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Food Startup Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Warehouse Associate

Thornton, CO · On-site

$20.38 - $29/hr

Gordon Food Service Store LLC Location: 1480 E 104th Ave, Thornton, CO, 80233 Now Hiring! NEW ... startup, movement, or approach of equipment (including forklifts, turrets, overhead cranes ...

Warehouse Associate

Thornton, CO · On-site

$20.38 - $29/hr

Gordon Food Service Store LLC Location: 1480 E 104th Ave, Thornton, CO, 80233 Now Hiring! NEW ... startup, movement, or approach of equipment (including forklifts, turrets, overhead cranes ...

Warehouse Associate

Denver, CO · On-site

$20.38 - $29/hr

Gordon Food Service prides ourselves on the competitive wages and benefits offered: * Profit ... startup, movement, or approach of equipment (including forklifts, turrets, overhead cranes ...

Gordon Food Service Store LLC Location: 1480 E 104th Ave, Thornton, CO, 80233 Now Hiring! NEW ... startup, movement, or approach of equipment (including forklifts, turrets, overhead cranes ...

Gordon Food Service prides ourselves on the competitive wages and benefits offered: * Profit ... startup, movement, or approach of equipment (including forklifts, turrets, overhead cranes ...

Warehouse Associate

Denver, CO · On-site

$20.38 - $29/hr

Gordon Food Service prides ourselves on the competitive wages and benefits offered: * Profit ... startup, movement, or approach of equipment (including forklifts, turrets, overhead cranes ...

Warehouse Associate

Denver, CO · On-site

$20.38 - $29/hr

Gordon Food Service prides ourselves on the competitive wages and benefits offered: * Profit ... startup, movement, or approach of equipment (including forklifts, turrets, overhead cranes ...

Warehouse Associate

Denver, CO · On-site

$20.38 - $29/hr

Gordon Food Service prides ourselves on the competitive wages and benefits offered: * Profit ... startup, movement, or approach of equipment (including forklifts, turrets, overhead cranes ...

Controls Engineer

Denver, CO

$85K - $110K/yr

Participate in field testing, commissioning, and startup activities * Travel to client sites for ... Experience in food & beverage processing environments * Background in consulting or construction ...

... startup activities. * Expertise in sausage processing methods, including grinding, mixing, stuffing, thermal processing, chilling, packaging, and yield optimization. * Solid understanding of food ...

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Showing results 1-20

Food Startup information

See Colorado salary details

$11

$23

$42

How much do food startup jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for food startup in Colorado is $23.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.45 and $25.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a food startup?

To thrive in a Food Startup, you need a strong grasp of food safety regulations, product development, and basic business management, often supported by experience in the food industry or a related degree. Familiarity with tools like inventory management software, point-of-sale systems, and certifications such as ServSafe is highly beneficial. Creativity, resilience, and strong networking abilities set standout founders and team members apart. These skills are crucial for ensuring product quality, regulatory compliance, and sustainable business growth in a competitive market.

What is the difference between Food Startup vs Food Product Developer?

AspectFood StartupFood Product Developer
CredentialsVaries; often includes culinary, business, or food science backgroundTypically requires food science, culinary, or related certifications
Work EnvironmentStartups, small teams, flexible settingsCorporate or R&D labs, product development facilities
Employer & Industry UsageFood industry startups, entrepreneursFood companies, manufacturing, R&D departments
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Food startups focus on launching new food businesses, often involving entrepreneurship and innovation. Food product developers work on creating, testing, and refining food products within established companies or startups. While both roles require food science knowledge, startups emphasize business development and agility, whereas product developers focus on technical product creation.

What is a food startup?

A food startup is a new and innovative company focused on creating, producing, or distributing food and beverage products or services. These startups often seek to solve challenges in the food industry, such as sustainability, health, convenience, or technology integration. Food startups can range from those developing plant-based alternatives, meal delivery services, food tech platforms, or unique packaged goods. They often leverage new trends and consumer demands to disrupt traditional food markets. Starting a food startup typically involves product development, market research, regulatory compliance, and building a strong brand.

What are some common challenges faced when working in a food startup, and how can I prepare for them?

Working in a food startup often involves fast-paced environments with shifting priorities, limited resources, and multitasking across various roles. You may face challenges like adapting to rapid changes in product direction, tight deadlines, or meeting strict food safety regulations. Being flexible, open to learning, and proactive in problem-solving will help you thrive. Collaborating closely with a small, passionate team is common, so strong communication skills are essential for success.

What are popular job titles related to Food Startup jobs in Colorado?

