Career Details
11-9041.01 - Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.
Key Facts

Tasks

Core
- 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.
Supplemental
- Develop computational tools or approaches to improve biofuels research and development activities.
- Develop carbohydrates arrays and associated methods for screening enzymes involved in biomass conversion.
- Perform protein functional analysis and engineering for processing of feedstock and creation of biofuels.
- Develop separation processes to recover biofuels.
- Develop methods to recover ethanol or other fuels from complex bioreactor liquid and gas streams.
- Develop methods to estimate the efficiency of biomass pretreatments.
- Design or execute solvent or product recovery experiments in laboratory or field settings.
- Design chemical conversion processes, such as etherification, esterification, interesterification, transesterification, distillation, hydrogenation, oxidation or reduction of fats and oils, and vegetable oil refining.
- Conduct research to breed or develop energy crops with improved biomass yield, environmental adaptability, pest resistance, production efficiency, bioprocessing characteristics, or reduced environmental impacts.
Knowledge

- 81%Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- 81%Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
- 79%Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
- 71%Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
- 68%Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
- 65%Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
- 64%Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
- 61%Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
- 59%Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
- 57%Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
- 55%Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
- 54%Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
- 52%Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
- 51%Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
- 50%Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Tools

- Absorption equipment
- Flocculators
- Autosamplers
- Gas chromatographs GC
- High pressure liquid chromatographs HPLC
- Bioreactors
- Fermentation systems
- Biosafety cabinets
- Desktop computers
- Laptop computers
- Personal computers
- Dissolved oxygen monitors
- pH indicators
- Distillation equipment
- Extraction equipment
- Flow indicators
- Level indicators
- Forced convection incubators
- Orbital incubating shakers
- Gas chromatograph mass spectrometers GC-MS
- Mass spectrometers
- Spectrophotometers
- Gel electrophoresis equipment
- Inverted compound microscopes
- Polymerase chain reaction PCR equipment
- Pressure indicators
- Safety glasses
- Safety gloves
- Temperature probes
- Top-loading autoclaves
Technology

- Ab InitioHOT
- Fund accounting software
- Microsoft DynamicsHOT
- Microsoft Great Plains Personal Data Keeper
- SAPHOT
- Adobe Systems Adobe IllustratorHOT
- Microsoft ExcelHOT
- Microsoft PowerPointHOT
- Microsoft VisioHOT
- Microsoft WordHOT
- Agilent ChemStation
- Computer aided design CAD softwareHOT
- Dassault Systemes CATIA
- Epic SystemsHOT
- Fleet Asset Management and Optimization Solutions FAMOS PEPSE
- GE Energy GateCycle
- Email software
- Formula translation/translator FORTRAN
- Microsoft SQL Server Integration Services SSISHOT
- Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services SSRS
- National Instruments LabVIEWHOT
- Oracle JavaHOT
- Practical extraction and reporting language PerlHOT
- PythonHOT
- LinuxHOT
- UNIXHOT
- Microsoft OfficeHOT
- Microsoft ProjectHOT
- Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio ManagementHOT
- Microsoft SQL ServerHOT
- Structure query language SQL
- Web browser software
Certifications

