Bioprocess Engineer / Scientist

ABOUT AIR PROTEIN

At Air Protein, we’re passionate about creating a new food system–one that pushes the boundaries of what anyone thought was possible and builds a healthy relationship between our food and our planet. This is a new era of sustainable production; we can use less and make more. We can feed the growing global population without destroying rainforests or warming the planet. Join our diverse team of passionate scientists, engineers, and business leaders working to create the future of food—meat made from elements of the air.

As an innovative food company, we are crafting the world’s first air-based meats to eliminate compromise between nutrition, taste and climate impact.  Using novel technology inspired by NASA, we convert elements found in the air into protein. Air Protein’s process is carbon-negative by design, using less land and water, and is powered by renewable energy. It’s where cutting-edge science meets bold ambition to reinvent the way we eat.

We’re currently seeking a Bioprocess Engineer / Scientist to join our extraordinary team…

• Do you have experience with operating, troubleshooting, and optimizing bioreactors and/or fermenters?

• Are you an expert at applying engineering principles?

• Do you possess a customer first mentality?

• Do you have an expertise in cGMP food and/or pharmaceutical ops?

• Have you worked with hydrogen and/or have robust knowledge of PSM?

If you answered yes to these questions, then WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Benefits & Perks:

In addition to the chance to work with a world-class team and cutting-edge technology to help combat climate change and address the impending food crisis, Air Protein employees also enjoy competitive benefits. We offer unlimited PTO, parental leave, 401K match, and compensation plans that include employee equity. Air Protein invests in employee development and the company culture is shaped by shared values:

• Protect people & the planet
• Play as a team and have a growth mindset
• Do what you say you will do
• Be the change you seek
• Create a culture of belonging

The Role:

The Bioprocess Engineer / Scientist is an experienced chemical engineer, biochemist or related occupation that is responsible for the safe operation of fermentation systems in the company.   This role would play a significant part in optimizing the processes of fermentation delivery. This position will be located in the SF/Bay Area and requires candidates to live in commutable distance to our facilities. Relocation offered.

Key Responsibilities:

• Apply research theories and models to design along with plan experiments and research activities related to bioreactors and/or fermentation
• Install and commission laboratory scale bioreactors
• Communicate findings to internal project teams, management, and external stakeholders
• Write and review technical documentation including reports, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), and engineering design packages
• Preparing and giving presentations to different audiences
• Review literature and journal articles
• Execute the installation and commissioning of fermentation lines
• Assist with the implementation and maintenance of Management of Change (MoC) systems specific to the fermentation operations
• Support Project Safety Management (PSM) for the facility

Qualifications:

• Chemical or biochemical engineering degree
• 5+ years of experience in a biotech, pharmaceutical, biofuel, or food fermentation operations role
• Expertise in cGMP food and/or pharmaceutical operations
• Experience in gas fermentation
• Experience with managing and safely using hazardous gasses and high-pressure systems
• Understands chemical reactions and engineering
• Demonstrable experience in building a supply chain from scratch is a plus
• Professional experience in roles requiring both independent creativity and collaboration with multiple stakeholders
• Understand the use of technology as a competitive differentiator

Skills:

• Able to recognize when optimization, correction, or custom changes are necessary
• Superlative communication skills, particularly the ability to communicate with tangible and lasting shaping of core values and standards.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to act proactively to create exceptional experiences for internal and external audiences.

Check us out in the media, news, and in the community:

• Forbes: The Meatless Mafia: Four Companies Revolutionizing the Future of Food
• World Economic Forum: Air Protein Named WEF Technology Pioneer
• TED Talk: A forgotten Space Age Technology Could Change How We Grow Food
• Bloomberg: Crop Trader ADM Pours Money Into Firm Making Meat Out of Air

Air Protein is an equal opportunity employer

At Air Protein, we are committed to providing equal opportunities. Because we want the absolute best people, we enthusiastically invite people of every race, color, orientation, age, gender, origin, and ability – or any other status protected by law – to apply to join our team.

Research has shown that women and people from marginalized groups may not apply for a role if they aren't a 100% match.  Please don't hold back.  If you think you will excel in this role, but perhaps you don’t tick every box, we'd appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.