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Meat Processing Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Company: US1141 Buckhead Meat of Houston, Inc. Sales Territory: None Zip Code: 77038 Travel ... Bachelor's degree in engineering or technical related discipline is preferred. * Facility ...

Company: US1141 Buckhead Meat of Houston, Inc. Sales Territory: None Zip Code: 77038 Travel ... Bachelor's degree in engineering or technical related discipline is preferred. * Facility ...

Company: US1141 Buckhead Meat of Houston, Inc. Sales Territory: None Zip Code: 77038 Travel ... Develop processes that will maximize stewardship, safety, quality, and productivity. * The Plant ...

Company: US1141 Buckhead Meat of Houston, Inc. Sales Territory: None Zip Code: 77038 Travel ... Develop processes that will maximize stewardship, safety, quality, and productivity. * The Plant ...

Meat Processing Engineer information

See Houston, TX salary details

$5

$17

$23

How much do meat processing engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat processing engineer in Houston, TX is $17.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.54 and $16.97 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 Houston, TX? For Meat Processing Engineer jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Meat Processing Engineer jobs in Houston, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Meat Processing Engineer jobs in Houston, TX are:
What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Meat Processing Engineer jobs? Cities near Houston, TX with the most Meat Processing Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Meat Processing Engineer job openings in Houston, TX as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,239 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Maintenance Manager

Sysco

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Sysco rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 321 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

122nd of 358 rated logistics


Job description

Company:

US1141 Buckhead Meat of Houston, Inc.

Sales Territory:

None

Zip Code:

77038

Travel Percentage:

0

COMPENSATION INFORMATION:

The pay range provided is not indicative of Sysco's actual pay range but is merely algorithmic and provided for generalized comparison. Factors that may be used to determine rate of pay include specific skills, work location, work experience and other individualized factors

JOB SUMMARY

The Maintenance Manager is a critical role with oversight of all planned and unplanned facility, processing equipment, material handling equipment, and were applicable fleet maintenance. This position will be responsible for implementing industry leading preventive, predictive, and urgent repair strategies, and processes to increase overall equipment reliability. A successful candidate will have strong leadership skills, a thorough understanding of manufacturing equipment, and experience developing and leading, multi-shift maintenance teams.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Lead safety in the department and adherence to all work safety policies, procedures, and governing requirements to include OSHA, NFPA, NEC, and other local, state, and federal regulations. As per Sysco's policies and procedures, maintain an effective lockout-tagout program to ensure employee safety during equipment shutdowns.

  • Lead an organization responsible for the maintenance, repair and overall reliability of production equipment, process utilities, MHE, facility/grounds and fleet shop (if applicable). Collaborate with the operations team to improve site employee safety, food safety production quality, and equipment reliability.

  • Provide leadership, coaching and technical direction to maintenance associates and operations staff to enhance employee knowledge, succession planning, and to retain top talent. Remain current with latest and emerging industry regulations and codes relative to mechanical and electrical systems design and operation.

  • Manage and lead associate headcount and staffing schedules to ensure proper maintenance converge for operations. May include coverage for two shifts, weekend work, extended overtime, on-call, and emergency response situations.

  • Manage personnel performance, including employee reviews, real-time coaching/performance improvement, documented disciplinary action, time and attendance.

  • Effectively communicate companywide goals regarding safety, sustainability, efficiency, and performance to the Maintenance Team. Utilize equipment and departmental key performance indicators (KPI) to initiate continuous improvement and root cause analysis activities to increase equipment reliability.

  • Lead and manage equipment and facility capital projects from the initial proposal stages through final completion and commissioning. Includes referencing and complying with Sysco design and construction guidelines, building, and maintaining relationships with contractors, developing project timelines and budgets, hosting project status meetings, escalating constraints, and collaboration with Sysco's Global Support Center support groups.

  • Responsible for managing and utilizing computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) to complete reactive, preventive, predictive, and corrective work orders safely, accurately and on time. To include approving work orders, auditing work completed (both internal and external), accurate parts inventory, requesting modifications to PM task lists, PM schedules, assets relocations, etc.

  • Responsible for managing monthly expense budget to include repairs, spare parts, consumables, professional services, and departmental overtime.

  • Manage capital costs to ensure projects are completed within budget and make recommendations for future capital needs to properly maintain the facility.

  • Responsible for the completion of refrigeration, fire suppression, electrical infrastructure and process utility compliance inspections and logs that must be completed accurately and on time. Participate in compliance audits, reviews, and corrective action plans.