Licensing

Related Programs

Clicking on the Degree programs in the list below will take you away from the Careers page.
The engineering degree at JMU combines the strengths of a traditional engineering curriculum with many of the attributes that industry and academic experts have identified as desirable in the engineer of the 21st century. The Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree spans the traditional engineering sub-disciplines; focuses on sustainability, engineering design and systems analysis; provides extensive hands-on laboratory and design studio experiences; and integrates business, management and social aspects of sustainable engineering design.
The curriculum is designed to meet all engineering accreditation standards and to prepare students to pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) pre-licensure exam. Graduates will be prepared to succeed in the engineering workforce or in graduate engineering degree programs by exhibiting the practical ingenuity of an "engineering versatilist."
Purpose: The curriculum is designed to prepare the student to transfer into a baccalaureate degree program in engineering fields such as mechanical engineering, civil engineering, chemical engineering, aeronautical engineering, and naval architecture/marine engineering.
Purpose: This program is designed to help students develop both the theoretical knowledge and a practical facility with GIS. Students who already hold a baccalaureate or master's degree will acquire the requisite skills and knowledge to switch careers, or to apply spatial analysis in their present workplaces. Students will be positioned to pursue additional coursework toward an associate degree and/or transfer to a four-year institution for further study in the geospatial, environmental, or physical sciences; in civil engineering; in information technology; or in business/marketing at a four-year institution.
Preparation: Students are expected to understand fundamental computer applications and concepts before enrolling in GIS courses.
Students in the dual degree engineering program are strongly advised to complete all of the requirements for their academic major(s) and general education program prior to departure from Randolph College, and prior to beginning at the engineering partner school. For the Engineering Physics major, typically only the senior program is done at the partner school. In addition, students should plan to complete at least 94 credits prior to departure.
A physics major earned in the context of a liberal arts education prepares the student for a wide variety of careers. Scientific careers in universities, research laboratories, and industry are the most obvious opportunities, but the training that a physicist receives in analytical reasoning prepares one for a career in medicine, engineering, law, and business as well. Problem-solving ability combined with knowledge of computer programming also leads to careers in computer science and computer programming.
The Bachelor of Arts degree is for the student interested in studying physics, but who is likely to pursue a career in a related field, or a field which requires an analytical mind. The Bachelor of Science degree is for those planning a career in physics or engineering, and for those considering going on to graduate school.
A student interested in a degree in engineering, but who also wants the benefits of a liberal arts education can elect the engineering physics major. See Engineering Physics for a description of the interdisciplinary major.
Each student must confer with the major advisor to plan a program that takes into account specific interests and career goals. The major requirements have been designed to meet the educational needs of students interested in careers in chemistry, medicine, K-12 education, forensics, business, and law.
Chemistry majors can select among five different programs of emphasis all of which are ACS certified:
- General Emphasis
- Biochemistry Emphasis
- Research Emphasis
- Forensic Science Emphasis
- Education Emphasis
Students who intend to pursue a career in the medical field (medicine, dentistry, veterinary science and pharmacy) after graduation are encouraged to pursue the Biochemistry Emphasis. This emphasis is designed to meet the requirements of many allied health professions while providing the student with a firm foundation in chemistry, biochemistry, and biology. Interested students should contact Dr. Green, faculty advisor of the biochemistry emphasis.
Students who intend to pursue a career in chemistry after graduation are encouraged to pursue the Research Emphasis. This emphasis is designed to support students who want to earn a Ph.D. or master's degree in chemistry after graduation. Interested students should contact Dr. Schreiner, faculty advisor of the research emphasis.
Students who are interested in K-12 education in chemistry should pursue the Education Emphasis. This emphasis works in conjunction with the minor in education to enable students to obtain teacher certification after graduation from Randolph-Macon. Interested students should contact Dr. Borowski, advisor of the education emphasis.
Students who intend to work in forensic science after graduation should pursue the Forensic Science Emphasis. Interested students should contact Dr. Borowski, advisor of the forensic science emphasis.
Each student must confer with the major advisor to plan a program that takes into account specific interests and career goals. The major requirements have been designed to meet the educational needs of students interested in careers in chemistry, medicine, K-12 education, forensics, business, and law.
Chemistry majors can select among five different programs of emphasis all of which are ACS certified:
- General Emphasis
- Biochemistry Emphasis
- Research Emphasis
- Forensic Science Emphasis
- Education Emphasis
