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Fermentation Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Iff

Team Lead - Fermentation Lab

Palo Alto, CA

$74K - $93K/yr

... management, scheduling, and performance support - Oversee equipment readiness, usage, and ... the fermentation lab - Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and documentation standards ...

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 ...

Aemetis

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 ...

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Fermentation Manager information

What education is needed to be a fermentation scientist?

A fermentation scientist typically requires at least a bachelor's degree in microbiology, biochemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field. Advanced roles may require a master's or Ph.D., along with knowledge of fermentation processes, laboratory skills, and experience with fermentation equipment and analysis tools.

What is the highest paying job in food technology?

In food technology, the highest paying roles are often senior positions such as Food Technology Directors or R&D Directors, which can earn six-figure salaries. These roles typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership skills in product development, quality assurance, or manufacturing management.

What is the highest paying job in food engineering?

In food engineering, senior roles such as Food Engineering Director or Food Processing Plant Manager tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $120,000 annually. These positions require extensive experience, leadership skills, and knowledge of food safety regulations and process optimization.

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.

How much does a fermentation scientist make?

A fermentation scientist's salary typically ranges from $50,000 to $90,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in bioprocessing or laboratory techniques can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $100,000.
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Team Lead - Fermentation Lab

Team Lead - Fermentation Lab

International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

$74K - $93K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

International Flavors & Fragrances rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

85th of 535 rated manufacturers

Job description

Job Summary
Are you passionate about fermentation and ready to combine hands-on lab work with people and operational leadership?
IFF is a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients and health & biosciences. We deliver sustainable innovations that elevate everyday products.
Health & Biosciences: Channeling our passion for nature and bioscience into sustainable, life-enhancing technologies that power innovative solutions across healthcare, food, consumer, and industrial markets.
The role is based in Palo Alto, CA (on-site). You will join a collaborative, safety-focused, hands-on team where technical expertise and operational excellence are highly valued.
Where You'll Make a Difference
- Oversee daily fermentation laboratory operations, spending the majority of time supporting and executing work on the lab floor
- Actively participate in hands-on fermentation activities, including setup, monitoring, sampling, and troubleshooting
- Ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality execution of fermentation processes and experiments
- Provide day-to-day guidance and support to fermentation technicians during lab activities
- Manage administrative responsibilities, including employee management, scheduling, and performance support
- Oversee equipment readiness, usage, and coordination of maintenance within the fermentation lab
- Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and documentation standards
- Partner with scientists and cross-functional teams to support development, optimization, and scale-up efforts
What Makes You the Right Fit
- Bachelor's degree in biotechnology, microbiology, biochemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field
- Strong hands-on experience with fermentation or bioprocess laboratory operations - Solid understanding of fermentation workflows, equipment, and laboratory best practices
- Experience working in lab environments with a strong focus on safety and quality
- Ability to balance hands-on technical work with administrative responsibilities
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail - Effective communication skills and ability to collaborate across teams
How Would You Stand Out?
- Previous experience leading, mentoring, or coordinating laboratory technicians
- Exposure to pilot-scale or industrial fermentation environments
- Flexibility in working hours to support laboratory and operational needs when required
Why Choose Us?
- Opportunity to remain deeply hands-on while developing leadership capabilities
- Collaborative and inclusive work environment
- Exposure to innovative fermentation technologies and projects
- Professional development and learning opportunities
- Competitive compensation and benefits
- Strong commitment to safety, quality, and sustainability
We are a global leader in taste, scent, and nutrition, offering our customers a broader range of natural solutions and accelerating our growth strategy. At IFF, we believe that your uniqueness unleashes our potential. We value the diverse mosaic of the ethnicity, national origin, race, age, sex, or veteran status. We strive for an inclusive workplace that allows each of our colleagues to bring their authentic self to work regardless of their religion, gender identity & expression, sexual orientation, or disability.
Visit IFF.com/careers/workplace-diversity-and-inclusion to learn more
Salary Ranges:
$74872- $93590

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