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Food Processing Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Smurfit Westrock

Eng I, Process Eng

Covington, VA · On-site

$69K - $115K/yr

... food products), as well as commercial printing applications (greeting cards, lottery tickets, business cards, direct mail, large format signage, etc.). As an Entry-Level Process Engineer, you would ...

Smithfield Foods

Senior Project Engineer

Smithfield, VA · Remote

$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.

Blue Bottle Coffee

You have * Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Biotechnology, Chemistry ... Experience in the food processing industry, such as food manufacturing, coffee roasting, or coffee ...

Kids for the Future

Mechanical Engineer

Winchester, VA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Job Category Mechanical Engineer, Technical Expertise, Industrial Knowledge * Employee Type FT ... the food processing, can making, and material handling industries. Ashworth strives to be the ...

GlycoData

Postdoctoral Associate

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

... processing byproducts into plant-based proteins and other value-added products, while applying ... Research experiences in food science and engineering * Self-motivated, be able to work ...

N-C

Industrial Engineer

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$92K - $114K/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 ...

Ashworth

Mechanical Engineer

Winchester, VA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

... the food processing, can making, and material handling industries. Ashworth strives to be the ... Position Summary Mechanical Engineer contributes to a team responsible for planning, conceptualize ...

N-C

Senior Supplier Quality Engineer

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$91K - $101K/yr

... 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 21-40

All JobsFood Processing Engineer JobsFood Processing Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Food Processing Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$59.5K

$87K

$117K

How much do food processing engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 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 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 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 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.

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, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers or those in supervisory roles can earn over $100,000 annually.

How to become a food processing engineer?

To become a food processing engineer, you typically need a bachelor's degree in food engineering, chemical engineering, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships and developing skills in process design, food safety, and automation are important; professional certifications can also enhance career prospects.

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:

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

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

Food Processing Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Processing Engineer job openings in Virginia as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $86,986 per year, or $41.8 per hour.

Eng I, Process Eng

Covington, VA • On-site

Smurfit Westrock
Paper Manufacturing
Learn more about Smurfit Westrockexternal

$69K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Smurfit Westrock rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 280 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

General Information
Job ID
ATR66180
Posting Job Title
Process Engineer
Locations
VA Covington
Employment Type
Full Time
Date Posted
18-Aug-2026
Relocation Support
Yes
Description & Requirements
Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.
Position: Process Engineer
Job Code: MEPEP1 + Eng I, Process Eng
Location: Covington, VA
The Opportunity:
The Covington mill is North America's largest bleached paperboard mill. It began production in 1899 and has been in continuous operation since that time. Leadership has focused on continually improving and growing the business. Year after year Covington continues to deliver unprecedented safety, reliability, production, and financial results. The Covington site is ideally located due to its fiber supply, low-cost energy, and access to major user markets for products. The Covington mill has three paperboard machines that produce high-quality coated bleached board products used for multiple packaging applications (pharmaceutical, cosmetic, electronics, tobacco, and food products), as well as commercial printing applications (greeting cards, lottery tickets, business cards, direct mail, large format signage, etc.).
As an Entry-Level Process Engineer, you would provide technical services in monitoring, investigating, evaluating, and making recommendations for improving quality, quantity, and cost of the various manufacturing processes in paperboard production. You will join our rotational team for your first year. During that year, you will rotate through approximately three departments, spending four months in each, learning the different processes. Ideally, at the end of your first year, you will be placed in a department permanently.
How you will impact Smurfit Westrock:
  • Provide management with information on quality and operating parameters to assist in process control, budgeting, and detection of trends.
  • Participate on process improvement teams to identify problems, evaluate solutions, make recommendations, and assist in implementing approved changes to improve quality, cost, and/or throughput.
  • Complete projects and development activities to prepare for operation positions as vacancies occur.
  • Participate in all process engineering aspects of capital projects.
  • Actively promote safety and environmental compliance.
  • Other duties as assigned.

What you will need to succeed:
  • Required: BS Degree in Engineering (Chemical, Electrical or Mechanical) or Pulp and Paper Science.
  • Required: Experience with Microsoft Office Suite including MS Excel
  • Preferred: Minimum 2 years of industry experience on either the paper machine or pulp mill area, preferably in a process engineering role (can be combination of Co-Op / Internship, along with time in process engineering role)
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Physical ability to operate in paper mill environment, including light to moderate lifting, walking, and climbing, oral communication, correctable vision, and ability to work in a hot, humid, and dusty environment.

What we offer:
  • Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence.
  • Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities.
  • An attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies, and potential.
  • Benefits package to include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401k with match, tuition reimbursement, employee discounts, employee referral bonus, and much more!
  • A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are
  • business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.
The salary range for this position is $69,375.00 - $115,625.00, depending on your role, level, and location. The range listed is also the expected pay for roles in Illinois and Colorado. The benefits for this role include short-term bonus incentive, health, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and paid sick leave as required by applicable state/local law, 15 days of paid vacation, and 11 days of paid holidays, subject to annual change. Your pay will be based on factors such as your skills, experience, and education. To learn more about this posting, please contact your recruiter during the hiring process. You may apply online at Smurfit Westrock External Careers and the application window is expected to close by 30-Dec-2026.

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