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Biochemistry 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 ...

Element Biosciences

Scientist, Biochemistry

San Diego, CA · On-site

$116K - $149K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Scientist, Biochemistry to join our Research and Development team ... This position will work closely with scientists and engineers across chemistry, molecular biology ...

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Biochemistry Engineer information

See California salary details

$36.5K

$86.1K

$134.7K

How much do biochemistry engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for biochemistry engineer in California is $86,077.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,500.00 and $96,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a biochemistry engineer?

Biochemistry engineers are professionals who apply engineering principles to biological and chemical processes, often to develop products or technologies in fields such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and environmental science. They work on designing, optimizing, and scaling up processes that involve biological organisms or molecules, such as producing medicines, biofuels, or food additives. Their role bridges the gap between biology, chemistry, and engineering, requiring knowledge of all three disciplines. Biochemistry engineers may work in research, development, manufacturing, or quality assurance within various industries.

How do biochemistry engineers typically collaborate with cross-functional teams in research and development projects?

Biochemistry Engineers frequently work alongside scientists, process engineers, quality control specialists, and regulatory professionals to drive research and development projects. They contribute their expertise in biochemical processes, helping to design experiments, analyze data, and scale up laboratory findings to industrial applications. Regular meetings, collaborative troubleshooting, and interdisciplinary brainstorming sessions are common, ensuring that all aspects of product development—from concept to commercialization—are aligned. This collaborative environment fosters innovative solutions and provides opportunities to learn from other disciplines.

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

To thrive as a Biochemistry Engineer, you need a strong background in biochemistry, chemical engineering principles, and laboratory techniques, typically supported by a relevant degree such as a BSc or MSc in Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with analytical instruments (like HPLC, mass spectrometry), laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and certifications such as Six Sigma or GLP/GMP compliance are often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure the accurate development and optimization of biochemical processes, as well as collaboration across multidisciplinary teams for successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Biochemistry Engineer vs Chemical Engineer?

AspectBiochemistry EngineerChemical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Biochemistry, Chemical, or Biological EngineeringBachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, biotech companiesRefineries, manufacturing plants, chemical processing facilities
Industry UsageBiotech, pharmaceuticals, healthcarePetrochemical, manufacturing, process industries

Biochemistry Engineers focus on biological processes and work mainly in biotech and healthcare sectors, while Chemical Engineers deal with chemical processes in industrial settings. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in their application areas and work environments.

Are biochemistry engineers in high demand?

Biochemistry engineers are in growing demand due to advances in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare industries. They often work in research labs, manufacturing, and quality control, with employment prospects influenced by scientific innovation and regulatory developments.

What do you do as a biochemistry engineer?

A biochemistry engineer develops and applies chemical and biological processes to create products such as pharmaceuticals, biofuels, and medical devices. They often work in laboratories or manufacturing settings, utilizing skills in laboratory techniques, data analysis, and process optimization to improve product quality and efficiency.

What are popular job titles related to Biochemistry Engineer jobs in California?

For Biochemistry Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Biochemistry Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Biochemistry Engineer jobs in California are:

Biochemistry Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Biochemistry Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,077 per year, or $41.4 per hour.

Process Engineer II

Hilmar Cheese Company

Hilmar, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

At Hilmar Cheese Company we improve lives around the world through wholesome dairy products. Since our founding in 1984, Hilmar Cheese Company has been committed to innovation and sustainability. Our state-of-the art production facilities convert an abundance of locally sourced high-quality milk into a variety of nutritious cheeses, whey protein and lactose. The Cheese and Ingredients that we produce create a wide variety of retail and food service products from sliced and shredded cheeses, to protein supplements and infant formula. We are a trusted partner to premier food and beverage brands in more than fifty countries helping bring their vision into reality.

Throughout our decades of success and growth we have remained committed to our mission and values and these principles unite our people and guide all that we do.

