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Fermentation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Oath

Fermentation Scientist

Vacaville, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

The Fermentation Scientist will develop, optimize, and scale microbial fermentation processes across submerged liquid fermentation (SmF), solid-state fermentation (SSF), and downstream processing ...

Oath

Fermentation Scientist

Vacaville, CA · Hybrid

$100K - $130K/yr

The Fermentation Scientist will develop, optimize, and scale microbial fermentation processes across submerged liquid fermentation (SmF), solid-state fermentation (SSF), and downstream processing ...

BioMADE

Process Engineer

Hayward, CA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

The role requires strong knowledge of fermentation processes and downstream processing unit operations, with particular emphasis on downstream separations and purification systems. The Process ...

Duckhorn Wine Company

Harvest Cellar Intern

Napa, CA · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Interns will assist with grape processing, fermentation management, and our extensive barrel program, in addition to other essential cellar responsibilities. What we will ask you to do: * Sanitation ...

Scratch Bakery Cafe

Bread Baker

Newport Beach, CA

$19 - $25/hr

Minimum 3 years of professional bread baking experience (artisan preferred) Strong understanding of fermentation, hydration, shaping, and scoring techniques Ability to lift 50 lbs and stand for long ...

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How much do fermentation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for fermentation in California is $19.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $20.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fermentation?

A fermentation job involves overseeing and managing the process of microbial or enzymatic conversion of substrates into desired products, such as food, beverages, biofuels, or pharmaceuticals. Professionals in this field may work in breweries, biotech firms, or food production facilities, ensuring that fermentation conditions are optimized for efficiency and quality. Responsibilities often include monitoring fermentation parameters, troubleshooting issues, and maintaining production standards.

What does a typical day look like for a professional working in fermentation?

A typical day for a fermentation professional often involves monitoring and adjusting fermentation processes, preparing culture media, collecting and analyzing samples, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. You may work closely with quality assurance teams, production staff, and R&D scientists to troubleshoot issues and improve yields. The work environment can range from laboratory settings to industrial production facilities, and you may need to follow strict protocols and documentation practices. Collaboration and adaptability are key, as priorities can shift based on production schedules or unexpected process changes.

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

To thrive in Fermentation, you need a solid background in microbiology, biochemistry, and process engineering, often supported by a relevant science degree or technical training. Familiarity with bioreactor operation, laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certification is highly beneficial. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills set top performers apart. These competencies are crucial for optimizing fermentation processes, ensuring product quality, and maintaining compliance in fast-paced production or research environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Fermentation jobs in California?

The most popular types of Fermentation jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Fermentation jobs in California?

For Fermentation jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Fermentation jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Fermentation jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Fermentation jobs?

Cities in California with the most Fermentation job openings:

Fermentation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fermentation job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,990 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Fermentation Scientist

Vacaville, CA • On-site

Oath
Non-Profits • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Oathexternal

$100K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

About Oath:
Oath is a leading microbial sciences company that utilizes natural soil biology to offer innovative solutions to some of the most critical challenges facing our planet - the climate crisis and the shift to sustainable agriculture. We imagine a world where these crises are not just alleviated, but reversed, replenishing Earth's microbiomes.
Our solution has moved beyond the lab and into real-world deployment, focused on improving farmer livelihoods with teams in Rwanda, Europe, the United States, and expanding. When you join Oath, you become part of a collaborative network that prioritizes high quality scientific work. You will be working alongside trained scientists, talented commercial teams, and a broad network of partners-an ecosystem designed to help you do your best work and grow your capabilities.
Position Summary:
The Fermentation Scientist will develop, optimize, and scale microbial fermentation processes across submerged liquid fermentation (SmF), solid-state fermentation (SSF), and downstream processing (DSP). This role will have a particular focus on Streptomyces and will help translate laboratory processes into robust, scalable manufacturing processes.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Develop and optimize submerged liquid fermentation and solid-state fermentation processes.
  • Design and execute fermentation experiments from bench scale through scale-up.
  • Develop robust cultivation processes for Streptomyces and other microbial strains.
  • Optimize media, inoculum strategies, growth conditions, productivity, yield, and process consistency.
  • Develop and improve downstream processing (DSP) approaches for microbial biomass and product recovery.
  • Troubleshoot fermentation and DSP performance and identify key drivers of process variability.
  • Support process scale-up and technology transfer to internal manufacturing teams and external CDMOs.
  • Develop process documentation, protocols, batch records, and technical reports.
  • Analyze experimental and manufacturing data and translate findings into actionable process improvements.
  • Collaborate closely with microbiology, formulation, manufacturing, quality, and external partners.

Qualifications:
  • PhD with 1-5 years of relevant industry experience in microbiology, biotechnology, biochemical engineering, fermentation science, or a related field.
  • Hands-on experience with submerged liquid fermentation and solid-state fermentation.
  • Experience cultivating Streptomyces or closely related filamentous microorganisms.
  • Experience with downstream processing (DSP) and microbial biomass or product recovery.
  • Experience with fermentation scale-up and technology transfer is a plus.
  • Experience managing R&D vendors, CROs, CDMOs, or other external technical partners is a plus.
  • Ability to travel up to 10% of the time domestically and internationally (Europe & Africa).
  • Familiarity with GoogleSuite, Excel, Slack and similar tools is a plus

Location: Hybrid, Regular laboratory presence at Oath's Vacaville, California site (at least 3 days per week).
Job Type: Full-time, exempt position in the United States. At this time, Oath, Inc. is not able to provide visa sponsorship or work authorization support.
Compensation: $100,000 - $130,000/year + equity
Benefits:
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Stock options

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