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Fermentation Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Iff

Team Lead - Fermentation Lab

Palo Alto, CA

$74K - $93K/yr

... engineering, or a related field - Strong hands-on experience with fermentation or bioprocess laboratory operations - Solid understanding of fermentation workflows, equipment, and laboratory best ...

ProFarm

Intern, Bioprocess

Davis, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

... fermentation samples QUALIFICATIONS: • College student, preferably enrolled in biology, biotechnology, chemical engineering or related fields. • Ability to work flexible hours ESSENTIAL MENTAL ...

The Rockridge Group

Software Engineer II

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

Software Engineer II RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT - BIOINFORMATICS AND SOFTWARE ENGINEERING We are ... Client X manufactures sustainable plant-derived ingredients using fermentation-based technology to ...

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Fermentation Engineer information

See California salary details

$40.5K

$109.2K

$148.5K

How much do fermentation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for fermentation engineer in California is $109,213.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,300.00 and $145,600.00 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 engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and relevant certifications. Leadership roles like engineering managers or directors in high-demand industries can also reach or exceed this salary level.

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, biochemistry, and process control tools to ensure efficient and consistent production, often operating in laboratory or manufacturing environments and requiring knowledge of sterile techniques and process monitoring.

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.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and often leadership roles or working in high-paying industries.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding managerial or executive positions, or possessing rare technical expertise and certifications.
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Fermentation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fermentation Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,213 per year, or $52.5 per hour.
Team Lead - Fermentation Lab

Team Lead - Fermentation Lab

International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

$74K - $93K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

International Flavors & Fragrances rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

86th of 535 rated manufacturers

Job description

Job Summary
Are you passionate about fermentation and ready to combine hands-on lab work with people and operational leadership?
IFF is a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients and health & biosciences. We deliver sustainable innovations that elevate everyday products.
Health & Biosciences: Channeling our passion for nature and bioscience into sustainable, life-enhancing technologies that power innovative solutions across healthcare, food, consumer, and industrial markets.
The role is based in Palo Alto, CA (on-site). You will join a collaborative, safety-focused, hands-on team where technical expertise and operational excellence are highly valued.
Where You'll Make a Difference
- Oversee daily fermentation laboratory operations, spending the majority of time supporting and executing work on the lab floor
- Actively participate in hands-on fermentation activities, including setup, monitoring, sampling, and troubleshooting
- Ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality execution of fermentation processes and experiments
- Provide day-to-day guidance and support to fermentation technicians during lab activities
- Manage administrative responsibilities, including employee management, scheduling, and performance support
- Oversee equipment readiness, usage, and coordination of maintenance within the fermentation lab
- Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and documentation standards
- Partner with scientists and cross-functional teams to support development, optimization, and scale-up efforts
What Makes You the Right Fit
- Bachelor's degree in biotechnology, microbiology, biochemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field
- Strong hands-on experience with fermentation or bioprocess laboratory operations - Solid understanding of fermentation workflows, equipment, and laboratory best practices
- Experience working in lab environments with a strong focus on safety and quality
- Ability to balance hands-on technical work with administrative responsibilities
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail - Effective communication skills and ability to collaborate across teams
How Would You Stand Out?
- Previous experience leading, mentoring, or coordinating laboratory technicians
- Exposure to pilot-scale or industrial fermentation environments
- Flexibility in working hours to support laboratory and operational needs when required
Why Choose Us?
- Opportunity to remain deeply hands-on while developing leadership capabilities
- Collaborative and inclusive work environment
- Exposure to innovative fermentation technologies and projects
- Professional development and learning opportunities
- Competitive compensation and benefits
- Strong commitment to safety, quality, and sustainability
We are a global leader in taste, scent, and nutrition, offering our customers a broader range of natural solutions and accelerating our growth strategy. At IFF, we believe that your uniqueness unleashes our potential. We value the diverse mosaic of the ethnicity, national origin, race, age, sex, or veteran status. We strive for an inclusive workplace that allows each of our colleagues to bring their authentic self to work regardless of their religion, gender identity & expression, sexual orientation, or disability.
Visit IFF.com/careers/workplace-diversity-and-inclusion to learn more
Salary Ranges:
$74872- $93590

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