About the RoleThe Scale-Up Engineer is responsible for transferring fermentation processes from laboratory and pilot scales into demonstration environments. This role serves as the technical bridge between R&D, process development, manufacturing, quality, and engineering teams to ensure successful scale-up, robust process performance, and efficient commercialization. The engineer will lead process characterization, scale-up studies, technology transfer activities, batch execution support, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives for microbial, fungal, yeast, and/or heterotrophic algae fermentation and downstream processes.
Key responsibilities: Process Engineer
Technology Transfer: Lead technology transfer projects from bench, pilot, or external development organizations into the iPROOF facility. Develop and maintain technology transfer packages including; process descriptions, batch records, SOPs, process flow diagrams, material balances, and control strategies. This role will help coordinate knowledge transfer between iPROOF and customers and facilitate technical risk assessments and transfer readiness reviews.
Fermentation Development and Scale-Up: Scale fermentation processes through pilot and demonstration scales to de-risk the technology. Evaluate critical scale-up parameters including oxygen transfer (kLa), power input (P/V), mixing time, gas flow rates, heat transfer requirements, and feed strategies. Support seed train development and scale progression strategies. Design and execute experiments for media optimization, feeding strategies, and induction strategies, Apply statistical and data-driven methods to improve process performance. Identify opportunities to improve throughput, yield, and manufacturing economics.
Process Development and Optimization: Recommend unit operations needed and their order to obtain desired product. Design and execute unit-operations-specific experiments for throughput and efficiency. Apply statistical and data-driven methods to improve process performance and identify opportunities.
Manufacturing Support: Provide on-floor technical support during fermentation campaigns. Troubleshoot issues related to growth performance, titer, yield, productivity, contamination events, and process control. Analyze process data and recommend corrective actions. Support deviation investigations, root-cause analyses (RCAs), and corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
Engineering and Equipment Integration: Collaborate with engineering teams on utility requirements, piping and instrumentation, CIP/SIP systems, and process controls. Support FAT, SAT, commissioning, qualification, and startup activities. Assist in equipment sizing and process modeling.
Documentation and Compliance: Author and review master batch records, process descriptions, technical reports, validation protocols, and technology transfer documents. Ensure compliance with applicable food, feed, industrial biotech, or regulatory standards. Maintain accurate project documentation and transfer records.
Project Management: Manage multiple technology transfer and scale-up projects simultaneously. Track timelines, budgets, risks, and deliverables. Interface directly with customers, strategic partners, and commercial stakeholders. Present project progress and technical findings to management.
About YouKnowledge
- General Chemistry
- Basic mathematical and physics principals
- Unit operation knowledge (fermentation, filtration, spray drying)
- •Safety best practices in a manufacturing or pilot/demo environment
- Biochemical engineering principles
- Quality/food safety knowledge
- Microsoft Office (Excel specific)
- Statistical analysis, including multivariate data analysis
- Understanding of process flows
Skills
- Organization skills
- Time management & prioritization
- Excellent written and verbal communications
- Critical thinking
- Problem solving
- Teamwork
- Project Management
- Maintains regulatory and technical awareness
- Ability to coordinate efforts of others
Mindsets
- Goal oriented
- Learning-orientation
- Economic consideration
- Attention to safety, quality, sustainability
- Collaborative
Required and/or Preferred Education/Certification
- BS in Chemical, Bio, Engineering or a related field from ABET accredited institution (required)
- Advanced degree in Chemical, Bio, Engineering or a related field (preferred)
- Certification in Lean Six Sigma and Continuous Improvement (preferred)
- Certification in Root cause analysis (5 why, fishbone, KT) (preferred)
Required and/or Preferred Work Experience
- 2-3 years post graduation work experience (required)
- Previous manufacturing or Pilot/Demo scale experience (preferred)
- Previous experience in CDMO-type facility (preferred)
- Previous experience in fermentation (preferred)
- Previous experience in biomanufacturing-related downstream processing (preferred)
Total RewardsThe annual pay range estimated for this position is $82,053.60 - $102,567.00 and is bonus eligible.
Please note that while this range reflects the full spectrum of compensation available for this role, individual compensation will be determined based on several factors including your experience, skills, and alignment with the role's responsibilities. During the interview process there will be an opportunity to discuss how your background fits into the pay range.
We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes:
Rewards & benefits
Competitive salary / 401 K matching and non-contingent matching plans / Healthcare / Medical insurance
Career development
Our structure provides autonomy and accountability in your role. You have scope to develop a depth of expertise and the opportunity to follow career pathways outside the norm.
