About the company:
Nature’s Fynd is a Chicago-based food company creating versatile alternative proteins to nourish the world’s growing population while nurturing the planet. Born out of research conducted for NASA on microbes in Yellowstone National Park, the company’s breakthrough technology produces Fy™. Fy is a new-to-the-world, nutritional fungi protein that only uses a fraction of the resources required by traditional agriculture. We use Fy to make delicious, nutritious, and sustainable meat and dairy alternatives.
Nature’s Fynd is a groundbreaking food tech company born out of NASA-supported research on extremophiles in the geothermal pools of Yellowstone National Park. Our novel fermentation technology produces a sustainable source of complete protein using only a fraction of the resources required by traditional agriculture. As the challenge to feed the world’s expanding population grows, our mission is to create amazing foods and materials that provide sustainable choices and nurture the planet.
We’re looking for passionate, driven, and ambitious people to join our fast-growing team.
As a Senior Process Engineer, you will be responsible for optimizing and managing our pilot and commercial manufacturing processes, both internally and in collaboration with external manufacturing partners. Your deep expertise in textiles and extrusion technology will be crucial in ensuring consistent product quality, enhancing production efficiency, and fostering successful partnerships. You will work closely with internal teams and external stakeholders to develop, implement, and refine manufacturing processes that align with our strategic goals.
Key Responsibilities:
Develop, optimize, and oversee extrusion processes for textile applications, ensuring high-quality and efficient production across internal and external facilitiesAnalyze and troubleshoot process issues, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions in collaboration with internal teams and external partnersCollaborate with R&D, quality control, and production teams to translate research and development results into scalable manufacturing processesLead process trials and validations to ensure robust and scalable manufacturing processesImplement and monitor statistical process controls (SPC) and continuous improvement initiatives, both internally and with external partnersPerform Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) or similar methods to identify potential process risks and develop mitigation strategiesEstablish quality metrics and assurance protocols in manufacturing processes, working closely with quality teams to ensure compliance with industry standards and customer requirementsMaintain strong relationships with external manufacturing partners, ensuring alignment on process standards, quality expectations, and continuous improvement goalsStay current with industry trends, technologies, and best practices in extrusion and textiles, sharing insights with both internal teams and external partnersPrepare and present technical reports, process documentation, and project updates to management and stakeholdersTravel up to 50% of the time to support external manufacturing partners, conduct on-site evaluations, and implement process improvementsQualifications:
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related fieldMinimum of 7-10 years of experience in process engineering, with a strong focus on scaling extrusion and textile processesProven track record of optimizing extrusion processes and improving product quality in both internal and external manufacturing environmentsStrong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a hands-on approach to process troubleshootingExtensive experience with statistical process controls (SPC), process monitoring, and data analysis, statistical analysis software, and quality management systems and methodsProficiency in conducting Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) and other risk assessment toolsExcellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and external partnersExperience translating R&D results into scalable manufacturing processesKnowledge of industry standards and regulations related to textiles and extrusionPreferred Qualifications:
Familiarity with advanced materials and technologies in the textile industryBlack belt Six Sigma certification or equivalent experience in continuous improvement methodologiesExperience with mechanical testing methods such as tensile strength, tear resistance, and other relevant testsKnowledge of synthetic leather testing methods, including adhesion, abrasion resistance, and flex testingExperience implementing Lean, Six Sigma, or Agile methodologies in complex supply chain manufacturing environmentsBenefits:
Participation in Employee Stock Ownership Program100% paid employee benefits (medical, dental, vision)Generous Parental leave policyOpportunity to join a company with an aggressive growth trajectory that will revolutionize multiple industriesEngaging and dynamic work culture full of innovation and collaboration with your fellow FyndersCommitment To Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, And Belonging:
Nature’s Fynd views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and valuesEEO Statement:
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law
