Senior Bioprocess Engineer

ABOUT AIR PROTEIN

Air Protein is creating the most sustainable meat on Earth. We can feed the growing global population without destroying rainforests or warming the planet. Join our team of passionate scientists, engineers, and business leaders working to transform the future of food—meat from elements of the air.

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Air Protein is a modern food company, 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 using probiotic cultures, then turn that protein into any meat imaginable. 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 Senior Bioprocess Engineer (USP) to join our extraordinary team…

• Do you have a B.S in ChemE or MechE with 10+ yrs of experience in processes involving high pressure?

• Are you an expert in fermentation and gas systems?

• Do you have experience with bioreactors, fermenters, and other reactors?

• Are you passionate about climate change?

If you answered yes to these questions, then we invite you to APPLY NOW!

BENEFITS AND PERKS WE OFFER:

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 Senior Bioprocess Engineer (USP) is experienced with fermentation, gas-to-liquid, gas-to-chemicals, hydrogenation, or related processes. They are responsible for the safe design and operation of gas bioprocesses in the company.  This role would play a significant part in optimizing gas generation delivery, and utilization. This position is located in the San Francisco Bay Area and requires candidates to live in commutable distance to the worksite (Relo Assistance Provided)

Key Responsibilities

Team Management

• Lead multidisciplinary technical teams with lead-by-example and team centered approach.
• Collaborate with R&D engineers and scientists to design and scale-up bio processes.
• Provide technical and engineering guidance  in the design and operation of gas fermentation and bioreactor systems involving the use of hydrogen, CO2, and oxygen.
• Apply engineering principles, research theories, and models to design and plan experiments.
• Execute on the design, installation, commissioning, and start-up of gas generators, storage, delivery, and gas bioprocessing lines.
• Gatekeeper of Management of Change (MoC) systems.
• Prepare and give presentations.
• Lead project meetings to coordinate efforts and communicate effectively.
• Manage subcontractor efforts to ensure quality and accuracy in delivery of engineering projects.
• Develop, write, and review technical documentation including reports, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and engineering design packages.
• Maintain safety in the operation of the gas generators, storage, delivery, bioreactors and maintain Project Safety Management (PSM) for the plant.

Qualifications:

• Chemical or Mechanical engineering degree

• 10+ yrs of experience in fermentation, gas-to-liquid, gas-to-chemicals, hydrogenation, or other process involving high pressure and/or flammable gasses in an Engineering or operations role.

• Experience w/ collaboration with R&D teams.

• Understand high gas transfer reactor systems and industrial utilization of hydrogen.

• Expertise in aseptic processing, fermentation, and related biochemical processes.

• Professional experience in roles requiring both independent creativity and collaboration with multiple stakeholders

• Experience developing processes in pilot scale and designing large scale equipment..

• Prior experience with production scale biotech process equipment.

• Background in food processing, Pharma, or biotechnology to include sanitary factory/process design and GMP regulations.

Preferred

• Experience in gas fermentation or gas bioprocessing is an asset.
• Experience in design and simulation of gas transfer in chemical systems or bioreactors is an asset.

Skills

• Able to recognize when optimization, correction, or custom changes are necessary
• Ability to troubleshoot and manage operations
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to act proactively to create exceptional experiences for internal and external audiences
• Professional experience in roles requiring both independent creativity and collaboration with multiple stakeholders
• Understand the use of technology as a competitive differentiator
• Demonstrable experience with the Haber-Bosch process, hydrotreatment or hydrocracking of petroleum, hydrogenation of vegetable oils, methanol synthesis, the Fischer–Tropsch process, the Ziegler process.
• Ability to troubleshoot and manage operations
• Demonstrate strong business and financial acumen with an understanding of the implications of new technology development processes.

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

At Air Protein, we are committed to providing equal opportunities and encourage people, inclusive of all race, color, creed, religion, age, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, mental and physical ability, age, ancestry, medical condition, or any other status protected by law to consider joining our team. Because we value a diverse workplace, we prioritize an inclusive climate absent of discrimination and harassment during the application process and while you are a part of our team.  If you are passionate about Air Protein's values and mission and think you have what it takes to be successful in this role even if you don’t check all the boxes, please apply. Research has shown that women and people from marginalized groups may not apply for a role if they aren't a complete match.  Please don't hold back.  We’d appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.