Senior Fermentation Operations Specialist

Senior Fermentation Operations Specialist

At our West Sacramento, California facility, BMC Ingredients manufactures Rhiza—a whole-food mycoprotein derived via fermentation. Our close-knit operational team handles all unit operations, including fermentation, harvesting, drying, and packaging, within a single consolidated facility.

The Senior Fermentation Operations Specialist leads upstream and downstream fermentation operations at the BMC Ingredients pilot plant, supporting both production and R&D. This role interfaces with process equipment, instrumentation, control systems, and lab systems per SOPs and batch protocols. They are accountable for safe operations and escalating issues to engineering leadership.

Essential Functions

• Plan, lead, and execute fermentation R&D projects and process optimization, under the guidance of pilot plant and engineering leadership.
• Monitor and control fermentation parameters (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen); interpret data to troubleshoot issues, inform future runs, and prevent recurrence.
• Maintain, clean, and sterilize upstream and downstream equipment, and optimize its role within the broader unit operations process.
• Execute batch protocols per SOPs. E.g., pilot plant start-ups/shut-downs, process instrumentation and software, and sampling/testing across all production and in-process streams.
• Work with raw materials and production in compliance with GMP requirements and approved facility procedures.
• Complete batch tracking, review, and production records; write and review Standard Operating Procedures.
• Promote, lead, and implement safety programs and controls.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills

• BS in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, or related fields (e.g., fermentation, biology, biotechnology).
• 2-3 years of direct fermentation operations experience at a pilot plant, demo, or production scale.
• Operates large-scale plant equipment with mechanical aptitude; responds to critical situations safely and promptly.
• Works aseptically with sterile technique as required.
• Follows and writes standard operating procedures.
• Operates basic laboratory analytical equipment. Keeps accurate, timely logs of data and process values.
• Strong problem-solving, troubleshooting, critical thinking, and reasoning skills.
• Works with minimal supervision, taking initiative across multiple process operations.
• Effective oral and written communication with supervisors and team members.
• Flexible schedule, including outside regular hours and weekends as needed.
• Physical requirements: lift 50 lbs; stand/walk for extended periods; climb ladders/stairs; push/pull large equipment (e.g., portable tanks); handle chemicals (acids, bases, solvents, powders).

Salary Range: $70,500 - $80,000

BMC Ingredients is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.