Sr. Fermentation Engineer

Sr. Fermentation Engineer

Sumitomo Biorational, formally known as Valent Bio Sciences, is a worldwide leader in the research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of biorational products for the agriculture, public health, and forestry markets. With more than 60 years of experience, our products are used in sustainable operations in 95 countries. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical, we operate with the Sumitomo Spirit mindset, benefiting both self and others while contributing to society and generating profit.

The Sumitomo Biorational manufacturing site in Osage, IA, spans 73 acres and houses a state‑of‑the‑art 130,000 square‑foot plant—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.

As a Sr. Fermentation Engineer you will assist production in meeting all safety, quality, delivery, and cost goals set by management. You will possess knowledge of fermentation science and biochemical engineering principles, with a focus on microbial fermentation operations in an industrial setting, or a strong interest in acquiring such skills. Additionally, you will act as a mentor and leader to Production Specialists and Interns.

• 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.

• BS in chemical engineering, bioengineering, biotechnology, biochemical engineering, biology, or other related fields is required; MS or Ph.D. preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of hands‑on experience with industrial‑scale microbial fermentation processes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as 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 of process control and automation is a plus.
• Industrial‑scale hands‑on plant experience with process optimization and Six Sigma experience is a plus.
• Flexibility to work limited off‑shift and weekend hours to support all production shifts when needed.

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 employees.

Base Salary: The estimated annual base salary ranges from $100,500 to $115,500, based on location, skills, experience, and other factors.

Incentives: All full‑time employees are eligible for an incentive or profit‑sharing program in addition to their base salary.

• 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.

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 and 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.