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 crossfunctional 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 pilotscale 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

To succeed in this role, you bring a strong technical foundation, a problemsolving 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 crossfunctional problemsolving 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

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 pilotscale technical staff

• Curiosity and eagerness to contribute to longterm strategic improvements

• Confidence working across scales, from laboratory experiments to fullscale production trials

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.

• 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

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

Application deadline: May 9, 2026