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Meat Processing Engineer Jobs in North Carolina (NOW HIRING)

H. T. PROF Group

Project Engineering Manager

Kinston, NC · On-site

$110 - $160/hr

Job Summary of the Project Engineering Manager: Looking to hire a Strategic Project Engineering ... the meat processing industry. This Manager will collaborate closely with business partners and ...

Butterball

Refrigeration Engineer

Mount Olive, NC · On-site

Conduct engineering evaluations and performance assessments of refrigeration systems, including ... Professional experience in industrial refrigeration systems, preferably in food or meat processing ...

Smithfield Foods

Senior Project Engineer

Clinton, NC · On-site

$83K - $108K/yr

Knowledge of engineering principles and techniques related to food processing and the meat industry, preferred. * Ability to apply sound engineering principles to operational and design issues.

Smithfield Foods

Senior Project Engineer

Kinston, NC · On-site

$92K - $120K/yr

Knowledge of engineering principles and techniques related to food processing and the meat industry, preferred. * Ability to apply sound engineering principles to operational and design issues.

Perdue Farms

Senior Project Engineer

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$96K - $126K/yr

As Senior Project Engineer, you will own projects from concept through design, installation ... Experience within United States Department of Agriculture-inspected poultry or meat-processing ...

Perdue Farms

Senior Project Engineer

Charlotte, NC

$96K - $126K/yr

Lead planning and execution of capital projects and major equipment installations across processing ... meat, or other regulated manufacturing sectors. * Demonstrated success leading capital projects ...

Perdue Farms

Senior Project Engineer

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$96K - $126K/yr

Lead planning and execution of capital projects and major equipment installations across processing ... meat, or other regulated manufacturing sectors. * Demonstrated success leading capital projects ...

Smithfield Foods, Inc.

Plant Engineer

Wilson, NC · On-site

We are an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products ... You'll dive into data analysis and craft implementation plans that optimize production processes ...

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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 North Carolina?

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

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

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

What cities in North Carolina are hiring for Meat Processing Engineer jobs?

Cities in North Carolina with the most Meat Processing Engineer job openings:

Meat Processing Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Meat Processing Engineer job openings in North Carolina as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Industrial Maintenance Technician - Refrigeration/Utilities Night Shift

Mount Olive, NC

Butterball
Food and Beverage Wholesalers • 5 - 10K employees

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

298th of 443 rated food and drinks producers

Recommended by parents

Respectful managers

Uninterrupted breaks

Learn more about Butterballexternal

$22.75 - $31/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Why work for Butterball?

This is not just a job, it’s a career! We take pride in our employees, and our employees take pride in being valued team members at Butterball! 

Join us Today and enjoy these great perks! 

·         Academic Tuition Reimbursement

·         Medical, Dental, & Vision Benefits

·         Employee Assistance Program

·         401K

Job Title: Refrigeration Engineer

Job Summary:
The Refrigeration Engineer is responsible for the engineering oversight, performance optimization, and maintenance of industrial refrigeration systems within a meat processing environment. This role ensures the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of plant-wide refrigeration and mechanical systems through technical analysis, system diagnostics, and preventive maintenance planning.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Conduct engineering evaluations and performance assessments of refrigeration systems, including compressors, condensers, evaporators, and associated mechanical components.
  • Monitor and document operational parameters, analyze system data, and implement engineering adjustments to improve efficiency and reliability.
  • Perform mechanical repairs and troubleshooting on refrigeration equipment, including compressors, condensers, and related systems, using engineering principles and technical specifications.
  • Diagnose and resolve mechanical and electrical issues in refrigeration and auxiliary systems through root cause analysis and corrective action planning.
  • Develop and implement preventive maintenance programs in accordance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Utilize computer-based control systems for data entry, system monitoring, and control adjustments.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support continuous improvement initiatives and ensure compliance with food safety, environmental, and safety regulations.
  • Prepare technical documentation, maintenance records, and engineering reports.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
  • Professional experience in industrial refrigeration systems, preferably in food or meat processing environments.
  • Demonstrated ability to perform mechanical repairs on compressors, condensers, and other refrigeration equipment.
  • Knowledge of ammonia refrigeration systems, PSM/RMP compliance, and industrial safety standards.
  • Proficiency in computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) and control interfaces.

We embrace equal opportunity employment. Butterball is committed to the fair and impartial treatment of all employees and applicants for employment without regard to gender, age, race, religion, color, national origin, physical or mental disability, military/veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, or any other status protected by law.


We embrace equal opportunity employment. Butterball is committed to the fair and impartial treatment of all employees and applicants for employment without regard to gender, age, race, religion, color, national origin, physical or mental disability, military/veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, or any other status protected by law. This position is deemed Safety Sensitive for purposes of Butterball’s Drug/Alcohol Screening & Testing Policy. Details will be provided to individuals who receive a conditional job offer, or upon request.
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About Butterball

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Butterball, LLC, one of America's most iconic brands, helps consumers celebrate Thanksgiving and every day in between. Located in the thriving Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina area, our goal is to provide a diverse array of career opportunities and paths which include our farms, processing facilities and support offices. We are the largest producer of turkey products in the U.S., and we make a lot more than Thanksgiving turkeys. Our company's measurable growth is in no small part due to our team members in North Carolina, Arkansas, Illinois, and Missouri, who each have a seat at the table to contribute to our success

Industry

Food and beverage wholesalers

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Garner, NC, US

Year founded

1954

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