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Fermentation Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Scientist II - Decatur, IL

Decatur, IL · On-site

$60K - $92K/yr

Collaborate with chemists, engineers, data scientists, and operations partners on cross ... PreferredExperience with food, feed, fermentation, or agricultural matrices.Interest in continued ...

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 ...

Showing results 41-53

Fermentation Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$39.7K

$107.2K

$145.8K

How much do fermentation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 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 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 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 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 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,235 per year, or $51.6 per hour.

Innovation Scientist

Sensient Technologies Corporation

Hoffman Estates, IL • On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 2 days ago


Sensient Technologies rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description


Innovation Scientist
At Sensient BioNutrients, we develop and manufacture yeast and plant-derived extracts for use in Human, Plant and Animal Nutrition applications.
We are seeking an Innovation Scientist to help support the BioNutrients Division in the areas of New Product Development and Biological Process Improvement. This role works closely with senior scientists to conduct experimental work, maintain laboratory operations, perform analytical testing, and ensure accurate documentation of results.
As an Innovation Scientist, you will:
• Execute laboratory experiments and process trials designed by senior scientists.
• Prepare media, reagents, and samples following established protocols.
• Perform routine laboratory analyses using analytical techniques as needed (e.g., spectrophotometry, pH, microscopy).
• Accurately document experimental procedures, observations, and results, and analyze data to draw conclusions.
• Participate in project meetings and communicate experimental progress and findings to internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage laboratory inventory, including ordering chemicals, consumables, and laboratory supplies
Requirements:
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biology, or a related scientific discipline
• 1-5 years of experience in a laboratory research setting
• Demonstrated experience with fermentation, enzymatic reactions, and analytical instruments like HPLC
• Required: strong laboratory technique and attention to detail
• Ability to execute experiments independently while following established protocols
• Team-oriented mindset with a commitment to scientific excellence and continuous improvement
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
What you will get:
• A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including 401(k), stock purchase plans, and more, designed to support your financial and personal well-being.
• Access to ongoing professional development with a thorough onboarding process and continuous training opportunities to help you grow in your career.
• The chance to be part of a team that values creativity, curiosity, and practical innovation
• A culture that encourages you to take ownership of your work and make an impact
• Opportunities to engage with global teams and build meaningful relationships across disciplines
• This position is based on site at our location, where hands-on work, in-person collaboration, and access to specialized equipment are key to success.
About Sensient
Sensient Technologies Corporation is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of colors, flavors, and extracts. Sensient employs advanced technologies at facilities around the world to develop specialty food and beverage systems, cosmetic and pharmaceutical systems, specialty colors, and other specialty and fine chemicals. The Company's customers include major international manufacturers representing most of the world's best-known brands.
About Sensient Global BioNutrients:
Sensient Global BioNutrients provides a broad portfolio of consistent, innovative, and tailored nutrient solutions to meet your diverse application needs and deliver value through improved productivity, processing time and product performance.
The salary range for this position is $70,000 - $75,000 USD. Pay within the range is based on several factors, which may include, but are not limited to, education, work experience, specialized training, and labor market conditions. In addition to salary, Sensient is proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits program to support the holistic well-being of our employees and their families.
THIRD PARTY AGENCY: Any unsolicited submissions received from recruitment agencies will be considered property of Sensient Technologies, and we will not be liable for any fees or obligations related to those submissions.
Sensient is an Equal Opportunity Employer, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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