Entry Level Process Engineer (Start Summer 2027)
The Entry Level Process Engineer at Confidential Client will contribute to the design and construction of food and beverage processing facilities, working across multiple disciplines from concept through commissioning. This role involves developing process designs, preparing flow diagrams and P&IDs, equipment specification, and supporting project management and onsite construction activities, with significant client and vendor interaction and travel requirements.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, food and beverage engineering and construction.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Overview
Confidential Client is hiring an Entry Level Process Engineer to join their food & beverage-focused engineering and construction team in Carlsbad, CA. This role will contribute to process design, P&ID development, equipment sizing/specification, and on-site commissioning for sanitary food processing facilities. Estimated compensation: $72,730 per year (estimated).
What You’ll Do
- Support process design across controls, packaging, mechanical, electrical, building systems and architecture from concept through construction
- Develop process design basis and select unit operations
- Create process flow diagrams and prepare piping & instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs)
- Prepare mass and energy balances
- Size and specify process & process-utility equipment
- Participate in equipment procurement and bid evaluation
- Assist project management with process-related scope, budget and schedule development
- Coordinate with contractors and other disciplines to support equipment installation
- Provide on-site startup and commissioning support
- Collaborate with clients, vendors and suppliers for cost estimates and proposals
- Research process engineering best practices and support internal talent growth
Required Education, Skills & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemical or Process Engineering
- 0–3 years of relevant experience (work experience, internships, or co-op acceptable)
- Experience or coursework preparing process flow diagrams and P&IDs
- Experience or coursework sizing and specifying process and process-utility equipment
- Experience or coursework developing project scopes, budgets and schedules
- Interest in food safety and sanitary design principles; willingness to learn industry standards and regulations
- Proficiency with MS Office, MS Project and AutoCAD
- Strong oral and written communication skills with client-facing aptitude
- Able to meet travel requirement: on-site construction coordination and management with travel of 30–50%
Physical Requirements
- Prolonged periods sitting and computer work
- Ability to lift up to 15 pounds occasionally
What We Offer
- Competitive compensation commensurate with experience (estimated: $72,730 / year)
- Benefits including medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance
- Paid time off (including open vacation policy), bonus and profit-sharing programs
- Retirement plan options
- Career development opportunities within a specialized food & beverage engineering firm
Location & Employment Type
- Location: Carlsbad, CA (on-site with frequent travel)
- Employment type: Full-time
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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