Process Engineer

Biosphere • Oakland, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Process Engineer supports the design of a 20 m³ demonstration facility and the construction and operation of pilot-scale UV bioreactors. The role combines process design work—including mass and energy balances, PFDs, P&IDs, and equipment specifications—with hands-on piping, instrumentation, commissioning, and operation of pilot reactors. The position is in person at the company's Oakland, California facility and reports to the Principal Process Engineer. The title and level (Engineer I, II, or III) will be determined based on experience.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science 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 may be considered for Engineer I.
• Solid 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 an interest in building on that experience.
• 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 of roughly 100 L to 2 m³, including piping, instrumentation, and basic controls integration.
• Operate pilot equipment with R&D, run fermentation and sterilization tests, collect data, and use results to inform 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