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Food Processing Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This is a hands-on role for someone passionate about food science and process engineering who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced manufacturing environment. What You'll Do Pilot Plant Operations ...

This is a hands-on role for someone passionate about food science and process engineering who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced manufacturing environment. What You'll Do Pilot Plant Operations ...

This is a hands-on role for someone passionate about food science and process engineering who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced manufacturing environment. What You'll Do Pilot Plant Operations ...

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience). * 3+ years of engineering experience in a food processing ...

Food Process Engineer I

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

S. in Engineering with specialization in food science, food process engineering, chemical engineering or other related fields * Prefer candidate with 2-4 years experiences both as food process or ...

Food Process Engineer I

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

S. in Engineering with specialization in food science, food process engineering, chemical engineering or other related fields * Prefer candidate with 2-4 years experiences both as food process or ...

Food Process Engineer I

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

S. in Engineering with specialization in food science, food process engineering, chemical engineering or other related fields * Prefer candidate with 2-4 years experiences both as food process or ...

Process Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

The Process Engineer will focus on food process engineering, process development, and scale-up, ensuring manufacturing systems consistently deliver high-quality products that meet defined ...

The Process Engineer will focus on food process engineering, process development, and scale-up, ensuring manufacturing systems consistently deliver high-quality products that meet defined ...

The Process Engineer will focus on food process engineering, process development, and scale-up, ensuring manufacturing systems consistently deliver high-quality products that meet defined ...

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Food Processing Engineer information

See salary details

$60K

$87.7K

$118K

How much do food processing engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for food processing engineer in the United States is $87,739.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $106,500.00 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.

More about Food Processing Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Food Processing Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Food Processing Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Food Processing Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Food Processing Engineer jobs include:

R&D Food Scientist

Flora Food Group

Liberal, KS

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Location: On-Site at Hugoton, KS Factory
Reports To: Pilot Plant Supervisor / Senior R&D Manager

About the Role

We're looking for a Food Scientist to support pilot plant operations and industrial implementation of new products. In this role, you'll assist with trial execution, data collection, and commissioning of new production lines, while ensuring hygiene, safety, and efficiency in our experimental platform. You'll also coordinate the collection of sales samples and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

This is a hands-on role for someone passionate about food science and process engineering who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced manufacturing environment.

What You'll Do

Pilot Plant Operations

  • Assist in planning and executing pilot plant trials with R&D project leads.
  • Prepare equipment configurations and manage raw material and packaging inventory.
  • Support trial execution, troubleshooting, and post-trial cleaning (CIP).
  • Collect, format, and analyze trial data from acquisition systems.
  • Maintain hygiene, safety, and first-level maintenance of pilot plant equipment.

Production Support & Industrial Implementation

  • Support commissioning of new production lines by verifying process parameters and product specifications.
  • Collaborate with R&D, Quality, Engineering, and Operations for smooth product scale-up.
  • Participate in factory audits and identify optimization opportunities.
  • Monitor product quality during production runs and assist in root cause analysis.

Continuous Improvement & Documentation

  • Contribute to shop floor improvement initiatives focused on performance KPIs.
  • Update SOPs and maintain documentation related to pilot plant operations and safety.
  • Stay current with food processing technologies and propose equipment upgrades.

Training & Collaboration

  • Assist in training interns and temporary staff on pilot plant procedures and safety protocols.
  • Participate in technical workshops and cross-functional collaboration for product launches.

About You

  • Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Bioprocessing, or related field
  • 5+ years of experience in food manufacturing operations.
  • Internship or academic experience in a pilot plant or food manufacturing preferred.
  • Strong foundation in food science and process engineering; hands-on experience on the plant floor.
  • Basic understanding of food processing equipment and hygienic design.
  • Experience in improving processes, recipes, equipment upgrades, and testing methodologies.
  • Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
  • Team-oriented with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools.

What's next

If this position sounds interesting, please hit the apply button now!

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We understand your resume might not be up to date and recommend that you apply with what you have or your LinkedIn Profile. Flora Food Group is dedicated to building an inclusive and diverse workplace, we understand that you might not meet all the requirements stated in the description, but we encourage you to apply anyway. You might be the right candidate for this role or other roles. 

Flora Food Group is an employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and equal opportunities for all. We recruit based only on values, qualifications, performance, skills, behaviours, experience, and knowledge. We ensure job advertisements are free from unintentional bias.

No personal characteristics should be a barrier to joining Flora Food Group. We prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or other personal characteristics.