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Food Processing Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

... food processing, grocery and retail, and industrial sectors. Novolex manufacturing and sourcing ... The process engineer is a part of the plant staff driven to identify, develop and deliver ...

... food processing, grocery and retail, and industrial sectors. Novolex manufacturing and sourcing ... The process engineer is a part of the plant staff driven to identify, develop and deliver ...

... food processing, grocery and retail, and industrial sectors. Novolex manufacturing and sourcing ... The process engineer is a part of the plant staff driven to identify, develop and deliver ...

... food processing, grocery and retail, and industrial sectors. Novolex manufacturing and sourcing ... The process engineer is a part of the plant staff driven to identify, develop and deliver ...

The Process Engineer will optimize manufacturing processes, troubleshoot operational issues, and ... QUALITY & COMPLIANCE • Ensure processes meet standards for quality, food safety, and regulatory ...

Process Engineer | Primient About Primient Primient is a century old company with an ... We are a leading producer of food and industrial ingredients made from plant-based, renewable ...

Process Engineer | Primient About Primient Primient is a century old company with an ... We are a leading producer of food and industrial ingredients made from plant-based, renewable ...

... chemical processing and sheeting, as well as by-product handling processes. Support to Capital ... Ensure compliance with food/feed safety standards, HACCP programs, and environmental regulations ...

New

Cargill is a family company committed to providing food and agricultural solutions to nourish the ... Job Purpose and Impact The Process Engineer will focus on optimizing our interconnected components ...

Cargill is a family company committed to providing food and agricultural solutions to nourish the ... Job Purpose and Impact The Process Engineer will focus on optimizing our interconnected components ...

We specialize in power generation & utilities, chemicals, food & beverage, forest products ... The Process Engineer will play a critical role in supporting the organization's ongoing ...

We specialize in power generation & utilities, chemicals, food & beverage, forest products ... The Process Engineer will play a critical role in supporting the organization's ongoing ...

We specialize in power generation & utilities, chemicals, food & beverage, forest products ... The Process Engineer will play a critical role in supporting the organization's ongoing ...

Process Engineering Lead

La Vergne, TN

$98K - $127K/yr

Leveraging deep expertise in dough systems, thermal processing, and high-speed production, this ... food safety. * Establishes, validates, and documents critical process parameters, including mix ...

Cargill is a family company committed to providing food and agricultural solutions to nourish the ... Job Purpose and Impact The Process Engineer will focus on optimizing our interconnected components ...

Process Engineering Lead

La Vergne, TN · On-site

$98K - $127K/yr

As a leader and innovator in the snack food industry for over 50 years, J&J Snack Foods provides ... Leveraging deep expertise in dough systems, thermal processing, and high-speed production, this ...

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Showing results 1-20

Food Processing Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$54.5K

$79.6K

$107.1K

How much do food processing engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for food processing engineer in Tennessee is $79,633.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,800.00 and $96,700.00 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 Tennessee?

For Food Processing Engineer jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Processing Engineer jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Processing Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Food Processing Engineer jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Food Processing Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Processing Engineer job openings in Tennessee 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 $79,633 per year, or $38.3 per hour.

Process Engineer

Novolex

Jackson, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 10 days ago


Novolex rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 102 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

59th of 119 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description

Why Choose Us?

Novolex is a leading manufacturer of food, beverage, and specialty packaging that supports multiple industries including foodservice, restaurant delivery and carryout, food processing, grocery and retail, and industrial sectors. Novolex manufacturing and sourcing expertise spans a diverse range of substrates including resin, paper, molded fiber, aluminum and more. We provide customers a broad array of stock and customized solutions with 120 product categories, 250 brands and over 39,000 SKUs.

Our Sustainability Commitment

The Novolex sustainability vision is built upon three pillars: our products, our operations and our people. Each is critically important to our growth and future as a business. These pillars form the foundation of our company-wide commitment to sustainability, helping us achieve our ambitious goals through our wide-ranging initiatives.


Position Summary:

The primary purpose of this role is to support improvement of existing processes, design, install, configure and maintain manufacturing systems to reduce cost, improve equipment reliability, and develop best practices with in the production process. The main focus of the process engineer’s work is on maintaining reliable and safe manufacturing systems, while improving quality, overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), production rates, efficiencies, yields, costs and changeovers. The process engineer is a part of the plant staff driven to identify, develop and deliver innovative solutions that improve process capability and production volume while maintaining and improving safety and quality standards.

Essential Functions & Key Responsibilities:

  • Support production and maintenance in improving process reliability and performance. Key success factors include reducing equipment downtime and scrap, improving line performance and quality throughput, reducing changeover times, and improving the plant’s overall approach to preventive and predictive maintenance.
  • Support and develop production and/or maintenance projects for the plant in Extrusion and Converting Departments.
  • Provide guidance to maintenance team on assigned tasks and projects.
  • Facilitate process/continuous improvement. Identify cost-savings and process improvement projects and move them from concept to implementation. Drive continuous improvement by developing and implementing systems and process improvements that optimize all phases of the production process; be actively involved in the development and implementation of long term improvement plans.
  • Create and maintain process flow, PFMEA, Standard Operating Procedures and line capability and performance documentation
  • Develop and maintain error proofing methodologies.
  • Support, cost, estimate and document all engineering changes.
  • Initiate actions to prevent the occurrence of any quality non-conformances related to product, process and systems.
  • Provide technical inputs for incident investigation, root cause analysis and corrective action.

  

Candidate Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s Degree (Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related Technical Discipline).
  • At least five (5) years of relevant experience in manufacturing environment preferred.
  • Strong mechanical, electrical and manufacturing process skills/experience.
  • Must have working knowledge of PLC’s, automation, and high speed manufacturing equipment.
  • Analytical skills and understanding of problem solving techniques/tools.
  • Data-driven, disciplined, objective and detail oriented.
  • Strong communication skills. Demonstrated ability to act as a business partner, “see the big picture,” and work through ambiguity and change.
  • Advanced computer knowledge with MS Office applications (Excel, Access, etc) and other computer tools and software.
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without Company sponsorship.
  • Successful completion of pre-employment background and drug screen

#LI-TM1

#INDSalaried


What You'll Get From UsBenefits

With safety as our top priority and a commitment to employee well-being an important focus, we offer comprehensive and competitive benefits that include medical, dental and vision insurance as well as a variety of other well-being resources focused on mental, physical and financial health. Specific benefits and well-being programs may vary depending on where you work.

Community Engagement

At Novolex, giving back to the local communities that support us is important. Our Focused Giving Program prioritizes support for organizations whose missions promote sustainability initiatives or address food and hunger needs. We also encourage facility level support of activities in the communities where our employees live and work.

Training and Development

We offer constant opportunities for advancement. From skills development to advanced education programs, training and development programs and courses are available through MyLearning. Programs include company and industry training curricula, support for formal education through the Tuition Reimbursement Program (Non-Union), and a Learning Management System that supports and enhances employee skills at all levels of the organization.

Novolex is committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices, including but not limited to selection, hiring, promotion, transfer, and compensation to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to age, race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, handicap or disability, genetics, citizenship status, service member or veteran status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law. Any individual who, because of his or her disability, needs an accommodation in connection with an aspect of the Company's application process should contact myHRservices@novolex.com.

Formerly Pactiv Evergreen


What Novolex employees say

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