Lygos, Inc. Berkeley , CA 94705
Posted 2 weeks ago
About Lygos
Lygos is an industrial biotechnology company developing biobased sustainable solutions to improve everyday products. Our technology platform enables better economics and unlocks the power of organic acids specialty chemicals, enabling our partners to offer sustainable alternatives to legacy petroleum-based plastics, fragrances, home and personal care products, and more.
About the Position
We are seeking a dynamic and motivated process development engineer to join our growing organization. As a member of the Downstream and Scaleup team, you will enable the process development of our biodegradable functional polymers. You will be responsible for understanding the chemistry and applying chemical engineering principles to efficiently develop scalable, economical processes for scaleup. This is a hands-on position with primary responsibilities around lab/pilot-scale data generation to enable the rapid transitioning of the technology from development, through tech transfer, and into routine manufacturing operation. In this role, you will have the opportunity to contribute to our mission of producing sustainable products, enable existing products to elevate their market share and establish new performance products and brands. You will also get to experience working in a collaborative team environment!
Role & Responsibilities:
Develop processes for producing Lygos' functional polymers
Plan and execute lab/pilot scale experiments to test and optimize process conditions
Prepare and submit samples for characterization and analysis using both internal and external resources
Collect/analyze data and present findings in group meetings
Prepare block flow diagrams and process flow diagrams
Assist in the development of mass and energy balances
Assist scale-up engineers with commercial process design and techno-economic models for Lygos' processes to produce our functional polymers
Assist in the development of product specifications and quality control methods to ensure reliable product performance in target applications
Identify, procure, and integrate suitable lab/pilot test equipment for development of production processes
Perform process development tests to optimize process conditions and gather data for process design
Assist in the planning and execution of external lab/pilot-scale trials with equipment manufacturers to gather data for process design
Support the safe and efficient transfer of processes to commercial manufacturing sites
Support development and integration of commercial equipment for production of functional polymers
Qualifications & Experience:
BS/MS in Chemical Engineering with 3+ years of experience in chemical process development, process design, and/or specialty chemical manufacturing
Hands-on experience developing chemical process at lab/pilot scale
Solid fundamental knowledge of chemical engineering principles and unit operations, such as batch and continuous reactors, distillation/evaporation, crystallization, extractions, filtration, adsorption, centrifugation, chromatography, etc
Motivated self-starter with a sense of urgency that is comfortable in a fast-paced, multitasking environment
Superb organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
Collaborative, analytical, and data-driven
The highest regard for safety, respect for people, and ethical behavior
Ability to travel for process/equipment trials onsite support (~20%)
Nice-to-haves (but not required):
Experience developing and/or scaling up polymerization processes
Experience scaling up processes to manufacturing scale
Experience executing pilot trials with contract manufacturing partners and/or equipment manufacturers
Experience in agricultural applications and consumer product applications
Lygos offers highly competitive salaries and benefits, including medical and dental insurance, paid time off, and 401(k).
Salary Range: $85K - $139K - Actual pay will vary based on various factors, including but not limited to location, skill, experience, and performance.
The benefits and stock purchase described above are subject to the terms and conditions of any governing plans, policies, practices, agreements, or other materials or documents as in effect from time to time, including but not limited to terms and conditions regarding eligibility.
Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required. We are not able to sponsor individuals for employment visas for this job. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
This position is based in our Berkeley, CA location. There is no relocation assistance offered at this time.
Lygos, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.
Lygos, Inc.