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Fermentation Process Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Archer Daniels Midland

We are seeking an experienced fermentation scientist/engineer to lead the design, optimization, and scale-up of commercial ethanol fermentation processes. The ideal candidate is a hands-on technical ...

ADM

Ethanol Support Engineer - Decatur, IL

Decatur, IL

$90K - $144.20K/yr

We are seeking an experienced fermentation scientist/engineer to lead the design, optimization, and scale-up of commercial ethanol fermentation processes. The ideal candidate is a hands-on technical ...

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Fermentation Process Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$48K

$89.2K

$138.1K

How much do fermentation process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for fermentation process engineer in Illinois is $89,167.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,200.00 and $99,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 are popular job titles related to Fermentation Process Engineer jobs in Illinois? For Fermentation Process Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Fermentation Process Engineer jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Fermentation Process Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
Fermentation Process Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fermentation Process Engineer job openings in Illinois as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $89,167 per year, or $42.9 per hour.
Ethanol Support Engineer - Decatur, IL

Ethanol Support Engineer - Decatur, IL

Archer Daniels Midland

On-site

Other

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Ethanol Support Engineer - Decatur, IL
ADM Research & Development
This is an exempt level position.
Position Summary:
We are seeking an experienced fermentation scientist/engineer to lead the design, optimization, and scale-up of commercial ethanol fermentation processes. The ideal candidate is a hands-on technical expert with deep industry experience and a proven ability to translate bench-scale innovation into full-scale production success. This role will drive process improvements, troubleshoot complex challenges, and guide cross-functional teams in delivering high-impact results. The successful candidate will combine strong scientific and analytical skills with strategic project management and clear communication, ensuring research initiatives align with business objectives and deliver measurable value.  The position will report to the Technical Director - Ethanol Research Support.
Job Responsibilities:
  • Provide value to ADM business units through research support of ethanol operations.
  • Collaborate with commercial and operational stakeholders to identify opportunities that add value through development and deployment of new technologies and process optimizations.
  • Create, evaluate and support deployment of new technologies and process optimizations at ethanol facilities.
  • Deliver technical leadership in the areas of plant operations and ethanol fermentation processes.
  • Assist with ethanol plant support requests, including plant visits, troubleshooting plant problems, and developing recommendations for solving fermentation issues.
  • Manage ethanol process optimization projects, and communicate outcomes and recommendations to plant operations and research team members.
Job Requirements:
These skills and experience will be required or useful for the candidate.
  • Education & Experience: PhD with 3+ years, MS with 10+ years, or BS with 15+ years of experience in fermentation science (microbiology, biochemistry, biotechnology, chemical engineering, or related disciplines).
  • Industry Expertise: 10+ years of hands-on experience in commercial or pilot-scale fermentation operations, or in a collaborative role supporting active fermentation facilities. Specific experience in industrial ethanol fermentations is highly preferred.
  • Technical Excellence: Proven ability to troubleshoot, optimize, and scale fermentation processes. Skill in working with industrial isolates of yeast is essential; additional fermentation experience with bacteria and fungi is a plus.
  • Leadership & Innovation: Recognized subject matter expert in commercial-scale ethanol fermentation design and optimization; capable of leading research initiatives from concept through implementation.
  • Project Management: Strong track record of managing complex projects-defining timelines, aligning objectives, and developing financial models to support recommendations.
  • Results Delivery: Demonstrated success in achieving project goals and clearly communicating outcomes to stakeholders across all levels of the organization.
  • Analytical Skills: Experienced in interpreting experimental data and developing protocols to support scale-up or scale-down of new technologies.
  • Collaboration & Communication: Excellent communicator with the ability to bridge technical and non-technical teams; thrives in multidisciplinary, cross-functional environments.
  • Technical Tools: Proficient in Microsoft Excel; experience with statistical software (e.g., JMP, Minitab) and OSI PI preferred.
  • Additional Expertise: Knowledge of enzyme technology and development is a plus.
Excited about this role but don't think you meet every requirement listed? We encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings.
ADM requires the successful completion of a background check. 
REF:105754BR

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