1

Fermentation Process Engineer Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

... Engineering, or related) * 3-4 years of experience in an industrial biotechnology environment ... Handson experience supporting fermentation or enzymedriven industrial processes * Prior success in ...

Fermentation Process Engineer information

See Delaware salary details

$49.5K

$92.1K

$142.6K

How much do fermentation process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for fermentation process engineer in Delaware is $92,097.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,600.00 and $103,100.00 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 Delaware? For Fermentation Process Engineer jobs in Delaware, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Fermentation Process Engineer jobs in Delaware look for? The top searched job categories for Fermentation Process Engineer jobs in Delaware are:
Infographic showing various Fermentation Process Engineer job openings in Delaware as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $92,097 per year, or $44.3 per hour.
Staff Scientist, Bioprocessing & Parenteral

Staff Scientist, Bioprocessing & Parenteral

Ashland

Wilmington, DE

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Ashland Specialty Ingredients, GP

Are you the kind of person that is always thinking, sketching, seeking, and adjusting? Who needs to understand how things work and then figure out how they can work better? Are you a passionate, tenacious solver who loves to work with others who share your drive? Are you positive, constructive, and ingenious?

Are you always solving?

Then we'd like to meet you, and we bet you'd like to meet us.

Ashland has an exciting opportunity for a Bioprocessing Staff Scientist to join our Life Sciences business at our Wilmington Research Center in Delaware. This position will report to the Injectables Leader.

The responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Experience in lab and pilot scale bioprocessing and manufacturing proteins including mAbs, peptide, fermentation, purification and, separation technologies.
  • Industrial experience in technology/biopharmaceutical process development including upstream cell culture, protein purification and, characterization with an understanding of therapeutic proteins and antibodies.
  • Scaleup knowledge preferered.
  • Experienced in developing parenteral products a plus, manufacturing, scale-up, including a hands-on experience in formulation development, aseptic technique, biologic analysis, dissolution, degradation and stability analysis.
  • Plan, execute, and interpret laboratory and pilot plant experiments to support new product development.
  • Prepare technical presentations, posters, and papers for internal and external customers at customer sites, scientific conferences, and trade shows.
  • Actively contribute to the organizational goals by taking initiative, executing goals and focusing on performance and safety.
  • Comply with company procedural guidelines, laboratory procedures, and safety programs.
  • Train and work with junior scientists and technicians.
  • Experience working as a part of a team.

In order to be qualified for this role, you must possess the following:

  • Experience in bioprocessing and manufacturing of proteins.
  • Protein analysis experience (including HPLC, CE, spectroscopic methods, etc.).
  • B.S./M.S. in Biotechnology, Biochemistry , Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Science, or related discipline with 3-5 years of industry experience in bioprocessing/ pharma fermentation and up-stream processing biologics formulations processing.
  • Good interpersonal and presentation skills to share development work within the organization and with customers.
  • Able to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Ability to travel occasionally (about 20%) for customer meetings or plant trials.
  • Be authorized to work in the United States.

The following skill sets are preferred by the business unit:

  • Demonstrated experience working within multicultural and multifunction environment.
  • Experience developing process and formulations of mAb drug products.
  • Analysis and troubleshooting of complex biologic products.
  • Biomanufacturing and high-throughput microbioreactors with process-analytical techniques.
  • Strong written, oral presentation, organizational and problem-solving skills.
  • Expertise in media/solution development and chemistry.
  • Working knowledge of Design of Experiments (DOE), Microsoft Office Suite, and statistical.

In more than 100 countries, the people of Ashland LLC. (NYSE: ASH) provide the specialty chemicals, technologies and insights to help customers create new and improved products for today and sustainable solutions for tomorrow. Our chemistry is at work every day in a wide variety of markets and applications, including architectural coatings, automotive, construction, energy, personal care and pharmaceutical. Visit www.ashland.com to see the innovations we offer.
At Ashland our vision is to be a leading, global specialty chemicals company whose inspired and engaged employees add value to all we touch. In fact our people, employees, customers and vendors define who we are. They are the driving force behind everything we do.
Not only do we value our customers but we value our employees, and we work to offer them a dynamic and challenging environment. We hold ourselves to high standards at Ashland, and we value integrity and honesty.
Ashland has a history of attracting the best people and keeping them. The reasons are simple: industry competitive salary and benefits, pay-for-performance incentive plans and a diverse work environment where employees feel challenged and valued. People come to Ashland and stay. As a growing Fortune 500 specialty chemicals company, we offer opportunities for development and advancement throughout our global organization. Our values define who we are and what we care about as a company. If you are looking for a relationship with a company instead of simply a job, this may be a great fit.

Ashland is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled/Gender Identity/Sexual Orientation. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. NOTE:  We do not accept resumes from external staffing agencies or independent recruiters for any of our openings unless we have a signed recruiting agreement in place to fill a specific position.