Research Engineer II

Interested in a career that matters?

Join us as our new Fermentation Research Engineer II

We are seeking a dedicated individual to lead fermentation optimization projects within production processes to reduce costs, liberate capacity, and improve product quality.

You will become part of Global Enzyme Optimization, a team that delivers cost savings to Novonesis by improving fermentation and downstream processes, introducing new strains, and enabling raw material transitions. In this role, you will collaborate closely with operators, engineers, lab personnel, and cross-functional partners to identify optimization opportunities, design and execute experiments at lab and production scale, and monitor outcomes that deliver real business impact.

The Role & Your Impact

As a Fermentation Research Engineer, you will guide fermentation optimization activities at both pilot and production scale to improve manufacturing performance. You will support and lead troubleshooting efforts, drive innovation initiatives, and oversee pilot-scale experimentation to ensure robust and scalable solutions.

Your key responsibilities will include:

Leading process optimization efforts at pilot and production scale to improve productivity and operational economy

Supporting fermentation troubleshooting activities within production areas

Identifying, suggesting, and initiating improvement opportunities for processes, products, and quality

Conducting laboratory, pilot, and production experiments as part of project execution

Evaluating experimental data and reporting results using sound scientific methodology

Ensuring experimental progress meets or exceeds project expectations and deadlines

Taking overall responsibility during implementation and product qualification for planning, execution, monitoring, and qualification of production processes

Identifying ideas to close global performance gaps on focus products

Capturing optimization ideas from local and global sources and driving initiatives to close gaps

Providing supervisory guidance to optimization technicians to ensure safe and efficient pilot operations

Ensuring projects are executed according to Global Optimization Network (GON) guidelines

Leading project teams by setting clear direction, creating engagement, and establishing ambitious yet achievable goals

Managing project planning and accountability for goal achievement

What You'll Need to Be Successful

To succeed in this role, you bring a strong technical foundation, a problem-solving mindset, and the ability to collaborate across functions.

We expect you to have:

BS / MS / PhD in Chemical Engineering or similar, with 4+ / 2+ / 0+ years of relevant experience

or

BS / MS / PhD in a related scientific field (Food Science, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or similar) with 7+ / 4+ / 2+ years of relevant experience

Demonstrated ability to analyze complex problems, identify root causes, and contribute to or lead cross-functional problem-solving teams

Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders

Ability to facilitate collaboration across departments to achieve shared goals

Proficiency with standard computer tools, including word processing, spreadsheets, and SAP

Physical ability to work in production and laboratory environments, including bending, walking, climbing stairs and ladders, performing basic equipment maintenance, and entering tanks

Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed

Additional Skills & Interests We Value

While not required, the following capabilities will help you thrive in the role:

A continuous improvement mindset and passion for optimizing biological processes

Ability to guide and mentor laboratory and pilot-scale technical staff

Curiosity and eagerness to contribute to long-term strategic improvements

Confidence working across scales, from laboratory experiments to full-scale production trials

What We Offer

At Novonesis, you will join a collaborative community of scientists, engineers, and innovators working together to create biological solutions with global impact. We support technical development, knowledge sharing, and the movement of great ideas from concept to production. You will have the opportunity to grow professionally while contributing to meaningful and sustainable change.

Ways of Working

This position is onsite in Franklinton, North Carolina

Work spans laboratory, pilot plant, and production environments

Occasional domestic and international travel is required

Physical activity is part of the role, including equipment access, climbing, and movement across production areas

Compensation & Benefits

Expected salary range: $84,671-$116,546

Benefits you will enjoy:

401(k) with up to a 9% company contribution

Minimum of 3 weeks of vacation, 12 holidays, and 2 weeks of Wellness Time

Health, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance

Healthcare Savings Account (HSA) option

Employee Assistance Program

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

All benefits begin on your first day

Relevant Information

Application deadline: May 9, 2026

Our purpose guides the way

In Novonesis, we know that solutions rooted in biology can help solve humanity's biggest challenges. Since we began more than a century ago, this has been our guide. It's how we've gotten so far. And it's how we'll impact the future. Now, more than ever, the world needs change. And with biosolutions, the possibilities for transformation are endless. If our purpose resonates with you, we encourage you to apply.

Opportunities for everyone

We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and equal opportunity for all applicants. Therefore we ask you to apply without a cover letter or photo and instead include a few sentences in your CV explaining your motivation for applying.

We make all employment decisions based on business needs and welcome candidates with a wide range of backgrounds, including ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status.

Explore other openings

If this position isn't the right fit, you may still find other opportunities with us. You're welcome to explore open roles or create a job agent to stay connected with future opportunities at novonesis.com/Career