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Food Processing Engineer Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

Federal Process Engineer At Salas O'Brien we tell our clients that we're engineered for impact ... Experience supporting industrial, manufacturing, chemical, energy, pharmaceutical, food and ...

New

The company produces a full line of grocery, industrial, food service and specialty sweetener ... OVERVIEW The primary responsibility of the Process Engineer is to improve the efficiency, safety ...

Project Engineer

Hunt Valley, MD · On-site

$115K - $145K/yr

Project engineering experience in the Facilities, food processing, pharmaceutical, and/or chemical processing industry * BS or MS Degree focused in Electrical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering

Senior Controls Engineer

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$93K - $172K/yr

OVERVIEW The Sr. Control Engineer is responsible for maintaining instrumentation and control ... Good knowledge of food processing / FMCG operations. ESSENTIAL CAPABILITIES (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS ...

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Showing results 1-20

Food Processing Engineer information

See Maryland salary details

$58.2K

$85.2K

$114.5K

How much do food processing engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for food processing engineer in Maryland is $85,154.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $103,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by food processing engineers in ensuring product safety and quality?

Food Processing Engineers often encounter challenges related to maintaining strict safety and quality standards while optimizing production efficiency. They must regularly troubleshoot issues involving contamination risks, equipment malfunctions, or deviations from regulatory requirements. Collaboration with quality assurance teams and continuous monitoring of processes are essential to address these challenges. Staying updated with evolving food safety regulations and implementing new technologies for quality control are also key aspects of the role.

What is a food processing engineer?

A Food Processing Engineer is a professional who designs, develops, and optimizes processes and equipment used in the production, preservation, packaging, and distribution of food products. They apply principles of engineering, biology, and chemistry to ensure food safety, quality, and efficiency in food manufacturing. Their work often involves improving production methods, implementing new technologies, and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. Food Processing Engineers play a crucial role in bringing safe and nutritious food from farm to table.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food processing engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Processing Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical, mechanical, or food engineering, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with CAD software, process control systems, and food safety regulations such as HACCP is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and innovative design and operation of food processing systems, meeting both regulatory standards and production goals.

How much do food processing engineers make?

Food processing engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers or those in managerial roles can earn over $100,000 annually.

What is the difference between Food Processing Engineer vs Food Technologist?

AspectFood Processing EngineerFood Technologist
CredentialsBachelor's in Food Engineering or related field; certifications varyBachelor's or Master's in Food Science or Technology; certifications may include HACCP, SQF
Work EnvironmentFactories, production lines, R&D labsLaboratories, quality control, product development settings
Industry UsageDesigning processing systems, optimizing production processesDeveloping, testing, and ensuring food safety and quality

Food Processing Engineers focus on designing and improving food manufacturing processes, while Food Technologists concentrate on product development, quality, and safety. Both roles are essential in the food industry and often collaborate to ensure efficient production and high-quality products.

What are popular job titles related to Food Processing Engineer jobs in Maryland? For Food Processing Engineer jobs in Maryland, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Food Processing Engineer jobs in Maryland look for? The top searched job categories for Food Processing Engineer jobs in Maryland are:
Infographic showing various Food Processing Engineer job openings in Maryland as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $85,154 per year, or $40.9 per hour.

Federal Process Engineer

Salas O'Brien

Baltimore, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Salas O'Brien rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

154th of 441 rated engineering


Job description

Federal Process Engineer
At Salas O'Brien we tell our clients that we're engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That's why we're committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.
Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career-and they'll receive great total rewards along the way.
We are currently working on projects and have openings available to support the modernization of Department of Defense and Department of Energy facilities contributing to the mission of defending the United States and supporting the warfighter. If this type of work motivates you, please apply today.
Job Summary:
The Federal Process Engineer is responsible for planning, developing, and executing process engineering tasks for industrial, manufacturing, energy, life sciences, and advanced technology projects supporting federal clients. Working independently with general supervision, the Federal Process Engineer develops process designs, evaluates existing systems, supports process improvements, and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to deliver safe, efficient, and compliant engineering solutions.
The Federal Process Engineer will support multiple federal project teams to assess existing industrial processes, introduce commercial technology, and automate process steps to optimize throughput while preserving stringent safety and quality standards.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Evaluate production, manufacturing, utility, chemical, and industrial processes to improve safety, efficiency, reliability, and sustainability.
  • Develop process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), heat and material balances, and process narratives.
  • Perform process calculations including mass balances, energy balances, hydraulic calculations, and equipment sizing.
  • Prepare equipment specifications, process data sheets, and procurement support documents.
  • Support process hazard analyses (PHA), hazard and operational (HAZOP) studies, safety reviews, and regulatory compliance assessments.
  • Coordinate with mechanical, electrical, controls, structural, architectural, civil, and environmental disciplines.
  • Support facility planning, process layout development, utility coordination, and operational readiness activities.
  • Participate in client meetings, technical reviews, and project presentations.
  • Support construction, commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting activities.
  • Assist with proposal development, scope definition, budgeting, and project planning.
  • Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance to project team members.

Qualifications and Experience:
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Mechanical Engineering (with significant process engineering experience), industrial engineering (with relevant process experience), or a closely related engineering discipline.
  • 5-10 years of progressively responsible process engineering experience.
  • Experience supporting industrial, manufacturing, chemical, energy, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, semiconductor, or advanced technology facilities.
  • Experience working with federal clients or a major defense contractor.
  • Demonstrated experience producing engineering calculations, technical reports, specifications, and design documents.
  • Credentialing to include the Professional Engineer (PE) license, Certified Process Safety Professional (CCPSC), Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt, Project Management Professional (PMP), or ISA Certified Automation Professional (CAP).
  • Experience working within multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Skills/Abilities:
  • Experience with EPC, design-build, or federal government projects.
  • Experience with process automation and controls integration.
  • Experience supporting construction, commissioning, and startup.
  • Experience performing process safety analyses and risk assessments.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Excel-based engineering calculations, AutoCAD or AutoCAD Plant 3D, Bluebeam Revu, and other advanced modeling, simulation, and analytical software platforms.
  • Experience leading small engineering task teams or discipline-specific work packages.
  • Excellent work ethic and attitude.
  • Excellent communication skills, organizational expertise, and the ability to plan, balance, and prioritize work.
  • Ability to work within a team in field, hybrid, and office settings.
  • Ability to lead a team and collaborate with multiple stakeholders.
  • Ability to conduct site visits and field investigations, access industrial, manufacturing, and construction environments, occasionally lift up to 25 pounds and wear required PPE during field assignments.

Location: Baltimore, MD
Type: Full-Time
Travel: Yes, 10%
Compensation:
The expected base salary range for this role is $95,000-$115,000 per year. Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location.
This role is also eligible for performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive U.S. based benefits package, including:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off and company holidays
  • Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
  • Professional development support

For more information, visit our full benefits overview here.
About Us:
Founded in 1975, Salas O'Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow's requirements are today's opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.
We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.
Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.
Third-Party Agency NoticeSalas O'Brien does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiters or agencies. We only work with approved partners engaged directly by our Talent Acquisition team for specific searches. Unsolicited submissions will not be eligible for placement fees.
Equal Opportunity Employment Statement
Salas O'Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O'Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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