Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Requirements
Education and Training Requirements
High School
Take classes in math, biology, chemistry, earth science, physics, history, and English. Biofuels/biodiesel technology and product development managers use computers and different software programs in their work, so be sure to also take computer classes. Knowing a foreign language may be helpful as well.
Postsecondary Training
A bachelors degree is the minimum educational requirement for biofuels/biodiesel technology and product development manager jobs. Many people in this field have a degree in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, or a similar area. In addition to science, math, statistics, and laboratory courses, degree programs may include classes in project management, computer applications, quality control, health and safety, production and operations management, and general management principles. They also may include coursework on emerging technology (such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and cloud computing) that managers use to do their work. Employers may prefer managers who hold a masters degree, which may be in the sciences or engineering, but may also be in business administration.
Many biofuels/biodiesel research and development students participate in an internship with a biofuels or biodiesel employer while in college. The internship gives them the opportunity to learn more about the field and see if this is something that suits their skills and interests. They also get the chance to network and make valuable contacts. The U.S. Department of Energy offers links to information on internships, fellowships, and scholarships at https://www.energy.gov/eere/jobs/internships-fellowships-graduate-postdoctoral-opportunities.
Certification
Some colleges and universities offer certificate programs in biofuels, bioenergy, renewable energy, and related fields. For example, Minnesota West Community & Technical College offers a biofuels technology biodiesel certificate that includes classes such as Biodiesel Fundamentals, Mechanical Fundamentals for Process Controls, Process Dynamics, Industrial Safety, Biodiesel Technologies and Regulatory Issues, and Instrumentation and Control. Visit https://www.mnwest.edu/programs-courses/list/biofuels-technology-biodiesel-certificate for more information. Certificate programs typically last six months to a year and are available in online, in-person, and hybrid formats.
Other Education or Training
Biofuels/biodiesel technology and product development managers continue their education throughout their careers. They take continuing education classes and attend conferences offered by professional associations such as the Renewable Fuels Association, Product Development and Management Association, and the American Chemical Society, among others.
Certification, Licensing, and Special Requirements
Certification or Licensing
Certification is not required for biofuels/biodiesel technology and product development work. Those who want to enhance their skills and knowledge and show competency in their profession may receive voluntary certification as product development professionals. The Product Development and Management Association, for example, offers the new product development professional certification to those who meet specific education and work-experience requirements and pass an exam.
Experience, Skills, and Personality Traits
Employers prefer to hire biofuels/biodiesel technology and product development managers who have, at minimum, a bachelors degree and three to five years of prior work experience in a biofuels/biodiesel company. Those with a masters or graduate degree are typically required to have less work-related experience for entry-level jobs.
Technology and product development managers who do best in this type of work are able to balance working independently with working with teams and supervising staff members. The ability to gather and analyze data and solve complex problems is a key asset in the job. Much time is spent on computers, compiling and reviewing data, so knowledge of software programs is beneficial. The work requires critical thinking, good judgment and decision making, and clear writing and speaking skills.
Biofuels/biodiesel technology and product development managers must have knowledge of production processes, quality control, raw materials, chemical composition and properties, and engineering science and technology applications and principles. They must also be well-versed in analytic and scientific software programs, enterprise resource planning software, and Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word.