Process Engineer

Job Duties

The Process Engineer will be part of BioMADE’s Maple Grove pilot plant operations team. This pilot plant will help bridge a gap in the domestic biotech industry (non-pharma), providing clients with emerging fermentation technologies the ability to demonstrate upstream and downstream processes at a scale which supports future commercial scale design. This position is responsible for translating customer fermentation and downstream process requirements into operational procedures, batch documentation, and technical guidance that enable the Operations team to successfully execute production campaigns. Compensation and title (Process Engineer or Senior Process Engineer) will be determined based on candidate’s experience.

Working closely with the Projects Lead, Operations Manager, Shift Supervisors, and Technical Laboratory Manager, the Process Engineer serves as the primary technical interface between customers and production facility operations during process technology transfer, campaign preparation, production execution, and post-production technology transfer closure.

The role requires strong knowledge of fermentation processes and downstream processing unit operations, with particular emphasis on downstream separations and purification systems. The Process Engineer will actively promote and exemplify a “zero harm” safety culture.

Key Responsibilities

Technology Transfer and Process Implementation

Work with Projects Lead to translate client technology transfer packages into executable production processes.

Understand, communicate, and convert client process expectations into: batch records, batch recipes, operating procedures, process control parameters, process flow summaries, and operational guidance including operator training documents

Ensure process documentation and training positions the Operations team to execute production campaigns safely and effectively.

At the conclusion of client campaigns, prepare process summary reports and data packages for client representatives to include, but not limited to, items such as fermentation performance (titer, rate, yield) against expectations, downstream unit operation performance (to include yields), analytical results.

Process deviations should be summarized for the client.

Bench-Scale Trials and Process Validation

With the Technical Lab Manager, support planning and assessment of laboratory trials as required using bench-scale fermentation and downstream equipment to:

Demonstrate the viability of client technology transfer packages

Identify and close potential gaps prior to running the process at pilot scale.

This may include generating data related to: fermentation performance, downstream separation performance, product recovery yields

Operations Support

Serve as primary technical expert for process unit operations, training shift supervisors and operations team on fundamental principles of operation, modes of operation, programming sequences, equipment safeguards, alarms (purpose and response), and troubleshooting.

At the direction of the Operations Manager, prepare standard operating procedures, troubleshooting guides, and other reference documents that provide a foundation for consistent operation and understanding.

Collaborate with shift supervisors and process operators to address process observations, concerns, and recommendations. Use these to develop and execute action plans.

Foster an environment of open communication and continuous improvement.

Utilize plant process data as well as in process analytical data to create dash boards and metrics that the Operations Manager deems to provide value for team performance.

Work with Operations Manager and Maintenance Manager to provide troubleshooting support for fermentation and downstream equipment, recommending corrective action and improvements as needed.

May provide hands-on operational support during critical campaigns, startup activities, commissioning efforts, or periods of limited staffing.

Safety Leadership

Actively support the facility’s “zero harm” safety culture by:

Leading by example

Ensuring process procedures include safety considerations

Work with the team to identify and address potential hazards in fermentation and downstream operations

Engaging plant personnel in proactive safety discussions

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

This position is offered at two levels: Process Engineer or Sr. Process Engineer, allowing candidates to apply based on their experience and qualifications. The total compensation range for this position is $105,000 - $135,000. Many factors are taken into consideration when determining compensation, such as possessing the Required Qualifications, Preferred Qualifications, level of education and experience, with consideration given to internal equity.

About Us

BioMADE is a public-private partnership at the forefront of the exciting bioindustrial manufacturing industry. Bioindustrial manufacturing is transforming how we make products in the U.S. – from chemicals to materials to food and more. Working with our network of 330 leading industry, academic, and nonprofit members, BioMADE is securing America’s future through bioindustrial manufacturing innovation, education, and collaboration.

By harnessing the power of biology, BioMADE and its members are creating more robust and resilient supply chains, making the U.S. more self-sufficient, re-shoring manufacturing jobs, and producing more environmentally sustainable products without relying on traditional petroleum sources. BioMADE is also building a globally competitive STEM workforce to ensure American workers are prepared and ready to fill new jobs within this rapidly growing industry. National interest and momentum for bioindustrial manufacturing is at an all-time high. Join this dynamic, growing organization to make a difference in the future of bioindustrial manufacturing!

