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Food Startup Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Project Engineer

Morristown, TN · On-site

$96K - $137K/yr

... Food & Beverage, Personal Care, or related industry) * Proven track record of managing capital equipment installations, line upgrades, and factory modifications from initial concept through startup

Controls Engineer

Rossville, TN · On-site

$74K - $96K/yr

Lead hands-on commissioning, startup, testing, and acceptance (FAT/SAT) of robotic cells ... Company social events focused around health, great tasting food and getting together as a team Want ...

Controls Engineer

Rossville, TN · On-site

$74K - $96K/yr

Lead hands-on commissioning, startup, testing, and acceptance (FAT/SAT) of robotic cells ... Company social events focused around health, great tasting food and getting together as a team Want ...

Controls Engineer

Rossville, TN · On-site

$74K - $96K/yr

Lead hands-on commissioning, startup, testing, and acceptance (FAT/SAT) of robotic cells ... Company social events focused around health, great tasting food and getting together as a team Want ...

Machine Operator - 1st Shift

Nashville, TN · On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

Stratas Foods was formed in October 2008 as a 50/50 joint venture between ACH Food Companies (ACH ... Verify equipment cleanliness and readiness prior to production startup. * Report any sanitation or ...

Machine Operator - 2nd Shift

Nashville, TN

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

Stratas Foods was formed in October 2008 as a 50/50 joint venture between ACH Food Companies (ACH ... Verify equipment cleanliness and readiness prior to production startup. * Report any sanitation or ...

Machine Operator - 2nd Shift

Nashville, TN

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

Stratas Foods was formed in October 2008 as a 50/50 joint venture between ACH Food Companies (ACH ... Verify equipment cleanliness and readiness prior to production startup. * Report any sanitation or ...

Machine Operator - 2nd Shift

Nashville, TN

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

Stratas Foods was formed in October 2008 as a 50/50 joint venture between ACH Food Companies (ACH ... Verify equipment cleanliness and readiness prior to production startup. * Report any sanitation or ...

Machine Operator - 1st Shift

Nashville, TN

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

Stratas Foods was formed in October 2008 as a 50/50 joint venture between ACH Food Companies (ACH ... Verify equipment cleanliness and readiness prior to production startup. * Report any sanitation or ...

Machine Operator - 2nd Shift

Nashville, TN · On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

Stratas Foods was formed in October 2008 as a 50/50 joint venture between ACH Food Companies (ACH ... Verify equipment cleanliness and readiness prior to production startup. * Report any sanitation or ...

Machine Operator - 1st Shift

Nashville, TN · On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

Stratas Foods was formed in October 2008 as a 50/50 joint venture between ACH Food Companies (ACH ... Verify equipment cleanliness and readiness prior to production startup. * Report any sanitation or ...

Machine Operator - 1st Shift

Nashville, TN

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

Stratas Foods was formed in October 2008 as a 50/50 joint venture between ACH Food Companies (ACH ... Verify equipment cleanliness and readiness prior to production startup. * Report any sanitation or ...

Machine Operator - 2nd Shift

Nashville, TN · On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

Stratas Foods was formed in October 2008 as a 50/50 joint venture between ACH Food Companies (ACH ... Verify equipment cleanliness and readiness prior to production startup. * Report any sanitation or ...

Machine Operator - 1st Shift

Nashville, TN · On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

Stratas Foods was formed in October 2008 as a 50/50 joint venture between ACH Food Companies (ACH ... Verify equipment cleanliness and readiness prior to production startup. * Report any sanitation or ...

Showing results 41-60

Food Startup information

See Tennessee salary details

$10

$19

$36

How much do food startup jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for food startup in Tennessee is $19.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.05 and $21.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 are popular job titles related to Food Startup jobs in Tennessee?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Food Startup job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,527 per year, or $20 per hour.

