INDUSTRY TECHNICAL SPECIALIST - ETHANOL

About the Role

This customer-facing role serves as a highly technical resource responsible for supporting the successful application of products and services within the ethanol and sugar industries, with a primary focus on the Midwest corn-belt territory. The position provides hands-on technical expertise to both customers and the sales team, helping optimize product performance through in-depth data analysis, technical problem-solving, and operational support. This individual will play a key role in driving customer success, strengthening relationships, and delivering value across the biofuel and sugar market segments. This is a remote based role that can be based in: Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, or Minnesota. Travel is estimated at 50%.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support for the industrial segment sales team during field trial set-up and trials, including onsite presence, optimization support, troubleshooting, emails, and joint calls with sales and customer contacts during the discovery phase.
• Conduct frequent follow-up calls and site visits with customers to perform process audits and assess product performance.
• Deliver technical presentations internally and externally, including trade shows such as the Fuel Ethanol Workshop.
• Maintain a broad industry knowledge base by developing technical skills at conferences, trade shows, and through collaboration with the sales team to understand processes and customer needs.
• Write technical trial summary reports utilizing statistical tools or models such as JMP, and develop plant trial protocols, fermentation data reviews.
• Assist internal departments in preparing training manuals, case studies, and technical publications.
• Document technical service activities, opportunities, and outcomes in CRM (Salesforce) to maintain accurate customer records, track opportunity pipeline progress, and align technical goals with sales objectives.
• Ensure all key technical interactions are captured in CRM (Salesforce) for visibility, accountability, and alignment with account planning.
• Conduct plant audits and recommend process improvements to enhance product application and outcomes.
• Apply technical troubleshooting and problem-solving skills to identify root causes and propose solutions that improve efficiency in ethanol plant operations.
• Provide ongoing customer training and technical service to ensure long-term success with products.
• Utilize data analysis tools (JMP) to support customers in decision-making and demonstrate product value.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Fermentation Science, Biofuels Processes, Biology, or a related technical field.
• Progressive experience in technical services, laboratory fermentation, biofuels processes, or customer support within the ethanol industry or related industrial biotechnology fields.
• Expert understanding of fermentation principles and yeast physiology.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot biological processes, bacterial contamination, and fermentation efficiency challenges in industrial settings.
• Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to translate technical data into actionable insights.
• High proficiency with IT tools including Microsoft Office Suite, JMP (or equivalent statistical analysis software), and CRM systems such as Salesforce.
• Self-motivated, organized, and capable of managing multiple priorities independently across a regional territory.
• Team-oriented mindset with commitment to delivering exceptional customer service and technical excellence.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and maintain a clean driving record and passport for travel as needed.
• Lifting and pulling up to 50 pounds (with assistance).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a science-related field (such as Fermentation Science, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biofuels, Bioprocess Engineering, Biochemistry, or Applied Statistics).
• Extensive professional experience in the ethanol industry with a background in laboratory fermentation, yeast health and quality, or field-based technical support in related areas.
• Proven ability to collaborate with sales teams and interface directly with customers in industrial environments.
• Advanced technical background in fermentation science, yeast health monitoring, microbial contamination prevention, and ethanol process optimization.
• Experience with fermentation QA/QC protocols, regulatory compliance, and industry standards related to ethanol production.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively from a home office with strong skills in self-motivation, organization, and proactive scheduling of travel and customer visits.
• Highly motivated and detail-oriented with the ability to manage schedules, prioritize work, and anticipate customer and sales team needs.

Pay & Benefits

• Salary Range: $79,920 – $119,880 base salary.
• Bonus opportunity, car program, and comprehensive benefits.