Become a3d Food Engineer/3d Chef

Becoming a 3D Food Engineer or 3D Chef means you could be leading the way in 3D technology and its integration into the food services industry. You’ll have the opportunity to blend your love for food with your interest in technology, creating dishes that not only taste amazing but also look like works of art. Plus, you’ll be part of a growing field that’s shaping the future of food!

As a 3D Food Engineer or 3D Chef, your main role is to use 3D printing technology to design and create food in ways that were previously unimaginable. You’ll experiment with different ingredients, textures, and shapes to produce unique and visually stunning dishes. From personalised chocolates to intricate sugar sculptures, the possibilities are endless!

3D Food Engineers and 3D Chefs are in demand in various industries where innovation and creativity are valued. From hospitality to food manufacturing, your skills will be highly sought after.

Industries

• Hospitality and Catering
• Food Manufacturing
• Culinary Arts and Restaurants
• Research and Development
• Event Planning and Design
• Food Technology Startups

If you have a passion for sustainability and solving global problems, your role as a 3D Food Engineer could help solve global hunger. There are projects already underway around the world, and even NASA is developing a 3D printer to tackle food challenges in space.

To excel as a 3D Food Engineer, you’ll need a bit of a blend of culinary skills as well as technical nous, coupled with a flair for creativity.

• Culinary Creativity
• Technical Proficiency
• Attention to Detail
• Problem Solving
• Innovation
• Adaptability

Subjects that focus on culinary arts, food science, and technology are a good start for the skills needed to succeed as a 3D Food Engineer. Chemistry and engineering knowledge will be a must to land a job in this field.

Culinary Arts

Learning the fundamentals of cooking and food preparation.

Food Science

Understanding the chemical and physical properties of food.

3D Printing Technology

Exploring the principles and applications of 3D printing in food production.

Design and Technology

Developing skills in design thinking and product development.

Business Studies

Learning about entrepreneurship and marketing in the food industry.

Chemistry

Understanding the reactions that occur during cooking and food processing.

Engineering

Constructing food with an understanding of the machinery that creates it. 

From creating intricate chocolate sculptures to developing innovative space food, 3D Food Engineers are constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the kitchen.

Design Personalised Nutrition

Create customised meals tailored to an individual’s dietary needs and preferences, ensuring everyone gets exactly what their body needs.

Innovate New Food Textures

Experiment with 3D printing technology to develop new and exciting textures in food, making eating a more adventurous experience.

Produce Sustainable Food Solutions

Use 3D printing to create food from sustainable sources, like plant proteins or even insects, reducing the environmental impact of food production.

Solve Global Hunger

Develop cost effective and efficient ways to produce nutritious food in regions suffering from food scarcity, contributing to the fight against global hunger.

Create Space Food

Design and produce nutritious, compact, and delicious meals for astronauts, ensuring they have balanced diets while on long space missions.

Reduce Food Waste

Innovate methods to repurpose food waste into edible products, minimising the amount of food that gets thrown away and promoting sustainability.

Enhance Food Safety

Use precise 3D printing technology to eliminate contaminants and ensure the highest standards of food safety and hygiene.

Develop Allergen Free Foods

Create safe and delicious alternatives for people with food allergies like gluten or dairy intolerance, ensuring everyone can enjoy a wide variety of foods without health risks.

Improve Food Accessibility

Make quality, nutritious foods accessible to people in remote or underserved areas by setting up localised 3D food printing hubs.

Collaborate on Innovative Culinary Projects

Work with chefs and food scientists to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the culinary world, combining art and science to create unforgettable dining experiences.

While the field is still relatively new, there are several people in Australia who are making waves in the world of 3D food printing, such as Tien Trinh from Haigh Chocolates and Laura Adamson from 7N Architects. These women are innovators in 3D food printing and are using technology to change the way we think about food and culinary arts.

To thrive as a 3D Food Engineer, you’ll need more than just technical skills. Traits like creativity, curiosity, and resilience will help you succeed in this exciting and ever-evolving field.

• Creative
• Curious
• Resilient
• Innovative
• Attention to Detail
• Computer Skills

University degrees are a great place to start to kick off your career as a 3D Food Engineer.

