Fermentation Process Engineer Jobs in Berkeley, CA

At Corbion, we exist to champion preservation in all its forms, preserving food and food production, health, and our planet.

Corbion's Algae Ingredients business is based in California and leads the industry in developing new applications and markets for algae-based products. We have a range of sustainably produced algae products that deliver breakthrough innovations for human and animal nutrition.

An opportunity is available in our Downstream Processing R&D group, located in Belmont, CA, to conduct downstream process development, technology transfer, and manufacturing support.   As our next Principal Engineer, Downstream Process Development (DSP), you will be an integral member of a multi-disciplinary team focused on the development of new products and processes utilizing Corbion's unique fermentation based technology.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform hands-on downstream processing (DSP) process research at lab scale to support commercially-scalable product and process definition and development.
• Conduct hands-on DSP development in our Pilot Plant to deliver robust and scalable processes for the recovery of products of interest from microbial fermentation broth.
• Transfer processes to commercial scale at manufacturing facilities, and support optimization of commercial scale production.
• Actively support cross functional projects in a project lead, direct technical contributor or advisory role involving stakeholders across different sites.
• Work within a team framework with both individual responsibility and proactive support of other colleagues. Interact productively with R&D, Pilot Plant, Facilities and Manufacturing Groups across our global organization.
• Utilize theoretical unit operations principles to support experimental design. Perform mass and energy balances to support process design, optimization and experimentation.
• Develop analytical methods required for process monitoring and product characterization; hands-on skills with instrumental analysis and wet chemistry.
• Generate experimental and prototype samples to support application and business development.
• Conduct process and/or equipment testing at Manufacturing sites and equipment vendor facilities.
• Maintain accurate documentation in laboratory notebook and/or batch records. Interpret and present experimental data to provide guidance for projects and process development.
• Author or review technical reports, technology transfer documents, SOPs, and invention disclosures.
• Plan and coordinate external development projects with contract labs and vendors as needed.
• Demonstrate strong commitment to safety, quality, and accountability.
• Train, mentor and potentially manage junior personnel

REQUIREMENTS:

• Qualified applicants will possess a B.S., MS or equivalent in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years industrial experience with relevant unit operations processing microbial fermentation broth, biomass, and derived products.
• Experience in development and scale-up/down of recovery processes from lab to pilot to production scale utilizing a wide range of unit operations.
• Experience in operating lab and pilot-scale equipment used for processing microbial fermentation broth, biomass, and derived products.
• Expert knowledge of fundamental scientific principles and process engineering concepts.
• Experience with application of theoretical unit operation principles to support scale-up/down and technology transfer.
• Skillful in problem-solving and trouble-shooting data, equipment, and procedures at various process scales.
• Exceptional attention to detail in the planning, execution, documentation and reporting of experimental work.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and priority-changing environment without sacrificing accuracy, quality of work, and safety.
• Ability to work both independently and as a key teammate within an interdisciplinary team.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to effectively convey scientific concepts and results to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Self-starter who thinks with the end in mind and can successfully move projects to completion.
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, Power Point, and Visio and ability to learn other computer software as necessary.
• Knowledge of Statistical Design of Experiments and Statistics preferred.
• Travel required (international, approx. 5 - 20%).

The below range reflects the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. This range may be modified in the future. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, performance, and business or organizational needs. The base salary range for this role is $160,000 to $173,000. In addition, we offer:

• Variable bonus potential
• Paid time off, including company holidays
• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• 401K with company match
• Education assistance
• Short- and long-term disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

About Corbion

Corbion is a sustainable ingredients company dedicated to preserving what matters, including food and food production, health, and the planet. We specialize in lactic acid, lactic acid derivatives, food preservation solutions, functional blends, and algae ingredients, using our deep application and product knowledge to propel nature's ingenuity through science. With more than a century of experience, we continue working side-by-side with our customers to make our cutting-edge technologies work for them. Leveraging our advanced capabilities in fermentation and preservation technology, we help customers differentiate their products in diverse markets ranging from food and animal nutrition to home & personal care, pharmaceuticals, electronics, medical devices, and bioplastics. In 2025, Corbion generated annual sales of 1,267.4 million with a workforce of 2,408 FTEs. Corbion is listed on Euronext Amsterdam. For more information:  www.corbion.com

Corbion is an equal opportunity employer and committed to a diverse workplace.  All applicants will be considered equally without regard to race, color, ethnicity, veteran status, religion, national origin, marital status, political affiliation, age, sex, sexual orientation, handicapping condition, membership in an organization or any other non-merit factors.

Corbion provides reasonable accommodation to applicants.

EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled

Corbion does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third party recruiting agencies in response to job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers. All candidates must be submitted by approved Corbion vendors who have been expressly requested to make a submission by our Talent Acquisition team for a specific job opening. No placement fees will be paid to any firm unless such a request has been made by the Corbion Talent Acquisition team and such candidate was submitted to the Corbion Talent Acquisition Team.