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Fermentation Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Bachelor's degree in relevant scientific, engineering or business discipline, MBA preferred. * Understanding of the fermentation processes used in the Plant Health industry is desired. * Demonstrated ...

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Fermentation Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$39.7K

$107.2K

$145.8K

How much do fermentation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for fermentation engineer in Illinois is $107,235.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,700.00 and $142,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 are popular job titles related to Fermentation Engineer jobs in Illinois?

For Fermentation Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Fermentation Engineer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Fermentation Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Fermentation Engineer jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Fermentation Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Fermentation Engineer jobs in IL?

For Fermentation Engineer jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Fermentation Engineer job openings in Illinois 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 $107,235 per year, or $51.6 per hour.

Maintenance Repair Technician

Phibro Animal Health Corporation

Chicago Heights, IL • On-site

$30 - $38/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Phibro Animal Health Corporation rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

About Phibro Animal Health Corporation
Phibro Animal Health Corporation is a publicly traded, global organization with a rich history in animal health and nutrition as a manufacturer and marketer of medicated feed additives, vaccines, nutritional specialty products, and mineral nutrition. We strive to be a trusted partner with livestock producers, farmers, veterinarians, and consumers who raise or care for farm and companion animals by providing solutions to help them maintain and enhance the health of their animals.
Phibro is a diversified company in manufacturing and marketing products for ethanol performance, microbials for plants, home and industrial applications, and specialty chemicals for various industrial markets. In addition to, Phibro's revenues are in excess of $1 billion and are supported by over 2,400 employees worldwide.
At Phibro, people are our greatest asset. We strive to develop a diverse workforce that fosters an environment where people feel supported in openly sharing their creativity and skills that allows them to be the most successful that they can be.
If you are interested in working for Phibro and feel that you do not meet all qualifications, we encourage you to apply as you might be the right candidate for this role or other positions.
The Maintenance Repair Technician is an integral part of our Maintenance team based out of our US - Chicago Heights, IL site.
Hourly rate range for this position is $30.00 - $38.00
Position Details
The position will be responsible for the safe and overall efficient operation of the production line equipment, tow motors, and facilities. Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Key Responsibilities
  • Performing preventive maintenance, repairs, improvements, and modifications to production, utility, and facility equipment including but not limited to: fermenters, drying equipment, baggers, palletizers, pumps, air compressors, boilers, and other mechanical equipment.
  • Provides training with respect to the maintenance of mechanical equipment and systems in compliance with company standards, procedures, and government regulations (SOPs, GMPs, GLPs, PSM, etc).
  • Serves as maintenance advisor to provide input to projects in areas of equipment design, parts and material selection, documentation, testing, problem solving, maintenance requirements, project scope, and follow-up.
  • Responsible to assist with priority assessment and decision making as it relates to troubleshooting and diagnostics of equipment operations. Works closely with operations to determine root cause and establish proper corrective actions.
  • Conducts assembly, repair, and proactive maintenance for packaging, fermentation, utility, and facility equipment and systems in a cost-effective manner.
  • Proactively reviews equipment operation to determine any deficiencies or improvements to aid with increasing OEE.
  • Read and understand drawings / blueprints, utilizing this knowledge for the installation / repair of new and existing equipment.
  • Use of precision measuring devices and the ability to use machinist's shop tools.

Key Competencies
Attendance and Punctuality
Collaborative
Delivering High Quality Work
Following Policies and Procedures
Initiative and Responsibility
Managing Time
Performing Physical or Mechanical Tasks
Prioritizing and Organizing Work
Working Safely
Skills
Must have acceptable attendance to meet all company standards and requirements.
Proven ability to coordinate many activities and multi-task.
Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment.
General maintenance skills
Able to satisfactorily complete all safety related training required to execute job functions.
Technical Skills Requirements
  • A valid driver's license is required for this position in order to operate company vehicles.
  • A good understanding of the pharmaceutical/bio-technology industry and operations of the organization along with technical proficiency.
  • Demonstrated knowledge in relevant technical areas.
  • Solid understanding of GMP manufacturing processes, equipment and facilities.
  • Cognizance of the state-of-the-art technology in the industry to ensure the company utilizes current technology.
  • Good communication and organizational skills as well as the ability to interact with all levels of the Phibro organization.
  • Position requires daily or frequent interaction with Engineering Director, Maintenance Supervisor, Maintenance Manager, Production Management and Supervision, Engineers, Quality Operations, Maintenance Technicians, Production Operators, Contractors, and Vendors.
  • Willingness to assist other technicians with work tasks as needed; a solid team player.
  • Can analyze problems and provide support in determining appropriate corrective and preventative actions, with minimal assistance.
  • Capable of simultaneously managing multiple assignments. Prioritizes own work. Flexible and responsive to changes.
  • Computer proficiency with email; internet/online training; working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel.

Education & Experience
Journeyman Certificate with 3 - 5 years experience in a manufacturing environment or a Technical/Vocational School diploma with 5 - 8 years of machine repair or machinist related work experience.
Physical Requirements
Reach upward
Required to bend occasionally
Required to climb occasionally
Required to lift or carry 21 to 50 lbs
Required to squat or kneel frequently
Required to talk or hear constantly
Required to use hands constantly
To learn more about Phibro Animal Health's competitive benefits package, please click here: Phibro Benefits.
Phibro is an Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, marital status or any other characteristics protected by law.
Business Unit: Animal Health & Mineral Nutrition
Division: Animal Health & Nutrition
Department: Maintenance
Location: US - Chicago Heights, IL
Work Schedule: 2nd Shift

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