ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Food Processing Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

TAD PGS, Inc.

Industrial Engineer

Culpeper, VA

$50/hr

We have an Excellent Contract position for an Industrial Engineer to join a leading Company located ... Experience with process equipment relating to propellant manufacture or food processing such as ...

TAD PGS, Inc

Industrial Engineer

Culpeper, VA

$50/hr

We have an Excellent Contract position for an Industrial Engineer to join a leading Company located ... Experience with process equipment relating to propellant manufacture or food processing such as ...

Smithfield Foods

Senior Project Engineer

Smithfield, VA

$85K - $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.Knowledge ...

Smithfield Foods

Senior Project Engineer

Smithfield, VA

$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.

Busch Group

Industrial Engineer

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$70 - $90/hr

... 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

previous pagenext page

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 Aug 22, 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,986 per year, or $41.8 per hour.

Industrial Engineer

TAD PGS, Inc.

Culpeper, VA

$50/hr

Contractor

Medical, Retirement

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

We have an Excellent Contract position for an Industrial Engineer to join a leading Company located in Culpeper, VA..

Pay Rate: $50

**US Citizenship is required.**
**Candidate must have the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.**

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Industrial Engineer to join our team. This role focuses on optimizing manufacturing systems, processes, and workflows to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and support the integration of new technologies and automation. The ideal candidate brings substantial industrial engineering experience, preferably within a Department of Defense (DoD) or automotive manufacturing environment, and has a strong working knowledge of new process introduction methodologies and automation tools. 

Responsibilities:
  • Analyze and evaluate existing manufacturing processes, workflows, and systems to identify opportunities for improvement in efficiency, quality, and cost
  • Design and implement optimized production layouts, work cells, and material flow strategies
  • Lead and support new process introduction (NPI) activities, including process planning, documentation, time studies, and production readiness assessments
  • Identify, evaluate, and integrate automation tools and technologies to enhance manufacturing operations
  • Develop and maintain standard work documentation, including SOPs, work instructions, time and motion studies, and capacity analyses
  • Apply industrial engineering techniques such as value stream mapping, line balancing, ergonomic analysis, and simulation modeling to drive operational improvements
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, quality, program management, and supply chain to support production goals and schedules
  • Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure process performance and improvement outcomes
  • Support facility planning, equipment layout, and capital project justification activities
  • Conduct make/buy analyses, capacity planning, and resource utilization studies
  • Assist in the development of labor standards and production rate estimates to support program planning and cost proposals
  • Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance to production personnel

Basic Hiring Criteria:
  • Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in an Industrial Engineering role within a manufacturing environment
  • Demonstrated experience with new process introduction methodologies and tools
  • Working knowledge of automation tools and technologies and their application in a manufacturing setting
  • Proficiency in industrial engineering techniques including time studies, value stream mapping, line balancing, and capacity planning
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate data into actionable improvements

Desired Qualifications:
  • 10 or more years of industrial engineering experience
  • Experience working within a DoD defense contractor or automotive manufacturing environment
  • Experience with process equipment relating to propellant manufacture or food processing such as vertical mixers, fluid energy mills, etc
  • Familiarity with DoD 4145, manufacturing readiness levels (MRLs), and related program requirements
  • Experience with automotive industry standards and frameworks such as APQP, PPAP, or PFMEA
  • Proficiency with simulation and modeling software (e.g., FlexSim or similar)
  • Experience with ERP/MES systems and manufacturing data analysis tools
  • Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt preferred)
  • Familiarity with AutoCAD, Creo, or other facility layout and design tools
  • Active DoD Security Clearance or ability to obtain one

Benefits offered to vary by the contract. Depending on your temporary assignment, benefits may include direct deposit, free career counseling services, 401(k), select paid holidays, short-term disability insurance, skills training, employee referral bonus, affordable medical coverage plan, and DailyPay (in some locations). For a full description of benefits available to you, be sure to talk with your recruiter.

Military connected talent encouraged to apply.

VEVRAA Federal Contractor / Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals / Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled 

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please visit http://www.tadpgs.com/candidate-privacy/ or https://pdsdefense.com/candidate-privacy/

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

  • The California Fair Chance Act
  • Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
  • Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
  • San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Education:Bachelors DegreeEmployment Type: CONTRACTOR

Apply