LS9 seeks a highly motivated Process Development Engineer to work in the Pilot Plant in the design, execution, and scale-up of novel fermentation processes to produce biofuels and chemicals from a variety of biomass sources. The ideal candidate will be experienced in pilot plant or manufacturing operations. This hands-on position requires a desire and ability to work as an integral part of a multidisciplinary team, as well as a high degree of flexibility, creativity, and initiative in conducting various duties and aspects of the position.  This Engineer will carry out the day-to-day operations in the pilot plant in the optimization of fermentation processes, establishment of readiness for tech-transfer, process scale up, and production of samples to support various programs.

 Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct the day-to-day operations of the pilot plant, including medium preparation, bioreactor sterilization, inoculum preparation, in-process sampling and analysis, harvest, and bioreactor cleaning.
• Analyze, summarize, and present experimental results to interested parties in the company to expedite the development of the integrated biofuels and chemicals production process in a collaborative team environment.
• Play a key role in the accurate knowledge transfer from fermentation labs to the pilot plant and in the successful scale-up of fermentation processes to the pilot scale.
• Conduct maintenance of pilot plant, including pH and DO probes, bioreactors, and other associated equipment.
• Help ensure availability of required spare parts.
• Help identify gaps in the pilot plant and implement improvement programs for safety, efficiency, equipment reliability
• Keep abreast of current literature and the state of the art in fermentation science and their potential application to LS9's internal projects.
• Other responsibilities as assigned by management.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering/Microbiology or related scientific fields (5-10 years of industrial experience) or Master of Science in similar fields (3-5 years industrial experience) is required.
• Hands-on experience in a pilot plant or manufacturing setting is required.
• Industry experience in microbial fermentation is required.
• A solid background in microbiology, analytical methods, process control, mass/energy transfer, and fermentation instrumentation is required.
• Experience in B. Braun MFCS software and feeding recipe programming is preferred.
• Excellent verbal/written communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast paced and team oriented environment.
• Ability to contribute to collaborations and to provide support in achieving business objectives.