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Fermentation Process Engineer Jobs in California

Aspire Bakeries

Technician B/Mechanic 1

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 ...

Aspire Bakeries

Technician B/Mechanic 1

Stockton, CA

$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 ...

Aspire Bakeries

Technician B/Mechanic 1

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 ...

Abzena Inc.

Manufacturing Supervisor I - Shift A

San Diego, CA · On-site

$64K - $87K/yr

... fermentation, harvest, purification, and bulk drug substance manufacturing activities. This role ... Collaborate with MSAT, Process Development, and Engineering teams to improve process robustness and ...

LLNL

Synthetic Biologist - Research Scientist

Livermore, CA · On-site

$146K - $185K/yr

... engineering in E. coli or non-model microbes. * Familiarity with protein characterization techniques, chromatography, or biochemical assays. * Experience with fermentation, microbial process ...

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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 Aug 10, 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?

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,813 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Research Associate II - Metabolic Engineering

Debut Biotech

San Diego, CA

$70K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 hours ago

Job description

Research Associate II - Metabolic Engineering

Summary

As a Research Associate II of metabolic engineering your primary responsibilities will be to engineer yeast hosts to produce valuable small molecules. You will work with a team of scientists to meet the needs of Debut's rapid strain engineering and optimization. You will routinely perform genome editing and other molecular biology techniques. You will be expected to collaborate closely with other functional groups to ensure improved strains are tested in a timely manner.

Essential Functions

  • Routinely perform standard metabolic engineering techniques (PCR, DNA extraction, plasmid cloning, gel electrophoresis, transformation, DNA sequencing)
  • Design and construct strains, under the guidance of scientists in the team
  • Maintain detailed lab records, including comprehensive inventories of DNA parts and strains
  • Assist in continuous workflow optimizations to improve efficiency
  • Help review and analyze data to design follow-up experiments
  • Collaborate with small-scale and fermentation teams to advance strains & processes

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor's Degree + 2 years of experience; OR Associates Degree + 4 years of experience; OR HS Diploma/GED + 6 years of experience;
  • Experience in genetic editing in yeast (g. Saccharomyces, Yarrowia or Pichia) highly preferred
  • Familiar with common molecular biology techniques such as PCR, DNA extraction, plasmid cloning, gel electrophoresis, transformation, DNA sequencing and DNA transformation
  • Familiar with DNA analysis software (e.g. Geneious) and electronic notebooks (e.g. Benchling)
  • Experience with metabolic pathway engineering is a plus
  • Ability to learn quickly in a fast-paced startup environment
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

 

Essential Physical Characteristics

The physical characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis. 

  • Continuous upward and downward flexion of the neck. 
  • Frequent: sitting, repetitive use of hands to operate computers, printers and copiers. 
  • Frequently uses hands to feel objects or control tools (e.g. pipetting).  Laboratory operations require dexterity and care to perform studies as required.
  • Occasional: walking, standing, climbing stairs, bending and twisting of neck, bending and twisting of waist, squatting, simple grasping, reaching above and below shoulder level, and occasional lifting and carrying of files or material weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Must be willing to work with biohazardous agents (up to BSL2).
  • The R&D laboratory will result in exposure to hot and cold temperatures, noise, fumes, limited dust, and oily coolants.
  • The performance of this position will present exposure to an industrial environment and requires support and compliance with the published Company PPE policy including but not limited to the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses with side shields, appropriate attire, safety shoes, hard hat, hearing protection, etc.

Condition of Employment

As part of Debut's pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check prior to beginning employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position.

Debut is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

Salary: $70,000 - $85,000

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