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Meat Processing Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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... meat processing, agricultural, material handling, and industrial manufacturing sectors. The ... engineering, maintenance, operations, and procurement teams. Serve as a trusted advisor to ensure ...

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 ...

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

... 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 ...

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Meat Processing Engineer information

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$5

$18

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How much do meat processing engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 24, 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 jobs pay $2000 a day?

In the field of meat processing engineering, high-paying roles such as senior engineers, plant managers, or consultants can sometimes earn around $2,000 per day, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, or in leadership positions. These roles often require advanced certifications, management skills, and a deep understanding of processing operations, safety standards, and industry regulations.

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. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes leadership responsibilities or working in high-cost-of-living areas.

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.

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. Their role involves analyzing processes and optimizing operations in processing plants.

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, and certifications may also influence salary levels.

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.
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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:
Meat Department Manager

Meat Department Manager

Defense Commissary Agency

San Diego, CA • On-site, Remote

$63K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Defense Commissary Agency rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

31st of 118 rated grocery stores


Job description

Summary
This is a developmental position for Meat Department Managers position has been re-engineered for recruitment and training purposes. The primary purpose of this position is to serve as manager of the Meat Department with responsibility to order, receive, cut/process, store, display, price, and account for all meat products purchased for resale.
Read the entire announcement before starting the application process.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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  • Directing all department activities and providing administrative and technical supervision for meatcutters, meat cutting workers, and other personnel engaged in the various tasks associated with Meat Department operations.
  • Forecasting product demand.
  • Ensuring that all resale meats are trimmed, sorted, properly cut, packaged, rotated, priced, and displayed in professional and attractive manner.
  • Ensuring adequate supplies of processed meats and vendor packaged meats to meet customer demand at all times.
  • Using the DeCA automated cutting test program to establish prices, conduct price changes, prepare price and cost/mark-up lists, and perform inventory.
  • Designing and/or resetting promotional and seasonal displays.
  • Inspecting and ensuring the department processing areas, display cases, and storage rooms remain neat, orderly, and sanitary, and comply with current sanitation and safety regulations.
  • Inspecting equipment and initiating required maintenance.
  • Ensuring everyone follows proper safety practices while using power tools, knives, grinding equipment, etc.

Work conditions:
  • Most of the work is performed in the store display area, which is well lighted and maintained at a comfortable temperature.
  • May be exposed to unusually cold temperatures in the receiving, storage and meat processing areas.
  • May be exposed to differing temperatures when storing items in or retrieving them from refrigerated rooms.
  • There is a danger of injuries resulting from using electric meat processing equipment, lifting heavy products, or slipping on wet floors.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or national.
  • Males born after 12-31-1959 must be registered with or exempt from Selective Service.
  • Appointment is subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as required.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain security clearance eligibility based on an appropriate background investigation.
  • May be subject to a probationary/trial period.
  • May be subject to one year supervisory probationary period.
  • Must meet the physical requirements listed in the Qualifications section.
  • Must sign a Mobility Agreement upon accepting a job offer from HR.
  • Direct deposit of pay is required.

Qualifications
You must meet qualifications and requirements by the announcement closing date. Your resume (and/or transcript if necessary) must clearly show that you meet the qualifications (i.e., specialized experience and/or education requirements) for the grade level(s) for which you are applying.
At the GS-8 and10 grade levels, you can meet the minimum qualifications through specialized experience, education, or a combination of the two. To calculate the combination, divide your total months of specialized experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the second year (total graduate semester hours minus 36) by 18. Add the two percentages. If they total 100%, you meet the minimum qualifications through a combination of specialized experience and education.
Specialized experience is written to the lowest equivalent grade level that meets the minimum experience requirement. What does this mean to applicants? Example: An applicant has one year of specialized experience at the GS-8 grade level and wants to apply for a GS-9. The GS-9 requires specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-7. Since the applicant has specialized experience at a higher grade (i.e., GS-8) than is required (i.e., GS-7), the applicant may apply for the GS-9.
Specialized experience is demonstrated knowledge of retail procurement and distribution methods; principles, procedures, and techniques of retail food merchandising and retail food store management, and developments in commercial retail food store items, equipment, and practices. Examples of creditable qualifying specialized experience include:
  • Managing a commissary store, supermarket, or similar type of commercial retail food store.
  • Managing a department in a retail food store.
  • Planning, standardizing, or controlling operations in an assigned group of retail food stores.
  • Developing, interpreting, or applying policies, procedures, and operating standards for use in a retail food store.
  • Providing technical advice on merchandising and operational matters pertaining to grocery, meats, and produce supplies, as well as front-end operations.

