Title: Process Modeling Engineer II

Department: Process Development

Position Summary

We are accelerating the world's transformation to sustainable materials by replacing fossil fuel sources with plants. geno believes that all products should be responsibly sourced, traceable and transparent — the sustainable source. Our vision to drive climate action at scale starts by making the same molecules, ingredients, and materials we rely on every day, deriving them from more sustainable sources. We're proud to help leading brands and manufacturers meet their sustainability, decarbonization and circularity goals for everything from carpets to car parts, clothing to cleaning products.

We seek a highly motivated Process Modeling Engineer to provide bioprocess design and flowsheet modeling expertise, as well as economic analysis for the development of novel biobased chemical processes. This position will work within our process development and modeling team, interface with R&D, licensing, business, and commercial functions to develop and evaluate novel bioprocess technology. Strong communication skills are a must, as this position will interact internally with multiple functions and externally with current and prospective partners and separation technology companies. Candidates who can demonstrate previous high performance modeling industrial fermentation and downstream processes are desired. This position is located in San Diego, CA.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Lead the development of process flowsheet modeling for the development and commercialization of bioprocess technologies. This includes process modeling and simulation; techno-economic modeling and analysis using AspenPlus, SuperPro, Excel, or other modeling tools.
• Serve as internal Subject Matter Expert on process flow sheet modeling and physical properties.
• Lead physical property analysis and modeling for bioprocess design, modeling and development.
• Support the development of technology transfer package, support technology transfer, scale up activities, and pilot and demonstration campaigns.
• Perform heat and material balance analysis for pilot, demo, and commercial plant and analyze the results. Develop and validate simulation models to identify the issues and propose solution for further improvement, troubleshooting, or optimized operation of the commercial plant.
• Interact with licensing, business and commercial functions to incorporate feedback from internal and external stakeholders, partners, licensees, and separation technology companies into bioprocess development and designs.
• Participate in the analysis and interpretation of lab, pilot and demo scale data, technical literature, and process simulations. Study results, translate this information into equipment and process specifications, and provide recommendations for further development, intellectual property opportunities, and improvement opportunities.

Qualifications & Experience

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required in order satisfactorily perform in this role.

Education

PhD degree in Chemical or Biochemical Engineering, or related field and a minimum of 2yrs of relevant industry experience. Candidates with Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees and a minimum of 5 years of relevant industry experience will also be considered.

Experience

Greater than 2 years of industry experience is preferred.

Knowledge Requirements

• Expert in industrial process flowsheet modeling in both steady stage and dynamic simulations using a variety of software tools (Aspen, Hysys, SuperPro, Excel etc.)
• Expert in thermodynamic and physical properties for industrial processes, bioproduction processes is a plus
• Experience in the development and optimization of industrial bioproduction process including fermentation and separation.
• Experience with oleochemical processing and purification is desired.
• Proficiency in chemical engineering modeling including unit operation models, kinetic models, and fluid dynamics analysis
• Experience in modeling separation processes including filtration, centrifugation, hydrogenation, or liquid-liquid separation is a plus

Competencies

• Strong computational ability with strong analytical skills. Attention to details. Thorough understanding of basic chemical engineering principles.
• Proven ability to communicate the technical requirements of equipment and processes.
• Understanding of project management fundamentals.
• Strong knowledge in environmental, health and safety (EH&S) and their impact on process design and operations.
• Ability to elicit cooperation from, and influence a wide variety of individuals, including upper management, internal department heads, and external collaborators & partners.
• Strong negotiation and influence skills including working in a matrix organization, under ambiguity and in fast growing businesses.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and responsibilities

Work Environment/ Physical Demands

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

If working in the lab or lab setting, specify the work environment and physical demands to the job role and functions.

Genomatica is committed to providing exciting career opportunities in an environment that values trust, respect, openness, teamwork, creativity, enthusiasm, and diligence. We strive to create a culture that enables and encourages everyone to bring their whole selves to work. We are committed to be a company where everyone feels they have equal opportunity to reach their potential. Everyone is accepted and appreciated for who they are and what they bring to Genomatica.

We promote the continued development of an inclusive environment that values diversity through Geno4All, our employee led Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee. We are looking for innovative, highly motivated, and collaborative people who enjoy the challenges and rewards of a company devoted to commercializing cutting-edge sustainable technology.

Geno provides competitive compensation and benefits including medical, dental, vision, life and disability, flexible spending account, and 401k (including employer match), paid time off, paid parental leave, commuter transit benefits and more. Additionally, employees may be eligible for a discretionary bonus and equity awards.

The pay range for this role is $110,000 - 130,000 annual USD The final salary offered to a successful candidate takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets, experience, education, training, and other business and organizational needs. Geno is a multi-state employer and this salary range may not reflect positions that work in other states.

Check us out on our LinkedIn Life page. Genomatica is an equal opportunity employer.

Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.