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Food Research Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

System One

Food Science Research Engineer

Hershey, PA · On-site

Develop and optimize chemical, biological, or mechanical processes related to food engineering * Conduct research and experiments to improve food processing techniques and efficiency * Analyze data ...

System One

Food Scientist - Dough Rheology

Paterson, NJ · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

... R&D Food Scientist to support the development, optimization, and commercialization of bakery ... Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Baking Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, or a related ...

System One

Food Scientist - Dough Rheology

Paterson, NJ · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

... R&D Food Scientist to support the development, optimization, and commercialization of bakery ... Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Baking Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, or a related ...

System One

Food Scientist - Dough Rheology

Paterson, NJ · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

... R&D Food Scientist to support the development, optimization, and commercialization of bakery ... Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Baking Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, or a related ...

System One

Food Scientist - Dough Rheology

Paterson, NJ · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

... R&D Food Scientist to support the development, optimization, and commercialization of bakery ... Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Baking Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, or a related ...

System One

Food Scientist - Dough Rheology

Paterson, NJ · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

... R&D Food Scientist to support the development, optimization, and commercialization of bakery ... Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Baking Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, or a related ...

System One

Food Scientist - Dough Rheology

Paterson, NJ · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

... R&D Food Scientist to support the development, optimization, and commercialization of bakery ... Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Baking Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, or a related ...

The Lycra Company LLC

Research Engineer

Waynesboro, VA · On-site

$104K - $118K/yr

This role is ideal for someone with strong technical training in mechanical engineering, materials ... food and culture locations, it one place you can easily fall in love with. Reporting to the R ...

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Food Research Engineering information

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$37K

$106K

$142.5K

How much do food research engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for food research engineering in the United States is $106,012.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,000.00 and $104,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is food research engineering?

Food Research Engineering is a multidisciplinary field that combines principles of engineering, biology, and chemistry to develop, optimize, and evaluate processes and equipment used in the production, processing, packaging, and storage of food. Professionals in this area work on improving food quality, safety, and efficiency by designing innovative solutions for manufacturing and preservation. They play a critical role in ensuring that food products are produced sustainably and meet regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges faced by food research engineers when developing new food processing technologies?

Food Research Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring food safety and quality while introducing innovative processing methods. Balancing cost-effectiveness with compliance to strict regulatory standards can be complex, especially when scaling up from laboratory to industrial production. Collaboration with cross-functional teams—including food scientists, quality assurance, and production staff—is crucial to address these challenges and ensure successful implementation of new technologies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food research engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Research Engineer, you need strong knowledge of food science, process engineering, and analytical methods, usually supported by a degree in food engineering or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, statistical analysis software, and quality control systems is commonly required. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating on multidisciplinary teams and translating research into practical solutions. These abilities ensure the development of safe, innovative, and high-quality food products that meet industry standards and consumer demands.

What is the difference between Food Research Engineering vs Food Technologist?

AspectFood Research EngineeringFood Technologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Food Engineering, Food Science, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Food Science, Food Technology, or related fields
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D centers, manufacturing plantsProduction facilities, quality control labs, R&D departments
Industry UsageDesigning processes, developing new food products, improving manufacturing methodsProduct development, quality assurance, food safety compliance

Food Research Engineering focuses on designing and optimizing food production processes and developing new food technologies, often involving engineering principles. Food Technologists primarily work on product development, quality control, and ensuring food safety. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, Food Research Engineers tend to focus more on process innovation, whereas Food Technologists concentrate on product quality and safety.

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What are popular job titles related to Food Research Engineering jobs?

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Food Research Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Research Engineering job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,012 per year, or $51 per hour.

Food Research & Development Specialist

Houston, TX • On-site

Tay Ho
See more jobs at Tay Hoexternal

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:

We are seeking a Food Research & Development Specialist to support product innovation, formulation, and continuous improvement within our food manufacturing operation. This role bridges creativity and execution, working closely with Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain to develop, test, scale, and commercialize food products that meet quality, safety, cost, and regulatory standards.

You will play a hands-on role in benchtop development, pilot trials, and production scale-up, ensuring concepts move efficiently from idea to shelf.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Develop and refine food formulations for new products, line extensions, and reformulations.
  • Conduct bench-top, pilot, and plant trials, documenting procedures, observations, and results.
  • Partner with Operations and Engineering to support scale-up and commercialization of R&D concepts.
  • Work closely with Quality and Regulatory teams to ensure products meet FDA, USDA, GMP, HACCP, and labeling requirements.
  • Perform ingredient evaluations, shelf-life studies, sensory testing, and cost optimization analyses.
  • Maintain accurate formulation records, specifications, SOPs, and trial documentation.
  • Support supplier collaboration, ingredient sourcing, and evaluation of alternative raw materials.
  • Troubleshoot product and process issues related to texture, flavor, stability, yield, or shelf life.
  • Assist in maintaining R&D lab organization, safety standards, and sanitation protocols.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across product quality and manufacturing efficiency.

Qualifications:

Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Nutrition, or a related field.
  • 2+ years of experience in food R&D, product development, or food manufacturing.
  • Hands-on experience with formulation, testing, and basic lab equipment.
  • Strong documentation and organizational skills.
Preferred
  • Experience supporting pilot plant or commercial-scale production.
  • Familiarity with thermal processing, emulsions, sauces, beverages, or dry blends (adjust based on product type).
  • Knowledge of nutritional labeling, regulatory compliance, and ingredient statements.
  • Working knowledge of food safety systems (GMP, HACCP, SSOPs, and SOPs)
  • Experience with sensory panels and shelf-life testing.
  • Proficiency with formulation software or Excel-based costing models.
Ideal Candidate Will Be:
  • Curious, methodical, and detail-oriented.
  • Comfortable balancing creativity with operational constraints.
  • Strong cross-functional communication skills.
  • Able to manage multiple projects and timelines simultaneously.
  • Solutions-focused with a continuous improvement mindset.
Why Join Craftory?

Craftory is reimagining how heritage-rich flavors are shared with the next generation. We produce ready-to-eat broths, soups, and proteins in shelf-stable Tetra Recart packaging. With product lines like Simmer Craft organic broths and Craft Cuts luncheon meats, we serve consumers seeking comfort foods.

Well established food manufacturing in Southern Cali. We specialize in Vietnamese meatball, sausage to retail and food service. We have been in the industry for over 38 years.

Education:{"credentialcategory":"bachelor degree","@type":"EducationalOccupationalCredential"}Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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