You will receive credit for all relevant qualifying experience (paid and unpaid), including volunteer work done through National Service program (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social).
Education used to qualify for this position, in whole or in part, must have equipped you with the knowledge and ability to perform the work of the position, as evidenced by on-the-job-training in food retail management or an internship or practicum in food retail management. Transcripts are required if relying on education to qualify. See Required Documents for more information.
Qualifications
For GS-8: (A) one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-6 grade level OR (B) one and one-half years of graduate level education with major study in business administration, public administration, agricultural economics (food industry management), or other fields related to the position, OR (C) a combination of specialized experience and education.
For GS-10: (A) one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-8 grade level OR (B) two and one-half years of progressively higher graduate level education leading to such a degree with major study in business administration, public administration, agricultural economics (food industry management), or other fields related to the position, OR (C) a combination of specialized experience and education.
Physical requirements: (1) Lift, push, pull, carry, and handle commissary products weighing up to 40 pounds unassisted and occasionally over 40 pounds with assistance. (2) Stand, stoop, kneel, bend, and climb for prolonged periods. You will attest to your ability to perform these physical requirements in the Questionnaire.
You must also meet time-in-grade and time after competitive appointment requirements by the announcement close date.
Time-in-grade applies to the promotion of current and former federal employees who hold or have held a permanent GS position in either the competitive or excepted service in the previous 52 weeks. Your application package must contain proof you meet this requirement. See Required Documents for more information.
  • For GS-8: You must have 52 weeks of Federal service at or equivalent to GS-6.
  • For GS-10: You must have 52 weeks of Federal service at or equivalent to GS-8.

Time after competitive appointment. Current federal civilian employees must have completed at least 90 days of federal civilian service since being selected for a non-temporary appointment from a competitive examination register of eligible candidates (an announcement opened to the public) or under a direct hire authority.
As part of the online application process, you will respond to a series of questions designed to evaluate your possession of these competencies:
  • Commissary Operations
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Safety Procedures
  • Supervision

Overtime: Occasional
Bargaining Unit Status: Not covered
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Exempt
Obligated Position: If obligated, you occupying the position is subject to the former incumbent returning. If the former incumbent does not return to the position, your occupancy may become permanent. Tentative job offers identify if the position you are offered is obligated.
Those retired under CSRS or FERS considered: No. DoD criteria not met.
Recruitment/Relocation Incentives Offered: None
Education
Transcripts. Required when using education to meet qualifications or when education is required.
Foreign education may be qualifying if a private organization specializing in interpreting foreign education programs has deemed the foreign education equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program or a U.S. accredited college or university has given full credit for the foreign courses.
Unofficial transcripts from U.S. Department of Education accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions listing your name, the name of the school, the date and degree awarded, and the list of classes and credits earned are acceptable for the application process. If selected, official transcripts are required before a firm job offer is made. A photocopy of your degree/diploma is not acceptable.
When relying on foreign education, submit transcripts and a copy of the equivalency evaluation results letter with a course by course listing. Documents must be in English or include an English translation. The hiring employer for this position does not evaluate degrees from foreign colleges or universities.
Additional information
Executive Order 12564 requires a federal workplace to be free of illegal drugs and prohibits the use of illegal drugs both on and off duty by federal employees. As a reminder, marijuana is still classified as an illegal drug by the Federal government and is prohibited for use by Federal employees even if such use is legal in the state where the Federal employee resides and/or works. The Defense Commissary Agency is a Drug-Free Federal Workplace where the use of illegal drugs will not be tolerated and may result in penalties up to and including removal from Federal service.
  • This position is part of the Commissary Career Program (CCP).
  • In accordance with the CCP Manual and under certain circumstances, DeCA employees accepting a downgrade (i.e., change to lower grade) into this position may be entitled to pay retention.
  • Applicants with financial difficulty are not automatically removed from consideration.
  • Selectees are required to complete an online onboarding process.
  • PCS is authorized. If you PCS'd at government expense within the past 12 months, additional government funded PCS may not be authorized; however, you may choose to pay your own moving expenses.
  • Most civilian PCS entitlements are now taxable. The Relocation Income Tax Allowance (RITA) reimburses eligible employees for additional Federal, State, and local income taxes incurred because of receiving taxable travel income. More information is available at Civilian Relocation/PCS Tax Changes.
  • This position is being recruited at both the grade levels GS-08 and GS-10. If selected at the GS-08 grade level, you may be non-competitively promoted to the full performance GS-10 grade level when all statutory and regulatory requirements have been met, performance is satisfactory, and when recommended by the supervisor. Promotion is not guaranteed.
  • Additional vacancies may be filled from this announcement up to 90 days after the closing date.

The following may result in a rating of ineligible. Ineligible applicants receive no consideration.
  • Not selecting an eligibility.
  • Submitting an incomplete application package may result in your not being considered for this position. Your resume must reflect that you are either Part-Time with the number of hours listed, Full Time, or 40 hours per week as your work schedule. If you fail to provide this information in your resume, your resume will be considered as incomplete.
  • Submitting encrypted documents or uploading Adobe portfolio documents.
  • Submitting any document that contains a photo or image of you.
  • Including social media links, inappropriate material/content, classified or government sensitive information, or personal information such as age, gender, race, religion, or social security number on your resume.
  • Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or questionnaire responses.
  • Deliberately attempting to falsify your application information, such as copying portions of this announcement into your resume.

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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