Process Development Engineer

ABOUT POET

At POET, it is our mission to be good stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources to energy and other valuable goods as effectively as humanly possible. For over thirty years our drive and passion to change the world has enabled us to become the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and leader in bio-based products in the world. Beyond our world-class culture, POET team members enjoy competitive pay and benefits including;

• Attractive Relocation Assistance and Bonus Programs for qualifying positions and/or locations
• Competitive pay, including shift premium pay for qualifying positions
• Quarterly Profit-Sharing Bonuses, and Bi-Annual Incentive Bonuses
• Individual and family plans for health, dental, & vision insurance, including a generous employer Health Savings Account contribution
• Paid Parental Leave
• A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually
• Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements
• 401K with company match
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Excellent work-life balance with a 'family-first' culture
• Safety and cold weather gear reimbursements
• Discounted home and auto insurance

JOB SUMMARY

POET Process Development Engineers turn dreams and back-of-the napkin ideas into real life commercialized solutions.  From idea generation to experiment design to pilot scale trials that progress to commercialization, our Process Development Engineers work with the industry’s best to create valuable technology for POET.

DURING A TYPICAL DAY

• Design projects, set up and run experiments that solve critical business issues or have the potential to progress POET’s commercial goals.
• Work with (and in!) a multitude of different scientific and engineering disciplines.
• Generate, compile and analyze data, lots and lots of data!
• Translate results and recommendations to diverse audiences in a way that everyone can understand.
• Investigate new opportunities related to business needs.
• Since we’re all about teamwork and getting the job done, your skills may be put use to helping other team member’s projects or experiments!

STRENGTHS OF A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

• You enjoy solving problems. You don’t get flustered when things don’t go according to plan. You love taking on challenges and finding creative solutions.
• You are a curious individual, you’re not afraid to ask questions as you’re always looking to improve and understand how things work.
• You love getting your hands dirty and learning how things work.
• You communicate effectively with sound technical writing abilities. You can explain complicated engineering terminology to a non-technical audience in a way they understand.
• You pay attention to the details. For you, anything worth doing is worth doing right, every time.
• You’re a learner. You’re not afraid of taking on new things and stretching yourself.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Degree, or equivalent work experience, in Chemical Engineering, Biosystems Engineering, Agricultural & Biological Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Biochemistry or similar field of study.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite programs to write emails, conduct research, write experiments, present scientific findings.

BONUS COMPETENCIES

• Specialized training and/or certifications in a related field.
• Specific knowledge of bio-based technologies and development processes.
• Knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices and procedures within process engineering in a production plant utilizing agricultural feedstock.
• Experience with DCS control, simulation software (ChemCad/Aspen), LIMS, SharePoint, Maximo and other software programs.

GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES

At POET we believe in developing our team members to their highest potential and recognizing contributions that add value to the organization. Each new team member’s position and compensation are carefully determined by considering their unique qualifications and skillset.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Culture is king at POET. We’re all on the same team. We always communicate. And we park our egos at the door. These aren’t just slogans on our walls. It’s our code.
• We foster a culture of safe behavior at all times and in all environments, no exceptions.
• In this role, you’ll be asked to drive a POET vehicle. A motor vehicle record check will be conducted during the preemployment process and yearly thereafter.
• Most work will be in a bioprocessing plant environment, with some work at a desk or in a laboratory environment. This could include:
  • Exposure to different environments (cold, heat, climbing to heights, confined spaces, etc.) when working at the plants.
  • Performing mechanical repair/maintenance of equipment.
  • Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while working with chemicals or in dusty environments.
  • Working at a computer for extended periods.
  • Standing at the lab bench for extended periods.
  • Regularly bending, twisting and turning while lifting weights up to ten (10) pounds. Occasionally you may need to do this with heavier items, up to fifty (50) pounds.
  • Occasionally lifting weights greater than fifty (50) pounds with assistance.
• You may have occasional travel of up to 25% of your time to attend conferences, collaboration meetings, or support POET entities in the implementation of your projects or experiments. POET values work life balance and is intentional about your time spent away from home.
• We are a team and support each other in our work and play! Team members have the opportunity to participate in POET sponsored volunteer opportunities and community events, as well as sharing hobbies with coworkers!

POET is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). POET complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws regarding hiring and employment. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.