Bioprocess Engineer

PRO FARM GROUP INC•Bangor, MI

About The Position

ProFarm Group (PFG) is a subsidiary of Bioceres Crop Solutions, a global provider of biologically derived fertilizers, inoculants, crop traits, adjuvants, biostimulants and pesticides, serving the ever-expanding agricultural markets. PFG focuses on discovering, developing, and marketing nature-derived biostimulants, as well as pest management products from microbes and plant extracts for the effective control of invertebrate pests, weeds, and plant diseases. The Bioprocess Engineer position has responsibility and accountability for the assigned bioprocessing activities and achievement of the plant related business goals for his/her area of assigned responsibility. Working together with Production and Maintenance Managers and is a part of the Plant management team. Reporting to the Director of Plant Operations, the role delivers a stable production process and strives for continuous improvement. Through hands-on Process Engineering and focused on environmental, quality, and operations efficiency the Bioprocess Engineer supports the work process driven manufacturing organization.

Requirements

BS or MS in chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, or microbiology.
Downstream processing experience, including spray drying, granulation and filtration.
Excellent people skills and demonstrated ability to work in a team environment.
Experience in bio industry with fermentation.
Ability to sit at a desk for extended periods
Ability to extensively use a computer keyboard, mouse, monitor and software
Ability to work in an indoor and outdoor environment; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, noxious odors, gases, mechanical and electrical hazards, and all types of weather and temperature (hot/cold) conditions.
Ability to have the physical ability and mobility to walk, stand, and sit for prolonged periods of time; to frequently stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, reach, twist, grasp, and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to climb unusual heights on ladders; to life, carry, push, and/or pull moderate to heavy amounts of weight; to operate assigned equipment and vehicles; and to verbally commicate to exchange information.
Ability to lift at least 40 +/- lbs.
Ability to climb stairs/ladders and to be at heights of up to 80-100 feet.
Ability and dexterity to manipulate various sized components in small spaces
Ability to work extended hours or on the weekends when required.
Ability to work with frequent interruptions, changes in workload priorities, and maintain confidentiality
Ability to handle and plan multiple projects and tasks simultaneously under stringent deadlines
Ability to learn new software/new information, when necessary, to complete job duties thoroughly.
Ability to utilize excellent people skills and work in a team environment.
Ability to have a high level of proficiency of the English language, both in verbal and written form.
Ability to have strong attention to detail and accuracy is essential in this position.
Ability to travel up to 15%.

Responsibilities

Participate with scale up microbial fermentation and plant-extracted biopesticide processes, downstream processes, and formulations from pilot to manufacturing scale.
Optimize/improve existing and new manufacturing processes.
Support in developing and implementing project pre-startup, startup plans and schedule.
Assist with equipment specification, design, purchasing and commissioning.
Communicate with Supply Chain as needed in setting up specifications, addressing non-conformities, supporting cost of goods data.
Research and source equipment sources for process improvements and QC testing.
Develop and maintain plant engineering and equipment specifications, process and instrument diagrams, process flow diagrams, material balances, and other key documented process knowledge.
Develop and improve operating standards and guidelines. Integrate quality in manufacturing process and products to drive continuous improvement.
Design studies such as technology change evaluations for existing processes to ensure quality, cost and productivity.
Develop process qualifications based on internal procedures and quality requirements.
Implement and manage systems to reduce variation, produce quality products, reduce costs of operations, and meet customer needs. Interfaces with customers and partners as required.
As part of a team, troubleshoot processes, products, and raw materials.
Conduct training with manufacturing to commercialize new products and processes, and procedures.
Ensures that communications between plant operations and other functions are effective. (i.e., Operations Management, production scheduling, Maintenance, EH&S, Process Control, etc.)
Other duties as assigned.