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Food Research Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Flora Food Group

R&D Food Scientist

Hugoton, KS · On-site

This is a hands-on role for someone passionate about food science and process engineering who ... Collaborate with R&D, Quality, Engineering, and Operations for smooth product scale-up.

Flora Food Group

R&D Food Scientist

Hugoton, KS

This is a hands-on role for someone passionate about food science and process engineering who ... Collaborate with R&D, Quality, Engineering, and Operations for smooth product scale-up.

kyyba

Food R&D Product Developer II

East Hanover, NJ · On-site

Lead product development projects with cross-functional partners Strong technical foundation and a high level of technical curiosity Demonstrates ability to handle multiple projects, and manage ...

Ofinno

6G System Architecture Research Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$162K - $315K/yr

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field; a Ph.D. is strongly preferred * 5+ ... Free Food -- Our kitchen is always fully stocked, including lunch, protein bars, fruit, sodas ...

Ofinno

6G System Architecture Research Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$162K - $315K/yr

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field; a Ph.D. is strongly preferred * 5+ ... Free Food -- Our kitchen is always fully stocked, including lunch, protein bars, fruit, sodas ...

Kraft Heinz Company

Packaging R&D Co-op

Glenview, IL · On-site

$24K/mo

With iconic and emerging food and beverage brands around the world, we deliver the best taste, fun ... You will be enrolled in a Bachelor's degree in Packaging Science, Packaging Engineering and other ...

Syensqo

Research Engineer

Alpharetta, GA · On-site

$98K - $123K/yr

D. in Chemical Engineering (perferred) or related discipline (desirable experience) * Ability to ... Our solutions contribute to safer, cleaner, and more sustainable products found in homes, food and ...

Kraft Heinz

Packaging R&D Co-op

Glenview, IL

$24K/mo

With iconic and emerging food and beverage brands around the world, we deliver the best taste, fun ... You will be enrolled in a Bachelor's degree in Packaging Science, Packaging Engineering and other ...

Kraft Heinz

Packaging R&D Co-op

Warrendale, PA

$24K/mo

With iconic and emerging food and beverage brands around the world, we deliver the best taste, fun ... You will be enrolled in a Bachelor's degree in Packaging Science, Packaging Engineering and other ...

Farmer's Fridge Careers

R&D Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

We are committed to prioritizing food safety, we are passionate about product quality, we value our ... Engineering, Merchandising, Marketing, and Procurement teams to develop recipes that meet the ...

Farmer's Fridge

R&D Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

We are committed to prioritizing food safety, we are passionate about product quality, we value our ... Engineering, Merchandising, Marketing, and Procurement teams to develop recipes that meet the ...

7-Eleven

Technical R+D Manager, Food/Bev

Irving, TX · On-site

The Food Research and Development Manager provides technical leadership across the Private Brands ... Bachelor's degree in food science, Food Engineering, Chemistry, or related field YEARS OF RELEVANT ...

Hersheys

Sr. Research Scientist, Chocolate

Hershey, PA · On-site

$93K - $119K/yr

Marketing Manufacturing Engineering Quality and Regulatory Project Management Technology ... Prior Experience PhD in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology or related field with 0-2 years of ...

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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 Jul 18, 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 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 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 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.

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.
More about Food Research Engineering jobs
What job categories do people searching Food Research Engineering jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Food Research Engineering jobs are:
Food Research Engineering jobs near you

R&D Food Scientist

Flora Food Group

Hugoton, KS • On-site

Other

Re-posted 3 hours 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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