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Meat Processing Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

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Meat Processing Engineer information

What is a meat processing engineer?

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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a meat processing engineer?

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 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 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.

What does a meat processing engineer do?

A meat processing engineer designs and oversees the production processes involved in converting raw meat into finished products. They develop efficient methods, ensure food safety standards, and may work with equipment like grinders and slicers, often requiring knowledge of food science and engineering principles. Their role includes quality control, process optimization, and compliance with health regulations.

What are popular job titles related to Meat Processing Engineer jobs in Minnesota?

For Meat Processing Engineer jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Meat Processing Engineer jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Meat Processing Engineer jobs in Minnesota are:

Infographic showing various Meat Processing Engineer job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 6% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Staff Design Engineer/Senior Staff Design Engineer-Hayward, MN

Columbus Craft Meats

Hayward, MN โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

STAFF DESIGNย ENGINEER / SENIOR STAFF DESIGN ENGINEER - CORPORATE ENGINEERING (HAYWARD, MN)

To save time applying, Hormel Foods does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas for this position at this time.

ABOUT HORMEL FOODS -ย 

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minnesota, is a global branded food company with approximately $12 billion in annual revenue. Its brands include PLANTERS, SKIPPY, SPAM, HORMEL NATURAL CHOICE, APPLEGATE, WHOLLY, HORMEL BLACK LABEL, COLUMBUS, JENNIE-O and more than 30 other beloved brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named one of the best companies to work for by U.S. News & World Report, one of America's most responsible companies by Newsweek, recognized by TIME magazine as one of the World's Best Companies and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. ย For more information, visit hormelfoods.com. hormelfoods.com.

This position, along with other design engineers and programming technicians, reports the Supervising Staff Engineer.

The position offered will be either a Staff Design Engineer or Senior Staff Design Engineer position based on experience and qualifications.

Relocation is eligible for this role.ย 
RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position is accountable for the control and electrical engineering development and execution of equipment design and engineering assignments of moderate to high complexity for our production operations.ย  The assignments range from new equipment design and development, to managing the activity of contractors to meet customer needs.ย  Projects generally support process automation implementation, capacity expansion, and new product initiatives.ย  This position also supervises hourly technicians in their assignments and may be assigned to supervise a staff level engineer.

The person in this position is responsible for:

  • Leading a project team that is varied in function and perspective to deliver moderate to highly complex process, machine, or system designs that are processing equipment in nature.ย  The results must be in alignment with functional, sanitary, ergonomic, cost and maintainability objectives.

  • Effectively utilizing machine design software and tools available to make machines function as required per project requirements.

  • Leading the efforts to ensure an effective transfer of ownership of projects to the plant customer.ย  This includes manuals and documentation; training of operations, maintenance, and sanitation personnel; and any other appropriate items the customer will need to fully own and operate the delivered equipment.

  • Ensuring that all legal, regulatory, and internal requirements are adhered to during the project development and execution process.

  • Documenting the design process in a way that aligns with the requirements of our Legal Department as necessary.

  • Leading, training, developing, and supporting the efforts of contract designers, senior programming technicians, engineering technicians; and possibly an entry level salaried engineer.

  • Developing and leading continuous improvement initiatives that make the Engineering R&D team more effective and efficient.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Required

  • Highly developed skills with currently utilized electrical / controls engineering tools.ย  Examples include Rockwell Automation design suites and AutoCad.

  • Proven ability to lead a project in a diverse team environment using generally accepted project management best practices.

  • Ability to lead projects through Hormel Foods' project management processes.

  • A strong pattern of initiative, innovation, and creativity.

  • Proven team leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

  • Well-developed organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.

  • Ability to prioritize and balance many tasks simultaneously.

  • Previously obtained CMRP (Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional) or ability to achieve certification in 18 months or less.

  • Good driving record acceptable by Hormel Foods and Lou Rich insurance so this position can utilize the fleet of department vehicles.

  • Applicants must not now, or at any time in the future, require employer sponsorship for a work visa
  • Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer
  • Must be 18 years of age or older (all plant positions)ย  ย 

Preferred

  • A bachelor's degree in engineering or another technical field.

  • 5 years of experience in a Maintenance Engineer, Staff Engineer, Industrial Engineer, Project Engineer, or similar engineering roleย 

  • Successful completion of the Dale Carnegie 36 hour leadership/speaking training course.

Compensation/Benefits:

  • Compensation package includes comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage,ย  discretionary annual merit increases, bonuses, 401(k) with employer match, stock purchase plan, relocation assistance, paid time off, FREE two-year community/technical college tuition for children of employees, and more.

  • The base pay range for this position $86,575ย to $144,375ย per year; however, actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills set, level of experience, and specific office location.ย 

Hormel Foods provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity; sexual orientation; religious practices and observances; national origin; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran; or disability.