* Sumitomo Biorational formally known as Valent BioSciences*
Sr. Fermentation Engineer
About Us:
Sumitomo Biorational is a worldwide leader in the research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of biorational products for the agriculture, public health, and forestry markets. We have more than 60 years of experience bringing biorational products to market, and o ur products are used in sustainable operations in 95 countries around the world. Biorational products maximize plant quality, productivity, and sustainability.
As a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical, Sumitomo Biorational operates with the Sumitomo Spirit mindset, which means to benefit both self and others, recognizing that private and public interests are one and the same. It’s about contributing to society, as well as making a profit.
The Sumitomo Biorational manufacturing site located on an expansive 73-acre site in Osage, IA is a state of the art 130,000 square foot plant and is the largest purpose-built biorational facility in the world. It serves as the manufacturing and quality control center for Sumitomo Biorational's broad portfolio of fermentation products.
Description of Job:
As a Sr. Fermentation Engineer at Sumitomo Biorational you will assist production in meeting all safety, quality, delivery and cost goals set by management. You will have knowledge of fermentation science and biochemical engineering principles, theory and practice with special focus on microbial fermentation operations in an industrial setting or a strong interest in acquiring such skills. As Sr. Fermentation Engineer, you will also act as mentor and leader to Production Specialists and Interns.
Key Responsibilities:
- Ensure compliance with company safety and environmental policies and training programs.
- Monitor and analyze fermentation batch yield, quality, and production data to identify improvement opportunities.
- Support continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives to enhance efficiency, quality, and cost performance.
- Develop and maintain production documentation including batch records, work instructions, and SOPs.
- Troubleshoot manufacturing issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
- Collaborate with production teams to optimize fermentation, recovery, and formulation processes.
- Support cost management activities including bill of materials and cost standard reviews.
- Train and advise plant operators, production specialists, and supervisors on processes and best practices.
- Participate in capital projects, technology implementation, and cost-saving initiatives.
- Contribute to new product development, process validation, and experimentation to improve process performance and product yield.
- Develop and apply statistical models and data analysis to optimize manufacturing processes.
Perform other duties as assigned.
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Preferred Qualifications:
- BS in chemical engineering, bioengineering, biotechnology, biochemical engineering, biology, or other related fields is required, M.S. or Ph.D. preferred
- Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience with industrial scale microbial fermentation processes is required
- Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Must be able to work independently and as a part of an interdisciplinary, diverse team
- Good working knowledge of chemical and biochemical process unit operations is a plus
- Excellent computer skills are desired
- Working knowledge and understanding of process control and automation is a plus
- Industrial scale hands-on plant experience with process optimization and Six Sigma experience is a plus
Must have flexibility to work some limited off-shift and weekend hours in order to support all production shifts when needed
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What We Offer:
We recognize that compensation and benefits play a crucial role in your career decisions. That’s why we’re dedicated to equitable pay practices and transparency in how we reward our employees.
Base Salary: The estimated annual base salary for this position ranges from: $100,500 to $115,500. Individual pay is based upon location, skills, experience, and other relevant factors.
Incentives: All full-time employees are eligible for an incentive program or profit-sharing program in addition to their base salary.
Benefits:
• High-quality healthcare coverage starting on day one, with options for medical (HSA/HRA), vision, and dental plans
• 5% company contribution to your 401(k), plus a quarterly discretionary bonus
• Immediate 100% vesting of all retirement contributions
• Financial assistance programs to support your goals
• Life and disability insurance for added security
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and volunteer days
Our Commitment to a Sustainable Future
At Sumitomo Biorational Company, we’re proud to power a sustainable future through our work. Sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) have been at the core of our culture since the beginning. Today, they continue to drive everything we do.
Join us in making a meaningful impact and contributing to a better world.
• Sumitomo Biorational is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation and/or identity, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, disabilities, or protected veteran status.
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To apply visit:
Career Center | Recruitment
