Chemical Research Engineer

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 Chemical Research Engineer to join our extraordinary team.

• Are you passionate about scaling process technology, from lab scale to commercial?

• Do you have experience managing capital projects and plant operations?

• Are you skilled at optimizing pilot and demonstration plants?

• Do you love creating a culture of safety on your teams?

• 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 Chemical Research Engineer is experienced with designing, building, and commissioning laboratory or pilot scale R&D equipment that utilizes high pressure and/or flammable gasses for chemical and or biological processes. They are responsible for the design, setup, commissioning, and safe operation of gas bioprocesses in the company. This role would play a significant part in optimizing gas generation, delivery, and utilization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide technical and engineering support for lab and pilot scale operation and design of gas fermentation and bioreactors involving the use of H2/CO2/O2
• Install and commission laboratory and/or scale bioreactors, gas generators, gas storage, and gas manifolds
• Operate and optimize gas generation, storage, and delivery systems and bioreactors
• Apply engineering principles, research theories, and models to design and plan experiments and research activities
• Communicate findings to different audiences
• Write and review technical documentation
• Review literature and journal articles
• Maintain safety in the operation of gas generators, storage, and delivery to fermenters/bioreactors and support Project Safety Management (PSM) for the facility

Qualifications:

• Chemical engineering or mechanical engineering degree
• 5+ years of experience working in an R&D lab or pilot scale setting, working with high pressure or flammable gasses to perform chemical or biological processes
• Expertise safely managing and using hazardous gasses and high-pressure systems involving hydrogen, methane, ethylene, or other flammable gasses
• Able to recognize when optimization, correction, or custom changes are necessary - ability to troubleshoot and manage operations
• Experience designing, troubleshooting, and operating equipment performing gas fermentation, gas-to-liquid, gas-to-chemicals, hydrogenation, and/or other processes involving high pressure and/or flammable gasses
• Experience in controls and automation is an asset
• Experience in design and simulation of gas transfer in chemical systems or bioreactors is an asset

Skills & Qualities:

• Strong leadership in safety, demonstrated
• Demands excellence in execution
• Able to develop new systems / scale up innovations
• Able to build and manage strong teams
• Strong understanding of chemical reactions and engineering.
• Excellent organizational skills.

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.