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Fermentation Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

$84K - $115K/yr

The ideal candidate will bring deep technical expertise in fermentation science, strong ... MS or PhD in Biological Sciences, Biological Engineering, or a related field, with at least 5 years ...

New

The Field Engineer, Operations Maintenance will provide mechanical, technical, and hands-on ... including fermentation, bioreactor, autoclaves, pure steam, WFI and associated biological ...

Fermentation Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$35.7K

$96.5K

$131.2K

How much do fermentation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for fermentation engineer in Michigan is $96,453.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,900.00 and $128,600.00 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 Michigan?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Fermentation Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,453 per year, or $46.4 per hour.

Senior Scientist - Biofermentation & Process Development

Evotec

On-site

$84K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Job Title: Senior Scientist – Biofermentation & Process Development  

About Us: this is who we are

At Evotec , we believe that curiosity is the spark that drives innovation and success. As a forward-thinking team, we thrive on challenging the status quo, learning from each other, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. We're on a mission to create a place where curiosity isn't just encouraged—it’s celebrated.

Are you someone who asks questions, seeks answers, and isn't afraid to go deeper?   #BeCureious with us and see where your curiosity can take you!

The Role: / your challenge, …in our journey

We’re looking for a passionate and curious Senior Scientist to join our Reagents team. If you’re excited by new challenges, solving complex problems, and learning every step of the way, you might just be the perfect fit. In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to drive impactful projects, collaborate with bright minds, and explore uncharted territories.

As a Senior Scientist at Evotec , you'll have the freedom to ask the hard questions, think outside the box, and find creative solutions that push us forward. It’s a role where your curiosity will fuel both your personal growth and the success of the team.

The successful candidate will join a Protein Science team of ~ 40 members and will be responsible for the expression, particularly fed-batch fermentation using Bioreactors, and purification of a diverse range of protein targets relevant to pharmaceutical research. The ideal candidate will bring deep technical expertise in fermentation science, strong problem‑solving skills, and the ability to work cross‑functionally in a fast‑paced, data‑driven environment. 

What You’ll Do:

  • Support project teams by conducting experiments according to defined objectives and timelines. 
  • Develop, optimize, and scale up fermentation processes  
  • Troubleshoot fermentations performances issues and implement process improvements and corrective measures 
  • Independently design experimental routes and implement risk-mitigation strategies; develop optimization and scale-up strategies to achieve project goals. 
  • Apply scientific knowledge to troubleshoot and resolve challenges, seeking input from line managers or team members when needed. 
  • Prepare written reports, present data, and collaborate with internal and external scientific partners. 
  • Present work at project-level and department-level technical meetings as required. 
  • Demonstrate full command of all techniques and tools relevant to assigned project responsibilities. 
  • Coach and mentor junior colleagues on experimental execution and design. 
  • Ensure safe laboratory practices for oneself and any direct reports, adhering fully to company safety policies (including COPs and SOPs). 
  • Stay current with scientific literature relevant to assigned projects. 
  • Maintain accurate and compliant documentation in accordance with Lab Notebook guidelines. 

Who You Are:  

  • MS or PhD in Biological Sciences, Biological Engineering, or a related field, with at least 5 years of relevant experience for MS candidates. 
  • Strong collaboration skills and ability to effectively partner with the Bioengineering, Expression, and Purification teams at Evotec. 
  • A dynamic, accurate, and innovative self-starter with a flexible, problem-solving mindset. 
  • Excellent attention to detail and adherence to standard operating procedures, with a commitment to producing high-quality documentation. 
  • Demonstrated proficiency in protein expression, including experience expressing diverse protein types in prokaryotic hosts. 
  • Experience with Biofermentation process design, development, and optimization for protein production  
  • Hands-on experience with fed-batch fermentations using mid-scale BioFlo bioreactors (5 L to 30 L - strongly preferred). 
  • Familiarity with high-throughput optimization of expression conditions, including solubility and activity screening, and strategies for increasing protein yield. 
  • Experience in protein purification using a wide range of methods and affinity tags  
  • Familiarity or proficiency with bioinformatics tools for construct design. 
  • Experience working in multidisciplinary teams. 
  • The ideal candidate should have demonstrated exceptional client orientation, ensuring clear communication and excellent service delivery. 
  • Strong documentation skills, including accurate notebook maintenance and the ability to present results internally and at client meetings. 

Why Join Us:

  • Growth Opportunities : We’re a company that believes in continuous learning and development. Whether it’s professional courses, mentorship, or new projects, we’ll help you grow.
  • Flexible Work Environment : We offer flexible work options to help you balance your professional and personal life. This role is site based.
  • Inclusive Culture : We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone’s voice is valued, and curiosity is encouraged.
  • Innovative Projects : You’ll have the chance to work on groundbreaking initiatives and cutting-edge technology in an atmosphere where your curiosity is the key to success.
  • A Place for Big Ideas : We don’t just talk about thinking outside the box—we throw the box away. If you’ve got ideas, we want to hear them.

Are You Still Curious?

If you’ve read this far, then chances are you’ve got a curious mind—just like us. So, what are you waiting for? Take the leap and apply today. We can’t wait to see where your curiosity leads you—and how it will shape the future of Evotec .

Let your curiosity guide your career—#BeCurious and explore the endless possibilities at Evotec!

The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be $ 80,750 to $109,250.Base salary offered may vary depending on the individual’s skills, experience and competitive market value. Additional total rewards include discretionary annual bonus, comprehensive benefits to include Medical, Dental and Vision, short-term and long-term disability, company paid basic life insurance, 401k company match, flexible work, generous paid time off and paid holiday, wellness and transportation benefits.

Evotec (US) Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, gender, age, disability, genetic information, gender expression, gender identity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status.