Process Engineer

Biosphere • Oakland, CA

10h • Onsite

About The Position

Biosphere is seeking a Process Engineer to support the design of its 20 m³ demonstration facility and build and operate pilot-scale UV bioreactors. The work combines process design with hands-on equipment construction and operation. The engineer will develop process design deliverables for the demonstration plant and pipe, instrument, commission, and operate pilot reactors. This is an in-person role at Biosphere’s Oakland, California facility, reporting to the Principal Process Engineer. The title and level (Engineer I, II, or III) will be determined based on experience.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field such as bioengineering or mechanical engineering.
• 1 to 6 years of experience in process engineering, process development, or pilot plant/manufacturing operations; new graduates with strong co-op or internship experience will be considered for Engineer I.
• Strong chemical engineering fundamentals, including mass and energy balances, fluid flow, heat transfer, and pump and line sizing.
• Ability to read and produce P&IDs.
• Hands-on experience and comfort using wrenches, assembling sanitary tubing, wiring instruments, or building skids, with interest in further developing those skills.
• Clear writing, strong communication, organization, and ability to run small projects with minimal oversight.
• Ability to lift 50 lb, stand for extended periods, and wear PPE.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident due to federal contract requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Fermentation or bioprocess experience, including sterile design, SIP/CIP, and aseptic operation.
• Familiarity with hygienic design standards such as ASME BPE and EHEDG.
• Experience in food and beverage, pharma, specialty chemicals, or an industrial biotech pilot plant.
• Experience producing or reviewing FEL/FEED packages and/or working with external engineering firms.
• CAD experience for process documentation, such as AutoCAD Plant 3D, SolidWorks, or similar.
• Exposure to PLCs, SCADA, and instrumentation.
• Comfort working in an early-stage company and adapting to uncertainty and evolving priorities as the business grows.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to demonstration-facility process design deliverables, including the design basis, mass and energy balances, PFDs, P&IDs, equipment lists and specifications, and process control narratives.
• Size and specify process equipment and utilities, including vessels, pumps, heat exchangers, filtration, piping, valves, and instruments; support vendor selection and quote review.
• Design, build, and commission pilot-scale UV bioreactors, roughly 100 L to 2 m³, including piping, instrumentation, and basic controls integration.
• Operate pilot equipment alongside R&D, run fermentation and sterilization tests, collect data, and translate results into design changes.
• Support design reviews, HAZOPs, FAT/SAT, and commissioning for demonstration-plant equipment.
• Work with engineering partners, vendors, and fabricators, and review their deliverables.
• Maintain current documentation, including drawings, specifications, procedures, and test batch reports.
• Help maintain a safety-first culture in the lab, shop, pilot spaces, and plant.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation through a mix of salary and equity.
• Unlimited paid vacation and sick/leave days, plus public holidays.
• Comprehensive health insurance for employees and their dependents, including dental and vision.
• Paid family leave.
• Membership at Pacific Pipe Climbing gym next door.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level