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Food Processing Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

... manufacturing, food processing, metallurgy, biomedical, and material handling. Busch Vacuum ... You will apply engineering best practices to moderate vacuum and over-pressure applications while ...

... food processing, metallurgy, biomedical, and material handling. We have an immediate direct-hire ... The Senior Supplier Quality Engineer leads and ensures supplier quality performance for parts ...

Manager, Continuous Improvement

Jarratt, VA ยท On-site

$87K - $117K/yr

Five (5) to seven (7) years of experience in a process engineering or CI role within a food processing environment. * Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and performance drivers (e.g ...

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Food Processing Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$59.5K

$87K

$117K

How much do food processing engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for food processing engineer in Virginia is $86,986.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,400.00 and $105,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a food processing engineer do?

A food processing engineer designs, develops, and improves methods for manufacturing food products, ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency. They work with equipment, process flow, and quality control standards, often using tools like automation systems and adhering to food safety regulations. Their role involves analyzing processes and implementing innovations to optimize production.

What is the highest paying job in food engineering?

The highest paying roles in food engineering typically include senior positions such as Food Processing Plant Manager or Food Engineering Director, which can offer salaries exceeding $100,000 annually. These roles often require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and strong leadership skills, with compensation influenced by industry, location, and company size.

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 engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, and certain software engineering roles can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. These roles typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve leadership or executive responsibilities.

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.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, and certain senior software engineering roles can earn $300,000 or more annually. These positions often require advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes management responsibilities or working in high-cost-of-living areas.

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 Virginia? For Food Processing Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Manufacturing Equipment Engineer

Manufacturing Equipment Engineer

Indevco North America Inc

Doswell, VA โ€ข On-site

$68K - $88K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

INDEVCO North America, a protective materials manufacturing group headquartered near Richmond, Virginia, is committed to innovating energy-efficient building envelope products, as well as sustainable paper and plastic packaging solutions. In addition, we have invested in and manage recycling operations for biomass and reprocessed materials that create a circular economy.
Our facilities - in Georgia, Mississippi, New Jersey, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia - serve a growing range of markets: building and construction, beverage, chemical and petrochemical, food, industrial salt and minerals, lawn and garden, packaging converting, pet food, and transport. INDEVCO has operated for over 40 years in the US, For more information, visit www.INDEVCONorthAmerica.com .
We are seeking a highly skilled Manufacturing Equipment Engineer to join our team. The Manufacturing Equipment Engineer will be responsible for optimizing manufacturing processes, improving production efficiency, and ensuring that the company's operational goals are met. This role requires hands-on involvement in production, process improvement initiatives, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure that all processes run smoothly and cost-effectively.
Responsibilities:
โ€ข Analyze and optimize manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and increase product quality.
โ€ข Develop, document, and maintain process standards to ensure consistency in production and compliance with quality control protocols.
โ€ข Collaborate with production teams to identify areas for improvement and implement process modifications to enhance safety, productivity, and sustainability.
โ€ข Design and execute process experiments to test new methods or materials, ensuring the scalability and efficiency of changes.
โ€ข Troubleshoot process issues on the production floor, working closely with operators, maintenance teams, and quality control personnel to identify root causes and implement solutions.
โ€ข Lead continuous improvement initiatives, utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies to reduce costs and improve production throughput.
โ€ข Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs), including production efficiency, cycle times, yield rates, and downtime.
โ€ข Coordinate with R&D and product development teams to scale up new product lines and introduce new processes into manufacturing.
โ€ข Train and mentor production staff on process improvements, new procedures, and best practices.
โ€ข Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards in all process engineering activities.
Evaluate the usage of robot/mechanization to improve safety, eliminate errors and increase performance
Requirements
โ€ข Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Chemical, or a related field).
โ€ข 3+ years of experience in process engineering or manufacturing, preferably in packaging or a similar industry.
โ€ข Strong knowledge of process improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, etc.).
โ€ข Proficiency in data analysis, statistical methods, and process optimization tools.
โ€ข Experience with CAD software and process simulation tools is a plus.
โ€ข Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
โ€ข Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
โ€ข Detail-oriented, with strong organizational and time management skills.
โ€ข Willingness to be hands-on with production equipment and processes to resolve issues.
โ€ข Knowledge of safety standards, environmental regulations, and quality control procedures is essential.