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Protein Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SystImmune, Inc

Director, Protein Engineering

Redmond, WA · On-site

$180K - $240K/yr

SystImmune is seeking a Director of Protein Engineering to lead the FUSE team. This is a hands-on scientific leadership role that combines team management, platform ownership, and program-level ...

Systimmune

Director, Protein Engineering

Redmond, WA · On-site

$180K - $240K/yr

SystImmune is seeking a Director of Protein Engineering to lead the FUSE team. This is a hands-on scientific leadership role that combines team management, platform ownership, and program-level ...

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Protein Engineering information

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How much do protein engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for protein engineering in the United States is $62,977.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $72,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Protein Engineering job?

A Protein Engineering job involves designing, modifying, and optimizing proteins for specific applications in medicine, biotechnology, and industry. Scientists in this field use computational modeling, directed evolution, and genetic engineering to enhance protein functions. Roles may include developing enzymes for drug production, improving therapeutic proteins, or creating biomaterials. This work often requires expertise in molecular biology, biochemistry, and structural biology.

What engineers make $500,000?

In the field of protein engineering, senior-level professionals with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and specialized skills can reach salaries around $500,000, especially in leadership roles or within biotech and pharmaceutical companies. High compensation often correlates with expertise in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and the ability to lead complex research projects.

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

To thrive in Protein Engineering, you need a solid background in biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetic engineering, typically supported by a relevant advanced degree. Experience with laboratory techniques such as PCR, site-directed mutagenesis, protein expression/purification, and analytical tools like mass spectrometry or chromatography is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you stand out in this role. These competencies are crucial for designing novel proteins, collaborating in multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring successful project outcomes in biotech or pharmaceutical environments.

What are typical daily responsibilities for someone working in Protein Engineering?

A typical day in Protein Engineering involves designing and conducting experiments to modify protein sequences, expressing and purifying proteins, and analyzing their structure or function using techniques like chromatography and spectroscopy. You will often document your results, troubleshoot unexpected findings, and present data to colleagues or project teams. Collaboration with scientists in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and structural biology is common to ensure robust experimental design and data interpretation. The role may also include literature reviews to stay updated with the latest research and participating in team meetings to plan next steps or project timelines.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding managerial or executive positions, or possessing rare technical expertise and certifications.

How much do protein engineers make?

Protein engineers typically earn a median salary ranging from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced skills in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and laboratory techniques can lead to higher compensation, especially in biotech or pharmaceutical industries.

What does a protein engineer do?

A protein engineer designs and modifies proteins to improve their functions or create new ones, often using techniques like genetic engineering and computational modeling. They work in laboratories, applying knowledge of biochemistry and molecular biology to develop proteins for applications in medicine, industry, or research.
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Protein Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Protein Engineering job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,977 per year, or $30.3 per hour.
Protein Engineering Scientist

Protein Engineering Scientist

Corteva Agriscience

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Who Are We, And What Do We Do?
At Corteva Agriscience you will help us grow what's next. No matter your role, you will be part of a team that is building the future of agriculture - leading breakthroughs in the innovation and application of science and technology that will better the lives of people all over the world and fuel the progress of humankind.
Corteva Agriscience is seeking a highly motivated and innovative Protein Engineering Scientist to join the Protein Engineering Group within Protein Sciences & Analytical Core Technologies (PSACT). This role will contribute to the design, optimization, expression, and characterization of proteins that enable biotechnology and gene-edited seed product development.
We are seeking a scientist with a strong foundation in biochemistry, protein structure-function relationships, and molecular evolution technologies who is excited to apply those skills to complex real-world product challenges. This role is well suited for candidates with experience in protein therapeutics, biologics discovery, enzyme engineering, antibody engineering, or related pharma/biotech protein platforms who want to bring advanced protein engineering approaches into agricultural innovation.
The Protein Engineering Scientist will play a key role in advancing trait discovery and development by applying modern protein engineering approaches, including library design, screening, directed evolution, and high-throughput design-build-test-learn workflows, to deliver impactful solutions aligned with R&D and business strategies. This position will work in a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary environment, partnering closely with discovery, analytical, and development teams to accelerate portfolio progression while maintaining strong scientific rigor, data quality, and operational excellence.
This role will be on-site at our Corteva Seed Global Business Center located in Johnston, IA.
Responsibilities - What You'll Do:
  • Design, engineer, and optimize protein variants to improve activity, specificity, stability, expression, and overall developability.
  • Apply biochemistry, protein structure-function knowledge, and molecular design principles to solve protein performance challenges.
  • Develop and execute protein engineering strategies using approaches such as directed evolution, library design, mutagenesis, and screening/selection workflows.
  • Execute protein expression, purification, and characterization workflows using recombinant systems and analytical techniques.
  • Interpret biochemical, biophysical, and functional data to guide protein engineering strategy and next-step designs.
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to advance proteins from early discovery through optimization and development decision points.
  • Contribute to development and continuous improvement of protein engineering platforms, screening workflows, and automation capabilities.
  • Maintain high standards of scientific rigor, reproducibility, data quality, and documentation.
  • Support generation of high-quality data packages and reagents for research, technology, and development milestones.
  • Stay current with emerging protein engineering and analytical technologies and help translate external innovation into internal capability building.

Qualifications and Experiences- What You'll Need:
  • Ph.D. (or equivalent experience) in biochemistry, protein engineering, structural biology, molecular biology, chemical biology, or a related field.
  • Strong background in protein biochemistry and understanding of protein structure, stability, folding, and mechanism/function relationships.
  • Hands-on experience in protein engineering, including one or more of the following:
    • directed evolution
    • display technologies (phage, yeast, ribosome, mRNA, or related platforms)
    • library design and screening/selection
    • rational or semi-rational protein design
  • Experience with recombinant protein expression and purification workflows.
  • Experience applying biochemical and analytical methods to characterize proteins, such as LC/MS, HPLC, ELISA, SDS-PAGE, binding assays, or biophysical characterization methods.
  • Strong data analysis skills and ability to use experimental data to drive decisions and iteration cycles.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team-based R&D environment.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with a high level of scientific rigor and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Industry experience in pharma, biotech, biologics discovery, enzyme engineering, or platform technology development.
  • Experience optimizing proteins for developability attributes such as stability, manufacturability, solubility, and expression.
  • Familiarity with high-throughput screening workflows, automation, or design-build-test-learn platforms.
  • Experience with computational protein design or integration of in silico methods with experimental workflows.
  • Familiarity with regulated environments or contributing to data packages that support downstream development decisions.

Benefits - How We'll Support You:
  • Numerous development opportunities offered to build your skills
  • Be part of a company with a higher purpose and contribute to making the world a better place
  • Health benefits for you and your family on your first day of employment
  • Four weeks of paid time off and two weeks of well-being pay per year, plus paid holidays
  • Excellent parental leave which includes a minimum of 16 weeks for mother and father
  • Future planning with our competitive retirement savings plan and tuition reimbursement program
  • Learn more about our total rewards package here - Corteva Benefits
  • Check out life at Corteva! www.linkedin.com/company/corteva/life

Are you a good match? Apply today! We seek applicants from all backgrounds to ensure we get the best, most creative talent on our team.
Corteva Agriscience is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to embracing our differences to enrich lives, advance innovation, and boost company performance. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, military or veteran status, pregnancy related conditions (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), disability or any other protected status in accordance with federal, state, or local laws.

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