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Biochemical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The individual will have knowledge of fermentation science and biochemical engineering principles, theory and practice with special focus on microbial fermentation operations in an industrial setting ...

Sr. Fermentation Engineer

Osage, IA · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

You will have knowledge of fermentation science and biochemical engineering principles, theory and practice with special focus on microbial fermentation operations in an industrial setting or a ...

A COMBINATION OF THE LISTED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE IS PREFERRED • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Biochemical Engineering (preferred). • 5-7 years of experience in manufacturing ...

A COMBINATION OF THE LISTED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE IS PREFERRED • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Biochemical Engineering (preferred). • 5-7 years of experience in manufacturing ...

Master's Degree in Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology or Life Sciences with 2+ years of industry experience. * Bachelor's Degree in Biochemical Engineering, Chemical ...

Master's Degree in Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology or Life Sciences with 2+ years of industry experience. * Bachelor's Degree in Biochemical Engineering, Chemical ...

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How much do biochemical engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for biochemical engineer in the United States is $29.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.40 and $31.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Biochemical Engineers?

Biochemical engineers are professionals who apply principles of biology, chemistry, and engineering to design processes and equipment for large-scale manufacturing of products such as pharmaceuticals, biofuels, food, and chemicals. They work on developing and optimizing processes that use living cells or their components, like enzymes, to produce useful products. Biochemical engineers often collaborate with scientists and other engineers to scale up laboratory processes for commercial production while ensuring safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Their work is essential in industries like biotechnology, healthcare, and environmental protection.

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.

What cities are hiring for Biochemical Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Biochemical Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Biochemical Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Biochemical Engineer jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Biochemical Engineer jobs? For Biochemical Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Biochemical Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 13% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 4% Temporary, 70% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,500 per year, or $29.6 per hour.
Fermentation Engineer

Fermentation Engineer

Valent USA

Osage, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

*Sumitomo Biorational formally known as Valent BioSciences* About Us: Sumitomo Biorational Company is a worldwide leader in the research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of biorational products for the agriculture, public health, and forestry markets. We have more than 60 years of experience bringing biorational products to market, and our products are used in sustainable operations in 95 countries around the world. Biorational products maximize plant quality, productivity, and sustainability. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical, Sumitomo Biorational operates with the Sumitomo Spirit mindset, which means to benefit both self and others, recognizing that private and public interests are one and the same. It's about contributing to society, as well as making a profit. JOB SUMMARY and KEY OBJECTIVES The purpose of this position is to assist production in meeting all safety, quality, delivery and cost goals set by VBC Management. The individual will have knowledge of fermentation science and biochemical engineering principles, theory and practice with special focus on microbial fermentation operations in an industrial setting or a strong interest in acquiring such skills. The Pilot Plant Engineer will also act as mentor and leader to Production Specialists and Interns. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Support and comply with all safety and environmental training policies and programs
  • Optimize microbial fermentation processes of the existing fermentation products by conducting pilot (2L to 10,000L) fermentation experimentation.
  • Scale up new microbial fermentation processes from research to production.
  • Participate in new product development and realization projects
  • Track and trend yield and quality data for each fermentation batch for all products to identify and eliminate special cause variation and recommend continuous improvement projects
  • Identify, develop and implement creative practical solutions to improve the economics of the fermentation processes
  • Participate in cost-saving initiatives, and maintain or improve product quality and yield
  • Establish procedures to ensure efficient operation and maintenance of commercial-scale fermenters and all related fermentation equipment
  • Provide fermentation support to production
  • Advice and train plant operators, production specialists and supervisors
  • Foster a continuous process improvement environment and help implement new technologies
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES and TASKS
  • Mentor new employees and Interns.
  • Write, review and execute process validation procedures
  • Write, update and maintain production master batch records, work instructions and other standard operating procedures and training manuals
  • Chart, track and analyze other production data to recommend and implement lean manufacturing projects
  • Proactively identify problems and develop solutions to improve manufacturing operations and safety
  • Review and adjust cost standards/bill of materials
  • Assist production with troubleshooting, drive root cause analysis investigations and implement fail safe solutions as corrective/preventive actions (CAPA)
  • Other duties as required
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS and EDUCATION
  • BS in chemical engineering, bioengineering, biotechnology, biochemical engineering, biology, or other related fields is required, M.S. or Ph.D. preferred
  • Hands-on experience with industrial scale microbial fermentation processes or a strong interest in developing such skills is desired
  • Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Must be able to work independently and as a part of an interdisciplinary, diverse team
  • Good working knowledge of chemical and biochemical process unit operations is a plus
  • Excellent computer skills are desired
  • Working knowledge and understanding of process control and automation is a plus
  • Industrial scale hands-on plant experience with process optimization and Six Sigma experience is a plus
  • Must have flexibility to work some limited off-shift and weekend hours in order to support all production shifts when needed
What We Offer: You'll enjoy competitive compensation, consisting of base pay plus an incentive program available to all full-time employees, and a comprehensive benefits package including high-quality healthcare options, 401k matching, life and disability insurance, generous time off (with time off to volunteer) and much more! Additionally, we offer several Flexible Work Arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance. We work together to power our sustainable future. Here's what drives us: Sumitomo Biorational has a strong commitment to both sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR). In fact, being a responsible corporate citizen has been ingrained in our culture since the company's founding. Today, it remains at the forefront of everything we do.
  • Sumitomo Biorational Company is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation and/or identity, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, disabilities, or protected veteran status.
#LI-ONSITE #Sumitomo