturing projects * Develop project scopes and establish process design basis documentation * Create and ...

Lead process engineering design efforts for pet food, meat processing, and industrial manufacturing projects * Develop project scopes and establish process design basis documentation * Create and ...

Lead process engineering design efforts for pet food, meat processing, and industrial manufacturing projects * Develop project scopes and establish process design basis documentation * Create and ...

Lead process engineering design efforts for pet food, meat processing, and industrial manufacturing projects * Develop project scopes and establish process design basis documentation * Create and ...

Lead process engineering design efforts for pet food, meat processing, and industrial manufacturing projects * Develop project scopes and establish process design basis documentation * Create and ...

Lead process engineering design efforts for pet food, meat processing, and industrial manufacturing projects * Develop project scopes and establish process design basis documentation * Create and ...

Lead process engineering design efforts for pet food, meat processing, and industrial manufacturing projects * Develop project scopes and establish process design basis documentation * Create and ...

Showing results 21-40

Food Process Engineering information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$51K

$94.8K

$146.8K

How much do food process engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 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 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 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 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 annually. 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 typically involve problem-solving, process optimization, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.
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:
Infographic showing various Food Process Engineering job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 4% 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.

CO2 OES Process Engineer

Linde

Burr Ridge, IL • On-site

$90K - $132K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Linde rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 82 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 100 rated chemical manufacturers


Job description

Linde Inc.
CO2 OES Process Engineer
Burr Ridge, IL, United States req31509
What you will enjoy doing*
  • You will develop and maintain a thorough understanding of CO2 production processes, safety requirements, engineering standards, policies, guidelines, and operating/maintenance procedures through training, plant visits, P&ID reviews, and collaboration with the CO2 Engineering Support Team
  • Provide technical and engineering support to CO2 production facilities, including troubleshooting, root cause analysis, equipment installations, repairs, and operational problem resolution
  • Identify, evaluate, and develop solutions for process improvements, productivity enhancements, cost-avoidance opportunities, and overall plant performance optimization
  • Further, you will analyze plant performance data and prepare technical reports, trend analyses, engineering calculations, specifications, and recommendations as needed
  • Support Management of Change (MOC) reviews, Critical Safety System development and reviews (SA-39 and SA-40), operating procedures, and process safety compliance initiatives
  • Participate in plant assessments and audits to evaluate compliance with process safety requirements and CO2 assessment protocols
  • And you will collaborate with operations, engineering, and field teams to support projects, decision-making, continuous improvement initiatives, and business objectives
  • Present technical findings and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders and serve as a resource for engineering and operations teams
  • Apply engineering principles and professional expertise to solve moderately complex technical and operational challenges
  • Champion innovation, continuous improvement, and best practices across CO2 production facilities
  • Travel approximately 25%-35% to support plant operations, assessments, projects, and field activities. You will be one of the key contact partners for the automation systems strategy and standards for all Linde plants

What makes you great
  • You have a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Chemical Engineering
  • More than one (1+) year of CO2 Process Engineering experience preferred
  • You have more than (1+) year of Refrigeration/Cryogenic Process experience preferred
  • 1+ year of Project Management experience preferred

Why you will love working with us
Linde is a leading global industrial gases and engineering company with 2025 sales of $34 billion. We live our mission of making our world more productive every day by providing high-quality solutions, technologies and services which are making our customers more successful and helping to sustain, decarbonize and protect our planet.
Linde serves a variety of end markets such as chemicals & energy, food & beverage, electronics, healthcare, manufacturing, metals and mining. Linde's industrial gases and technologies are used in countless applications, enabling space exploration and launch technologies, delivering ultra-high-purity and specialty gases for semiconductor manufacturing, providing life-saving medical oxygen and enabling clean hydrogen production and carbon capture to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Linde also delivers state-of-the-art gas processing solutions to support customer growth, efficiency improvements and emissions reductions.
What we offer you!
At Linde, the sky is not the limit. If you're looking to build a career where your work reaches beyond your job description and betters the people with whom you work, the communities we serve, and the world in which we all live, at Linde, your opportunities are limitless. Be Linde. Be Limitless.
Linde offers competitive compensation and an outstanding benefits package. Enjoy access to health, dental, disability, and life insurance, paid holidays and vacation, 401(k) matching, pension benefits, an employee discount program, and opportunities for educational and professional growth. Additional compensation may vary depending on the position and organizational level. Build your future with us while making an impact every day!
Pay commensurate with experience. Open to salary range $90,000 - $132,000
Have we inspired you? Let's talk about it
We are looking forward to receiving your complete application.
Linde thanks all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only those applicants who are being considered for an interview will be contacted.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other reason prohibited by applicable law.
Linde Inc. acts responsibly towards its shareholders, business partners, employees, society and the environment in every one of its business areas, regions and locations across the globe. The company is committed to technologies and products that unite the goals of customer value and sustainable development.
*The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position. Therefore employees assigned may be required to perform additional job tasks required by the manager.
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