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

MFG ASEPTIC PROCESS ENGINEER

Newark, OH · On-site

$67.50K - $90.10K/yr

Create detailed engineering and design plans for aseptic food products ranging from dairy products ... Prepare conceptual process and packaging designs which can enhance existing or new aseptic product ...

Collaborates with CI and process engineering on capital projects (design and implementation, budget ... Lead maintenance staff in all areas of food safety regarding GMP's HACCP and sanitation * Ensure ...

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Food Process Engineering information

See Columbus, OH salary details

$47.8K

$88.9K

$137.6K

How much do food process engineering jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for food process engineering in Columbus, OH is $88,880.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,000.00 and $99,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Food Process Engineer, and why are they important?

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 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.

What are popular job titles related to Food Process Engineering jobs in Columbus, OH? For Food Process Engineering jobs in Columbus, OH, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Columbus, OH are hiring for Food Process Engineering jobs? Cities near Columbus, OH with the most Food Process Engineering job openings:

R&D Process Engineer, Dressing

The Marzetti Company

Lewis Center, OH • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Overview
The R&D Process Engineer plays a role in bridging bench-top formulation with commercial manufacturing for salad dressings, sauces, and dips across retail and foodservice channels. This position leads process development, scale-up, equipment selection, and optimization efforts to ensure product quality, safety, cost effectiveness, and operational feasibility. The engineer partners closely with Product Development, Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Procurement to deliver successful new product launches, reformulations, and cost-savings initiatives.
This role requires strong technical expertise in food processing (emulsions, cooked sauces, refrigerated dips), an understanding of ingredient and formulation interactions under stress, and the ability to troubleshoot complex systems in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Responsibilities
Process Development & Commercialization
  • Integrate process expertise & knowledge into the early product development process. Build cohesive relationships as liaison between Product Development, Quality organization, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Plant operations during the commercialization process.
  • Provide process engineering knowledge to implement efficient and effective technology transfer between R&D, Engineering, manufacturing, and/or co-manufacturers.
  • Actively works with product development team to understand the process/ingredient relationship and the effects on the manufacturing process.
  • Drive the development of innovative processes/technologies and the commercialization of new business initiatives. Develop innovative approaches for testing and problem resolution. Support the engineering team in scale up and design of new process technologies. Determine appropriate design application.

Process Engineering & Technical Execution
  • Perform a robust process situation assessment, document manufacturing methods, and develop new procedures. Analyze and trend data to ensure that manufacturing systems reliably deliver high-quality products as designed within specifications and at the desired cost. Document test results & conclusions, develop critical process parameters, align on critical control points, support critical quality attribute identification, and update and develop new specifications.
  • Review engineering drawings, read P&ID's, develop automated process sequence descriptions, and support process capital installation from a process perspective.
  • Commission/Qualify/Validate & start-up new processes/equipment.

Project Leadership & Innovation
  • Lead moderately complex engineering projects/investigations, and/or support complex projects with some supervision. Conduct feasibility studies, lead new process technology proof of concept research, and support the implementation of new/improved network unit operations.
  • Lead productivity and Value Engineering projects working with Product Development, Engineering, Supply Chain and Procurement.

#TMZ23
Qualifications
Required
  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, with a preference for Chemical, Mechanical, or Food Engineering
  • 5+ years in the food industry experience across cold fill and thermal liquid processing technologies.

Preferred
  • In-depth technical expertise on processes and production equipment
  • Ability to understand ingredient/formulation and the effects on processing.
  • Ability to formulate complex experimental design.
  • Understanding food processing
  • Master's Degree in Engineering

Working Conditions/Environment
  • Based at Marzetti R&D Innovation Center
  • Travel (up to 30%) is associated with feasibility and start-up at Marzetti manufacturing plants, equipment, and trials at vendor and co-manufacturing.
  • Ability to walk or stand up to three-quarters of the workday. Physical ability to handle weights of approximately thirty pounds.