BioMADE offers competitive salaries commensurate with experience, an annual bonus plan, and a comprehensive benefits package which includes 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and a generous contribution toward dependent coverage, short- and long-term disability insurance, basic and supplemental life insurance, flexible spending plan, a robust 401(k) retirement plan with a dollar-for-dollar up to 6% match, accrued Paid Time Off, and a generous holiday calendar that includes a week-long holiday closure. We also offer a hybrid work environment for many positions, casual dress, free parking, internet and cell phone stipend, and professional development opportunities.

Export Control Disclaimer

This position may involve access to hardware, commodities, and technical information subject to the Export Administration Regulations or International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Accordingly, any hiring decision might depend in part on the BioMADE's ability to obtain or rely on federal government authorization as required, if you are not a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., asylee, refugee, or other qualifying protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

EOE Statement

BioMADE is an equal opportunity employer to all and makes hiring and employment decisions without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Minimum Education Required

Bachelor’s degree in one of the following fields: Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Bioprocess Engineering, or other related disciplines.

Minimum Experience Required

Experience in technology transfer, process development, or production support (commercial or CDMO scale)

Sound knowledge of Fermentation fundamentals and downstream separation technologies

Experience in Data analysis systems, process monitoring, and process troubleshooting acumen

Strong safety mindset with demonstrated commitment to safe work practices

Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to operations, laboratory, maintenance personnel, and customers/clients. Ability to translate complex processes into operational procedures and guidelines.

Comfortability to lead client interactions and project coordination.

Preferred

Master’s degree in one of the following fields: Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Bioprocess Engineering, or other related disciplines.

8 or more years experience as process engineer in fermentation or bioprocess development or manufacturing environments.

Downstream expertise preferred with unit operations such as, but not limited to, centrifuges (disc stack, decanter), ultrafiltration, microfiltration, ion exchange, evaporators, spray dryers, and homogenizers.

Prior experience within CDMO environment (preferably with food-safe quality standards), bench-to-pilot scale up, pilot-to-commercial scale up.

Experience writing and modifying fermentation scripts and recipes utilizing a variety of programming methodologies and languages

Experience with Factory Talk and/or Ignition automation and programming environments

Pre-employment Screening Requirements

Employment in this role is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screening, conducted following a conditional offer of employment and in accordance with applicable federal and state law. Our full testing policy will be provided prior to screening.

Shift

First (Day)

Number of Openings

1

Public Transportation Accessible

No

Veterans Encouraged to Apply

Yes

Physical Required

No

Drug Test Required

Yes

Compensation

$105,000.00 - $135,000.00 / Annually

Additional Compensation

annual discretionary bonus, up to 10% of base compensation.

Postal Code

55369

Job Type

Full Time

Place of Work

On-site

Requisition ID

PPNPEMG - BioMADE

Job Benefits

BioMADE recognizes the importance of a happy and healthy staff that maintains a good work/life balance. BioMADE provides a comprehensive suite of health insurances, supplemental benefits, and paid time off to all regular full-time employees as outlined below. New employees become eligible for most benefits on the first day of the month following their hire date.

100% Employer paid options for medical insurance for BioMADE employees. Low-cost buy-up options also available.

Generous cost-sharing for medical insurance for spouse and child(ren).

Health Savings Account option for medical insurance.

100% Employer paid Dental and Vision insurance for BioMADE employees.

Low-cost Dental insurance for spouse/child(ren) and with child ortho coverage.

100% employer paid Vision for employee, and spouse/child(ren) coverage.

Section 125 Flexible Spending Plan options for Medical, Dependent Care, and Commuter Pre-Tax benefits.

100% Employer paid Life insurance with a 1x Annual Salary for Exempt staff and a Flat $50,000 benefit for hourly staff.

100% Employer paid Short Term Disability insurance and low-cost Voluntary Long Term Disability insurance available.

401(k) retirement plan with up to 6% match on plan compensation (no vesting period!).

Discretionary Incentive Plan based on organizational and individual performance.

Paid Time Off (PTO) that begins to accrue from your hire date.

13 Paid holidays, including a winter break between Christmas Eve Day and New Year’s Day.

Paid Parental Leave- Up to 8 weeks of paid leave for new parents.

Full access to LinkedIn Learning’s Suite for professional development.

Free Parking.

Casual Dress Code.

Free snacks and beverages at CA and MN office locations.

Fun on and off-site employee activities sponsored by the Employee Engagement Committee