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Thermal Food Process Authority Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nestle

Principal Thermal Processing

Fremont, MI · On-site

Provide risk-based guidance that balances food safety, compliance, and innovation speed * Convert ... Act as Process Authority for research trials and manage site FDA filings to support innovation ...

Nestlé S.A.

Principal Thermal Processing

Fremont, MI · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Act as Process Authority for research trials and manage site FDA filings to support innovation ... Strong knowledge of food safety, quality systems, and regulatory expectations * Recognized ...

Solina

Corporate Microbiologist

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

... company's designated Process Authority for acidified food products, ensuring compliance with ... thermal/hold processes. o Create, verify, and maintain process filings and scheduled processes for ...

Solina

Corporate Microbiologist

Bolingbrook, IL

... of thermal and acidification processes in accordance with FDA requirements. In addition, the ... company's designated Process Authority for acidified food products, ensuring compliance with ...

J&J Snack Foods

Process Engineering Lead

La Vergne, TN · On-site

$98K - $127K/yr

The Process Engineering Lead partners closely with cross-functional teams to translate product ... Five (5)+ years of progressive experience in commercial bakery or thermal food manufacturing.

J&J Snack Foods

Process Engineering Lead

La Vergne, TN · On-site

$98K - $127K/yr

The Process Engineering Lead partners closely with cross-functional teams to translate product ... Five (5)+ years of progressive experience in commercial bakery or thermal food manufacturing.

Byrne Dairy

Document Review Specialist

Auburn, NY · On-site

$250/hr

... Food (21 CFR Part 113) regulations and Process Authority requirements. * Compare production ... Thermal processing records * Laboratory testing records * Environmental monitoring records

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Thermal Food Process Authority information

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How much do thermal food process authority jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for thermal food process authority in the United States is $25.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $29.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a thermal food process authority?

Thermal Food Process Authorities are experts who evaluate and approve thermal food processing methods to ensure food safety and regulatory compliance. They develop and validate heat treatment processes, such as pasteurization or sterilization, to eliminate harmful microorganisms in canned or packaged foods. Their work is essential for companies seeking to manufacture shelf-stable foods, as they help prevent foodborne illnesses and meet government regulations. Thermal Food Process Authorities often have backgrounds in food science, microbiology, or engineering and work closely with manufacturers to design safe and effective thermal processes.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a thermal food process authority?

To thrive as a Thermal Food Process Authority, you need a solid background in food science, microbiology, and thermal processing, typically supported by an advanced degree and industry experience. Familiarity with HACCP principles, process validation software, and regulatory standards such as FDA and USDA guidelines is critical. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with production teams and ensuring compliance. These skills and qualifications are vital to guarantee food safety, regulatory adherence, and the development of effective thermal processes in food manufacturing.

What challenges do thermal food process authorities face and how can they be managed?

Thermal Food Process Authorities often encounter challenges such as ensuring regulatory compliance, maintaining accurate process documentation, and troubleshooting deviations in thermal processing parameters. Staying current with evolving food safety regulations and consistently validating thermal processes are critical for preventing product recalls and ensuring consumer safety. Effective management involves close collaboration with quality assurance teams, continuous professional development, and leveraging data-driven monitoring systems to quickly identify and address issues.

What is the difference between Thermal Food Process Authority vs Food Safety Specialist?

AspectThermal Food Process AuthorityFood Safety Specialist
CredentialsOften requires certifications like PCQI, HACCP, or equivalentTypically holds HACCP, PCQI, or similar certifications
Work EnvironmentPrimarily in food processing plants, focusing on thermal processingIn various settings including manufacturing, regulatory agencies, or consulting
Industry UsageUsed in food processing to validate thermal processes and ensure safetyUsed broadly to oversee overall food safety compliance and protocols

The Thermal Food Process Authority specializes in validating thermal processes to ensure food safety, while the Food Safety Specialist oversees broader food safety practices. Both roles require similar certifications and work in food production environments, but their focus areas differ—thermal process validation versus overall safety management.

Infographic showing various Thermal Food Process Authority job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,986 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

Thermal Processing Specialist

Vanee Foods Company

Berkeley, IL

$85K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTIONA Thermal Processing Specialist is an individual who conducts heat penetration testing and temperature distribution testing at the direction and under the supervision of the Process Authority in addition to conducting routine reviews of thermal processing records and processing deviations and related tasks.    PRINCIPAL ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES• Conduct Temperature Distribution testing on all retorts and other thermal processing systems in operation at company processing facilities• Conduct Heat Penetration testing on all company products• Work with the Process Authority to determine Critical Factors such as time, temperature and pH as well as participate in evaluations of company product formulations, processing methods and packaging to determine the necessary processing conditions to ensure food safety • Help maintain the Thermal Processing Schedule for all company products• Conduct routine reviews of Processing Data and assist in handling and disposition of processing deviations• Work on a cross-functional team to establish and implement a customized formal training program for retort operators and other company employees regarding heat penetration concepts and proper procedures and SOP’s• Participate in daily review of processing records by others   • Assist in filing scheduled processes with the FDA in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations • Assist in adherence to Preventative Maintenance Program related to Retorts and Retort systems installed at company facilities  • Communicate with customers regarding process safety and provide data as necessary.  • Assist Process Authority with special projects as necessary   REQUIREMENTS• BS in a Science-based curriculum is required. • Minimum of 3 years of experience in a food processing environment.   Prior experience with Thermal Processing preferred  • Experience using CALSoft software or equivalent software for heat penetration analysis • Knowledge of microbiology and current issues of food safety and quality assurance relating to canning, dry blending, soup base or bottled sauce manufacturing   • Excellent communication skills and the ability to explain complex concepts verbally and in writing• Ability to multitask and handle multiple projects at once• Experience using Microsoft Office software