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Food Processing Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Boiler Mechanic

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$36.25/hr

The Neil Jones Food Company is an industry leader, processing superior quality fresh-packed, vine-ripened California tomatoes and Pacific Northwest fruit. Headquartered in Vancouver, Washington, NJFC ...

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Food Processing information

See Portland, OR salary details

$5

$16

$20

How much do food processing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for food processing in Portland, OR is $16.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $17.12 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.

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Food Processing jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Food Processing job openings:
Infographic showing various Food Processing job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,311 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Project Engineer - Food Processing

Blair Executive Search

Portland, OR

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Company Description

Our client is a food processing/ manufacturer that is growing in size and needs to hire an energetic, career-focused Project Engineer to join their team in the Portland, Oregon area.

Job Description

The Project Engineer provides engineering and project management support for the Project Manager, the Director of Engineering, and the Engineering Manager, as required.

  • Support the Project Manager in managing engineering projects.
  • Work with project requestors to define initial requirements for the projects.
  • Determine appropriate budget source for the projects - capital or expense.
  • Develop preliminary Return-On-Investment (ROI) analysis of potential/conceptual projects.
  • Design, budget, draft, Visio-chart, and schedule conceptual projects in MS Project for projects under $50,000.
  • Paperwork - Purchase Orders, Change Orders, Cost Control Tracking, Invoicing, etc., to completely track projects, from Initiation to Closure.
  • Review and reconcile project cost tracking with accounting to reconcile and close the projects, in a timely manner.
  • Utilize the Project SharePoint site to implement and manage projects for all team member access.
  • Continuously review and update construction and material specifications and standards documents to meet/exceed SQF/ODA quality improvement expectations throughout the plant.
  • Supervises engineering projects at the direction of the Project Manager
  • Guides engineering projects from scoping and approval, through implementation and completion.
  • Serves as owner representative in the management of engineering construction projects.
  • Works with production and other customer departments to complete projects.
  • Provide consistent and comprehensive status reports, project updates and ongoing cost analyses, significant issue tracking.
  • Supports the Project Manager and Director of Engineering with annual capital budget preparation.
  • Communicate effectively.
  • Work under pressure, meet deadlines, and be flexible in working on multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Act as a team player and be able to interact with staff at all levels of the company.
Qualifications
  • BS in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering.
  • 5 to 10 years of Project Management experience in a manufacturing environment.
  • Must have completed at least 3 medium-sized capital projects from inception through completion in a food processing/manufacturing environment.
  • Project management in engineering or construction firms serving the food and dairy industries.
  • Lean manufacturing experience
  • Demonstrated experience managing capital projects, researching and evaluating new manufacturing technology, and building new manufacturing facilities.

The company offers competitive compensation and benefits

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States

More details regarding the company and position will be shared with candidates who meet the requirements set forth by the company.

Thank you in advance for your interest and cooperation.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.