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Fermentation Process Engineer Jobs in California

BioMADE

Shift Supervisor

Hayward, CA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

... process engineers and operators to build the foundational systems-procedures, batch records ... fermentation and downstream processing trials. The role reports to the Operations Manager and ...

The Rockridge Group

Software Engineer II

Emeryville, CA

$112K - $154K/yr

Client X manufactures sustainable plant-derived ingredients using fermentation-based technology to ... processes to deliver high quality ingredients to our customers. Among the tools we have developed ...

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All JobsFermentation Process Engineer JobsFermentation Process Engineer Jobs in California

Fermentation Process Engineer information

See California salary details

$48.9K

$90.8K

$140.6K

How much do fermentation process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for fermentation process engineer in California is $90,813.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $101,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Fermentation Process Engineers during scale-up from lab to production?

Fermentation Process Engineers often encounter challenges when scaling up processes from the lab or pilot scale to full production, such as maintaining consistent product yields, ensuring sterility, and achieving optimal mixing and oxygen transfer. Differences in equipment size and configuration can affect heat and mass transfer rates, making it necessary to adjust parameters and monitor the process closely. Effective communication with cross-functional teams, including microbiologists and production operators, is crucial to address these issues and implement solutions promptly.

What is the difference between Fermentation Process Engineer vs Microbiologist?

AspectFermentation Process EngineerMicrobiologist
CredentialsBachelor's in Chemical, Biochemical, or related engineering fieldBachelor's or higher in Microbiology or related science
Work EnvironmentIndustrial fermentation facilities, manufacturing plantsResearch labs, clinical or environmental settings
Industry UsageBiotech, pharmaceuticals, food & beverage manufacturingResearch institutions, biotech, healthcare
Common Search IntentOptimizing fermentation processes, scale-upStudying microbial behavior, research

While both roles involve microbiology, the Fermentation Process Engineer focuses on designing, optimizing, and scaling fermentation processes in industrial settings. In contrast, Microbiologists primarily conduct research and study microorganisms, often in lab environments. The engineer's role is more application-driven within manufacturing, whereas microbiologists focus on scientific understanding.

What does a Fermentation Process Engineer do?

A Fermentation Process Engineer specializes in designing, optimizing, and overseeing the industrial fermentation processes used to produce products such as pharmaceuticals, food additives, biofuels, and chemicals. Their responsibilities include scaling up laboratory processes to industrial levels, monitoring process parameters, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring that production meets quality and safety standards. They often work closely with microbiologists, chemists, and production teams to improve yields and efficiency while minimizing costs and environmental impact.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Fermentation Process Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fermentation Process Engineer, you need a strong background in chemical engineering, microbiology, or biotechnology, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with bioreactor systems, process control software, and statistical analysis tools, as well as certifications like Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing, is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you collaborate with cross-functional teams and troubleshoot complex processes. These skills are essential to optimize production, ensure product quality, and drive innovation in fermentation-based manufacturing.
What are popular job titles related to Fermentation Process Engineer jobs in California? For Fermentation Process Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Fermentation Process Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Fermentation Process Engineer jobs in California are:
Fermentation Process Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fermentation Process Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 90% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,813 per year, or $43.7 per hour.
Shift Supervisor

Shift Supervisor

BioMADE

Hayward, CA • On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Shift Supervisor
Application Deadline: 10 August 2026
Department: Network Planning and Operational Structure
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Hayward, CA
Reporting To: Operations Manager
Compensation: $110,000 - $130,000 / year
Description
The Shift Supervisor will lead a team of operators at BioMADE's Hayward pilot plant facility. Operating as a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), this pilot plant will help bridge a gap in the domestic biotech industry (non-pharma), providing clients with emerging fermentation technologies the ability to demonstrate upstream and downstream processes at a scale which supports future commercial scale design.
The Shift Supervisor will champion a Zero‑Harm safety culture and promote full engagement in all safety programs. With facility construction underway and completion expected in mid‑2027, the role will initially focus on working with process engineers and operators to build the foundational systems-procedures, batch records, training, staff development, and communication-needed for safe and effective operations. Following construction, the Shift Supervisor will lead the operator team through commissioning, start‑up, and into operations that are running a wide variety of fermentation and downstream processing trials.
The role reports to the Operations Manager and collaborates regularly with the Technical Lab Manager, Maintenance Technician, Logistics Supervisor, Process Engineers, and receives additional support from the EHS Manager, Maintenance Manager, and the broader Pilot Plant Network.
The Hayward Pilot plant facility is currently in a construction phase with completion in mid-2027. While the initial focus will be on generating operations training documentation, at Plant start-up, the Shift Supervisor will lead a team of shift operators.
Initially, the person in this role will work standard Monday-Friday business hours (5 x 8 schedule) during the construction and start‑up phases of the Pilot Plant. The role will then transition to a defined shift schedule once steady state operations begin, with specific shift assignments determined by operational needs.
Once the plant is fully operational, a typical work day could be 10 - 30% in office with the balance of the work day walking the production area, evaluating process performance and engaging personnel in discussions.
Key Responsibilities
Safety:
  • Adhere to site safety policies and permits, ensuring operations personnel receive and understand required training.
  • Advocate a Zero Harm safety culture
  • Openly discuss and understand team members safety concerns and develop plans to address the concerns in a timely manner.
  • Strongly advocate Job Safety Analysis and Pre-task briefs with clear stop work criteria
  • Support the development of SOPs, batch records, checklists, troubleshooting guides, data displays, DCS displays, etc. that will serve as tools to equip and empower personnel to consistently succeed in a technically demanding environment.

