Fermentation Engineer - Microbials

AMVAC CHEMICAL CORP

2d • Onsite

About The Position

AMVAC, an American Vanguard Corporation is a diversified agricultural and specialty products company focusing on crop protection, turf and ornamental markets, and public health applications. We hone our talent, strategy and seasoned experience to better serve the expanding needs of a modern world. 

The Manufacturing Sciences, and Technology (MSAT) team has an opening for a Fermentation Engineer who will be primarily responsible for work on process development of microbial fermentation and who will assist in troubleshooting and developing solutions to commercial manufacturing problems for AMVAC’s U.S. Microbial Production Plant located in Clackamas, OR. This position will also act as frontline technical support for technology transfer activities on the production floor in the validation of scale up processes for high quality crop microbial products at commercial scale (30,000 L) and assist in commercial manufacturing activities. 

The MSAT Engineer’s responsibilities include the set-up, operation, maintenance, cleaning, and harvesting of fermentation vessels from 5L to 30000L volumes bioreactors, and associated transfer and control equipment. The MSAT Fermentation Engineer is part of the MSAT team and reports to the MSAT Group Leader.
 

Requirements

• BS / BA in biochemical engineering, fermentation science or a related biological or engineering discipline
• 1+ year industry experience in microbiology, process development, biochemical engineering, fermentation science or related discipline or combination of education and experience
• 1+ year operating commercial scale fermentation vessels desired
• Experience operating complex fermentation equipment and auxiliary control equipment including air, nitrogen, pH, etc.
• Ability to analyze operational data and utilize process monitoring tools to reduce variability
• Ability to perform complex mathematical calculations
• Team player who will work well with members of the MSAT, Production, QA, and Logistics
• Efficient time management skills to organize and prioritize activities to ensure that they are completed within required timeframes
• Advanced computer skills using Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to push, pull and lift up to 50lbs safely
• Ability to enter tight and restricted areas and climb heights up to 30’
• Proven history of safe working practices
• Strong troubleshooting and process improvement abilities
• Pass post-offer background and physical tests

Nice To Haves

• Experience with fermentation of microbes (yeast, bacteria, fungi) at a commercial scale a plus

Responsibilities

• Assemble, configure, operate, clean, and maintain lab and pilot scale fermentation vessels (5L to 3000 L) used in the validation of new products and process optimizations
• Measure and blend ingredients for microbial fermentation
• Collect and analyze data for each fermentation, maintain lab notebook to track, record and report on fermentation parameters and quality 
• Work with Quality Management team to draft and update SOPs
• Ensure a safe work environment by identifying and eliminating potential hazards
• Harvest and package products for toll manufacturing clients following established guidelines and procedures
• Monitor processes and product parameters to identify opportunities for continuous improvement 
• Provide primary technical troubleshooting and support for transfer of new processes, products, or process changes to onsite and commercial production teams
• Train production personnel in the proper operation of commercial fermenters and control systems
• Follow established processes and procedures to ensure consistency in operations and quality assurance standards

Benefits

• Industry leading Medical (PPO Insurance), Dental, and Vision care with low employee costs
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) / Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with employer match 
• Employee Stock Purchasing Plan (ESPP) offered

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees