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Fermentation Process Engineer Jobs in California

Oobli

Fractional Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Davis, CA · On-site

$800 - $1K/day

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

Vibrant Ingredients

Beverage Developer

Vista, CA

Capable of developing a wide range of beverage applications with experience in product processing ... Backed by advanced manufacturing capabilities, we specialize in fermentation, patented cold brew ...

Aspire Bakeries

Technician B/Mechanic

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

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 ...

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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 Jun 8, 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:
What cities in California are hiring for Fermentation Process Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Fermentation Process Engineer job openings:
Fermentation Process Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fermentation Process Engineer job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 96% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,813 per year, or $43.7 per hour.
Associate Engineer II (Contract), Polysaccharide Manufacturing

Associate Engineer II (Contract), Polysaccharide Manufacturing

Vaxcyte

San Carlos, CA • On-site

$51 - $56/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Join our Mission to Protect Humankind!
Vaxcyte is a clinical-stage vaccine innovation company engineering high-fidelity vaccines to protect humankind from the consequences of bacterial diseases, which have serious and costly health consequences when left unchecked. Working to eradicate or treat bacterial infections such as invasive pneumococcal disease, Group A Strep, and Shigella is just the beginning. Our path to success is clear and well-defined, and Vaxcyte is set up to go the distance.
WHAT we do is every bit as important as HOW we do it! Our work together is guided by four enduring core values:
*RETHINK CONVENTION: We bring creative and intellectual diversity to every facet of the work we do in order to innovate and re-innovate the way vaccines are delivered.
*AIM HIGH: We embody our collectively audacious goal to courageously make the most complex biologics ever attempted to protect humankind.
*LEAD WITH HEART: Everyone leads at Vaxcyte with a kindness-first, inclusive approach to collaboration and vigorous debate that advances our business objectives.
*MODEL EXCELLENCE: The magnitude of our challenge requires our shared commitment to demonstrating integrity, accountability, equality and clarity across communications and decision making.
Summary:
The Development organization is comprised of four Process teams: Protein, Polysaccharide, Conjugate Drug Substance (Conjugation), and Drug Product. These Process Development teams are supported by Analytical Development and Formulation Development teams. Vaxcyte is seeking an Associate Engineer II with experience or strong foundational knowledge in vaccine or biologics process development and manufacturing to join the Polysaccharide Clinical Manufacturing/Process Development team.
The candidate will provide technical support for manufacturing activities in collaboration with CDMO partners, while also contributing to process development and process validation efforts. The position requires laboratory presence (>50%) and the ability to independently execute and document experiments, analyze data, and communicate results through technical reports and presentations. The successful candidate will collaborate cross-functionally and may interface with external CDMO partners to support manufacturing campaigns and process transfers.
Essential Functions:
  • Provide remote manufacturing (MFG) oversight to support batch execution, ensuring adherence to process parameters and GMP requirements
  • Participate in deviation investigations, root cause analysis, and implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs)
  • Provide technical support for MFG and process development through data analysis, MFG document reviews, and supporting lab scale studies
  • Perform in-process sample testing to support monitoring of MFG process performance and understanding
  • Manage sample inventory, including tracking, storage, and organization of manufacturing samples
  • Maintain accurate and timely documentation in electronic lab notebook (ELN) systems
  • Analyze manufacturing and experimental data using statistical tools (e.g., JMP) and summarize findings in technical reports
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Process Development, Manufacturing, Analytical Development, and Quality
  • Prepare and present technical data to internal stakeholders and support interactions with CDMO partners
Requirements:
  • BS in Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or a related discipline, with minimum 2 years of relevant industry experience. MS without experience; or equivalent work experience.
  • Experience or exposure to GMP manufacturing environments and process development activities
  • Hands-on experience with in-process analytical techniques, including colorimetric and enzymatic assays
  • Familiarity with upstream and downstream processing technologies, such as fermentation, UF/DF, depth filtration, and chromatography
  • Experience supporting technology transfer, scale-up, or CDMO-based manufacturing is preferred
  • Understanding of deviation investigations and root cause analysis methodologies
  • Familiarity with statistical analysis tools (e.g., JMP) is preferred
  • Experience using electronic lab notebook (ELN) systems is a plus
  • Strong technical writing, data analysis, and communication skills

Reports to: Senior Engineer, MSAT Polysaccharide
Location: San Carlos, CA
Expected Contract Length: 12months
Hourly Range: $51.00/hr. - $56.00/hr.
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.
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About Vaxcyte

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Biotechnology research and development

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

San Carlos, CA, US

Year founded

2013

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