Students who intend to pursue a career in the medical field (medicine, dentistry, veterinary science and pharmacy) after graduation are encouraged to pursue the Biochemistry Emphasis. This emphasis is designed to meet the requirements of many allied health professions while providing the student with a firm foundation in chemistry, biochemistry, and biology. Interested students should contact Dr. Green, faculty advisor of the biochemistry emphasis.
Students who intend to pursue a career in chemistry after graduation are encouraged to pursue the Research Emphasis. This emphasis is designed to support students who want to earn a Ph.D. or master's degree in chemistry after graduation. Interested students should contact Dr. Schreiner, faculty advisor of the research emphasis.
Students who are interested in K-12 education in chemistry should pursue the Education Emphasis. This emphasis works in conjunction with the minor in education to enable students to obtain teacher certification after graduation from Randolph-Macon. Interested students should contact Dr. Borowski, advisor of the education emphasis.
Students who intend to work in forensic science after graduation should pursue the Forensic Science Emphasis. Interested students should contact Dr. Borowski, advisor of the forensic science emphasis.
Each student must confer with the major advisor to plan a program that takes into account specific interests and career goals. The major requirements have been designed to meet the educational needs of students interested in careers in chemistry, medicine, K-12 education, forensics, business, and law.
Chemistry majors can select among five different programs of emphasis all of which are ACS certified:
- General Emphasis
- Biochemistry Emphasis
- Research Emphasis
- Forensic Science Emphasis
- Education Emphasis
Students who intend to pursue a career in the medical field (medicine, dentistry, veterinary science and pharmacy) after graduation are encouraged to pursue the Biochemistry Emphasis. This emphasis is designed to meet the requirements of many allied health professions while providing the student with a firm foundation in chemistry, biochemistry, and biology. Interested students should contact Dr. Green, faculty advisor of the biochemistry emphasis.
Students who intend to pursue a career in chemistry after graduation are encouraged to pursue the Research Emphasis. This emphasis is designed to support students who want to earn a Ph.D. or master's degree in chemistry after graduation. Interested students should contact Dr. Schreiner, faculty advisor of the research emphasis.
Students who are interested in K-12 education in chemistry should pursue the Education Emphasis. This emphasis works in conjunction with the minor in education to enable students to obtain teacher certification after graduation from Randolph-Macon. Interested students should contact Dr. Borowski, advisor of the education emphasis.
Students who intend to work in forensic science after graduation should pursue the Forensic Science Emphasis. Interested students should contact Dr. Borowski, advisor of the forensic science emphasis.
Each student must confer with the major advisor to plan a program that takes into account specific interests and career goals. The major requirements have been designed to meet the educational needs of students interested in careers in chemistry, medicine, K-12 education, forensics, business, and law.
Chemistry majors can select among five different programs of emphasis all of which are ACS certified:
- General Emphasis
- Biochemistry Emphasis
- Research Emphasis
- Forensic Science Emphasis
- Education Emphasis
Students who intend to pursue a career in the medical field (medicine, dentistry, veterinary science and pharmacy) after graduation are encouraged to pursue the Biochemistry Emphasis. This emphasis is designed to meet the requirements of many allied health professions while providing the student with a firm foundation in chemistry, biochemistry, and biology. Interested students should contact Dr. Green, faculty advisor of the biochemistry emphasis.
Students who intend to pursue a career in chemistry after graduation are encouraged to pursue the Research Emphasis. This emphasis is designed to support students who want to earn a Ph.D. or master's degree in chemistry after graduation. Interested students should contact Dr. Schreiner, faculty advisor of the research emphasis.
Students who are interested in K-12 education in chemistry should pursue the Education Emphasis. This emphasis works in conjunction with the minor in education to enable students to obtain teacher certification after graduation from Randolph-Macon. Interested students should contact Dr. Borowski, advisor of the education emphasis.
Students who intend to work in forensic science after graduation should pursue the Forensic Science Emphasis. Interested students should contact Dr. Borowski, advisor of the forensic science emphasis.
Each student must confer with the major advisor to plan a program that takes into account specific interests and career goals. The major requirements have been designed to meet the educational needs of students interested in careers in chemistry, medicine, K-12 education, forensics, business, and law.
Chemistry majors can select among five different programs of emphasis all of which are ACS certified:
- General Emphasis
- Biochemistry Emphasis
- Research Emphasis
- Forensic Science Emphasis
- Education Emphasis
Students who intend to pursue a career in the medical field (medicine, dentistry, veterinary science and pharmacy) after graduation are encouraged to pursue the Biochemistry Emphasis. This emphasis is designed to meet the requirements of many allied health professions while providing the student with a firm foundation in chemistry, biochemistry, and biology. Interested students should contact Dr. Green, faculty advisor of the biochemistry emphasis.
Students who intend to pursue a career in chemistry after graduation are encouraged to pursue the Research Emphasis. This emphasis is designed to support students who want to earn a Ph.D. or master's degree in chemistry after graduation. Interested students should contact Dr. Schreiner, faculty advisor of the research emphasis.
