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Fermentation Process Engineer Jobs in California

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 ...

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 ...

Boochcraft

Quality Assurance Technician

Chula Vista, CA · On-site

$21.50 - $23/hr

Sample collection at various points during the process using ASBC method of Aseptic Sampling ... Biochemistry or Engineering. If this person is not formally educated in any of the above ...

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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 20, 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.
Research Associate, Biology

Research Associate, Biology

ZymoChem

San Leandro, CA • On-site

$80K - $114K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

About ZymoChem
ZymoChem is pioneering breakthrough science for a fossil-free future. We are building bio-based materials that make everyday products better for people and the planet, accelerating the world's transition to a true zero-carbon economy.
Backed by $65M in funding from global leaders including lululemon, Toyota Ventures, Breakout Ventures, and major U.S. government agencies (DOE, DOD), ZymoChem is scaling rapidly. With our Series B anticipated in early 2026, we are expanding across all teams to accelerate the commercialization of our products.
At ZymoChem, our culture is rooted in curiosity, innovation, and collaboration. We tackle complex scientific challenges with determination and succeed because of the strength of our diverse, multidisciplinary teams working toward a bold mission. As a Certified B Corporation and Public Benefit Corporation, we hold ourselves accountable not only to scientific and commercial excellence, but also to creating measurable impact for people and the planet. If you are motivated by advancing science, addressing climate-scale challenges, and shaping the future of sustainable materials, ZymoChem offers the opportunity to make a lasting difference.
Our Mission: To catalyze a real-zero economy with drop-in, bio-based solutions.
Our Vision: To live in a world in which the goods we depend on every day are bio-manufactured from 100% renewable materials and designed for a sustainable economy - without compromise.
Our Values: Lead with Compassion, Aspire Collectively, Evolve Continuously, Innovate with Impact, Scale Sustainably
The Opportunity
ZymoChem is hiring a Research Associate, Strain Engineering/ Biology to join a rapidly expanding R&D team and help drive the company's metabolic pathway development and strain optimization efforts. In this fast-paced, technical milestone-oriented role, you will have a breadth of opportunities to acquire diverse experiences & skills with enzyme development, strain characterization, high-throughput automated screening, and design-of-experiments. Additional responsibilities for this role will include building out & expanding the Strain Development Group's capabilities with state-of-the-art technologies as well as routinely interfacing with other groups such as the Analytics and Fermentation Teams.
Responsibilities
  • Design of experiments, execution & optimization of protocols, and collection & processing data with a focus on strain characterization for achieving targeted TRY metrics of small molecule products
  • Implement molecular and synthetic biology workflows for the construction of plasmids, strains, and enzymes to facilitate strain characterization and pathway optimization efforts
  • Develop and carry out high-throughput microbial cell culture workflows for the routine assessment of new strains
  • Assist with in vitro and in vivo enzymatic assays
  • Interface with the company's data management system to record strain and enzyme-based data
  • Effectively communicate and collaborate with other R&D groups, including the Molecular Biology, Fermentation, and Analytics Teams
  • Manage the streamlined operation of the Strain Development Group by routinely preparing sterile materials, reagents, and media as well as maintaining the group's chemicals and consumables inventories
  • Other duties may be assigned.

Qualifications
  • MS or BS in Biochemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Microbiology or a related discipline
  • Level of Associate is dependent on years of experience with 1-5 years of relevant lab/ industrial/ start-up experience being preferred. Relevant experience should align with department specific requirements.
  • Expertise with bacterial physiology and the execution of microbial cell cultures in the context of biosynthetic pathway development & characterization is strongly preferred; additional experience with other industrially relevant microorganisms is a plus
  • Hands on experience with synthetic biology and strain engineering techniques such as PCR, Gibson Assembly, restriction digestion, ligation, and homologous recombination
  • Experience with protein expression, purification, and enzymatic assays
  • Rigorous attention to details with experimental design, execution, noise/variability, reproducibility, and recordkeeping
  • Keen sense for both physical (lab) and data-oriented organization
  • Excellent time management skills, effective with multitasking, and an adept ability to improvise work plans while maintaining efficiency

Culture and Benefits
We are a mission-driven team building the future of sustainable materials. At ZymoChem, you'll work on bold ideas with smart, collaborative people while enjoying benefits that support you to have work & life balance.
Full-time opportunities at ZymoChem come with:
  • Competitive pay range of $80,000-114,000 based on experience.
  • Company stock options
  • 401(k) retirement plan (traditional and Roth) with up to 4% company match
  • 100% Employee coverage on base medical, dental, and vision plans and up to 80% dependent coverage. and life and long-term disability insurance.
  • Additional benefits include FSA, commuter, and supplemental life insurance.
  • Flexible time off policy with 18 days Paid Time Off (PTO) per year and 11 paid company holidays per year.
  • Relocation assistance may be agreed upon as well.
  • Monthly Team all-hands and social events.

If this opportunity sounds exciting and aligns with your career aspirations, we want to hear from you! Please send your resume/CV and a cover letter through our website job posting.
Legal authorization to work in the United States is required. ZymoChem may agree to sponsor an individual for an employment visa immediately or in the future if there is a shortage of individuals with particular skills for this job. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

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