1

Meat Processing Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bachelor's degree required, ideally in Engineering, Animal Science, Operations / leadership or related education * 5+ years of experience in a USDA-regulated, ready-to-eat meat processing environment

Job Posting - Senior Project Engineer Location: Denison, Iowa Employment Type: Direct Hire ... Meat processing or kill floor experience * Experience managing large-scale capital projects

Beyond Meat, Inc., otherwise known as Beyond The Plant Protein Company, is a plant protein company ... The Process Engineer will report to the Head of Commercialization and work closely in a cross ...

Senior Project Engineer

Denison, IA ยท On-site

$92.60K - $120.70K/yr

Job Posting - Senior Project Engineer Location: Denison, Iowa Employment Type: Direct Hire ... Meat processing or kill floor experience * Experience managing large-scale capital projects

Assistant Plant Engineer

Denison, IA ยท On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

Support maintenance and engineering operations in a high-volume food manufacturing environment ... Meat processing or kill floor/harvest floor experience. Experience in high-volume production ...

... processing lines and equipment in a meat manufacturing facility that produces consumer packaged ... engineers, managers) to come to optimal processing parameters o Quickly learn and understand ...

Assistant Plant Engineer

Denison, IA ยท On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

Assistant Plant Engineer * Location : Denison, Iowa * Duration : Full Time / Permanent * Salary up ... Meat processing or kill floor / harvest floor experience * Experience in high-volume production ...

Job Posting - Assistant Plant Engineer Location: Denison, Iowa Employment Type: Direct Hire ... Meat processing or kill floor / harvest floor experience * Experience in high-volume production ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Meat Processing Engineer information

See salary details

$5

$18

$24

How much do meat processing engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat processing engineer in the United States is $18.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

More about Meat Processing Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Meat Processing Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Meat Processing Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Meat Processing Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Meat Processing Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Meat Processing Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Meat Processing Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Meat Processing Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $37,947 per year, or $18.2 per hour.
R&D Engineer - Food Processing Equipment

R&D Engineer - Food Processing Equipment

Cozzini LLC

Elk Grove Village, IL โ€ข On-site

$80K - $115K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Description

Cozzini LLC is a leading manufacturer of capital equipment solutions for the protein processing industry. We are committed to innovation, quality, and sustainability, delivering advanced equipment that improves production efficiency and product performance for customers worldwide.


We are seeking a talented and driven R&D Engineer to join our growing team and contribute to the development of cutting-edge technologies within the food processing industry.


The R&D Engineer will play a key role in the design, development, testing, and optimization of new equipment and technologies for protein processing applications. This position will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to bring innovative concepts from development through implementation while supporting continuous improvement initiatives for existing products.


The ideal candidate will have strong engineering knowledge, hands-on problem-solving abilities, and experience working within manufacturing or food processing environments.


Responsibilities:

  • Conduct research and evaluate emerging trends and technologies within the protein processing industry
  • Design, develop, and improve equipment and systems for food processing applications
  • Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, and Sales teams to support product development and implementation
  • Assist in the development and optimization of systems related to:
  • Servo and motion design
  • Electrical and control system design
  • Automation systems
  • Belt conveyor and pumping systems
  • Vacuum systems and sanitary equipment design
  • Meat grinding and mixing systems
  • Stainless steel and platform design
  • Welding, fabrication, and machining processes
  • Safety systems, risk assessments, OSHA compliance, and CE certification
  • Low voltage AC motors, NEMA, and IP ratings
  • Metric and U.S. engineering standards
  • Build, test, and validate prototypes while analyzing system performance and implementing improvements
  • Troubleshoot and optimize existing equipment by identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions
  • Prepare technical reports, engineering documentation, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders
  • Support patent research and innovation initiatives as needed
  • Stay informed on industry developments, competitor products, and regulatory requirements impacting the food processing sector

Benefits:

  • Health insurance
  • Health Savings Account w/ ER contribution
  • Flexible Spending Account w/ ER contribution
  • Dental Insurance
  • Company Paid Disability Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Company Paid Life insurance
  • Paid holidays
  • Paid time off
  • 401k
  • Vision insurance

Cozzini, LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EOE/M/F/Vets/Disabled) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants.
Principals only, please no third parties. ย ย 

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in R&D engineering, preferably within food processing or capital equipment manufacturing environments
  • Working knowledge of multiple engineering disciplines and technologies outlined within the position overview
  • Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks and AutoCAD for equipment design and modeling
  • Familiarity with USDA, FDA, and other applicable food safety regulations and standards
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment
  • Willingness to travel as needed to support equipment installations and customer-related activities

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience working with food processing systems, particularly within the protein processing industry
  • Previous experience developing, supporting, or contributing to patent-related projects or innovations
  • Experience within capital equipment manufacturing environments