Senior Bioprocess Engineer, Yeast Manufacturing

International Flavors and Fragrances; Cedar Rapids (IA); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k)

Vacation and holidays

16 weeks paid parental leave

Annual incentive plan

Job summary

IFF, based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is seeking an experienced professional to advance industrial biotechnology and yeast manufacturing across global operations. This hybrid role drives operational excellence, supports technology transfers, and partners with global R&D teams to optimize cost and performance.

The ideal candidate holds a BS/MS in Chemical Engineering or related field with 5+ years in yeast processing, fermentation, and biotech process technology, and excels in cross-functional

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Chemical Engineering or related field strongly preferred.
• Minimum five years of relevant experience in industrial/biochemical yeast processing.
• Knowledge of industrial biotech process tech incl. fermentation, downstream processing, liquid and solid formulation with 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Yeast manufacturing

Fermentation

Downstream processing

Liquid & solid formulation

Project management

Manufacturing optimization

Strategic thinking

Financial analysis

Communication

Stakeholder management

Education

BS/MS in Chemical Engineering or related field

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