Research Engineer II

Novonesis • Franklinton, LA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

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. 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.

Requirements

• 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

Nice To Haves

• 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

Responsibilities

• 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

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level