What is a food engineer?
Food engineering is the application of engineering principles to the storage, processing and distribution of food materials and their bio-products. It requires a sound engineering education, as well as fundamental training in chemistry and food science.
Should I Become a Food Engineer?
Food engineers, also known as agricultural and food scientists, combine engineering concepts with microbiology, chemistry and other sciences to create the best ways to make processed foods tasty, healthy and safe. They're responsible for every step of food production, from production to distribution. It's also their job to figure out the safest and most environmentally friendly ways of processing, packaging, preserving and storing foods for distribution.
Food engineers should be able to work well in an office, laboratory or manufacturing plant environment. An increasing number of these professionals are self-employed, but the majority work for private companies in the food industry. Travel may be required, though these professionals often work typical business hours. Jobs in the field are expected to grow alongside the need for safe and sustainable food science technologies.
Career Requirements
| Degree Level |
Bachelor's degree at minimum |
| Degree Field |
Food engineering, food science, food technology, agriculture, engineering |
| Experience |
Experience requirements vary by employer, but completing an internship may be helpful for entry-level workers |
| Key Skills |
Strong verbal and written communication skills, critical-thinking skills, research skills and observation skills |
| Salary |
$35,140 (Median annual salary for agricultural and food science technicians as of May 2014) |
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