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Meat Processing Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Continuous Improvement Engineer

Northlake, IL · On-site

$78K - $104K/yr

We deliver organic produce, high-quality meats and seafood, plant-based proteins, dairy, bakery ... As a CI Engineer, you will be responsible for process improvement initiatives around the business ...

Continuous Improvement Engineer

Northlake, IL · On-site

$78K - $104K/yr

We deliver organic produce, high-quality meats and seafood, plant-based proteins, dairy, bakery ... As a CI Engineer, you will be responsible for process improvement initiatives around the business ...

Packaging Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$63K - $93K/yr

... for the meat snacks packaging platform. With a strong focus on continuous improvement and ... process. * Collaborate with Consumer Insights on testing new package ideas. * Maintain strong ...

Packaging Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$63K - $93K/yr

... for the meat snacks packaging platform. With a strong focus on continuous improvement and ... process. * Collaborate with Consumer Insights on testing new package ideas. * Maintain strong ...

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Meat Processing Engineer information

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How much do meat processing engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat processing engineer in Chicago, IL is $18.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.84 and $18.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Chicago, IL? For Meat Processing Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Meat Processing Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Meat Processing Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Meat Processing Engineer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Meat Processing Engineer job openings:
Research & Development Project Manager

Research & Development Project Manager

OSI Group

Aurora, IL

$104K - $156K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 9 days ago


OSI Group rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

249th of 397 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

As a premier global food provider, the OSI Group partners with the world’s leading foodservice and retail food brands to provide concept-to-table solutions that delight consumers around the globe. Join us and discover a work experience where diverse ideas are met with enthusiasm, and where you can learn and grow to your full potential. We’re looking for individuals who thrive in an entrepreneurial environment and who enjoy working as a team to deliver unparalleled service and solutions to our customers.Position Summary: This role is responsible for supporting the organization’s product development strategy by managing all phases of product development projects for key customer accounts. Key area of expertise in various food categories, including dairy, cheese, sauce, vegetable and/or meat, to provide ingredient, processing, and related technical knowledge to support innovative solutions to meet customer needs. Principal Duties & Responsibilities: •Job is an individual contributor. •Job is an individual contributor and has no direct reports. •Develop and manage new product development projects through product development and the commercialization process. •Identify opportunities to drive top line business growth via new and improved technologies, processes, or ingredients. •Partners with other cross functional departments (Sales, Manufacturing, Culinary, Engineering, Quality, Operation Excellence) to provide technical leadership as a member of Product Development Team. •Provides technical and scientific expertise to other R&D members, in the hands-on development of new products, quality improvement, ingredient substitution, line extensions and any applied technology. •Manage and perform product development in bench, pilot and plant operations levels meeting the product development needs of the projects. •Provide technical guidance and solutions during cross functional team meetings bringing projects to commercialization. •Pro-actively recommend new concepts or prototypes in line with latest product trends. •Provide reports to business teams regarding both tactical plans and achievements. •This role has the responsibility to understand and places in practice appropriate safety procedures. This responsibility is achieved through education, training, use of protective equipment (as applicable) and by following safety policies, regulations, standards, and laws. • Perform other duties as assigned. Experience & Skills: • 5-10 years of experience in related field is preferred. • In developing and commercializing of food products. Hands-on experience in sous vide or dry sausage/meat processing is a plus. • Excellent proficiency in all Microsoft Office Suite Products. •Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, to influence business decisions. •Strong knowledge of ingredient and functionality, product formulas, processing and manufacturing. •Familiar with in USDA/FDA regulations and standards. •Experience with new product development processes and protocols. •Demonstrated creative thinking and problem-solving skills. • Ability to work successfully independently and under limited supervision. •Hand on scientist that is able to manage multiple projects in a fast paced environment. •Excellent organization and time management skills. •Proficient in use of both on-line work systems and product development software tools. Preferred Education: •BA/BS or equivalent is preferred. •In Food Science, Dairy Science, Meat Science or related fields. •Advanced degree is a plus. Compensation/Benefits The salary range for this role is $104,648–$156,972, with a midpoint of $130,810. Offers are typically made between the minimum and midpoint of the range, based on skills, experience, and internal equity. In rare cases, highly qualified candidates may receive an offer above the midpoint; however, offers at the maximum of the range are not customary. The salary range posted represents the low and high end of OSI’s salary range for this position. Salaries will vary based on various factors, including but not limited to, location, education, skills, experience, and performance. Base salary is one component of OSI’s overall total rewards package. Other components may include bonuses, special pay programs, comprehensive time off, 401k with match, and a full suite of benefit offerings for you and your family. Work Environment: •Work can be performed within a manufacturing plant environment with noise, extreme temperatures, and significant movement of powered equipment, people and conveyor (may depend on the role). •Work conditions are typical of an R&D Center. •This role requires 30% domestic travel. •Position may require the physical agility of lifting up to 50 pounds •Position may require frequent and/or infrequent of bending, squatting, pushing, pulling, stretching/reaching, use hands or fingers, talk, hear, feel objects, tools, controls and standing/walking on concrete flooring. •Position may require the physical ability to stand/walk for Greater than 4 hours.

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