  • Timely and effectively manage third-party vendors and contractors to complete specialized preventive maintenance and repairs throughout the facility to ensure safe and reliable equipment. May include equipment rebuilds, emergency repair work, compliance mechanical integrity tasks, project work, etc.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education Required:

  • High school diploma or GED required.

  • Current and valid driver's license (CDL Preferred, Not Required).

Education Preferred:

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or technical related discipline is preferred.

  • Facility maintenance tech school

  • Trade electrical I & II training

Experience Required:

  • Seven (7) plus years of leading and managing a maintenance organization in a manufacturing environment.

  • Ten (10) plus years of equipment/facility maintenance and repair experience.

  • Project management/capital improvements and budget management experience.

  • Maintenance management software and the development of a preventive and predictive maintenance program.

  • Experience managing spare parts inventory.

  • Experience using lockout tagout, job hazard analysis, hot work permits, confined space, etc.

  • Experience with troubleshooting and repairing electronic controls and electrical components (high and low voltage); motors, contactors, relay logic, PLC's, etc.

  • Working knowledge of OSHA general industry electrical safety standards; Title 29

  • Experience with NFPA 70 National electrical code and NFPA 70E electrical safety requirements

  • Experience with OSHA electrical Arc Flash requirement

  • Experience maintaining rotary screw and reciprocating compressed air systems

  • Experience maintaining hot water systems; boilers, on demand water heaters, etc.

  • Experience with the use of condition diagnostic techniques including vibration analysis, oil analysis, ultrasonic testing, and thermographic testing.

Experience Preferred:

  • Experience working in a food processing environment and familiar with USDA, FDA, and SQF policies and procedures.

  • Experience with Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) program in a Lean Manufacturing environment.

Licenses/Certifications Required:

  • Valid Driver License with a "clean" driving record

  • Obtain a Powered Industrial Equipment Certification from Sysco within 3 months.

  • Ammonia Sites Only:

  • Refrigeration Operator I / RETA: CARO

Licenses/Certifications Preferred:

  • Electrical Arc Flash training

  • Trade electrical I & II training

  • Ammonia Sites Only:

  • Refrigeration Operator II / RETA: CIRO

  • RETA CIRO in addition to RETA CARO

Technical Skills and Abilities:

  • Proficient with Lean Manufacturing practices including 5-S, Visual Controls, Standard Work, work center metrics, and continuous improvement processes and able to instruct others in these practices.

  • Proficient with equipment reliability practices and methodologies. Experience with RCA / FMEA desired.

  • Effective leadership and coaching skills, with a proven ability in coaching and developing others.

  • Ability to support team with the sourcing and purchase of equipment parts, materials, and supplies.

  • Working knowledge of electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic systems as well as Programmable Logic Controls (PLC).

  • Management of a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

  • Ability to create and submit budgetary recommendations/requests regarding capital expenditures and maintenance repairs.

  • Ability to prepare management update reports related to schedule performance, job costs tracking, and on time performance

  • Ability to coach and support staff after-hours.

  • Ability to overcome obstacles and demonstrates a sense of urgency in achieving objectives.

  • Understands interdepartmental impact of individual decisions and actions.

  • Demonstrates determination and persistence while treating others with respect.

  • High degree of independence, judgment, attention to detail and time management skills.

  • Ability to work under pressure in a dynamic environment.

  • Strong computer skills; Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

Physical Demands:

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the associate is regularly required to talk or hear. The associate is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and climb or balance. The associate is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The associate must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an associate may encounter while performing the essential functions of the job.

While performing the duties of this job, the associate is occasionally exposed to wet, hot, extreme cold and/or humid conditions; and moving mechanical parts and may be required to work in confined spaces. The associate works non-traditional business hours including evenings, nights, weekends, holidays and on-call. The associate may occasionally be required to travel to other Operating Companies or the corporate office as business needs dictate (i.e. training, business continuation, etc.). The associate is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places and confined spaces. The associate is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

BENEFITS INFORMATION:

For information on Sysco's Benefits, please visit https://SyscoBenefits.com

OVERVIEW:

Sysco is the global leader in foodservice distribution. With over 71,000 colleagues and a fleet of over 13,000 vehicles, Sysco operates approximately 333 distribution facilities worldwide and serves more than 700,000 customer locations.

We offer our colleagues the opportunity to grow personally and professionally, to contribute to the success of a dynamic organization, and to serve others in a manner that exceeds their expectations. We're looking for talented, hard-working individuals to join our team. Come grow with us and let us show you why Sysco is at the heart of food and service.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION STATEMENT:

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer, and consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected factor under federal, state or local law.

This opportunityis available through Sysco Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates.


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