What are the responsibilities and job description for the Fermentation Engineer position at Mango Materials?
Mango Materials is a start-up company working to produce environmentally friendly, biobased, biodegradable polymers from waste greenhouse gases. We are seeking an enthusiastic Fermentation Engineer to join an energetic, passionate, multi-disciplinary team of scientists and engineers at a first-of-its-kind biomanufacturing facility. This position will participate in groundbreaking, fast-paced development of environmentally friendly, biodegradable polymers to meet commercial targets.
Background on the company and position:
The company is led by a technically-oriented team - four of our senior personnel have PhDs in STEM. We love to track and measure. We use Asana to monitor project progress and allocate tasks. We follow detailed standard operating procedures for all research testing, plant operations, and business operations. We keep detailed timecards. We have meticulous naming and version control policies for all electronic files. We record and thoroughly analyze all data and are in constant pursuit to find the best and most efficient way to get things done. We all wear many hats and believe no task is beneath us. We work hard and always try to work smart.
This position will be responsible for solving mechanical surprises that pop up at the Launch Facility as well as ensuring smooth operation of our biopolymer production unit. This is a full-time, on-site position - we are hosted by our partner, a local wastewater treatment plant, and have office trailers near our facility on site. Odors and noises affiliated with a modern waste facility are to be expected. An engineering degree is required.
Scale-up is a process with many unknowns and surprises, and this position will have the opportunity to help scale a first-of-its kind technology. We are looking for someone to join us on this adventure with an open mind. Applicants must be able to make decisions confidently and must be comfortable making decisions with incomplete information. This position will work closely with senior external consultants to reach engineering solutions. Candidates should be prepared to get their hands dirty (figuratively and literally); this is a hands-on position. A glass half-full, positive attitude is a must!
The mission of this position is to ensure our Launch Facility runs smoothly to produce biopolymer, engineering challenges are solved, and engineering upgrades are made.
How the Fermentation Engineer is expected to help:
- Support mechanical design, equipment/material specification, and hands-on execution/installation of “Special Engineering Projects” in the field, co-located at a waste treatment facility
- Become the resident expert for the Launch field site and gain intimate knowledge of how the systems work
- Work closely with senior engineering consultants, carrying out conceptual engineering designs under their guidance
- Troubleshoot on-site engineering challenges
- Coordinate technical troubleshooting with external vendors
- Oversee collection of data and make sure SOPs are correct
Desired skills and experience of the ideal candidate:
- Making decisions with incomplete information
- Performing or assisting with engineering design (like in a Senior Design class)
- Specifying equipment and materials
- Reading engineering and construction drawings
- Troubleshooting and executing mechanical repairs
- Interpreting and editing PIDs and PFDs
- Working in a field environment
- Diligently following protocols
- Keeping organized and detailed records
- Juggling multiple tasks simultaneously
- Prioritizing safety and conducting work in compliance with company and facility policies
- Majoring or working in Mechanical, Process, Chemical, Biochemical Engineering, or a similar field
- Familiar with concepts and equipment of unit operations such as anaerobic digestion, fermentation, centrifugation, filtration, and solvent extraction
Minimum requirements:
- Diligent at following directions, adhering to systems in place, and keeping records
- Hands-on
- Organized and possess excellent attention to detail
- Creative, flexible, proactive, punctual
- An excellent written & verbal communicator
- A team player
- Capable of working in a fast-paced work environment
- Able to lift 25 to 50 pounds
- Comfortable ascending ladders and working at heights
Must have reliable transportation to Redwood Shores, CA.
Want to join us? Here’s how to apply!
Please go to https://mangomaterials.bamboohr.com/jobs to apply.
- Complete the application profile
- Upload a short (less than 100 word) cover letter in PDF format
- Include a P.S. with your cover letter letting us know what you would ideally like out of this job.
- Upload your resume
- Answer all the questions on the application profile
Mango Materials is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity, believe in second chances, and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.