Pilot Plant Process Development Engineer II

About Pivot Bio:  

Fueled by an innovative drive and a deep understanding of the soil microbiome, Pivot Bio is pioneering game-changing advances in agriculture. Our products harness the power of naturally occurring microbes to provide nutrients to crops and new sustainable ways for farmers to reduce the usage of fertilizers as they work to help feed the world’s growing population.

Read/Hear more about Pivot Bio on Forbes or PBS News Hour. 

Position:  Pilot Plant Process Development Engineer II 

Location: Hayward, CA 

We are looking for a Pilot Plant Process Development Engineer II who thrives on the challenge of working in a pilot plant setting and developing processes from fermentation to various liquid or dry prototypes or finished products, to ensure success at a commercial scale. This is primarily a hands-on position working with a growing team in Bioprocessing and Formulation (B&F) involving operations of 30L to 500 L fermentation systems, formulation sterilization, liquid packaging, as well as Downstream Processing (DSP) such as biomass recovery for dry formulation prototypes. If this is you, you will enjoy the satisfaction of being a crucial member of a growing team innovating the most cutting edge products in ag biologicals.       

Responsibilities: 

• Equipment operations in pilot plant setting, with emphasis on 30 to 500 L SIP fermentation systems, sterile formulation preparation, liquid packaging equipment, centrifugation, filtration, clean-in-place system. Other responsibilities include spray drying, fluid bed drying, and freeze drying, or duties as assigned. 
• Microbiological analysis of process streams for quality assurance. 
• Working individually or with a team, responsible for personal and team safety, clear and effective verbal and written communications.  
• Maintain pilot plant equipment. 
• Establish and/or maintain inventories of equipment and spare parts required for support of unit operations. 
• Assist with new equipment installation and testing on site for acceptance. 
• Work closely with facilities, contractors, vendors to ensure all utilities for pilot plant operations are available for uninterrupted operations. 
• Assist with development of processes, selecting proper ranges of process parameters, SOP development, data collection and analysis. 

Physical Demands: 

• Mechanical aptitude and ability to manipulate heavy equipment pieces safely in place. 
• A significant portion of the working time is in the Pilot Plant for process workflow, and then computer-based work otherwise. 
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, or fingers. 
• Work that includes moving objects and occasionally lifting 30+ lbs. 
• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.  
• Communicating with others to exchange information.  
• Occasionally operating machinery.  
• Workflow may require an extended workday on occasion. 

Qualifications and Experience: 

• Post-secondary education with 2+ years of relevant industry experience. 
• Demonstrated ability with fermentation unit operations.  DSP process experience is a plus. 
• Mechanical aptitude, and ability to manipulate heavy equipment pieces safely in place. 
• Experienced with laboratory information management systems. 
• Experienced with equipment acquisition and validation. 
• Ability to occasionally lift 30-50 lbs. 

*Must be authorized to work in the United States * 

What we offer: 

• Competitive package in a disruptive startup 
• Stock options 
• Health/Dental/Vision insurance with employer-paid premiums 
• Life, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability policies 
• Employee Assistance Program with free referrals and discounts 
• 401(k) plan, 3% Match 
• Commuter benefits 
• Annual Training & Development support 
• Flexible vacation policy with a generous holiday schedule 
• Exciting opportunity to work with a talented and fun team 

Hiring Compensation Range: $76,000 - $94,000

This salary range for this Berkeley, CA, Hayward, CA or Boston, MA based position incorporates a premium for the cost of labor in this area.  If this role is hired remotely of one of Pivot facilities, contact compensation for the lower range for National Benchmark.  Following employment, growth beyond the hiring range is possible based on performance.