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Food Process Engineering Jobs in Cleveland, OH (NOW HIRING)

pipingrock

Process Engineer

Aurora, OH · On-site

As a leading vitamin and food supplement manufacturer, we carry on the legacy of our Founder who ... You'll work hand in hand with Production and Engineering to help improve standards that enable high ...

Cargill

Process Engineer- Akron, Ohio

Akron, OH · On-site

Cargill is a family company committed to providing food and agricultural solutions to nourish the ... Possesses working knowledge of engineering subject matter * Minimum of two years of related work ...

Talnt

Food Scientist

Akron, OH

$70K - $95K/hr

Improve existing formulations by troubleshooting stability, processing, ingredient interactions ... Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering ...

Nestlé S.A.

Factory Project Engineer

Solon, OH · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering ... food/beverage manufacturing strongly preferred * Project Management experience 2+ years, leading on ...

Nestle

Factory Project Engineer

Solon, OH

Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering ... food/beverage manufacturing strongly preferred * Project Management experience 2+ years, leading on ...

Thielsch Engineering

Field Technician

Chesterland, OH · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

This position frequently operates within a variety of power, chemical, food processing, paper mills ... Our multi-disciplined engineering and technical staff specialize in failure analysis, engineering ...

Thielsch Engineering

Field Technician

Chesterland, OH · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

This position frequently operates within a variety of power, chemical, food processing, paper mills ... Our multi-disciplined engineering and technical staff specialize in failure analysis, engineering ...

INVACARE

Manager.Quality.

Elyria, OH

Overseeing process engineering projects. * Oversee Quality Hold activities at OHIO. * Assist in closure of FDA Recall activities. * Developing and maintaining procedures for product inspection and ...

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Food Process Engineering information

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$48K

$89.3K

$138.2K

How much do food process engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for food process engineering in Cleveland, OH is $89,269.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,300.00 and $99,900.00 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 Cleveland, OH?

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

What job categories do people searching Food Process Engineering jobs in Cleveland, OH look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Process Engineering jobs in Cleveland, OH are:

What cities near Cleveland, OH are hiring for Food Process Engineering jobs?

Cities near Cleveland, OH with the most Food Process Engineering job openings:

Food Process Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Process Engineering job openings in Cleveland, OH 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 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,269 per year, or $42.9 per hour.

Research & Development Process Engineer, Pet Food Innovation

Cleveland, OH • On-site

J.M. Smucker Company
Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 443 rated food and drinks producers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

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Learn more about J.M. Smucker Companyexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Your Opportunity as the R&D Process Engineer, Pet Food Innovation

Help shape the future of pet nutrition through science, innovation, and cutting-edge processing technology. Be at the forefront of developing and commercializing next-generation pet food and treat products, transforming ideas into scalable manufacturing solutions. From extrusion and thermal processing to pilot trials and plant commercialization, you'll partner closely with Operations, Engineering, and Product Development teams to solve complex challenges, optimize processes, and bring innovative products to life. If you're energized by hands-on experimentation, data-driven problem solving, and seeing your work make an impact on a large scale, this is an exciting opportunity to build deep technical expertise while helping deliver high-quality products that pets love and pet parents trust. 🐾

Location: Orrville, OH

*Competitive relocation package is available for qualifying candidates.

Work Arrangements: Hybrid, 60% in office with varying travel up to 30% annually

In this role you will:

  • Design, execute, and interpret trials for food processing innovations, facilitating knowledge sharing and collaboration among teams.

  • Lead the successful scale-up and commercialization of new products and technologies by fostering teamwork and effective communication demonstration of CQV tools and principles.

  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship, guiding lab activities, supporting onboarding, and developing technical training programs for team members at all levels.

  • Collaborate across departments to identify opportunities for process improvements, solve technical challenges, and ensure alignment with business goals.

  • Participate in die and manifold design, applying or learning CAD tools.

  • Analyze processing data using advanced modeling and simulation tools to establish specifications and guide team decision-making.

  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives and support organizational change management, ensuring all stakeholders are engaged and informed throughout transitions. Manage capital projects including equipment installation, layout planning, and vendor coordination, while leading project teams and maintaining collaborative vendor relationships.

  • Lead Design of Experiments (DOE) efforts, encouraging creative problem-solving and cross functional contributions to system and process enhancements.

  • Operate independently and efficiently, managing projects with minimal supervision, while promoting an inclusive and cooperative team environment, including up to 30% seasonal travel as needed.

  • Engage in structured development to build SMElevel capability over the next five years, including extended learning.

What we are looking for:

Minimum Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, or a related field.

  • 5+ years of experience in food and/or pet food manufacturing.

  • Hands-on experience with food extrusion and process optimization.

  • Experience leading pilot plant, scale-up, and commercialization trials.

  • Knowledge of ingredient functionality, food safety, and process validation.

  • Experience using DOE and statistical tools (JMP, Minitab, Aspen, etc.) to improve process performance.

  • Proven success leading cross-functional projects and driving technical solutions.

Additional skills and experience that we think would make someone successful in this role:

  • Experience in pet food, pet treats, animal nutrition, snacks, or cereal extrusion.

  • Expertise in extrusion processing, including formulation, process settings, die design, and product quality optimization.

  • Experience with thermal processing systems (retorts, hydrostats, continuous sterilization).

  • Demonstrated success commercializing new products and technologies.

  • Experience leading capital projects, equipment start-ups, and process improvements.

  • Track record of delivering productivity gains, cost savings, or quality improvements through process innovation.

#LI-KK1

#INDSA

TheRight Placefor You

We are bold, kind, strive to do the right thing, we play to win, and we believe in a strong community that thrives together. Our culture is rooted in ourBasic Beliefs, and we believe in supporting every employee by meeting their physical, emotional, and financial needs.

Stay connected with usonLinkedIn

We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, age, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status.

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