Sr. Bioprocess 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 Senior Bioprocess Engineer to join our extraordinary team.

• Do you have an understanding on the execution, commissioning, and start-up of fermentation and bioprocessing lines?

• Are you knowledgeable on operating, troubleshooting, and overseeing bioreactors and/or fermenters.

• 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 **Senior Bioprocess Engineer’**s primary role will be responsible for the safe operation of fermentation systems in the company. As an experienced chemical engineer, biochemist, or relation occupation, this role will 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:

• Manage research and development programs along with direct multidisciplinary technical teams with lead-by-example and team centered approach.
• Apply engineering principles, research theories, and models to design and plan experiments and research activities.
• Develop, write, and review technical documentation including reports, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and engineering design packages
• Gatekeeper of Management of Change (MoC) systems involving the operations of the fermentation plant
• Establish business strategies in coordination with the management team
• Communicate findings to project teams
• Preparing and giving presentations to internal teams, clients, and potential investors
• Lead project meetings to coordinate efforts and communicate effectively
• Manage subcontractor efforts to ensure quality and accuracy in budget
• Reviewing literature and journal articles to inform program efforts

Qualifications:

• Chemical or biochemical Engineering degree
• 10-15 years of experience in a biotech, pharmaceutical, biofuel, or food fermentation operations role
• Understand bioprocessing/fermentation industries
• Expertise in cGMP food and/or pharmaceutical operations
• Professional experience in roles requiring both independent creativity and collaboration with multiple stakeholders
• Experience with managing and safely using hazardous gasses and high-pressure systems
• Able to recognize when optimization, correction, or custom changes are necessary
• Possess a customer first mentality with all stakeholders
• Demonstrate strong business and financial acumen

Skills & Qualities:

• 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
• Strong leadership in safety, demonstrated
• Demands excellence in execution
• Able to build and manage strong teams

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.