Process Engineer

Department: Network Planning and Operational Structure • Full Time • Hayward, CA • Reporting to: Operations Manager

About the Role

The Process Engineer will be part of BioMADE’s Hayward pilot-plant operations team. This pilot plant bridges a gap in the domestic non-pharma biotech industry, providing clients with emerging fermentation technologies the ability to demonstrate upstream and downstream processes at a scale that supports future commercial design. The Process Engineer translates customer fermentation and downstream process requirements into operational procedures, batch documentation, and technical guidance that enable the Operations team to execute production campaigns. The role serves as the primary technical interface between customers and production operations during technology transfer, campaign preparation, production execution, and post-production closure. Strong knowledge of fermentation processes and downstream unit operations—especially separations and purification systems—is required. The Process Engineer actively promotes and exemplifies a “zero harm” safety culture.

Note: This position is offered at two levels (Process Engineer or Sr. Process Engineer) based on experience and qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Technology Transfer and Process Implementation
  • Work with the Projects Lead to translate client technology-transfer packages into executable production processes.
  • Convert client process expectations into batch records, recipes, operating procedures, control parameters, process-flow summaries, and operator-training documents.
  • Ensure process documentation and training position the Operations team to execute campaigns safely and effectively.
  • Prepare post-campaign process-summary reports and data packages for clients, including fermentation performance (titer, rate, yield), downstream unit-operation performance (yields), analytical results, and deviation summaries.
• Bench-Scale Trials and Process Validation
  • Support planning and assessment of laboratory trials using bench-scale fermentation and downstream equipment to demonstrate viability of client technology-transfer packages and close gaps before pilot-scale runs.
  • Generate data on fermentation performance, downstream separation performance, and product-recovery yields.
• Operations Support
  • Serve as primary technical expert for process unit operations; train shift supervisors and operators on fundamental principles, modes of operation, programming sequences, equipment safeguards, alarms, and troubleshooting.
  • Prepare SOPs, troubleshooting guides, and reference documents at the direction of the Operations Manager.
  • Collaborate with shift supervisors and operators to address process observations, concerns, and recommendations; develop and execute action plans.
  • Create dashboards and metrics from plant and analytical data to support team performance.
  • Provide troubleshooting support for fermentation and downstream equipment; recommend corrective actions and improvements.
  • Provide hands-on operational support during critical campaigns, startups, commissioning, or periods of limited staffing.
• Safety Leadership
  • Actively support the facility’s “zero harm” safety culture by leading by example, ensuring procedures include safety considerations, identifying hazards, and engaging personnel in proactive safety discussions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Bioprocess Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 5+ years of experience as a process engineer in fermentation or bioprocess development/manufacturing environments.
• Experience in technology transfer, scale-up, process development, or production support (commercial or CDMO scale).
• Sound knowledge of fermentation fundamentals and downstream separation technologies.
• Experience with data-analysis systems, process monitoring, and troubleshooting.
• Strong safety mindset with demonstrated commitment to safe work practices.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts to operations, laboratory, maintenance personnel, and clients; translate complex processes into operational procedures.
• Comfort leading client interactions and project coordination.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Bioprocess Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 8+ years of experience as a process engineer in fermentation or bioprocess development/manufacturing.
• Downstream expertise with unit operations such as centrifuges (disc stack, decanter), ultrafiltration, microfiltration, ion exchange, evaporators, spray dryers, and homogenizers.
• Prior experience in a CDMO environment (preferably with food-safe quality standards), bench-to-pilot scale-up, or pilot-to-commercial scale-up.
• Experience writing and modifying fermentation scripts and recipes using various programming methodologies and languages.
• Experience with Factory Talk and/or Ignition automation and programming environments.

Pay

$120,000 – $150,000 per year. Many factors are considered when determining compensation, including required and preferred qualifications, education, experience, and internal equity.

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Paid time off that accrues from hire date, plus 13 paid holidays (including winter closure between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day).
• Hybrid work policy for most positions; stipend for internet and personal phone use.
• 401(k) retirement plan with up to 6% employer match (no vesting period).
• Discretionary Incentive Plan based on organizational and individual performance.
• 100% employer-paid short-term disability and life insurance.
• Paid parental leave.
• Section 125 Flexible Spending Plan for medical and dependent care.
• Commuter pre-tax benefit.
• Full access to LinkedIn Learning for professional development.
• Free parking, casual dress code, free snacks and beverages, and on-site gym access.
• Fun on- and off-site employee activities sponsored by the Employee Engagement Committee.