Solar Biotech is on a mission to transform the way consumer products are produced. We develop sustainable and scalable end-to-end novel technologies for the production of Synthetic Biology (SynBio) and Cell-Cultured FoodTech ingredients, biodesigned cosmetics, biomaterials, and many other bio-based products. Our products and biotechnologies are enabling many novel market segments, that will make a positive impact on the environment and the living beings on planet Earth. We are building a team of multidisciplinary experts passionate about making a world-changing impact on the sustainability of many industrial verticals.

The Process Engineer will be responsible for the equipment design and maintenance of our state-of-the-art bioprocessing plant in Norton, VA with a high degree of operational reliability, meeting all the established quality and safety standards within approved budgets. The role will provide support and service to operations and to engineering projects as directed by the Engineering Department. Additionally, this position will collaborate with other engineers throughout company to share best practices and execute a world class engineering integrity program at the plant.

The Process Engineer’s Main Responsibilities will include, but will not be limited to:

• Delivers professional support to the plant operations based on a good understanding of the unit operations and the deployed equipment and utilities.
• Identifies sources of plant issues, coordinates, and implements changes to operating protocols as needed to meet the safety and engineering standards.
• Be able to program and re-program PLC systems (Delta-V, Siemens, etc.)
• Assists with the deployment/commissioning of bioprocess industrial equipment and bioreactors.
• Leads projects and oversees contractors for moderately complex facilities renovation and upgrades.
• Oversee procurement and sourcing for process engineering projects.
• Works closely with Plant Operations and contractors personnel.
• Advises technicians and line workers on basic repairs and maintenance requirements.
• Develops process system design solutions based on engineering principles and is involved in presentation of solutions to operations and maintenance.
• Participates in investigation of incidents.

About You:

• Ability to interpret, modify, and update P&IDs and PFDs
• Experience using AutoCAD and/or BluBeam
• Good knowledge with Programmable Logic Controllers.
• Previous experience in deploying and commissioning process engineering projects.
• Attentive to detail, observative and ability to focus on the assigned tasks, hardworking, and responsible.
• You deliver. You are dependable.
• You are not a “white-collar”-minded professional.
• You have a flexible schedule and are always willing to go the extra mile.
• Solid communication skills including the ability to converse, communicate and solve technical problems, compose written documents and interact effectively with peers and supervisors.
• Work cross-functionally within the facilities teams supporting various initiatives and projects throughout the plant.
• You find technological and operational challenges exciting and enjoy addressing them.
• You are excited to work with and learn from scientists, engineers, and other team members in an industrial biotechnology start-up environment.
• Resourceful, flexible, and adaptable; no task is too big or too small for you.
• Contribute to Our Sustainability Goals: you will be involved and contribute to expanding our carbon-neutral corporate goals, including maintaining sustainable energy and water reclamation projects. We aim at developing a local community with these values at its core.

Key Qualifications:

• Degree in Process or Automation Engineering, or any related discipline.
• Minimum 3 years of industrial process engineering experience or equivalent.
• Preference for experience in food, biotech, or pharmaceutical production

What We Offer:

• An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and the most talented experts from transformational industrial biotechnology verticals.
• Rapid financial and professional growth potential.
• Full benefits coverage, including health, dental, and vision insurances, paid vacation and sick leave days, performance bonuses, paid training courses. 
• Earning equity ownership in the company, that will be growing exponentially in the months/years to come.
• If you are abroad and need sponsorship to come and work to the US, we will work with our immigration lawyers to help you obtain a work visa.

SolarBiotech provides equal opportunity in all our employment practices to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital status, military status, genetic information or any other category protected by federal, state, and local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of the employment relationship, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, promotion, transfer, disciplinary action, layoff, return from layoff, training, and social and recreational programs. All such employment decisions will be made without unlawfully discriminating on any prohibited basis.