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Fermentation Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Archer Daniels Midland

Fermentation Scientist/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 ...

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 - $144K/yr

Fermentation Scientist/Engineer - Decatur, ILADM Research & DevelopmentThis is an exempt level position.Position Summary:We are seeking an experienced fermentation scientist/engineer to lead the ...

ADM

Ethanol Support Engineer - Decatur, IL

Decatur, IL

$90K - $144K/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 ...

Archer Daniels Midland

Pilot Fermentation Engineer - Decatur, IL The Pilot Fermentation Engineer is responsible for ... A Bachelor's degree in chemistry or biology related science field, or a Bachelor's degree in ...

Danimer Scientific

Fermentation Operator

Winchester, KY · On-site

$15 - $18.25/hr

Non-Exempt | Full-time About the Role At Danimer Scientific, we're building the future of ... As a Fermentation Operations Technician , you'll play a hands-on role in operating and monitoring ...

Danimer Scientific LLC

Fermentation Operator

Winchester, KY · On-site

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

Non-Exempt | Full-time ???? About the Role At Danimer Scientific, we're building the future of ... As a Fermentation Operations Technician , you'll play a hands-on role in operating and monitoring ...

Actalent

Fermentation Technician

Menomonee Falls, WI

$24 - $30/hr

Educational background in Biology, Microbiology, Fermentation, or a related scientific or technical discipline. * Experience in food manufacturing, chemical operations, or microbial manufacturing ...

BioVerde Tech

Fermentation Manager

Akron, OH · On-site

$17.25 - $20/hr

Education and Experience: * BS (+10 y), MS(+5 y) or PhD degree in Life Sciences, Chemistry ... Minimum 5 - 10 years of fermentation experience in an industrial setting. PhD with post doctorate ...

AB MAURI FOOD INC

Operator - Fermentation

Memphis, TN · On-site

$17.50 - $21/hr

Make proper fermentation nutrient additions as specified by the mash design. * Ensure that all ... Excellent science and math aptitude. desirable skills and knowledge * Experience in food, chemical ...

AB MAURI FOOD INC

Operator - Fermentation

Memphis, TN

$17.50 - $21/hr

Make proper fermentation nutrient additions as specified by the mash design. * Ensure that all ... Excellent science and math aptitude. desirable skills and knowledge * Experience in food, chemical ...

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How much do fermentation science jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for fermentation science in the United States is $82,657.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $94,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical day look like for someone working in Fermentation Science?

A typical day in Fermentation Science often involves monitoring ongoing fermentations, running laboratory analyses, troubleshooting process issues, and maintaining detailed records of experiments or production batches. Professionals frequently collaborate with quality assurance teams, production staff, and sometimes research and development departments to optimize products or processes. It's common to split time between hands-on laboratory or production floor work and desk-based tasks like data analysis and reporting. The work environment is dynamic and requires adaptability to shifting priorities and production demands, making strong communication and organizational skills crucial for success.

How to become a fermentation scientist?

To become a fermentation scientist, typically a bachelor's degree in microbiology, biochemistry, or a related field is required, often followed by a master's or Ph.D. for advanced roles. Gaining experience with fermentation techniques, laboratory skills, and knowledge of microbial cultures and bioprocessing is essential, along with familiarity with laboratory equipment and safety protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Fermentation Science position, and why are they important?

A successful career in Fermentation Science typically requires a solid background in biology, chemistry, and microbiology, usually with a relevant degree such as fermentation science, food science, or microbiology. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, fermentation monitoring software, and adherence to safety protocols and quality standards is highly valued, and certifications like HACCP can be beneficial. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork and communication skills are essential soft skills in this field. These skills enable professionals to efficiently manage complex fermentation processes, ensure product quality, and contribute to innovation in food, beverage, or bio-industrial settings.

What is a Fermentation Science job?

A Fermentation Science job involves studying, optimizing, and applying microbial processes to produce food, beverages, biofuels, and pharmaceuticals. Professionals in this field work in industries like brewing, dairy, biotechnology, and medicine, focusing on fermentation techniques, quality control, and product development. They may also conduct research to improve fermentation efficiency and sustainability. Jobs can range from laboratory research and production management to regulatory roles ensuring safety and compliance.

How much do fermentation scientists make?

Fermentation scientists typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced roles or those with specialized skills in microbiology or bioprocessing can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $80,000 annually.

What does a fermentation scientist do?

A fermentation scientist researches and develops processes to produce products like alcohol, biofuels, and probiotics using microbial fermentation. They design experiments, analyze data, and optimize fermentation conditions, often working with laboratory equipment and microbiological techniques. Their work supports industries such as food, beverage, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy.

What can you do with a fermentation science degree?

A fermentation science degree prepares individuals for careers in brewing, winemaking, distilling, and food fermentation industries. Graduates can work as brewers, quality control specialists, product development scientists, or fermentation technicians, often utilizing laboratory skills and knowledge of microbiology and chemistry. The degree provides a foundation for roles in production, research, and quality assurance within fermentation-based businesses.
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What cities are hiring for Fermentation Science jobs? Cities with the most Fermentation Science job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Fermentation Science jobs? The most popular types of Fermentation Science jobs are:
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Fermentation Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fermentation Science job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Locum Tenens, 79% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 8% Summer. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,657 per year, or $39.7 per hour.
Ethanol Support Engineer - Decatur, IL

Ethanol Support Engineer - Decatur, IL

Archer Daniels Midland

Other

Re-posted 8 days ago

ADM rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 184 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

93rd of 356 rated logistics

Job description

Fermentation Scientist/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:110164BR

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