• Bachelor of Culinary Arts and Food Science
• Bachelor of Food Technology and Engineering
• Bachelor of Design (Food Innovation)
• Bachelor of Science (Nutrition and Culinary Science)
• Bachelor of Engineering (Food Processing and Technology)

Imagine combining your passion for food with your love for technology or design. With interdisciplinary studies, you can blend subjects like culinary arts, engineering, and business to create a unique skill set that sets you apart in the world of 3D Food Engineering. 

Plus, don’t forget to explore hands on learning opportunities through internships, workshops, and industry placements. The culinary world is your oyster!

During your studies, you’ll delve into the fascinating world of food science, culinary arts, and technology. From mastering the art of flavour pairing to understanding the principles of 3D printing, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills needed to create innovative and delicious dishes that push the boundaries of traditional cooking.

3D Printing Technology

Understand the fundamentals of 3D printing, including different types of printers, materials used in food printing, and the mechanics behind the technology.

Food Science and Nutrition

Gain knowledge about food composition, nutritional values, and how to create balanced meals that meet dietary requirements and health standards.

Sustainable Food Production

Learn about sustainable practices in food production, including the use of alternative protein sources, reducing food waste, and minimising the environmental impact of food manufacturing.

Biochemistry and Food Safety

Study the biochemical processes involved in food preparation and preservation, and understand the principles of food safety to ensure the production of safe and hygienic food products.

Culinary Arts and Food Design

Explore the artistic side of food engineering by learning about flavour profiles, food aesthetics, and culinary techniques that could apply to 3D-printed foods.

Problem Solving and Innovation

Develop critical thinking and problem solving skills to tackle challenges such as global hunger, food security, and creating specialised dietary foods, using innovative 3D printing solutions.

Gaining hands on experience is essential for becoming a successful 3D Food Engineer or 3D Chef. 

Whether it’s through internships, apprenticeships, or part-time jobs, getting experience will help you refine your skills, build your professional network, and discover your unique culinary style. 

Below are some places you might be able to get work experience, or on the job experience to complement your career as a 3D Food Engineer.

Research and Development (R&D) Labs

Work experience in R&D labs could help you to design and test new 3D-printed food products.

Food Manufacturing Companies

Work with companies already implementing and overseeing 3D printing processes on a large scale, ensuring efficiency and quality in food production.

Restaurants

Partner with chefs already utilising 3D printing technology to create unique and artistic dishes that enhance the dining experience.

Sustainability Projects

Volunteer or find work experience with not for profit organisations that are developing sustainable and affordable 3D printed food solutions for communities facing food scarcity.

Space and Aeronautics

Look for roles that collaborate with space agencies to develop nutritious and compact 3D printed meals for astronauts on long duration missions.

Microlearning Platforms

Platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and FutureLearn offer short courses on topics like 3D printing, food science, and culinary innovation. Perfect for gaining new skills at your own pace!

On-the-Job Experience or Training

Some companies offer apprenticeships or trainee programs that allow you to learn on the job while earning a salary. Look out for opportunities to start your career straight out of school.

Find out more about apprenticeships: https://www.apprenticeships.gov.au/apprentices/how-to-find-and-prepare-for-an-apprenticeship/check-your-literacy-and-numeracy-skills

Western Australia

In Western Australia, this is an early stage industry with much of the technology still being developed. As the technology advances there will be a growing demand for 3D Food Engineers in industries like hospitality, food manufacturing, and culinary arts education. With the state’s vibrant food scene and focus on innovation, there could be plenty of opportunities to ‘carve out’ a successful career in 3D Food Engineering or find your path as a 3D chef.

Australia Wide

While the industry is still in its relatively early stage, the demand is increasing in states like Sydney and Brisbane. CSIRO is investing into 3D printing technology for the food services sector, and they predict the market for 3D printed food products will grow to around $1 billion by 2025, primarily in the confectionery and bakery space.

Rest of the World

Globally, the demand for 3D Food Engineers is rising as food technology continues to advance. The major hirers for 3D Food Engineers globally are Candyfab, Systems and Materials ResearchCorporation, TNO, Byflow, Barilla, Print2taste GmbH, 3D Systems, Choc Edge, Beehex, Natural Machines.

Embark on your journey to become a 3D Food Engineer might not have a ‘one-size-fits-all’ path to success given how new this career is. Pursuing University study into a potential 3D Food Engineer career could help you get ahead while there are limited places in Australia to gain hands-on experience, or explore alternative pathways. 

Whatever your pathway into this truly unique career – trust in your passion and curiosity to guide you towards an exciting and rewarding role in the culinary arts!