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Fermentation Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Oath

Fermentation Scientist

Vacaville, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

The Fermentation Scientist will develop, optimize, and scale microbial fermentation processes ... Experience managing R&D vendors, CROs, CDMOs, or other external technical partners is a plus.

Oath

Fermentation Scientist

Vacaville, CA · Hybrid

$100K - $130K/yr

The Fermentation Scientist will develop, optimize, and scale microbial fermentation processes ... Experience managing R&D vendors, CROs, CDMOs, or other external technical partners is a plus.

Duckhorn Wine Company

Harvest Cellar Intern

Napa, CA · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Interns will assist with grape processing, fermentation management, and our extensive barrel program, in addition to other essential cellar responsibilities. What we will ask you to do: * Sanitation ...

Winery Division

Harvest Intern

Napa, CA · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Fermentation management * Barrel shepherding, racking, and filling * Berry maturation sampling * Introductory bench chemistry * Forklift operation Qualifications: The ideal candidate can maintain a ...

Aemetis

Be Seen First

Quality Manager

Keyes, CA · On-site

$115K - $125K/yr

The Quality Manager plays a lead role in monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimizing the fermentation process. The Quality Manager also oversees all quality certification/accreditation programs and ...

BioMADE

Process Engineer

Hayward, CA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

With the Technical Lab Manager, support planning and assessment of laboratory trials as required using bench-scale fermentation and downstream equipment to: * Demonstrate the viability of client ...

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Fermentation Manager information

What does a fermentation manager do?

A Fermentation Manager oversees the fermentation process in industries such as food, beverage, or biotechnology. They are responsible for monitoring and optimizing fermentation parameters, ensuring product quality, managing staff, and troubleshooting any issues that arise during production. Additionally, they maintain compliance with safety and regulatory standards, manage inventory, and often collaborate with research and development teams to improve processes. The role requires a strong understanding of microbiology and process engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fermentation manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fermentation Manager, you need a solid background in microbiology, biochemistry, or chemical engineering, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in industrial fermentation. Familiarity with fermentation control systems, laboratory analysis tools, and quality assurance protocols is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help manage teams and optimize production processes. These skills are crucial for ensuring consistent product quality, regulatory compliance, and efficient operations in fermentation-based industries.

What are some common challenges a fermentation manager faces when scaling up production, and how are they addressed?

A Fermentation Manager often encounters challenges when scaling up production, such as maintaining consistency in product quality and managing contamination risks. Variations in temperature, pH, and nutrient supply can impact fermentation outcomes at larger volumes. To address these, managers implement rigorous process controls, closely monitor critical parameters, and frequently collaborate with quality assurance and process engineering teams. Regular training and clear communication across departments are also essential to ensure smooth and efficient scale-up operations.

What cities in California are hiring for Fermentation Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Fermentation Manager job openings:

Fermentation Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fermentation Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Fermentation Scientist

Oath

Vacaville, CA • On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

About Oath:
Oath is a leading microbial sciences company that utilizes natural soil biology to offer innovative solutions to some of the most critical challenges facing our planet - the climate crisis and the shift to sustainable agriculture. We imagine a world where these crises are not just alleviated, but reversed, replenishing Earth's microbiomes.
Our solution has moved beyond the lab and into real-world deployment, focused on improving farmer livelihoods with teams in Rwanda, Europe, the United States, and expanding. When you join Oath, you become part of a collaborative network that prioritizes high quality scientific work. You will be working alongside trained scientists, talented commercial teams, and a broad network of partners-an ecosystem designed to help you do your best work and grow your capabilities.
Position Summary:
The Fermentation Scientist will develop, optimize, and scale microbial fermentation processes across submerged liquid fermentation (SmF), solid-state fermentation (SSF), and downstream processing (DSP). This role will have a particular focus on Streptomyces and will help translate laboratory processes into robust, scalable manufacturing processes.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Develop and optimize submerged liquid fermentation and solid-state fermentation processes.
  • Design and execute fermentation experiments from bench scale through scale-up.
  • Develop robust cultivation processes for Streptomyces and other microbial strains.
  • Optimize media, inoculum strategies, growth conditions, productivity, yield, and process consistency.
  • Develop and improve downstream processing (DSP) approaches for microbial biomass and product recovery.
  • Troubleshoot fermentation and DSP performance and identify key drivers of process variability.
  • Support process scale-up and technology transfer to internal manufacturing teams and external CDMOs.
  • Develop process documentation, protocols, batch records, and technical reports.
  • Analyze experimental and manufacturing data and translate findings into actionable process improvements.
  • Collaborate closely with microbiology, formulation, manufacturing, quality, and external partners.

Qualifications:
  • PhD with 1-5 years of relevant industry experience in microbiology, biotechnology, biochemical engineering, fermentation science, or a related field.
  • Hands-on experience with submerged liquid fermentation and solid-state fermentation.
  • Experience cultivating Streptomyces or closely related filamentous microorganisms.
  • Experience with downstream processing (DSP) and microbial biomass or product recovery.
  • Experience with fermentation scale-up and technology transfer is a plus.
  • Experience managing R&D vendors, CROs, CDMOs, or other external technical partners is a plus.
  • Ability to travel up to 10% of the time domestically and internationally (Europe & Africa).
  • Familiarity with GoogleSuite, Excel, Slack and similar tools is a plus

Location: Hybrid, Regular laboratory presence at Oath's Vacaville, California site (at least 3 days per week).
Job Type: Full-time, exempt position in the United States. At this time, Oath, Inc. is not able to provide visa sponsorship or work authorization support.
Compensation: $100,000 - $130,000/year + equity
Benefits:
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Stock options

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