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Food Processing Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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Food Processing information

See Illinois salary details

$5

$15

$18

How much do food processing jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for food processing in Illinois is $15.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $15.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is food processing?

Food processing jobs involve the preparation, packaging, and preservation of food products for consumer use. Workers in this field may operate machinery, inspect ingredients, maintain hygiene standards, and ensure that food products meet safety and quality regulations. Positions can range from machine operators and quality control technicians to supervisors and production managers. Food processing is a crucial part of the food supply chain, making sure that products are safe, consistent, and ready for distribution.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in food processing?

To thrive in Food Processing, you typically need strong attention to detail, knowledge of food safety standards, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with processing machinery, HACCP certification, and basic computer systems for inventory and quality tracking are often required. Reliability, teamwork, and effective communication help individuals excel in fast-paced production environments. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and consistent production of quality food products while maintaining regulatory compliance.

What are some common challenges faced by food processing workers, and how can they be managed on the job?

Food processing workers often face challenges such as maintaining strict hygiene standards, working in environments with temperature controls, and managing repetitive tasks. Adhering to safety protocols and wearing appropriate protective equipment can help minimize risks. Employers typically provide comprehensive training to ensure workers are comfortable with sanitation procedures and machinery operation. Team collaboration and clear communication are also crucial for managing workloads and ensuring efficiency.

What is the difference between Food Processing vs Food Packaging?

AspectFood ProcessingFood Packaging
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications in food safety (e.g., HACCP)High school diploma or equivalent; certifications in food safety and packaging standards
Work EnvironmentFactories, production lines, processing plantsPackaging lines, manufacturing facilities, warehouses
Employer & Industry UsageFood manufacturing companies, processing plantsFood companies, packaging firms, distribution centers
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Food Processing involves transforming raw ingredients into finished food products through various techniques, while Food Packaging focuses on enclosing and protecting food items for distribution and sale. Both roles are essential in the food industry, often working closely but with distinct responsibilities.

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Food Processing jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Food Processing job openings:

Food Processing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Processing job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, and 32% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,251 per year, or $15 per hour.

Design Engineer - Food Processing

Elk Grove Village, IL • On-site

Cozzini LLC
Machinery Manufacturing • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Cozzini LLCexternal

$75K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Utilize CAD and drafting software to create, refine, and maintain detailed engineering drawings and machine designs.

  • Provide engineering support during production by measuring machines and components to ensure compliance with drawings.

  • Manage engineering activities related to project scheduling, design reviews, testing, and problem resolution.

Job description

Description:

We are seeking a skilled, detail-oriented Design Engineer to play a key role in the design, development, and execution of custom food processing equipment and systems. This position is ideal for an engineer who understands the challenges of food manufacturing and enjoys designing equipment that improves production efficiency, food safety, sanitation, and operator performance.


In this role, you will be responsible for transforming customer requirements into innovative equipment solutions, supporting projects from concept through fabrication, assembly, testing, and installation. You will work closely with manufacturing, project management, customers, and vendors to ensure equipment designs meet stringent food industry standards, operational requirements, and customer expectations.


Key Responsibilities
  • Design and develop food processing equipment, material handling systems, and sanitary machinery using CAD software and industry best practices.
  • Create, refine, and maintain detailed engineering drawings, assembly layouts, fabrication drawings, and bills of materials.
  • Design equipment with a focus on food safety, cleanability, sanitation, durability, and manufacturing efficiency.
  • Generate equipment layouts and calculate critical design specifications including dimensions, tolerances, clearances, load requirements, and material selections.
  • Support the fabrication and assembly teams by providing technical guidance throughout the manufacturing process.
  • Verify equipment and component dimensions during production to ensure compliance with engineering drawings and project specifications.
  • Collaborate with project managers, customers, and production personnel to develop customized solutions for food processing applications.
  • Participate in design reviews, prototype evaluations, equipment testing, and troubleshooting activities.
  • Analyze engineering sketches, customer specifications, process requirements, and technical documentation to determine equipment design requirements.
  • Evaluate and implement engineering changes, drawing revisions, and specification updates throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Monitor engineering activities, project schedules, and design milestones to support on-time project completion.
  • Prepare project documentation, operating information, technical reports, and installation support materials.
  • Partner closely with suppliers and vendors to source components and optimize equipment performance.
  • Travel periodically to customer facilities and vendor locations to support equipment installations, start-ups, and project coordination.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
What We Offer
  • Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
  • Opportunity to work on innovative food processing equipment and custom-engineered solutions used by leading food manufacturers.
  • A collaborative, team-oriented work environment.
  • Hands-on involvement from concept through fabrication, testing, and installation.
  • Opportunities for professional growth, technical development, and project ownership.

Cozzini, LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EOE/M/F/Vets/Disabled) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants.
Benefits:

  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contribution
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA) with employer contribution
  • Company-Paid Life Insurance
  • Company-Paid Disability Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • 401(k) Plan

Principals only, please no third parties  

Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline preferred.
  • 3+ years of experience in machine design, equipment design, or industrial machinery engineering, preferably within the food processing, food manufacturing, packaging, or sanitary equipment industries.
  • Strong proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks, Inventor, or AutoCAD.
  • Experience designing fabricated equipment, conveyor systems, processing equipment, or other custom industrial machinery.
  • Understanding of sanitary design principles, stainless steel fabrication, hygienic equipment standards, and food industry requirements strongly preferred.
  • Knowledge of manufacturing processes including welding, machining, fabrication, and assembly.
  • Ability to analyze complex technical requirements and develop practical engineering solutions.
  • Strong project coordination and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills with customers, vendors, production personnel, and cross-functional teams.
  • Comfortable working in both office and manufacturing environments and supporting hands-on equipment development.
  • Willingness to travel as required to support customer projects and equipment installations.

NO RELOCATION PROVIDED