A Typical Day

The Process Engineer II is responsible for supporting the Company's strategic objectives through development of the optimum, most cost-effective process technologies used to manufacture Hilmar's products to enhance profitability, market position, and growth. This position will provide Process Engineering support on all aspects of the manufacturing process: maximizing productivity, reducing operating costs, and improving process sustainability through energy and water usage reduction. The work includes troubleshooting problems in existing processes, finding optimization opportunities that improve process capability, evaluating new technologies to determine their applicability, cost, and benefits to Hilmar, and designing new and/or improved processing lines. The Process Engineer II will focus on a specific manufacturing site and/or business area, provide support to other sites on discrete projects, as well as develop specialties based on business needs and accumulated work experience.

Job Responsibilities
  • Be a critical contributor to manufacturing site Process Improvement teams to deliver industry leading products and processes that help drive the business forward in its quest for operational excellence.
  • Spends time in production plants, identifying operational pain points and reviewing performance data to find opportunities to improve yield, quality, and throughput.
  • Lead troubleshooting of persistent, complex operational issues, providing win:win solutions that balance multiple KPIs and optimize total cost of ownership. Implement these in a manner that makes it easier for the business to execute and deliver value successfully and sustainably.
  • Works with appropriate cross-functional teams such as Operations, FSQA, Training, Maintenance, Engineering, or Operational Technology to implement changes.
  • Develop and implement process control strategies aimed at improving results and reducing process variability. Collaborate with Controls Engineers to test, debug, and deploy control programs effectively.
  • Lead Process Engineering components of new product development, experimental equipment and design, and plant trials. Utilize insights gained to guide final process design and commercialization.
  • Partnering with Project Engineering and cross-functional teams on capital projects, provide design decisions in new Process design. Develop P&IDs, perform mass balances, and develop functional descriptions. Ensure project design aligns with the project's business objectives.
  • Lead the Commissioning, Qualification, and Validation (CQV) process within asset / capital investment projects to ensure successful execution, on-time startup, and delivery of business objectives.
  • Effectively document learnings and best practices; provide technical training to business stakeholders.
  • Stay up to date on latest available technologies, industry direction, and trends to continuously improve HCC's technology portfolio. Manage Hilmar's trade secrets and competitive advantage appropriately.
  • This role supports a primary manufacturing site, but may require 20 - 40% travel depending on business need and project activity. 
What You Will Need
  • B.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 manufacturing experience.
  • Ability to complete energy and mass balances
  • Ability to collect and analyze production data using statistical techniques
  • Ability to effectively summarize and present technical information to a variety of audiences
  • Experience with writing functional descriptions of physical processes
  • Ability to develop operational models of plant processes
  • MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint at intermediate level
What Will Put You Ahead
  • B.S. in Chemical or Biochemical Engineering, or other Engineering field plus 4 years' manufacturing experience, or M.S. in Chemical or Biochemical Engineering, or other Engineering field plus 3 years' manufacturing experience
  • Knowledge of unit operations commonly found in the food industry and waste-water treatment
  • Experience with clean-in-place (CIP) system design and operational principles
  • Certification or direct experience with Problem Solving methodologies (ex: Root Cause Analysis)
  • Knowledge of CQV (Commissioning, Qualification, Validation) criteria development and implementation
  • Experience with statistical analysis or process simulation software
  • Leadership and teambuilding skills
Physical Demands & Work Environment

The work is primarily performed in an office environment and the physical demands are characteristic of a mostly sedentary role. Specific details of the essential functions of the position are available in the Job Safety Analysis, made available on request. 

Food safety is a companywide responsibility and each employee must know their role in the manufacture and distribution of safe, wholesome, and high quality products.

This description is a general statement and does not include other duties as assigned

Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer/EEO. We participate in E-Verify.

English Information | Spanish Information

Salary Range: USD ($75,539.00 - $113,309.00) ANN 

The final compensation offered within this range will depend on factors including the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

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