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Fermentation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Archer Daniels Midland

Pilot Fermentation Engineer - Decatur, IL The Pilot Fermentation Engineer is responsible for supporting optimization projects and implementing new technologies in existing production and piloting ...

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Liberation Labs

Fermentation Specialist

Richmond, IN · On-site

Bachelors Degree in either Physical Science (such as Microbiology, Fermentation) or Engineering, isrequired. * 3+ years of hands-on experience withlab or pilot scale fermentationisrequired. * 5+ ...

Archer Daniels Midland

Position Summary The Research Cell Engineering team is recruiting a motivated industrial microbiology scientist to execute bench-scale fermentation experiments supporting critical biotechnology ...

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How much do fermentation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for fermentation engineer in the United States is $110,663.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,500.00 and $147,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Fermentation Engineer, you need a solid background in bioprocess engineering, microbiology, and chemical engineering, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with fermentation control systems, bioreactor operation, and analytical laboratory tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you optimize processes and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are vital to ensure efficient, safe, and high-quality fermentation processes in industries like biotech, food, and pharmaceuticals.

What are the most common challenges faced by Fermentation Engineers in scaling up processes from lab to production?

Fermentation Engineers often encounter challenges when scaling up processes from laboratory to industrial scale, such as maintaining consistent product yields, ensuring robust microbial performance, and managing contamination risks. Differences in equipment, mixing, oxygen transfer, and temperature control can significantly impact the reproducibility and efficiency of fermentation. To address these challenges, engineers work closely with cross-functional teams, including microbiologists, process engineers, and quality assurance, to optimize protocols and implement rigorous monitoring systems throughout scale-up.

What does a fermentation engineer do?

A fermentation engineer designs, develops, and optimizes fermentation processes to produce products such as biofuels, pharmaceuticals, or food ingredients. They work with microbiology, bioreactors, and process control systems, often requiring knowledge of chemical engineering and laboratory skills. Their role involves troubleshooting, scaling up production, and ensuring quality and safety standards are met.

What Does a Fermentation Engineer Do?

A fermentation engineer uses state-of-the-art technologies to formulate new products and refine the processes used in existing ones. Your responsibilities in this career include setting up and testing a process involving a microorganism, such as a yeast or a bacterium, in a fermentor to create new products. You use biotechnology techniques like recombinant DNA technology. Your duties also involve operating sophisticated equipment, such as bioreactors or robots. You can find employment in a wide range of industries, from food production to agriculture to medical science.

What is the difference between Fermentation Engineer vs Microbiologist?

AspectFermentation EngineerMicrobiologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field; experience in fermentation processesBachelor's or higher in Microbiology, Biology, or related field; laboratory skills
Work EnvironmentIndustrial labs, manufacturing plants, R&D facilitiesResearch labs, clinical labs, academic institutions
Industry UsageBiotech, pharmaceuticals, food & beverage, biofuel productionHealthcare, research, environmental studies, food safety

Fermentation Engineers focus on designing, optimizing, and scaling fermentation processes in industrial settings, while Microbiologists primarily conduct research and analysis of microorganisms in laboratory environments. Both roles require a strong background in microbiology, but Fermentation Engineers emphasize process engineering and production, whereas Microbiologists focus on scientific study and experimentation.

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Fermentation Engineer jobs near you

Fermentation Engineer

Sumitomo Chemical Group Companies of America

Osage, IA • On-site

$68K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 25 days ago

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