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Fermentation Process Engineer Jobs in California

Oobli

Fractional Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Davis, CA · Hybrid

$800 - $1.2K/day

... financial process, reporting &/or other support upgrade critical to meet the Company'srapidly ... Engineer Scalable Economics * Optimize working capital & cash efficiency during rapid commercial ...

Aspire Bakeries

Technician B/Mechanic

Stockton, CA · On-site

$35.23/hr

... fermentation systems, and bun production processes * Support compliance with safety requirements ... Foundational PLC troubleshooting and programming skills * Ability to work weekends and adapt to ...

Lonza

Manufacturing Bioprocess Technician

Vacaville, CA · On-site

$43K - $69K/yr

At Lonza, we strictly follow cGMP and SOP standards, ensuring our processes meet the highest ... AS/BS/BA in Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, or Engineering preferred. * Proven ability to ...

Lonza

Manufacturing Bioprocess Technician

Vacaville, CA · On-site

$43K - $69K/yr

At Lonza, we strictly follow cGMP and SOP standards, ensuring our processes meet the highest ... AS/BS/BA in Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, or Engineering preferred. * Proven ability to ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 Jun 28, 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $90,813 per year, or $43.7 per hour.
Associate, Manufacturing (Day Shift)

Associate, Manufacturing (Day Shift)

BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.

Novato, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

BioMarin Pharmaceutical rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 73 rated pharmaceutical

Job description

Description
Who We Are
BioMarin's Technical Operations group is responsible for creating our drugs for use in clinical trials and for scaling production of those drugs for the commercial market. These engineers, technicians, scientists and support staff build and maintain BioMarin's cutting-edge manufacturing processes and sites, provide quality assurance and quality control to ensure we meet regulatory standards, and procure the needed goods and services to support manufacturing and coordinating the worldwide movement of our drugs to patients.
SUMMARY
BioMarin's Novato commercial manufacturing operations produce a variety of therapies using perfusion/fermentation based cell culture processes and multiple column purification systems. Under direction of the Supervisor, the Manufacturing Associate will be responsible for job functions that support activities for commercial manufacturing. The Associate is responsible for working on a shift with 6 - 10 peers with responsibilities of preparing large scale solutions (buffers and media), managing raw material inventory, or operating process equipment in Upstream or Downstream areas while supporting daily operations. Additional responsibilities include ensuring compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practice regulations (cGMP), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), product licenses, corporate policies and safety practices. The position will require shift work and potentially including weekends, off hours and holidays.
RESPONSIBILITIES
-Operate large scale bioprocess equipment for the Cell Culture, Purification or Buffer and Media processing
-Perform all aspects of processing with a broad understanding of science, compliance, and technical aspect
-Display competency with process equipment and automated control systems
-Perform cleaning and sterilization of parts and equipment used with manufacturing process
-Knowledge of biotech manufacturing process and equipment including cell culture, depth and tangential flow filtration, column chromatography, protein purification and formulation and/or buffer and media operations.
-Ability to understand, apply, and evaluate basic chemistry, biology and scientific principles as appropriate for the position
-Proficiency with compliance; adherence to standard operating procedures, batch record, good documentation practices and data capturing
EDUCATION
-Bachelor's degree in science related area or engineering or Associate's degree in science related area or Biotech certificate with 2+ years of experience in a biotech manufacturing environment or other regulated industry
WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS
-Consists of strenuous, repetitive work. The following list of physical movements maybe used on a daily basis: bending, reaching, climbing stairs and ladders, kneeling and making numerous equipment connections using hands.
-Independently have the ability to regularly lift, dispense, push and/or pull items with an average weight of 25 pounds.
-May require work around loud equipment.
-The use of personal protective equipment will be required.
-Requires various shift based work and off hours
Shift Details: Thurs-Sat 0600-1900 with alternating Wed.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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