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Fermentation Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Page Group

Plant Director

Rochester, MN · On-site

$180K - $239K/yr

... engineering and maintenance programs, safety programs and shipping/receiving logistics for a site ... Expertise in downstream process fermentation broths, including centrifugation, filtration ...

All JobsFermentation Engineer JobsFermentation Engineer Jobs in Minnesota

Fermentation Engineer information

See Minnesota salary details

$40.2K

$108.4K

$147.4K

How much do fermentation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for fermentation engineer in Minnesota is $108,384.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,600.00 and $144,500.00 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 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.
More about Fermentation Engineer jobs
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What job categories do people searching Fermentation Engineer jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Fermentation Engineer jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Fermentation Engineer jobs in MN? For Fermentation Engineer jobs in MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Fermentation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fermentation Engineer job openings in Minnesota 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 $108,384 per year, or $52.1 per hour.

Plant Director

Page Group

Rochester, MN • On-site

$180K - $239K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

The role will include primary responsibility for all local operations and staff, production plans, engineering and maintenance programs, safety programs and shipping/receiving logistics for a site with a staff of approximately 100 full-time employees. Client Details A global company in the ingredients manufacturing sector. Description Develops and implements group procedures and policies in order to effectively direct, control, optimize, and monitor the production of fermentation-derived clean label preservatives. A successful candidate will bring technical expertise in fermentation and fermentation operations, with experience running both aseptic and hygienic fermentation processes. Expertise in downstream process fermentation broths, including centrifugation, filtration, evaporation and spray drying is also preferred. The candidate must also possess strong people leadership skills and be able to work across cross-functional teams spanning Manufacturing, Process Sciences, R&D, Supply Chain and Finance. This role will also partner closely with Product Management to identify and prioritize production plans to ensure key business priorities are met. Thus, a strong business acumen and the ability to communicate cross-functional is essential for the role. He/She will also partner directly with the BioFermentation business and Process Technology leadership to deliver on the growth strategy for the pillar, build out our fermentation-based capabilities and ensure that resources are effectively deployed to the most strategic areas. Profile A successful Plant Director should have: BS Degree Required/ Master Degree Preferred. Strong people leadership skills and ability to work cross functionally Proven technical knowledge and skills of the fermentation process Local to or willing to relocate to Rochester, MN Job Offer Competitive salary ranging from $180,000 to $239,000 annually. Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Annual bonus HSA and FSA Generous paid time off policy 401k matching Opportunity to lead and make a significant impact in a key role within the ingredients industry. MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.

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