Process Engineer

The Role

Macro Oceans is looking for a motivated and skilled Process Engineer to scale up our cutting edge bioprocessing technology. You will be part of our Science & Engineering team, based at our pilot facility in West Sacramento.

This is an opportunity to scale up a first of its kind system and dramatically increase the trajectory of low carbon products derived from seaweed. The right candidate for this role is energized by this challenge and wants to be accountable for the success of this project. You will be responsible for all aspects of our biorefinery scale up: 

• Conceptual design of biorefinery processes
• Develop all design documentation such as PFDs, P&IDs, BOMs, and layouts
• Form a strong understanding of process specifics, such as reaction mechanisms, suitable materials of construction, etc to inform equipment selection

• Selection of materials for equipment, piping, instrumentation, etc to meet desired process parameters and requirements

• Commission, startup, and operation of pilot scale unit operations
• Analyze raw data to successfully deliver all our pilot objectives and optimize the process (e.g. yield goals, cost targets, run time, etc)
• Interface with 3rd party vendors (e.g. structural & electrical engineers) and support the team in process installation, commissioning and troubleshooting
• Ensuring compliance with GMPs and establishing SOPs for production runs

This position requires first-principles thinking, excellent attention to detail, and an ability to deliver at speed. It is perfect for someone who has a proven track record in process development engineering looking to join a fast-paced, mission-driven startup.

Your Technical Qualifications

• Bachelors/Masters in Chemical Engineering or another relevant field
• 3+ years relevant industry experience (e.g. oil & gas, drinks / dairy, biobased chemicals, etc)
• Proven track record of designing, scaling up, and operating pilot and large scale (bio)refineries including working knowledge of:
• PFD/P&ID design, mass/energy balance, hazard assessment
• Material specifications, equipment selection, and procurement
• Construction, installation, commissioning a variety of unit operations
• Optimizing and troubleshooting unit operations through experimental design, statistical analysis and process engineering
• Good working knowledge and practical experience of wet lab chemistry
• Good working knowledge and hands-on experience with process engineering design, modeling and simulation software

Your Job Qualifications

• You can build and lead a technical roadmap, setting the pace and priorities, communicating tasks and solving problems
• You have a track record for designing and executing engineering plans together with internal teams, contractors and vendors
• You are a self-starter, motivated and accountable for your own work
• You are an excellent written and verbal communicator
• You can analyze complex data to produce insights and conclusions

Awesome if you have these too

• Experience with techno-economic modeling and life cycle analysis

• Working knowledge of mechanical engineering software tools
• Experience with biomass conversions techniques
• Experience implementing GMPs

• Startup experience

How to Apply

Send an email with your resume to careers@macro-oceans.com to apply.

About Macro Oceans

• We are a seaweed biotechnology startup based in Sacramento
• We are pioneering technologies to transform seaweed into a wide array of low-carbon chemicals for materials, food, cosmetics and more
• We are practical idealists on a mission to accelerate the transition to a cleaner bio-based economy and help to restore the vitality of our oceans. 

Read about us in Fast Company or find out more at www.macro-oceans.com or in Macro Oceans News