Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

11-9041.01 Zone 4 — Considerable Preparation Needed

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

Also known as: Analytical Research Program Manager, Biodiesel Division Manager, Biodiesel Engineering Manager, Biodiesel Product Development Manager, Biodiesel Product Manager, Biodiesel Technology Development Manager, Biodiesel Technology Manager, Biofuels Engineering Manager, ...

Annual Salary

$167,740

Median annual wage (May 2024)

$134,930 25th – 75th percentile $207,210
10th percentile $111,450
90th percentile $208,000+
U.S. Employment: 210,340

Job Outlook

+3.8%

Projected growth, 2024–2034 (About average)

Annual Job Openings 14,500 per year (avg. 2024–2034)
Typical education: Bachelor's degree
Experience: 5 years or more

What You'd Do

  • Develop lab scale models of industrial scale processes, such as fermentation.
  • Provide technical or scientific guidance to technical staff in the conduct of biofuels research or development.
  • Prepare, or oversee the preparation of, experimental plans for biofuels research or development.
  • Prepare biofuels research and development reports for senior management or technical professionals.
  • Design or conduct applied biodiesel or biofuels research projects on topics, such as transport, thermodynamics, mixing, filtration, distillation, fermentation, extraction, and separation.
  • Conduct experiments on biomass or pretreatment technologies.
  • Conduct experiments to test new or alternate feedstock fermentation processes.
  • Analyze data from biofuels studies, such as fluid dynamics, water treatments, or solvent extraction and recovery processes.
  • Oversee biodiesel/biofuels prototyping or development projects.
  • Propose new biofuels products, processes, technologies or applications based on findings from applied biofuels or biomass research projects.

Top Skills

Reading Comprehension 3.6
Writing 3.6
Speaking 3.6
Systems Analysis 3.6
Judgment and Decision Making 3.6
Critical Thinking 3.6
Complex Problem Solving 3.6
Active Listening 3.5

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Knowledge Areas

English Language 4.1
Chemistry 4.0
Engineering and Technology 3.9
Mathematics 3.6
Production and Processing 3.4
Computers and Electronics 3.3
Mechanical 3.2
Administration and Management 3.1

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation by education level

Bachelor's
55.4%
Master's
28.6%
Associate's
5.8%
Certificate
4.8%
Post-Doctoral
1.4%
High School
1.3%
Doctoral
1.3%
Post-Bacc Cert
1.2%

Technology & Tools

Software and tools commonly used in this role

In-Demand Technologies

Adobe Illustrator Epic Systems Linux Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Project Microsoft SQL Server Microsoft SQL Server Integration Services SSIS Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services SSRS Microsoft Visio Microsoft Word Oracle Java Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management Perl Python SAP software UNIX

Other Tools

Ab Initio Agilent ChemStation Computer aided design CAD software Dassault Systemes CATIA Email software Fleet Asset Management and Optimization Solutions FAMOS PEPSE Formula translation/translator FORTRAN Fund accounting software GE Energy GateCycle Microsoft Dynamics Microsoft Great Plains Personal Data Keeper National Instruments LabVIEW

Key Abilities

Cognitive, physical, and sensory abilities important for this role

Oral Comprehension 4.0
Written Comprehension 4.0
Problem Sensitivity 4.0
Deductive Reasoning 4.0
Written Expression 3.9
Information Ordering 3.9
Oral Expression 3.8
Inductive Reasoning 3.8

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on this job

Working with Computers 4.6
Making Decisions and Solving Problems 4.6
Analyzing Data or Information 4.5
Getting Information 4.5
Processing Information 4.3
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates 4.3
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge 4.1
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings 4.1

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Work Environment

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work

E-Mail
4.9
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
4.8
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
4.5
Freedom to Make Decisions
4.5
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
4.4
Telephone Conversations
4.4
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
4.4
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
4.1
Contact With Others
4.1
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection
4.1
Frequency of Decision Making
4.0
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
4.0

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Salary data: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Outlook data: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034.

This page includes information from the O*NET 30.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.