Food Processing Engineers – A Career Overview

Food processing engineers are those who are involved in developing, refining food, processing food products and also developing packaging and processing equipment. Their workplace may be anything from a laboratory which is climate controlled where they are involved in development work or an office which is used for creating designs to the noisy packaging and processing factories where they keep themselves engrossed in assessing how important and urgent is the need for a new process or a piece of equipment. or also observing and judging if an equipment is functioning properly or not.Their work also requires them to travel regularly as they may also be required to work in different locations on outdoor projects and this may also involve long working hours to take maximum advantage of weather conditions. Click here:

Career Requirements            

                 

Working as a food process engineer requires a bachelor's degree in food process engineering, or in the field of biology, food science, or a related field. This work area requires personnel with skills observation and communication skills, data analysis skills, computer skills and the ability to think critically and solve problems.According to the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics median annual salary for the related field of food scientist was USD 65,840.

Some important steps to be taken in order to establish oneself in this industry are 

Step 1: get a bachelor’s degree

To work in this field. Bachelor's degrees are important and they are available in food process engineering and similar fields, such as food science and technology. A coursework in biotechnology, organic chemistry, biological engineering, reaction engineering, and food process designare needed to complete the curriculum of a food processing engineer.

Step 2: Get a graduate degree

There are many graduate program offering schools in food process engineering and food technology. In addition, some biological engineering programs also specialize in food engineering.

Step 3: Find Employment                          

Many job openings can be found after completing college,like food process engineering positions in a variety of industries. Jobs are also available in the food production industry, they can also work in the chemical or biochemical industries, in government agencies, for pharmaceutical manufacturers, or academic institutions.

The Bureau of Labour Statistics has found that biggest areas of job opportunities in this profession is in private industry.

Step 4: Experience and Advancement       

                

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) offers memberships to those students who are recommended by faculty members. It has been found that students of the food processing programs tend to either complete their internships or gain hands-on experience in food manufacturing processes, food process equipment and product formulation.

Institutions: Some well-known institutes offering degrees and training in this field are

• John Hopkins---on line learning ---All applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree or higher
• The Art Institutes---if you take the course in culinary department then it covers nearly all avenues of the food industry.
• Brightwood College