$96K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Colgate-Palmolive rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Relocation Assistance Offered Within Country
Job Number #175405 - Morristown, Tennessee, United States
Who We Are
Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company operating in over 200 countries specializing in Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, Skin Care, and Pet Nutrition. Our products are trusted in more households than any other brand in the world, making us a household name!
Join Colgate-Palmolive, a caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for people, their pets, and our planet. Guided by our core values-Caring, Inclusive, and Courageous-we foster a culture that inspires our people to achieve common goals. Together, let's build a brighter, healthier future for all.
Are you ready to take full ownership of high impact engineering initiatives and shape the future of high-speed manufacturing? As a Project Engineer, you will be the driving force behind the design, execution, and commissioning of multi million dollar capital projects across our state of the art Oral Care product production facility. Seated within the Making division of our world renowned toothpastes and mouthwash rinses, you will be the Engineer conceptualizing the future of our manufacturing capabilities.
From blank page concept and vendor bidding to line installation, automation integration, and final qualification, you will partner with cross-functional plant leadership and external contractors to transform capital expenditure into operational excellence.
Your Day to Day and The Future
  • Direct capital projects from initial scope definition and technical feasibility studies through construction, startup, and operational handover.
  • Own the Capital Expenditure Budget (CEB) process administer contractor contracts, monitor expenditures, and maintain strict cost control to deliver projects on time and under budget.
  • Develop detailed project execution plans, sequence critical path milestones, and resolve operational bottlenecks on the factory floor.
  • Study product specifications and performance targets to design technical solutions, specify high-speed processing/packaging machinery, and execute layout studies.
  • Lead rigorous testing protocols to confirm equipment reliability, product performance, and full compliance with FDA/cGMP and quality standards.
  • Partner with Controls, Reliability, and Safety teams to integrate advanced utility systems, line automation, and digital manufacturing tools into plant workflows.
  • Manage RFP/RFQ bidding processes, evaluate technical vendor proposals, and supervise external contractors on-site to enforce strict performance and safety standards.
  • Champion Environmental, Occupational Health, and Safety (EOHS) rules across all project sites, keeping every build compliant with OSHA and internal zero-incident safety standards.
  • Track and report real-time project metrics, capital spending trends, and risk management plans to executive plant leadership.

You'll need to have:
  • Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Industrial, or Electrical Engineering (or related engineering discipline).
  • 4+ years of hands-on engineering experience inside a high-speed cGMP manufacturing environment (CPG, Pharma, Food & Beverage, Personal Care, or related industry)
  • Proven track record of managing capital equipment installations, line upgrades, and factory modifications from initial concept through startup
  • Practical working knowledge of cGMP standards, validation protocols including Design Qualification, Installation Qualification, Operational Qualification, Performance Qualification, and EOHS/OSHA safety regulations
  • Proficiency in CAD software such as AutoCAD or related products

Even better if you have:
  • A Master's degree
  • Experience with capital budget tracking software such as SAP
  • Active Project Management Professional certification
  • Hands-on experience with high-speed automated packaging, hygienic design, or liquid processing systems
  • Experience managing external engineering firms and construction contractors on active production floors

Compensation and Benefits
Salary Range $96,800.00 - $137,000.00 USD
Pay is determined based on experience, qualifications, and location. Salaried employees may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, profit-sharing, and long-term incentives for Executive-level roles.
Benefits: Salaried employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, paid parental leave, disability coverage, and participation in the 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions subject to eligibility requirements. Additional benefits include a minimum of 15 vacation/PTO days (hourly employees receive a minimum of 120 hours) and 13 paid holidays (vacation days are prorated based on the employee's hire date within the calendar year). Paid sick leave is adjusted based on role and location in accordance with local laws. Detailed information regarding paid sick leave entitlements will be provided to employees upon hiring and may be subject to adjustments based on changes in legislation or company policies.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
Our journey begins with our people-developing strong talent with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to best serve our consumers around the world and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels a true sense of belonging. We are dedicated to ensuring that each individual can be their authentic self, is treated with respect, and is empowered by leadership to contribute meaningfully to our business.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Colgate is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status (United States positions), or any other characteristic protected by law.
Reasonable accommodation during the application process is available for persons with disabilities. Please complete this request form should you require accommodation.
For additional Colgate terms and conditions, please click here.
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About Colgate-Palmolive

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Colgate-Palmolive is a leading global consumer products company, tightly focused on Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care and Pet Nutrition. Colgate sells its products in over 200 countries and territories around the world under such internationally recognized brand names as Colgate, Palmolive, elmex, Tom's of Maine, Sorriso, Speed Stick, Lady Speed Stick, Softsoap, Irish Spring, Protex, Sanex, Elta MD, PCA Skin, Ajax, Axion, Fabuloso, Soupline and Suavitel, as well as Hill's Science Diet and Hill's Prescription Diet.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

1806

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