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Food Processing Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Fresh Express

Production Supervisor

Streamwood, IL

Understanding of food processing, food sanitation, food safety, worker safety and cost savings development. * Ensure continual process improvement. * Ensure the overall completion of the daily ...

Fresh Express

Production Supervisor

Streamwood, IL · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Understanding of food processing, food sanitation, food safety, worker safety and cost savings development. * Ensure continual process improvement. * Ensure the overall completion of the daily ...

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All JobsFood Processing JobsFood Processing Jobs in Chicago, IL

Food Processing information

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How much do food processing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for food processing in Chicago, IL is $15.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $16.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

In food processing, high-paying roles such as plant managers or operations supervisors can earn around $4,000 weekly, especially with experience and industry knowledge. These positions often require strong leadership skills, technical understanding, and sometimes certifications, but they do not always require a college degree.

What are the 7 types of food processing?

Food processing involves various methods to transform raw ingredients into consumable products. The seven main types include cleaning and sorting, size reduction, thermal processing (such as pasteurization and canning), preservation (like freezing and drying), fermentation, packaging, and quality control. Food processing workers often operate specialized equipment and follow safety standards to ensure product quality and safety.

What food job makes the most money?

In food processing, high-paying roles include food scientists, quality assurance managers, and plant managers, with salaries often exceeding $80,000 annually. These positions typically require specialized skills, experience, and sometimes advanced degrees or certifications. Management roles overseeing large production facilities tend to earn the highest salaries in the industry.

What are food processing jobs?

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, and why are they important?

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 do food processing workers do?

Food processing workers operate machinery and equipment to prepare, package, and inspect food products in manufacturing facilities. They follow safety and quality standards, often working in shifts, and may need to handle repetitive tasks and maintain cleanliness in the work environment.

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.

Food Processing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Processing job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,222 per year, or $16 per hour.
Design Engineer - Protein Processing

Design Engineer - Protein Processing

Cozzini LLC

Elk Grove Village, IL • On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Position Overview
We are seeking a skilled, detail-oriented Design Engineer to support the design, development, and execution of our food processing equipment projects. In this role, you will bridge the gap between initial concept and final production-coordinating design activities while ensuring all projects meet strict technical, manufacturing, and customer requirements.
If you have a strong background in machine design, excellent CAD capabilities, and love seeing your designs come to life on the shop floor, we want to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design & Development: Utilize CAD and drafting software to create, refine, and maintain detailed engineering drawings and machine designs. Create rough layouts and calculate critical specifications (dimensions, angles, surface areas, tolerances, and clearances).
  • Production & Fabrication Support: Provide direct engineering support to our fabrication and assembly departments. Measure machines and components during production to ensure 100% compliance with engineering drawings.
  • Project Coordination: Manage engineering activities related to project scheduling, design reviews, testing, and problem resolution. Monitor project-related expenditures to stay within budget guidelines.
  • Analysis & Verification: Analyze engineering sketches, specifications, and technical data to determine design requirements. Evaluate and approve design changes, drawing revisions, and specification updates.
  • Documentation: Prepare comprehensive project status updates, interim reports, and final project documentation.
  • Collaboration & Travel: Partner closely with internal departments, customers, and vendors throughout the project lifecycle. Travel periodically to customer and vendor locations to support project coordination and implementation.
Qualifications & Skills
  • Experience: Proven experience in machine design, mechanical design, or a closely related engineering role (experience with food processing or sanitary equipment is a major plus).
  • Technical Skills: Strong CAD proficiency (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, or AutoCAD) and a deep understanding of manufacturing tolerances, layouts, and component arrangement.
  • Problem-Solving: Ability to analyze complex technical data and resolve engineering challenges on the fly.
  • Communication: Exceptional collaboration skills to work effectively with shop floor fabricators, cross-functional internal teams, vendors, and clients.
  • Adaptability: Thrives in a fast-paced environment and is comfortable splitting time between the desk and the manufacturing floor.
  • Travel: Willingness to travel periodically as required by project needs.
What We Offer
  • Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
  • A dynamic, team-oriented work environment.
  • Opportunities for professional growth and hands-on project ownership.

Cozzini, LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EOE/M/F/Vets/Disabled) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants.
Benefits:
  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insuranc
  • 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 Engineering or related technical field
  • 3-5 years of experience in machine design engineering or related engineering roles
  • Experience working with sheet metal, machined parts, cast components, welding, and dimensional/geometric tolerancing
  • Proficiency with AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor
  • Strong understanding of mechanical design principles and manufacturing processes
  • Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
  • Strong communication and collaboration abilities

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with FEA software and engineering analysis tools
  • Experience within food processing equipment or capital equipment manufacturing environments

NO RELOCATION PROVIDED
Salary Description
75-95k plus bonus

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