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Biochemical Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Hilmar Cheese Company

Process Engineer II

Hilmar, CA · On-site

S. in Chemical or Biochemical Engineering, or other Engineering field plus 2 years' manufacturing experience, or M.S. in Chemical or Biochemical Engineering, or other Engineering field plus 1 year ...

Iff

Senior Bioprocess Scientist/Engineer

Palo Alto, CA

$107K - $146K/yr

D. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Food Science, Chemistry, Materials Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related discipline; or equivalent combination of ...

Syner-G

Staff Process Engineer

Tustin, CA · On-site

Education * BS or MS in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Bioprocess Engineering, Biotechnology, or a related technical discipline preferred. Technical Experience * 10-15+ years of ...

Codexis

Principal Process Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, or related field with 10+ years of relevant industrial experience, or M.S. with 8+ years. Expertise in flow chemistry, biocatalysis ...

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All JobsBiochemical Engineer JobsBiochemical Engineer Jobs in California

Biochemical Engineer information

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$24

$29

$33

How much do biochemical engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for biochemical engineer in California is $29.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.07 and $31.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a biochemical engineer?

Combining both engineering skills and a scientific background, a biochemical engineer studies the nature of chemical functions and uses research to develop or improve products. As a biochemical engineer, your job duties involve consulting with scientists to evaluate technology and products, using studies to recommend changes to processes or operations, and leading experiments to improve production while minimizing waste. You also design experimental activities within laboratories to ensure compliance with biohazard regulations and maintain databases of experiment-related information. The materials you work with may be organic or lab-made depending on your field of expertise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a biochemical engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Biochemical Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical engineering, biology, and mathematics, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in biochemical or chemical engineering. Familiarity with bioprocessing equipment, laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and relevant safety certifications is important. Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, and teamwork skills set outstanding biochemical engineers apart. These competencies are essential for developing innovative solutions, ensuring process efficiency, and maintaining safety and compliance in biotechnological and pharmaceutical industries.

What are some typical challenges a biochemical engineer faces when scaling up processes from the lab to industrial production?

Biochemical Engineers often encounter challenges when transitioning processes from laboratory scale to full-scale manufacturing, including maintaining product consistency, optimizing yield, and controlling contamination risks. Variables such as mixing, temperature, and pH are easier to control in small batches, but become more complex at larger volumes. Collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams—including microbiologists, mechanical engineers, and quality assurance professionals—is essential to troubleshoot issues and ensure successful scale-up. Addressing these challenges requires strong problem-solving skills and adaptability to evolving project needs.

What is the difference between Biochemical Engineer vs Chemical Engineer?

AspectBiochemical EngineerChemical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Biochemical, Chemical, or Biological EngineeringBachelor's in Chemical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentBiotech labs, pharmaceutical companies, research facilitiesChemical plants, manufacturing facilities, process industries
Industry UsageBiotechnology, pharmaceuticals, food processingPetrochemical, chemicals, energy production

Biochemical Engineers focus on applying engineering principles to biological systems, often working in biotech and pharmaceutical industries. Chemical Engineers have a broader scope, working on chemical processes across various industries. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, their work environments and industry applications differ significantly.

More about Biochemical Engineer jobs
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What job categories do people searching Biochemical Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Biochemical Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Biochemical Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Biochemical Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Biochemical Engineer jobs in CA? For Biochemical Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Biochemical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Biochemical Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,694 per year, or $29.2 per hour.