Fermentation Engineer II Augusta, Georgia, United States, Full-Time We are seeking a Fermentation Engineer II to be a part of our process development team. This role focuses on fermentation science and development to bring new commercial bioprocesses through the Manus R&D pipeline. The Fermentation Engineer is responsible for the design, development, optimization, and scale-up of microbial fermentation processes to produce bio-alternatives, applying fundamental microbial physiology and fermentation science knowledge to achieve applied bioprocess objectives. This role bridges R&D and manufacturing, leading fermentation development from lab through pilot and commercial scales while ensuring robust, cost-effective, and scalable operations.
OverviewWe are seeking a Fermentation Engineer II or Senior Fermentation Engineer to be a part of our process development team. This role focuses on fermentation science and development to bring new commercial bioprocesses through the Manus R&D pipeline. The Fermentation Engineer is responsible for the design, development, optimization, and scale-up of microbial fermentation processes to produce bio-alternatives, applying fundamental microbial physiology and fermentation science knowledge to achieve applied bioprocess objectives. This role bridges R&D and manufacturing, leading fermentation development from lab through pilot and commercial scales while ensuring robust, cost-effective, and scalable operations.
This hands-on position requires a desire and ability to work as an integral part of a multidisciplinary team, as well as the demonstration of a high degree of flexibility, creativity, and initiative. This person will be expected to play an integral part of Manus's process development team located in Augusta, GA.
ResponsibilitiesProcess Development & Optimization- Design and optimize fermentation processes (batch, fed-batch, continuous) for microbial or cell culture systems.
- Develop strategies to improve yield, productivity, titer, and process robustness.
- Conduct media optimization, feeding strategies, and metabolic performance analysis.
- Apply statistical tools (DOE, multivariate analysis) to accelerate process improvement.
Scale-Up & Technology Transfer- Lead fermentation scale-up activities from laboratory (bench-scale) to pilot and commercial manufacturing (e.g., 1L ? 4,000L ?40,000L).
- Identify and mitigate scale-dependent risks (mixing, oxygen transfer, heat removal, shear sensitivity).
- Support technology transfer to manufacturing sites or CMOs.
- Develop scale-down models to troubleshoot commercial process deviations.
Process Characterization & Validation- Define critical process parameters (CPPs) and critical quality attributes (CQAs).
- Support process characterization studies and regulatory submissions (as applicable).
- Develop control strategies for consistent production performance.
Data Analysis & Digital Tools- Analyze process data using advanced analytics, modeling, and visualization tools.
- Develop predictive models for fermentation performance and scale-up.
- Implement digital tools (PAT, soft sensors, automation strategies) to improve process control.
Leadership & Collaboration- Lead cross-functional project teams involving strain engineering, downstream processing, and manufacturing.
- Mentor junior engineers and scientists.
- Collaborate with external partners, equipment vendors, and academic collaborators.
Safety & Compliance- Ensure compliance with EHS, GMP (if applicable), and regulatory guidelines.
- Design processes with safety, sustainability, and regulatory considerations in mind.
Basic Qualifications- PhD with 5+ years in Industrial Fermentation Sciences, Engineering or related field
Required Technical Expertise- Expertise in bench and pilot-scale fermentation process development
- Expertise in microbial physiology
- Experience statistical tools for media design
- Critical thinker with enthusiasm for deriving solutions to complex challenges
Preferred Experience- Experience in scale-up of fermentation processes from lab-scale to pilot plant and/or production-scale
- Experience with analytical instrumentation (GC, LC)
- Experience with fermentation modeling
