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

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Meat Processing Engineer information

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$5

$18

$24

How much do meat processing engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat processing engineer in Urbana, IL is $18.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.40 and $17.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

Is working at a meat processing plant hard?

Working as a Meat Processing Engineer can be physically demanding due to the need to operate machinery, handle heavy equipment, and work in cold environments. The job requires attention to safety protocols, technical skills, and often involves shift work, which can add to the challenge.

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 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 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 job categories do people searching Meat Processing Engineer jobs in Urbana, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Meat Processing Engineer jobs in Urbana, IL are:

What cities near Urbana, IL are hiring for Meat Processing Engineer jobs?

Cities near Urbana, IL with the most Meat Processing Engineer job openings:

Meat Processing Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Meat Processing Engineer job openings in Urbana, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,192 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Open Rank Tenure-Track Faculty, Modern Swine Production

University of Illinois

Urbana, IL • On-site

$85K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Open Rank Tenure-Track Faculty, Modern Swine Production
Department of Animal Sciences
Position: Open rank (Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor) Full-Time Tenure-Track Faculty Position in Modern Swine Production in the Department of Animal Sciences (35% Research 35% Extension 20% Teaching 10% Service).
Description: The Department seeks a candidate to build a robust, industry-relevant research and extension program focused on modern swine production. The individual hired will be expected to develop a nationally and internationally recognized, extramurally funded research and extension program; collaborate across disciplines and with industry partners to pursue practical, stakeholder-relevant solutions with economic, social, and ethical implications; and contribute to the department's academic instruction and advising programs. This position builds on our department's strong history and current research programs. Candidates with expertise in genetics, nutrition, reproduction, meat science, precision management, physiology, microbiology, integrated animal systems, or fields related to swine production are strongly encouraged to apply.
Qualifications: Required qualifications include (1) Ph.D. degree in animal science or relevant field by the start date; (2) research emphasis on swine production; (3) potential to develop an extramurally funded research and extension program; and (4) commitment to teaching and mentoring students.
Responsibilities: The successful candidate will develop a nationally and internationally recognized research and extension program supported by extramural funding, contribute to academic programs related to swine production, and perform other services expected at an academic institution.
Proposed Start Date: August 16, 2026
Salary: The salary range is $85,000-$140,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Appointment Details: This 9/12 tenure-track faculty position is 100% FTE. This position is eligible for all sponsorship options.
Location: The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (www.illinois.edu) is located approximately 120 miles south of Chicago in a metropolitan area of approximately 232,000 people.
Resources: The Department of Animal Sciences has outstanding facilities with convenient access to laboratory and farm animal research units (https://ansc.illinois.edu/about/facilities). The campus is home to internationally recognized facilities and interdisciplinary programs including the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology (www.igb.illinois.edu), Beckman Institute (www.beckman.illinois.edu), W.M. Keck Center for Comparative and Functional Genomics (www.biotech.uiuc.edu/centers/Keck), National Center for Supercomputing Applications (www.ncsa.illinois.edu), the Center for Digital Agriculture (www. digitalag.illinois.edu), and the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute (https://healthinstitute.illinois.edu/).
The College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) (www.aces.illinois.edu) is widely recognized for excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, research, outreach, and international programs. In addition to its mission as a land-grant university, the campus offers exceptional programs in the arts, humanities, sciences, engineering, and computer science.
Closing Date: Full consideration will be given to applications received by March 22, 2026. However, the search will continue until a suitable candidate is found.
Applicants: Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of the posting at http://jobs.illinois.edu and upload cover letter which explicitly states your interest in being considered for the position in Modern Swine Production; a curriculum vitae; a statement of research interests (including future plans); a statement of Extension approaches to collaborate with industry partners; a statement of teaching philosophy, and the names and contact information of three references.
Questions can be directed to Matt Wheeler, Chair of the Search Committee (mbwheele@illinois.edu), or to Dan Shike, Interim Head of the Department, (dshike@illinois.edu). Additional information about the department can be found at ansc.illinois.edu.
For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
Founded in 1867 as Illinois's flagship public university, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign empowers a global community of students, scholars, and alumni to change the world through bold, innovative research and transformative education. With a land-grant heritage rooted in progress, Illinois faculty drive paradigm-shifting discoveries, mentor future leaders, and collaborate across 15 colleges and instructional units and more than 20 research institutes. The university's legacy of excellence includes 24 Nobel Prizes and 29 Pulitzer Prizes awarded to its faculty and alumni, $755 million in sponsored research funding, and 94 academic programs ranked in the top 20 nationally. Illinois offers the resources, recognition, and reach to accelerate your career - along with a highly competitive benefits portfolio. Discover how the Illinois Value Proposition fosters professional longevity, personal fulfillment, and a deep sense of purpose in every role.
Faculty Recruitment
Champaign-Urbana
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.
Requisition ID: 1035101
Job Category: Faculty
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu
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About University of Illinois

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The University of Illinois, located in Urbana, Illinois, US, is a prominent entity in the higher education sector. Operating its official functions through its website uillinois.edu, the institution provides a range of educational programs and services. The University was founded in 1867 and has since grown dramatically both in size and reputation. Its core values are embodied in its mission to enhance the lives of its students and citizens in the state, nation, and world through leadership in learning, discovery, engagement, and economic development. The university boasts several notable achievements including producing Nobel laureates and Pulitzer prize winners. It is renowned for its research programs and is known for significant advancements across various fields including engineering, science, and humanities.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Urbana, IL, US

Year founded

1974

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