1

Food Startup Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Food Scientist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$105K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Senior Food Scientist at Feastables , you will play a crucial role in the development and ... Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, startup environment * Experience working in ambiguity with a ...

Food Scientist - Poultry

Springdale, AR · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... startup for new product production processes * Modifying or optimizing existing products ... Requirements for Senior Food Scientist I: Education & Experience: BS MS or PhD in Food Science Meat ...

Food Scientist - Poultry

Springdale, AR

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... startup for new product production processes * Modifying or optimizing existing products ... Requirements for Senior Food Scientist I: Education & Experience: BS MS or PhD in Food Science Meat ...

The Food Scientist II in Research & Development is responsible for developing new products and ... Partners closely with Operations, Quality, Procurement, and Production teams to resolve startup ...

Position Summary The Food Waste Collection Manager is responsible for planning, directing, and ... Develop startup routes for new customers. Staff Leadership and Supervision * Recruit, interview ...

Food Manager - Christian Ministry

Ferris, TX · On-site

$45K - $50K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Food Manager (FM) reports to the Executive Director - OCF and is a full-time, exempt leadership ... Flexible and comfortable working in a busy and fluid startup environment * Highly attentive to ...

Food Safety Assistant

Trimble, MO · On-site

$35K - $46K/yr

Position Overview The Food Safety Assistant supports daily food safety operations through ... Daily pre-operational inspections begin at 5:00 AM prior to production startup. Key ...

Showing results 41-60

Food Startup information

See salary details

$11

$21

$40

How much do food startup jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for food startup in the United States is $22.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $24.04 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.

More about Food Startup jobs

What cities are hiring for Food Startup jobs?

Cities with the most Food Startup job openings:

What states have the most Food Startup jobs?

States with the most job openings for Food Startup jobs include:

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

The top searched job categories for Food Startup jobs are:

Infographic showing various Food Startup job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,753 per year, or $22 per hour.

Senior Automation & Controls Engineer - Food & Beverage

JARBO

Kansas City, MO • On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

The Senior Automation & Controls Engineer leads automation and controls engineering design for EPC projects across food & beverage, consumer products, and industrial facilities, based on-site in Kansas City, MO. This role owns PLC/HMI programming, controls narratives, and vendor Factory Acceptance Testing from front-end design through startup and commissioning. The Senior Automation & Controls Engineer manages a team of engineers and designers while building long-term client relationships.

What We Offer (Benefits & Compensation)

  • Base salary of $140,000-$160,000, commensurate with experience.
  • Full-time, on-site position based in Kansas City, MO.
  • Comprehensive benefits package.
  • Direct leadership role on major EPC automation and controls projects with growth into client and business development work.
  • Support for continuing education and professional licensure, including PE licensing.

Key Responsibilities – Senior Automation & Controls Engineer

  • Lead automation and controls engineering design across EPC food & beverage, consumer products, and industrial projects, managing a team of engineers, specialists, and designers. Oversee PLC, HMI, Batch, MES, and virtualization software deliverables from concept through commissioning.
  • Prepare controls design deliverables including instrument/device lists, I/O lists, controls narratives, and control panel specifications. Lead vendor selection, procurement, and Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) for control panels and equipment.
  • Review P&IDs with process engineers to define controls scope and select instrumentation for temperature, pressure, flow, level, and control valve applications. Lead electrical design deliverables including 480VAC power distribution and installation drawings.
  • Lead onsite startup and commissioning activities, coordinating with construction and field personnel to resolve installation issues. Travel to job sites for surveys, installation support, and startup leadership (25-30% travel).
  • Develop project estimates and budgets using tools such as Integrated Architecture Builder (IAB), SIL Solver, Bluebeam, and Visio. Build client relationships and support business development for new automation and controls opportunities.

Qualifications – Senior Automation & Controls Engineer

  • Bachelor's degree in Controls, Electrical, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program, plus FE exam completion and 7 years of electrical engineering experience, or a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering with 6 years of experience. EPC project and automation & controls experience preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of electrical equipment design per ANSI and IEEE standards, with excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and standard engineering documentation tools.
  • Demonstrated experience leading discipline design teams and delegating tasks across large-scale EPC projects. Strong critical thinking, attention to detail, and quality-review capability for engineering documents.
  • Ability to travel 25-30% and obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC). Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.
  • On-site position based in Kansas City, MO; must be available for job site travel and startup support.

Preferred Qualifications – Senior Controls & Automation Engineer

  • Hands-on experience with Rockwell and Siemens PLC platforms; experience with GE, Modicon, Opto22, Mitsubishi, or Triconex platforms a plus.
  • SCADA experience with Factory Talk, Wonderware, or Ignition software for local and distributed systems. MES design and implementation experience with PTC ThingWorx, Ignition/Sepasoft, or Parsec TrakSYS a plus.
  • Knowledge of automation and controls design standards including NFPA, ISA, IEC, IEEE, ISA/IEC 61511, ISO13849, and UL508A. Machine safety risk assessment and SIF/SIS process safety compliance experience a plus.
  • Experience with PlantPAX and PackML platforms preferred. Familiarity with SISTEMA, CCW, BatchSIM, and PlantSIM tools desired.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license strongly preferred for senior-level project leadership.

Physical Requirements – Senior Automation & Controls Engineer

  • On-site role requiring regular presence at manufacturing plants and job sites, including standing, walking, and climbing during installations and startups. Standard PPE required in industrial environments.
  • Ability to travel 25-30% of the time for site surveys, installation support, and startup/commissioning activities, with occasional extended stays during startup phases.
  • Must be able to work in industrial plant environments with exposure to noise, temperature variation, and machinery. Occasional lifting of equipment/tools (specific weight limit not provided - placeholder, confirm before posting).
  • Full-time, on-site schedule based in Kansas City, MO, with flexibility during commissioning and startup periods.
  • Must be able to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) for site access.