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Food Startup Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Packhouse Operator

Windsor, CO · On-site

$16.50 - $17/hr

Prior experience in the natural and organic food industry is a plus but not required. This is an ... Track line KPIs (Startup time, Ramp up time, Quality Rejects, etc. * Change film, labels, and ...

Packhouse Operator

Windsor, CO · On-site

$16.50 - $17/hr

Prior experience in the natural and organic food industry is a plus but not required. This is an ... Track line KPIs (Startup time, Ramp up time, Quality Rejects, etc. * Change film, labels, and ...

Learn directly from successful startup founders in our Denver office Hybrid work from 24th office with mountain view, including gym, food and beverage included for breakfast and snacks If you are a ...

... advanced manufacturing, and food & beverage markets. You'll own basis-of-design through ... Direct startup, commissioning, troubleshooting, and optimization in coordination with controls ...

Operator

Brighton, CO · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

Perform safe startup, shutdown, and operation of pumps, fans, boilers, air compressors, and related ... Chemical / Pharma / Food plant operations experience $35 - $40 an hour Zero Carbon Systems is proud ...

... food and beverage locations, with a transition to a permanent clubhouse and restaurant operation in 2027/2028. This is a hands-on, guest-facing role within a startup environment. The ideal candidate ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

Senior Mechanical Engineer - Food & Beverage HVAC, Plumbing and Process Utilities (Denver)

Burns & McDonnell

Denver, CO • On-site

$155 - $220/hr

Other

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Burns & McDonnell rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 80 rated construction


Job description

Description

The Senior Mechanical Engineer is responsible for overseeing the discipline at a project level and managing the project discipline budget on simple to complex projects. Project work can include alterations and redevelopment on a variety of project types – process, industrial, and manufacturing facilities. The Senior Mechanical Engineer coordinates with internal and external parties, manages multiple complex tasks, establishes priorities, and coordinates with others. The senior mechanical engineer may work independently or at the direction of the project manager or department manager. The Senior Mechanical Engineer collaborates with designers and engineering support staff (both domestic and international) to meet client expectations and project goals.

Responsibilities
  • Lead mechanical facility design from conceptual phase through design completion. Types of facilities include, but are not limited to, industrial food & beverage and consumer products facilities and the supporting office spaces.

  • Lead mechanical facility design for project phase-specific deliverables, which include, but are not limited to: airflow diagrams, HVAC zoning plan, pressurization map, HVAC and process utility sequence of operations, process utility summaries, piping & instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), equipment list, line list, instrument list, tie-point list, HVAC layout drawings, plumbing layout drawings, demolition drawings, general arrangements, permit-required drawings, and piping design.

  • Perform on-site utility audits for systems including, but not limited to: natural gas, domestic cold/hot water, compressed gas, glycol, steam, process/sanitary/storm plumbing, and HVAC.

  • Prepare mechanical and packaged equipment/instrumentation/piping specifications and data sheets, request for qualifications (RFQs), technical bid summaries, and purchase recommendations.

  • Review vendor drawings and provide data interface with suppliers, clients, other engineering disciplines, detailers, and designers.

  • Coordinate and support construction management to develop subcontractor packages (i.e., millwrights/equipment setters, piping, insulation, field-fabricated equipment).

  • Provide field support, including inspection, installation supervision, commissioning support, and startup assistance on critical equipment.

  • Prepare and present technical reports for clients and industry publications.

  • Conduct studies and evaluations for projects in early development.

  • Build effective relationships with existing clients, customers, and contractors, and develop new business opportunities. Ensure that customer satisfaction goals and expectations are met.

  • Participate in sales and marketing efforts, and identify key pursuits.

  • Support the development of project schedule, scope, budget, labor-hour buildups, staffing, and construction planning.

  • Prepare and present project budgets and cost estimates. Report project performance and effectively manage the discipline's change orders.

  • Provide leadership, guidance, and instruction to the mechanical engineering team. Mentor and guide junior engineers.

  • Adhere to QA/QC process.

  • Communicate effectively with other engineering disciplines (i.e., civil. structural, architectural, electrical, controls, design).

  • Comply with company and site safety policies.

  • Perform all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related degree from an ABET accredited program and 7 years mechanical engineering experience. EPC project experience preferred.

  • Bachelor Degree in Mechanical or related Engineering Technology from an ABET accredited program and successful completion of Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and 7 years mechanical engineering experience. EPC project experience preferred.

  • Master Degree in Mechanical Engineering and 6 years mechanical engineering experience. EPC project experience preferred.

  • Expert knowledge in standard engineering techniques and procedures. Strong knowledge of mechanical equipment design codes (ASME, ANSI, API, PIP, NACE). Strong computer skills (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite).

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

  • Experience with leading the discipline design for large projects and delegating work tasks to team members. Ability to lead execution of work and resolve issues in a team environment.

  • Demonstrated critical thinking skills, ability to work methodically and analytically in a quantitative problem‑solving environment.

  • Strong attention to detail, facilitation, team building, collaboration, organization and problem-solving skills.

  • Ability to perform quality reviews for detailed engineering documents and specifications.

  • Ability to travel.

  • Professional Engineer (PE) License Preferred.

Preferred
  • Strong knowledge of current design codes (i.e., ASHRAE, ASME, ANSI, PIP, IBC, IMC).

  • Some familiarity with sanitary design, including 3A standards and cGMP.

  • Some familiarity of USDA requirements.

  • Strong familiarity of HVAC and plumbing/piping materials and equipment preferred.

  • Strong computer skills (i.e., Microsoft Office suite). Strong familiarity with Revit (strongly preferred), Navisworks, AutoCAD, CAESAR II, & Bluebeam PDF Markup Tool.

Compensation

$155,000.00-220,000.00 Yearly

The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in compliance with all local/state regulations. The expected compensation range for this position is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: individual education, qualifications, prior work experience and work location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary and eligibility to participate in our discretionary year‑end incentive bonus program.

Benefits

Our extensive benefits package takes care of you so that you can focus on doing great work. From insurance and disability to time off and wellness programs, we provide the tools to meet your needs. Burns & McDonnell’s PTO program includes the paid sick leave entitlements provided under the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (HFWA). Additionally, as part of being 100% employee‑owned, eligible employees participate in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in addition to our 401(k) retirement program. For more information, please visit the Benefits & Wellness page.

This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.

EEO/Disabled/Veterans

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About Burns & McDonnell

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Burns & McDonnell assists clients of all sizes and industries by providing extensive physical services ranging from assessments, integrated security solutions, and large security architecture designs. Services we typically provide include security and safety system design, threat, risk, and vulnerability assessments, security surveys, security master planning, compliance to federal security programs, independent validation and verification of integrated security system operations, management of installation and maintenance, and staff augmentation to develop and implement facility management and protection processes.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Kansas City, MO, US

Year founded

1898

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