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Fermentation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AB MAURI FOOD INC

Process Engineer

Memphis, TN · On-site

Provide technical leadership and engineering support to improve performance, reliability, and efficiency of fermentation and Packaging Operations. The Process Engineer will optimize manufacturing ...

AB MAURI FOOD INC

Process Engineer

Memphis, TN · On-site

Provide technical leadership and engineering support to improve performance, reliability, and efficiency of fermentation and Packaging Operations. The Process Engineer will optimize manufacturing ...

Archer Daniels Midland

We are seeking an experienced fermentation scientist/engineer to lead the design, optimization, and scale-up of commercial ethanol fermentation processes. The ideal candidate is a hands-on technical ...

ADM

Ethanol Support Engineer - Decatur, IL

Decatur, IL · On-site

$90K - $144K/yr

We are seeking an experienced fermentation scientist/engineer to lead the design, optimization, and scale-up of commercial ethanol fermentation processes. The ideal candidate is a hands-on technical ...

EKF DIAGNOSTICS INC

Bioprocess Engineer

South Bend, IN · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Provides technical leadership in microbial fermentation and bioprocess operations. This role ... Bachelor of Science degree in an Engineering discipline (Chemical, Biochemical, Bioengineering, or ...

EKF DIAGNOSTICS INC

Bioprocess Engineer

South Bend, IN

$75K - $95K/yr

Provides technical leadership in microbial fermentation and bioprocess operations. This role ... Bachelor of Science degree in an Engineering discipline (Chemical, Biochemical, Bioengineering, or ...

EKF Diagnostics Inc

Bioprocess Engineer

South Bend, IN · On-site

Provides technical leadership in microbial fermentation and bioprocess operations. This role ... Bachelor of Science degree in an Engineering discipline (Chemical, Biochemical, Bioengineering, or ...

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Fermentation Engineer information

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$41K

$110.7K

$150.5K

How much do fermentation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for fermentation engineer in the United States is $110,663.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,500.00 and $147,500.00 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 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, bioreactors, and process control systems, often requiring knowledge of chemical engineering and laboratory skills. Their role involves troubleshooting, scaling up production, and ensuring quality and safety standards are met.

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.

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Fermentation Engineer jobs near you

Senior/Principal Fermentation Scientist

The Fynder Group

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

As a Senior/Principal Fermentation Scientist, you will be the technical cornerstone of our bioprocess development team. This role is designed for a data-driven expert who thrives at the intersection of metabolic physiology and industrial scale-up. You will lead the design, optimization, and execution of fermentation processes with a specific focus on fungal systems and media formulation.
 
The ideal candidate is a "hands-on" leader who can translate complex biological data into robust, scalable processes and serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) during technology transfers to pilot and commercial scales.
 
Why Join Us?
You will have the opportunity to define the process architecture for a next-generation bio-product. We value technical rigor, intellectual curiosity, and a "roll-up-your-sleeves" mentality.
 
Key Responsibilities
 
1. Process & Media Design
  • Design and optimize high-productivity fermentation processes (batch, fed-batch, and continuous) tailored to fungal strains.
  • Develop specialized media formulations using a deep understanding of fungal physiology, nutrient requirements, and metabolic flux.
  • Characterize the impact of physical parameters (e.g., kLa, shear stress, dissolved oxygen) on fungal morphology and product titer.
2. Experimental Strategy & DOE
  • Utilize Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical software (e.g., JMP, Design-Expert) to accelerate process optimization and define design spaces.
  • Execute hands-on bench-top and pilot-scale fermentation runs, including bioreactor setup, sampling, and analytical troubleshooting.
  • Implement data-driven decision-making by integrating bioreactor data with metabolic profiling and proteomic/transcriptomic datasets.
3. Tech Transfer & Scale-Up (SME)
  • Act as the primary SME for technology transfer, moving processes from R&D to Pilot/CMO facilities.
  • Author comprehensive Tech Transfer Protocols, Batch Records, and SOPs.
  • Provide on-site support and troubleshooting during scale-up campaigns to ensure successful process implementation.
4. Cross-Functional Leadership
  • Collaborate closely with Strain Engineering to provide feedback on strain performance and metabolic bottlenecks.
  • Work with Downstream Processing (DSP) teams to ensure upstream parameters optimize recovery and purification efficiency.
  • Communicate technical findings clearly to both scientific peers and executive leadership.
 
Required Qualifications & Experience:
  • Education: Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Microbiology, Bioengineering, or a related field (with 3-5+ years of industry experience preferred). OR Master’s Degree (MS) with 10+ years of direct industrial experience in fermentation.
  • Fungal Expertise: Proven track record working with fungal strains (e.g., Aspergillus, Trichoderma, Pichia, or Yarrowia). Deep understanding of fungal morphology and its impact on broth rheology.
  • Hands-on Mastery: Extensive experience operating stirred-tank bioreactors (STRs) at the 1L to 1000L scale.
  • Statistical Proficiency: Advanced skills in DOE methodology and statistical data analysis.
Preferred Skills:
  • Experience with Continuous Fermentation at pilot and/or commercial scale
  • Knowledge of Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) to guide media cost optimization.
Benefits
  • Participation in Employee Stock Ownership Program
  • 100% paid employee benefits (medical, dental, vision)
  • Generous Parental leave policy
  • Engaging and dynamic work culture full of innovation and collaboration with your fellow Fynders
Commitment To Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, And Belonging:
  • The Fynder Group views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values
EEO Statement:
  • We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.