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Fermentation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 · 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 ...

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 ...

ADM

Ethanol Support Engineer - Decatur, IL

Decatur, IL

$90K - $144K/yr

Fermentation Scientist/Engineer - Decatur, ILADM Research & DevelopmentThis is an exempt level position.Position Summary:We are seeking an experienced fermentation scientist/engineer to lead the ...

Again

Production Process Engineer

Texas City, TX · On-site

Oversee production engineering for TXS-1, Again's first commercial gas fermentation plant * Manage engineers and technicians * Optimize and debottleneck production processes, particularly gas ...

Again

Sr. Production Process Engineer

Texas City, TX · On-site

$89K - $115K/yr

Oversee production engineering for TXS-1, Again's first commercial gas fermentation plant * Manage engineers and technicians * Optimize and debottleneck production processes, particularly gas ...

Mastech Digital

Project Engineer

Wahpeton, ND · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

We are currently seeking a Project Engineer for our client in the Fermentation Products Manufacturing domain. We value our professionals, providing comprehensive benefits and the opportunity for ...

Bluestem Biosciences

Senior Proccess Engineer

Omaha, NE · On-site

$99K - $128K/yr

You will collaborate closely with our internal strain design and fermentation teams and support the VP in managing technical collaborations with external engineering partners and CROs to drive the ...

Bluestem Biosciences

Senior Proccess Engineer

Omaha, NE · On-site

$99K - $128K/yr

You will collaborate closely with our internal strain design and fermentation teams and support the VP in managing technical collaborations with external engineering partners and CROs to drive the ...

Bluestem Biosciences

Senior Proccess Engineer

Omaha, NE · On-site

$99K - $128K/yr

You will collaborate closely with our internal strain design and fermentation teams and support the VP in managing technical collaborations with external engineering partners and CROs to drive the ...

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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 Jul 23, 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 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.
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What states have the most Fermentation Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Fermentation Engineer jobs include:
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What are popular job titles related to Fermentation Engineer jobs? For Fermentation Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Fermentation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fermentation Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,663 per year, or $53.2 per hour.
Ethanol Support Engineer - Decatur, IL

Ethanol Support Engineer - Decatur, IL

Archer Daniels Midland

Decatur, IL • On-site

$90K - $144K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

ADM rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 185 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

76th of 358 rated logistics

Job description


Fermentation Scientist/Engineer - Decatur, IL
ADM Research & Development
This is an exempt level position.
Position Summary:
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 expert with deep industry experience and a proven ability to translate bench-scale innovation into full-scale production success. This role will drive process improvements, troubleshoot complex challenges, and guide cross-functional teams in delivering high-impact results. The successful candidate will combine strong scientific and analytical skills with strategic project management and clear communication, ensuring research initiatives align with business objectives and deliver measurable value. The position will report to the Technical Director - Ethanol Research Support.
Job Responsibilities:
  • Provide value to ADM business units through research support of ethanol operations.
  • Collaborate with commercial and operational stakeholders to identify opportunities that add value through development and deployment of new technologies and process optimizations.
  • Create, evaluate and support deployment of new technologies and process optimizations at ethanol facilities.
  • Deliver technical leadership in the areas of plant operations and ethanol fermentation processes.
  • Assist with ethanol plant support requests, including plant visits, troubleshooting plant problems, and developing recommendations for solving fermentation issues.
  • Manage ethanol process optimization projects, and communicate outcomes and recommendations to plant operations and research team members.
Job Requirements:
These skills and experience will be required or useful for the candidate.
  • Education & Experience: PhD with 3+ years, MS with 10+ years, or BS with 15+ years of experience in fermentation science (microbiology, biochemistry, biotechnology, chemical engineering, or related disciplines).
  • Industry Expertise: 10+ years of hands-on experience in commercial or pilot-scale fermentation operations, or in a collaborative role supporting active fermentation facilities. Specific experience in industrial ethanol fermentations is highly preferred.
  • Technical Excellence: Proven ability to troubleshoot, optimize, and scale fermentation processes. Skill in working with industrial isolates of yeast is essential; additional fermentation experience with bacteria and fungi is a plus.
  • Leadership & Innovation: Recognized subject matter expert in commercial-scale ethanol fermentation design and optimization; capable of leading research initiatives from concept through implementation.
  • Project Management: Strong track record of managing complex projects-defining timelines, aligning objectives, and developing financial models to support recommendations.
  • Results Delivery: Demonstrated success in achieving project goals and clearly communicating outcomes to stakeholders across all levels of the organization.
  • Analytical Skills: Experienced in interpreting experimental data and developing protocols to support scale-up or scale-down of new technologies.
  • Collaboration & Communication: Excellent communicator with the ability to bridge technical and non-technical teams; thrives in multidisciplinary, cross-functional environments.
  • Technical Tools: Proficient in Microsoft Excel; experience with statistical software (e.g., JMP, Minitab) and OSI PI preferred.
  • Additional Expertise: Knowledge of enzyme technology and development is a plus.

Excited about this role but don't think you meet every requirement listed? We encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings.
ADM requires the successful completion of a background check.
REF:110164BR
About ADM
At ADM, we unlock the power of nature to provide access to nutrition worldwide. With industry-advancing innovations, a complete portfolio of ingredients and solutions to meet any taste, and a commitment to sustainability, we give customers an edge in solving the nutritional challenges of today and tomorrow. We're a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the world's premier agricultural origination and processing company. Our breadth, depth, insights, facilities and logistical expertise give us unparalleled capabilities to meet needs for food, beverages, health and wellness, and more. From the seed of the idea to the outcome of the solution, we enrich the quality of life the world over. Learn more at www.adm.com.
#IncludingYou
Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are cornerstones of ADM's efforts to continue innovating, driving growth, and delivering outstanding performance. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce and create welcoming, truly inclusive work environments - environments that enable every ADM colleague to feel comfortable on the job, make meaningful contributions to our success, and grow their career. We respect and value the unique backgrounds and experiences that each person can bring to ADM because we know that diversity of perspectives makes us better, together.
We welcome everyone to apply. We are committed to ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, language, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law
Benefits and Perks
Enriching the quality of life for the world begins by taking care of our colleagues. In addition to competitive pay, we support your diverse needs with a comprehensive total rewards package to enhance your well-being, including:
  • Physical wellness - medical/Rx, dental, vision and on-site wellness center access or gym reimbursement (as applicable).
  • Financial wellness - flexible spending accounts, health savings account, 401(k) with matching contributions and cash balance plan, discounted employee stock purchasing program, life insurance, disability, workers' compensation, legal assistance, identity theft protection.
  • Mental and social wellness - Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Colleague Giving Programs (ADM Cares).
Additional benefits include:
  • Paid time off including paid holidays.
  • Adoption assistance and paid maternity and parental leave.
  • Tuition assistance.
  • Company-sponsored training and development resources, such as LinkedIn Learning, language training and mentoring programs.
*Benefits may vary for bargained locations, confirm benefit eligibility with your recruiter.
Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours.
If hired, employees will be in an "at-will position" and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.
The pay range for this position is expected to be between:

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