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Meat Processing Engineer Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Director, Operations

Haverhill, MA · On-site

$190K - $195K/yr

... meat snacks, sandwiches, bacon, corn dogs, and baked goods. Established in 2004 and headquartered ... Lead and support corrective actions to close gaps in processes to drive improvement of results.

... meat snacks, sandwiches, bacon, corn dogs, and baked goods. Established in 2004 and headquartered ... Lead and support corrective actions to close gaps in processes to drive improvement of results.

Meat Processing Engineer information

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and often leadership roles or working in high-paying industries or companies.

What are some common challenges faced by Meat Processing Engineers during production line optimization?

Meat Processing Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing efficiency improvements with strict food safety regulations, managing equipment maintenance to minimize downtime, and optimizing workflows without compromising product quality. They must collaborate closely with quality assurance, maintenance, and production teams to identify bottlenecks and implement solutions that meet both productivity and safety standards. Additionally, adapting to new technologies or process changes requires continuous learning and effective communication across departments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Meat Processing Engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Meat Processing Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, food science, and meat processing technologies, usually supported by a relevant degree such as mechanical, industrial, or food engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, automated processing systems, and regulatory standards like HACCP is essential, and certifications in food safety are highly valued. Strong problem-solving, communication, and project management skills help you collaborate with cross-functional teams and optimize production processes. These abilities ensure product quality, operational efficiency, and compliance with safety and industry regulations in a highly technical and regulated environment.

What is the difference between Meat Processing Engineer vs Meat Quality Assurance Technician?

AspectMeat Processing EngineerMeat Quality Assurance Technician
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in food safetyFood safety certifications, quality assurance training
Work EnvironmentProcessing plants, engineering labsQuality control labs, processing facilities
Industry UsageDesigning and optimizing processing systemsMonitoring quality, ensuring compliance

While both roles work within the meat industry, Meat Processing Engineers focus on designing and improving processing systems, whereas Meat Quality Assurance Technicians concentrate on maintaining product quality and safety. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers identify the right career path or hiring needs within meat production facilities.

Who are the Big 4 in the meat industry?

The Big 4 in the meat industry typically refer to Tyson Foods, JBS, Cargill, and Smithfield Foods, which are the largest meat processing companies globally. Meat processing engineers often work for these companies, focusing on automation, quality control, and food safety standards within large-scale facilities.

What does a food processing engineer do?

A meat processing engineer designs, develops, and improves methods for processing meat products, ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency. They work with equipment, oversee production processes, and implement food safety standards, often using tools like HACCP and automation systems.

How much money do meat processors make?

Meat processing engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, location, and employer size. Advanced roles or those with specialized skills in automation or quality control can earn higher wages, often exceeding $90,000 annually.

What are Meat Processing Engineers?

Meat Processing Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and oversee processes and equipment used in the production, packaging, and distribution of meat and meat products. They work to ensure efficiency, safety, and quality throughout the meat processing chain, from slaughtering to packaging. Their role often includes implementing automation, maintaining food safety standards, and optimizing production lines to reduce waste and costs.
What are popular job titles related to Meat Processing Engineer jobs in Massachusetts? For Meat Processing Engineer jobs in Massachusetts, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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Infographic showing various Meat Processing Engineer job openings in Massachusetts as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Associate Director, Manufacturing

Associate Director, Manufacturing

Home Market Foods

Norwood, MA • On-site

$167K - $195K/yr

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Pay Range: $167,500/yr. - $195,750/yr. based on experience and qualifications.

The Associate Director, Manufacturing is responsible for overseeing production, sanitation, operations training, and staff scheduling through a team of functional managers and supervisors - it's important to emphasize that your role may adapt to meet the evolving needs of our business.  The successful candidate will be accountable for all aspects of plant performance, utilizing continuous improvement strategies, and will ensure that objectives are attained in a cost-effective manner that is consistent with our company values. The Associate Director, Manufacturing will have overall responsibility for safety, productivity, continuous improvement, capital start up and employee engagement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

 Leadership & Workforce Management

  • Oversee 5 direct reports through functional managers and supervisors and lead an overall team of more than 300, including 12 exempt leaders.
  • Coach, direct, and mentor staff to ensure manufacturing objectives are accomplished in a timely and cost-effective manner.
  • Maintain an engaged and team-oriented workforce to meet business demands.
  • Ensure plant personnel engagement through clear and consistent communication.
  • Oversee cultural change initiatives and continually seek improvement of the plant's competitive advantage.

 Manufacturing Operations & Continuous Improvement

  • Direct, drive, and manage plant operations for production with a focus on operating efficiency (OEE) and SQF production.
  • Act as a change leader by implementing, leading, and sustaining a Lean manufacturing culture aligned with the annual business plan.
  • Provide leadership in problem resolution to enable rapid improvement and stronger working relationships.

 Safety, Quality & Compliance

  • Communicate potential and actual food safety issues to key personnel and lead corrective action processes.
  • Serve as a core leader of the plant safety team.
  • Ensure manufacturing operations comply with local, state, and federal regulations and governing laws.
  • Enforce company standards for cost control, waste reduction, quality, OSHA compliance, safety, and complete and on-time delivery.

 Financial & Performance Management

  • Develop, own, and execute departmental budgets.
  • Design a manufacturing structure that minimizes labor and overtime costs.
  • Drive cost-effective controls over operating expenses, wages, and manpower through MES utilization and partnership with Finance.
  • Track yields, labor, and operating expenses using performance metrics to drive data-based decisions.

 Cross-Functional Collaboration & Asset Management

  • Partner with R&D and Marketing to develop profitable, market-winning products.
  • Collaborate with Supply Chain on short- and long-term production scheduling.
  • Work closely with Maintenance and Engineering to ensure effective facilities, equipment, and capital improvements.

 Additional Responsibilities

  • Perform other related duties as assigned.
  • In the Associate Director's absence, the Operations Manager will assume responsibilities.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: 

  • Bachelor's degree in agriculture, animal science, industrial engineering, business or related field and 10+ years' experience in progressive leadership roles required.
  • Manufacturing knowledge and understanding of yield, labor, plant efficiencies, and operations procedures required
  • Solid understanding of OSHA, USDA and food safety regulations required.
  • Bi-Lingual, preferred (English & Portuguese, or English & Spanish)
  • Minimum of 10 years' manufacturing experience, preferably meat processing.
  • Demonstrated success as a change agent and developing and implementing continuous improvements and initiatives.
  • Demonstrated success in assessing, developing, and retaining top talent.
  • Proven ability to drive process improvements, adhere to budgets, and maintain regulatory compliance.
  • Proven ability to lead with the following key competencies: managing change, critical thinking, continuous cost focus, technical expertise, influence, and delivery of sustainable results.
  • Past successful experience as a Maintenance and/or Operations Manager preferred.
  • Ability to manage conflict and display excellent diplomacy skills in handling situations which can be disruptive to the organization's business development.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENT: 

  • Able to sit / stand for prolonged periods at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Must be able to lift up to fifteen pounds.
  • The noise level in the office environment is typically moderate.
  • Must be able to travel 10% of the time and work nights & weekends.
  • Company provided Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) must be worn while on the production floor