For Food Startup jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Startup jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Startup jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Food Startup jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Food Startup job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Startup job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 7% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,110 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

FAT/SAT & Commissioning Project Technical Lead

Tetra Tech

Denver, CO • On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Tetra Tech rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

402nd of 449 rated engineering


Job description

Description
Position Summary
The FAT/SAT & Commissioning Project Technical Lead is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), and commissioning activities for complex engineering and automation projects. This role serves as the primary technical authority throughout the testing and startup lifecycle, ensuring systems, equipment, and processes are delivered safely, on schedule, within scope, and in compliance with customer and regulatory requirements.
The Technical Lead collaborates with engineering, project management, quality, suppliers, contractors, and customers to achieve successful project turnover and operational readiness.
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Lead the planning and execution of Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), commissioning, startup, and system qualification activities from project initiation through turnover.
  • Develop commissioning strategies, schedules, test plans, protocols, procedures, and turnover documentation to ensure successful project delivery.
  • Coordinate multidisciplinary teams, including engineering, controls, quality, operations, suppliers, subcontractors, and customers throughout testing and startup activities.
  • Serve as the primary technical liaison for customers during FAT, SAT, commissioning, and startup, ensuring alignment with project requirements and acceptance criteria.
  • Verify equipment and systems meet design specifications, user requirements, contractual obligations, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.
  • Lead testing, troubleshooting, performance verification, and resolution of deficiencies, deviations, and punch-list items through final acceptance and operational readiness.
  • Review and provide technical guidance on engineering and commissioning documentation, including P&IDs, wiring diagrams, control narratives, functional specifications, test procedures, and qualification records.
  • Ensure accurate documentation of test results, corrective actions, approvals, and turnover packages while maintaining compliance with quality management systems and project governance requirements.
  • Support project management activities including resource planning, risk assessment, issue resolution, audits, validations, and regulatory inspections.
  • Promote a strong safety culture by conducting risk assessments, enforcing safety procedures, participating in pre-startup safety reviews, and ensuring environmental, safety, and regulatory compliance throughout all commissioning and startup activities.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Automation, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
  • Minimum 7-10 years of experience in commissioning, startup, automation, manufacturing, industrial systems, or project engineering.
  • Minimum 3-5 years of experience leading FAT, SAT, and commissioning activities.
  • Strong understanding of industrial equipment, process systems, controls, and integrated automation platforms.
  • Experience interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
  • Demonstrated project leadership and customer-facing experience.
  • Ability to travel up to 50-75% as project requirements dictate.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent certification.
  • Certified Commissioning Professional (CCP), PMP, or similar credential.
  • Experience with PLC, SCADA, HMI, and industrial control systems.
  • Experience in regulated industries such as pharmaceuticals, life sciences, food and beverage, energy, or chemical processing.
  • Knowledge of GMP, GAMP, ISO, OSHA, NFPA, or other applicable standards.

Key Competencies:
  • Technical Leadership
  • Project Execution and Coordination
  • FAT/SAT Management
  • Commissioning and Startup Expertise
  • Problem Solving and Root Cause Analysis
  • Customer Relationship Management
  • Risk Assessment and Mitigation
  • Communication and Presentation Skills
  • Quality and Compliance Focus
  • Team Leadership and Collaboration

Success Measures:
  • FAT and SAT activities completed on schedule and within budget.
  • Successful commissioning and startup with minimal operational disruption.
  • Achievement of customer acceptance milestones.
  • Timely closure of punch-list and corrective action items.
  • Compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
  • High customer satisfaction and project performance ratings.

Salary Range:
  • $130,000 - $170,000 (base salary)
  • Actual compensation will be based on experience, skills, geographic location, and internal equity. This role is also eligible for bonus and a comprehensive benefits package.

Work Conditions:
  • Frequent travel to customer sites and project locations.
  • Ability to work extended hours and flexible schedules to meet project milestones, shutdowns, and startup requirements.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and perform effectively in fast-paced, high-pressured project settings.
  • Must maintain fitness for duty.

Qualifications
Benefits:
  • 401(k) and Roth 401(k)
  • Dental Insurance
  • Health Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
  • Paid time off
  • Performance Bonus
  • Career Growth Opportunities and Training

WHY TETRA TECH
In addition to rewarding job opportunities and continuous growth, we offer an enjoyable working environment, where teamwork and respectful collaboration is highly valued. We offer the benefits of a midsized local office atmosphere backed by a large network of highly skilled professionals.
Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, military or veteran status, gender, age, disabilities, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information and any other characteristics protected by the law. We invite resumes from all interested parties.

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