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Food Processing Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Traveling Field Service Technician

Richmond, VA ยท On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Candidates must have two years of experience in food processing/production environment. Candidates ... Consult and communicate with design engineers, management, and customers to resolve issues in ...

Senior Project Engineer

Smithfield, VA ยท On-site

$92K - $120K/yr

Knowledge of engineering principles and techniques related to food processing and the meat industry, preferred. * Ability to apply sound engineering principles to operational and design issues.

Senior Project Engineer

Smithfield, VA ยท On-site

$92K - $120K/yr

Knowledge of engineering principles and techniques related to food processing and the meat industry, preferred. * Ability to apply sound engineering principles to operational and design issues.

Senior Project Engineer

Smithfield, VA ยท On-site

$92K - $120K/yr

Knowledge of engineering principles and techniques related to food processing and the meat industry, preferred. * Ability to apply sound engineering principles to operational and design issues.

Senior Quality Engineer

Virginia Beach, VA ยท On-site

$78K - $106K/yr

... food processing, metallurgy, biomedical, and material handling. Busch Vacuum Solutions has an ... The Senior Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring high-quality standards across products and ...

Industrial Engineer

Chesapeake, VA ยท On-site

$68K - $91K/yr

... food processing, metallurgy, biomedical, and material handling. We have an exciting opportunity for ... The Industrial Engineer plays a key role in driving operational excellence through process ...

... 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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

Food Processing Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$59.5K

$87K

$117K

How much do food processing engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 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 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.

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.

Infographic showing various Food Processing Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $86,986 per year, or $41.8 per hour.
Traveling Field Service Technician

Traveling Field Service Technician

Quantam

Richmond, VA โ€ข On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Overview:
Powerwell is a leading recruitment firm helping our clients discover top talent. We are recruiting for a Traveling Field Service Technician. Candidates must to be local to Richmond, VA and be at least 21 years of age. Candidates must be able and willing to work overtime as well as travel 80%-90% of the time. Travel accommodations will be provided by our client. Candidates must have two years of experience in food processing/production environment. Candidates can expect to earn $100K-$150K annually with the extensive overtime required for this position.
Job Description:
Our client has a reputation built upon our desire to solve new challenges and guide innovation. This business is a manufacturer of tray sealing equipment in the food industry, combining high-quality manufacturing with experience with our people and products to make our customers successful. Our client is a provider of tray sealing technology. The business is a leader in the food industry, with a presence in multiple companies. They need people who can install, service, and maintain their equipment to keep it running at top operating efficiency. To be successful in this position, you will need:
  • Stage, install, and commission manual, semi-automatic, and automatic tray sealing machinery and tooling.
  • Flexible travelling for extended periods of time, including air travel.
  • Advise and provide third-party equipment supplier integration support.
  • Perform remote or on-site support to equipment breakdown situations.
  • Management and interpretation of on-site customer requirements and expectations.
  • Installation, diagnosis, and repair of mechanical and pneumatic assemblies including motors, drum rollers, belts, bushings, bearings, rollers, valves, and cylinders.
  • Installation, diagnosis, and repair of multiple AC/DC electrical systems including PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, power supplies, servo motors/amplifiers, temperature controllers, phase monitors, contactors, relays, transformers, and heaters.
  • Perform necessary installation and repair work using standard test instruments, hand tools, and computer software.
  • Consult and communicate with design engineers, management, and customers to resolve issues in system, design, operation, and maintenance.
  • You will provide accurate and detailed service visit reports.

Requirements:
  • High School Diploma or GED required.
  • Employees will rent vehicles in different areas of the country. At least 21 years of age.
  • Pass background check and drug screening.
  • Valid United States driver's license and good driving record.
  • You will need to work overtime.
  • Two years of experience in food processing/production environment with a primary focus on heat sealing is a nice skill to have.
  • Technology based degree/ vocational training great to have.
  • A degree in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering great to have.
  • Experience in electromechanical engineering, mechatronics, or machine automation great to have.
  • VSP technology and servicing and repairing automated equipment great to have.
  • Experience using hand tools.
  • You will need to adapt to dynamic work schedules and flexible shifts.
  • You will frequently travel, including air travel, sometimes on short notice.
  • Understand electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic schematics.
  • Demonstrate a high degree of reliability.
  • You must have punctuality skills.
  • You will integrate into a positive team culture.
  • You mut be able to use hand tools safely.
  • Read and interpret electrical and pneumatic schematics.
  • Computer and database skills.

Travel Requirements:
  • Travel 80%-90% of the time.
  • Air travel
  • US Passport (can be added following employment).

Physical Requirements & Work Environment:
  • Work in cold (>32ยฐF) and hot (<100ยฐF) environments for extended periods of time.
  • Stand for long periods of time.
  • May work outdoors.
  • Wearing safety clothing and equipment may be required.
  • Repeatedly lift-up to 75Ibs.

Our Client's Benefits:
  • Our client offers benefits on day one of employment. Including: Medical, Dental, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, family leave, vision coverage, and a matched 401(k) plan.

Skills:
Travel,Food Processing,Food Production,Hand Tools,Electrical Schematics,Mechanical Schematics,Pneumatic Schematics,Reliability