Senior Bioprocess Engineer, Yeast Manufacturing

IFF; Cedar Rapids (IA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401(k) plan

Vacation and holidays

16 weeks paid parental leave

Annual incentive plan

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

IFF, a global leader in flavors, fragrances, and health & biosciences, seeks a Chemical Engineer for the Cedar Rapids, Iowa site. This hybrid role focuses on yeast manufacturing, process optimization, and technology transfers with global R&D teams.

You will benchmark performance, evaluate capital projects, and deliver technoeconomic analyses while collaborating across locations to drive operational excellence and sustainable manufacturing solutions.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of relevant experience in industrial/biochemical yeast processing or related manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of fermentation and downstream processing with emphasis on yeast manufacturing.
• Experience leading manufacturing optimization and process improvement initiatives.
• Proven ability to collaborate across locations, functions, and divisions.
• Strong financial acumen and project justification skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide troubleshooting and proactive technical support for H&B manufacturing processes.
• Benchmark and optimize internal and external manufacturing operations.
• Assess manufacturing performance, quality, and product cost analysis.
• Support new product launches and technology transfers with R&D teams.
• Monitor process performance and operational efficiency.
• Develop technoeconomic evaluations for capital projects and debottlenecking.

Skills

Manufacturing process optimization

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Analytical/problem-solving

Education

BS/MS in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Fermentation technology

Downstream processing

Job description

Job Summary

Are you ready to apply your expertise in industrial biotechnology and yeast manufacturing to drive operational excellence and innovation on a global scale? IFF is a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients, and health & biosciences. We deliver sustainable innovations that elevate everyday products. Health & Biosciences: Channeling our passion for nature and bioscience into sustainable, life-enhancing technologies that power innovative solutions across healthcare, food, consumer and industrial markets. The role is based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa (hybrid role). Be part of a collaborative, solution-oriented, innovative, and experienced team where together we can achieve greatness and make a real impact. Your potential is our inspiration.

Where You'll Make a Difference

• Provide troubleshooting, problem-solving, and proactive technical support for H&B manufacturing processes.
• Benchmark and optimize internal and external manufacturing operations.
• Assess internal yeast manufacturing performance and compliance, including quality and product cost analysis.
• Support new product launches and technology transfers while collaborating with global R&D teams with an internal yeast manufacturing focus.
• Monitor and communicate process performance, operational efficiency, and product cost metrics.
• Develop technoeconomic evaluations for manufacturing improvements, CAPEX projects, commercialization efforts, and debottlenecking initiatives supporting yeast manufacturing strategy.
• Contribute to global Manufacturing Technology initiatives and strategies.
• Evaluate manufacturing assets and capabilities to support current and future business needs.
• Support process commercialization and front-end loading activities for capital expansion projects.

What Makes You The Right Fit

• BS/MS in Chemical Engineering or related field is strongly preferred.
• Minimum five years of relevant experience, preferably in industrial/biochemical yeast processing including project management experience.
• Strong knowledge of industrial biotech process technology including fermentation, downstream processing, liquid and solid formulation, with an emphasis on yeast manufacturing.
• Experience supporting manufacturing optimization and process improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across locations, functions, and divisions.
• Proven decision-making, prioritization, and strategic thinking skills.
• Financial and business acumen, including project justification and product cost analysis.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

How Would You Stand Out?

• Leading strategic initiatives in R&D and manufacturing technology for yeast manufacturing processes.
• Experience supporting contract manufacturers or multi-site operations.
• Knowledge of front-end loading and capital project execution processes.

Why Choose Us?

• Competitive Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k), vacation, holidays, 16 weeks paid parental leave, and annual incentive plan.
• Diversity & Inclusion: Recognized for disability inclusion and fostering an inclusive workplace.
• Innovation: Gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies and trailblazing advancements in biotechnology. Meaningful work helping advance solutions for renewable fuels, food ingredients, and animal nutrition.
• Global Collaboration: Work across diverse, cross-functional teams around the world.
• Sustainability: Contribute to solutions that support a safer, healthier, and more sustainable world.
• Professional Perks: Career development, commuter benefits, and tuition reimbursement incentives.

We are a global leader in taste, scent, and nutrition, offering our customers a broader range of natural solutions and accelerating our growth strategy. At IFF, we believe that your uniqueness unleashes our potential. We value the diverse mosaic of the ethnicity, national origin, race, age, sex, or veteran status. We strive for an inclusive workplace that allows each of our colleagues to bring their authentic self to work regardless of their religion, gender identity & expression, sexual orientation, or disability. Visit IFF.com/careers/workplace-diversity-and-inclusion to learn more