Training of Staff:
  • Support the development of training documents and training programs for all unit operations, building on fundamental principles towards a more advanced understanding of the equipment as well as integrated process design.
  • Support the development of training documents on design and operational strategies used to achieve aseptic operation in the fermentation area, ensuring team members understand these strategies.
  • Ensure operators are trained on process flows and protocols for each specific client, with clear expectations for support if deviations occur which could impact meeting client objectives.
  • The Shift Supervisor will establish clear roles/responsibilities/expectations for each operator.
  • Executing batches as closely as possible to the production schedule, ensuring the team and plant equipment are prepared to run safely and efficiently. The Shift Supervisor will also support troubleshooting when equipment or processes deviate from normal operating conditions.
  • Demonstrating the ability to operate flexibly in a dynamic CDMO environment, where each batch may differ significantly between customers, requiring adaptability to changing process parameters while consistently upholding safety, quality, and core operational standards.
  • Maintenance and Reliability: Support preventive maintenance plans and reactive maintenance for plant assets. Shift Supervisors will be trained on and use maintenance software to generate work requests in accordance with established protocols.
  • Logistics: Shift Supervisors will update raw material inventories as they are used, and ensure, along with the Operations Manager, that they are adequately maintained to support the production schedule.
  • Environmental: Ensure Operations team remains compliant with all site environmental and waste water permits.
  • Food Safety: The Hayward site could produce food grade products to support client applications testing. The Shift Supervisor will follow required plant sanitation programs, food safety and food defense programs, and will maintain the Operations Department ready for food safety audits.
  • Other duties as assigned by Operations Manager

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
  • Minimum of 2 years in one of the following roles for a biotechnology-based organization (pilot scale, commercial scale, or CDMO)
  • Shift supervisor or operations management, supervising a team of at least 2
  • Upstream or Downstream process engineer closely tied to supporting operations or process development supporting technology transfer
  • Education. B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or Mechanical Engineering preferred. If candidate is not degreed, will consider candidate who has demonstrated a minimum of 6 years of experience in biotechnology based organizations (pilot, commercial, or CDMO) in either operations or process development.

Employment in this role is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screening, conducted following a conditional offer of employment and in accordance with applicable federal and state law. Our full testing policy will be provided prior to screening.
Benefits
BioMADE recognizes the importance of a happy and healthy staff that maintains a good work/life balance. BioMADE provides a comprehensive suite of health insurances, supplemental benefits, and paid time off to all regular full-time employees as outlined below. New employees become eligible for most benefits on the first day of the month following their hire date.
  • 100% Employer paid options for medical insurance for BioMADE employees. Low-cost buy-up options also available.
  • Generous cost-sharing for medical insurance for spouse and child(ren).
  • Health Savings Account option for medical insurance.
  • 100% Employer paid Dental and Vision insurance for BioMADE employees.
  • Low-cost Dental insurance for spouse/child(ren) and with child ortho coverage.
  • 100% employer paid Vision for employee, and spouse/child(ren) coverage.
  • Section 125 Flexible Spending Plan options for Medical, Dependent Care, and Commuter Pre-Tax benefits.
  • 100% Employer paid Life insurance with a 1x Annual Salary for Exempt staff and a Flat $50,000 benefit for hourly staff.
  • 100% Employer paid Short Term Disability insurance and low-cost Voluntary Long Term Disability insurance available.
  • 401(k) retirement plan with up to 6% match on plan compensation (no vesting period!).
  • Discretionary Incentive Plan based on organizational and individual performance.
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) that begins to accrue from your hire date.
  • 13 Paid holidays, including a winter break between Christmas Eve Day and New Year's Day.
  • Paid Parental Leave- Up to 8 weeks of paid leave for new parents.
  • Full access to LinkedIn Learning's Suite for professional development.
  • Hybrid Work Policy for most positions; Stipend for Internet and personal cell phone use.
  • Free Parking.
  • Casual Dress Code.
  • Free snacks and beverages at CA and MN office locations.
  • Fun on and off-site employee activities sponsored by the Employee Engagement Committee
  • On site gym access
  • Pet Friendly office space

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