Director, Scale-up & Engineering

About the role

The successful candidate will be an experienced R&D leader who provides strategic direction and technical oversight for scale-up, process engineering, packaging engineering and manufacturing support activities. This role will lead pilot plant operations (internal and external), scale-up efforts at co-manufacturing facilities, and process and packaging improvement initiatives focused on cost optimization and operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Lead scale-up, commercialization, pilot plant operations, and manufacturing support activities
• Drive continuous improvement of scale-up and commercialization processes to ensure efficient transitions from development to production
• Build strategic partnerships with co-manufacturers and external service providers to ensure R&D objectives are met
• Oversee and integrate technical packaging activities in scale-up and commercialization initiatives
• Provide technical leadership in processing, manufacturing performance, packaging engineering, risk management, and problem-solving
• Ensure product, package and process compliance through collaboration with cross-functional partners
• Identify emerging technologies, trends, and external capabilities to strengthen R&D and commercialization
• Provide input on long-term capability, equipment, facility, and talent needs

Requirements

• Ability to explain complex technical subject matters to non-technical team
• Ability to apply technical know-out to real world problems
• Ability to drive results, pivot quickly as needed
• Strong collaborative skills and ability to work well in teams
• Possess curiosity, creativity, and alternative thinking to develop better or new solutions with a scientific approach

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biological Sciences, Food Science or similar field
• 12+ years of experience in the food and beverage industry, including thermal processing and aseptic beverage processing, and high-protein RTD scale-up
• 5+ years of people leadership experience managing technical teams
• Demonstrated success commercializing products (product, process, package) through co-manufacturing partners and supporting manufacturing operations
• Strong technical troubleshooting and process optimization capabilities
• Working knowledge (incl. Mechanical) of processing and packaging equipment and manufacturing systems (batching through packaging)
• Strong working knowledge of process capability studies, statistical process control and specifications – ability to read, design and interpret specifications

Skills and Mindset

• Strong ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders across all levels of external manufacturing organizations
• Proven cross-functional leadership and project management skills with a track record of delivering results through internal and external teams
• Demonstrated experience managing project risk, solving complex technical challenges, and executing against timelines
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and influencing skills
• Willingness to travel up to 35%

Benefits

At the beginning of 2026, we moved into our massive modern 133,000 square foot headquarters in Emeryville, California, complete with spacious personal workspaces, gym with rock-climbing wall, a café, free onsite parking, tons of greenery, and many transportation options.

Pay

The expected pay scale for this role is $200k to $220k, which may vary based on relevant experience, qualifications, geographic area (if applicable), and internal equity for the role.

Schedule

The role is a full-time position with a hybrid work schedule, with employees expected to come into the office Tuesday through Thursday. The role is remote-friendly and offers flexible work arrangements.