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Fermentation Process Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Beverage Tech Development

Plainfield, IL · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

Lead liquid processing or fermentation / distillation optimization (laboratory scale to pilot or ... Chemical Engineering, Ag/Bio Engineering, Biochemistry, or other relevant degree * Strong ...

Beverage Tech Development

Plainfield, IL · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

Lead liquid processing or fermentation / distillation optimization (laboratory scale to pilot or ... Chemical Engineering, Ag/Bio Engineering, Biochemistry, or other relevant degree * Strong ...

Showing results 41-55

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 Sep 5, 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 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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Fermentation Process Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,167 per year, or $42.9 per hour.

2027 Abbott Operations Internship Program

Abbott

Buffalo Grove, IL • On-site

$20 - $35/hr

Full-time, Internship

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Abbott rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 138 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

170th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

Operations Internship Program

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Unlock your potential as an Abbott Operations intern. Join us to work on impactful projects, learn from senior leaders, and build your career. Here you can:

  • Contribute to meaningful, challenging projects with a direct impact on our business
  • Have regular access to senior leadership providing you with an opportunity to grow and learn from the best each day
  • Develop your career and grow your knowledge through targeted training, a global intern community, and the opportunity to build your network
  • Access perks that keep you supported both inside and outside the office

The Opportunity

Our Operations Internship Program provides a meaningful, professional, hands-on experience to students with proven academic performance and leadership potential. We hire students majoring in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, and Life Sciences into our programs based on business needs. Ideal candidates will combine technical and business knowledge with analytical strength and creative problem-solving abilities.

Abbott's global business enables you to work in a variety of fields, including:

  • Engineering
    • Instrument Development
    • Fermentation Development
    • Design of Process Systems
    • Equipment Application
    • Plant Maintenance & Utilities
    • Facilities Design
    • Contract Administration
    • Project Engineering
    • Energy Management
    • Controls Design
    • Site Engineering
    • Start-up Engineering
    • Packaging Engineering
  • Manufacturing
    • Operations Supervision
    • Project Management
    • Purchasing and Materials Management
  • Quality
    • Plant Quality Assurance
    • Division Quality Assurance
    • Division Regulatory Affairs
    • Corporate Quality Assurance and Division Quality Assurance
  • EH&S
    • Plant Support
    • Lab Safety
    • Industrial Hygiene
    • Environmental Engineering

Interns have the possibility of working in the following locations based on assignment:

  • Casa Grande, AZ
  • Alameda, CA
  • Menlo Park, CA
  • Pleasanton, CA
  • Santa Clara, CA
  • Sylmar, CA
  • Temecula, CA
  • Columbus, OH
  • Tipp City, OH
  • Abbott Park, IL (headquarters)
  • Buffalo Grove, IL
  • Des Plaines, IL
  • Westford, MA
  • Westbrook, ME
  • Sturgis, MI
  • Minneapolis, MN
  • Plymouth, MN
  • St. Paul, MN
  • Dallas, TX
  • Plano, TX
  • AltaVista, VA

Career growth and future opportunities are pillars of our program. Students who continuously excel in our early career programs are encouraged to apply for Abbott's Operations Professional Development Programs (OPDP) or other full-time positions.

Required Qualifications

  • Completed at least one year of college coursework prior to the start of the internship.
  • Candidates must be returning to school following the internship assignment.
  • Pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree.
  • Must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.
  • Must be geographically mobile.
  • Must have a strong academic record with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Exceptionally demonstrated interpersonal skills
  • Proven leadership skills
  • Demonstrated oral and written communication skills
  • Engineering candidates should be pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science Engineering, or Computer Science.
  • Quality candidates should be pursuing a degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or Bioengineering.
  • Manufacturing candidates should be pursuing a degree in Industrial Engineering or Supply Chain Management.

Salary Range

$20.00 - $35.00/hour

Please note, that you are submitting for general consideration only. Your qualifications will be reviewed and if you fit the current need, you will be contacted by a Talent Acquisition Professional.


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