Students who are interested in K-12 education in chemistry should pursue the Education Emphasis. This emphasis works in conjunction with the minor in education to enable students to obtain teacher certification after graduation from Randolph-Macon. Interested students should contact Dr. Borowski, advisor of the education emphasis.
Students who intend to work in forensic science after graduation should pursue the Forensic Science Emphasis. Interested students should contact Dr. Borowski, advisor of the forensic science emphasis.
Engineering is the practical application of mathematics and science in order to make structures, machines, products, systems, and processes which are useful to humankind. By combining the fundamentals of science with creative hands-on design and a strong background in the liberal arts, Randolph-Macon Engineers will gain the Technical, Problem-Solving, Communications, and Professional skills needed to succeed as practicing engineers or in graduate school. The Engineering major is designed to meet the requirements for ABET accreditation. Students wishing to complete the Engineering (ENGR) degree in 4 years are required to successfully complete PHYS 151 and MATH 131 during the first semester of their freshman year. Students who complete PHYS 151 during the sophomore year or who wish to double-major in another subject are encouraged to consider the Engineering Physics (EPHY) major. Students who major in Engineering (ENGR) may need to complete more than 120 credit hours in order to satisfy the major requirements.
Engineering Physics is a multidisciplinary field of study with a curriculum that has the essential core coursework in engineering, coupled with elective courses in physics, biology, chemistry, computer science, environmental studies, or geology that will complement your intended engineering field of interest. You will be able to explore the various fields of engineering through one-on-one interactions with faculty and practicing engineers.
The department strongly encourages students to participate in research opportunities outside of their normal course work. Examples of unique research experiences include Randolph-Macon College's SURF Program, The National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program, and PHYS 271-PHYS 274. Additionally, it is highly recommended that engineering physics students participate in the Basset Internship program to gain further perspectives of engineering that cannot be obtained from classroom or research opportunities.
Each student must confer with the major advisor to plan a program that takes into account specific interests and career goals. The major requirements have been designed to meet the educational needs of students interested in careers in chemistry, medicine, K-12 education, forensics, business, and law.
Chemistry majors can select among five different programs of emphasis all of which are ACS certified:
- General Emphasis
- Biochemistry Emphasis
- Research Emphasis
- Forensic Science Emphasis
- Education Emphasis
Students who intend to pursue a career in the medical field (medicine, dentistry, veterinary science and pharmacy) after graduation are encouraged to pursue the Biochemistry Emphasis. This emphasis is designed to meet the requirements of many allied health professions while providing the student with a firm foundation in chemistry, biochemistry, and biology. Interested students should contact Dr. Green, faculty advisor of the biochemistry emphasis.
Students who intend to pursue a career in chemistry after graduation are encouraged to pursue the Research Emphasis. This emphasis is designed to support students who want to earn a Ph.D. or master's degree in chemistry after graduation. Interested students should contact Dr. Schreiner, faculty advisor of the research emphasis.
Students who are interested in K-12 education in chemistry should pursue the Education Emphasis. This emphasis works in conjunction with the minor in education to enable students to obtain teacher certification after graduation from Randolph-Macon. Interested students should contact Dr. Borowski, advisor of the education emphasis.
Students who intend to work in forensic science after graduation should pursue the Forensic Science Emphasis. Interested students should contact Dr. Borowski, advisor of the forensic science emphasis.
Engineering Physics is a multidisciplinary field of study with a curriculum that has the essential core coursework in engineering, coupled with elective courses in physics, biology, chemistry, computer science, environmental studies, or geology that will complement your intended engineering field of interest. You will be able to explore the various fields of engineering through one-on-one interactions with faculty and practicing engineers.
The department strongly encourages students to participate in research opportunities outside of their normal course work. Examples of unique research experiences include Randolph-Macon College's SURF Program, The National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program, and PHYS 271-PHYS 274. Additionally, it is highly recommended that engineering physics students participate in the Basset Internship program to gain further perspectives of engineering that cannot be obtained from classroom or research opportunities.
Admission to the Engineering program requires satisfactory completion of the following high school units or their equivalents: four units of English; four units of mathematics (two units of algebra, one unit of plane geometry, one unit of advanced mathematics or trigonometry and solid geometry); one unit of laboratory science; and one unit of social studies.
Students desiring to enter the A.S. in Engineering program must provide proof of having a strong foundation in math and science and be eligible to take ENG 111. Additional information is available online at tcc.edu (search keyword "Engineering").
Engineering courses required for the Engineering degree are available at the Chesapeake and Virginia Beach campuses.