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Food Research Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hersheys

Sr Research Scientist

Hershey, PA

$93K - $119K/yr

Hershey, PA Summary: Reporting to the Sr Manager R&D and residing at The Hershey Company ... Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Chemistry, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering ...

Ofinno

6G Standards Research Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

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 ...

Hersheys

Senior Research Scientist

Hershey, PA · On-site

$93K - $119K/yr

Reporting to the Manager R&D Europe and working at The Hershey Company's Technical Center, the ... Food Chemistry, Food Engineering, Chemistry, or Biology with 4-6 years experience #LI-AM1 The ...

Ofinno

6G Standards Research Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

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 ...

The Hershey Company

Senior Research Scientist

Hershey, PA · On-site

$93K - $119K/yr

Reporting to the Manager R&D Europe and working at The Hershey Company's Technical Center, the ... Food Chemistry, Food Engineering, Chemistry, or Biology with 4-6 years experience #LI-AM1 The ...

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.

Flora Food Group

R&D Food Scientist

Hugoton, KS · On-site

Collaborate with R&D, Quality, Engineering, and Operations for smooth product scale-up ... Stay current with food processing technologies and propose equipment upgrades. Training ...

Flora Food Group

R&D Food Scientist

Hugoton, KS · On-site

Collaborate with R&D, Quality, Engineering, and Operations for smooth product scale-up ... Stay current with food processing technologies and propose equipment upgrades. Training ...

Flora Food Group

R&D Food Scientist

Liberal, KS

Collaborate with R&D, Quality, Engineering, and Operations for smooth product scale-up ... Stay current with food processing technologies and propose equipment upgrades. Training ...

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 ...

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$106K

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How much do food research engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 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.
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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
Infographic showing various Food Research Engineering job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, and 34% Part Time. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,012 per year, or $51 per hour.
Sr Research Scientist

Sr Research Scientist

Hersheys

Hershey, PA

$93K - $119K/yr

Other

Posted 16 hours ago

Job description

Job Location: Hershey, PA 
 
Summary:
Reporting to the Sr Manager R&D and residing at The Hershey Company's Technical Center, the Senior Research Scientist position provides project leadership on multiple medium complexity projects and/or beginning to lead a program with support. This could include a high number of low to medium complexity projects that drive leadership complexity. A medium to high level of autonomy on medium complexity projects and low to medium level of autonomy for high complexity projects is required. This individual is beginning to teach others technical knowledge in some spaces and has a focus on developing technical breadth. A successful candidate is communicating project and/or program challenges to senior leadership with the ability to have some influence on project/program direction through cross-functional communication.
 
Specific Role Focus Area: 
Leveraging knowledge and experience to drive product innovation. These areas include formulation development, ingredient development and product transformation interactions.
Perform prototyping and development from bench top to pilot plant to full manufacturing scale.
Leading technical project management aspects through the product development stage gate process interacting closely with a cross functional group of technical, professional, and managerial staff of R&D, as well as production, engineering, and marketing. 
Understand the business impact of the projects.
Apply technical rigor and scientific principles and practices.
Provide input for technical feasibility for new product concepts.
Partnering with Supply Chain to provide technical support to drive quality and value improvement in products and processes.
 
This role will interact and partner with: 
Technical and professional employees within Global R&D (including Ingredient/Recipe Specialists, Sensory, and Packaging Innovation)
Manufacturing, Operations and Plant Quality Assurance
Quality and Regulatory Compliance (including Analytical and Micro)
Procurement
Marketing 
R&D Technology Development team
Engineering (including Product Commercialization, and Plant)
External Vendors (including Ingredient Vendors, Equipment Vendors, and Co-Manufactures)
 
Approximately 20% travel required, primarily within the US, but including occasional international travel.
 
Minimum knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform major duties/responsibilities: 
Experience leading innovation initiatives, which could include product development, quality improvement, cost improvement, technology validation and process optimization.
Demonstrated knowledge in confection and chocolate formulation and recipe development.
Demonstrated experience in confection and chocolate process platforms (moulding, enrobing, panning)
Preferred experience in "better for you" ingredients and formulation (alternative sweeteners, proteins, fibers, functional ingredients).
Strong knowledge of various technical disciplines (Sensory, Research, Engineering and Packaging)
Knowledge of key steps in the development of capital projects, including commercialization, equipment selection, creation of TFD's, equipment acquisition, commissioning and start-up of process equipment and systems, and troubleshooting.
Understanding of the impact of the key processing parameters in the conversion of raw ingredient and in-process material to finished product and critical for the day-to-day operation of a line.
Demonstrated influencing skills
Proven administrative ability, decision-making skills, financial understanding, business integration skills and technical expertise.
Demonstrated problem solving and evaluation capabilities
Excellent troubleshooting skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Must be open to and comfortable with change.
The candidate much be able to work independently, and as part of a team in a fast-paced, growth-oriented business.
 
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements: 
Education and Experience: Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Chemistry, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or Biology; MS with 2-4 years' experience or BS with 4-6 years' experience.
 
#LI-Onsite
 
#LI-KR1

The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The policy of The Hershey Company is to extend opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual's race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other categories protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.
The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Minority/Female/Disabled/Protected Veterans.  

You may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our online application process as a result of a disability.
You can request an accommodation via phone or email.  

To request an accommodation via phone, please call +1 877-804-1794 and leave a voicemail with your contact information.  You may also email a request for accommodation to ApplicationHelp@hersheys.com. Please be sure to include "Accommodation Needed" in the subject line. This will ensure that your email is routed to the appropriate contact who will handle your request.

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