Fermentation Process Engineer I

Job Type

Full-time

Description

We are on the brink of something big, and it feels good! We know our product has the potential to have a global impact. Strong science, new technology, and influential leadership have positioned us for success.

Kula Bio is a leader in sustainable nitrogen solutions, helping farmers improve crop yield and reduce environmental impact. If you are motivated by progress and seek a collaborative and supportive culture, join our mission to positively impact the environment and humanitarian efforts through sustainable agriculture.

As part of the Manufacturing group at Kula Bio, the Fermentation Process Engineer will manufacture microbial products by operating state-of-the-art production fermenters, fillers, and packaging equipment, as well as contribute to the continuous improvement of processes. In this role, you are the expert, taking know-how from small-scale fermentation and applying it to large-scale fermentation. On a regular day, you will utilize technology transfer data and apply it to large-scale fermenters. You will operate and maintain production fermenters. You will also perform formulation and fill-finish activities for liquid and lyophilized products. In addition to day-to-day manufacturing activities, you will problem-solve, track productivity targets, and maintain product quality in line with regulatory compliance and customer needs.

To thrive in this role, you are an independent decision maker able to plan and execute work orders with minimal supervision. You understand the fundamentals of scale-up and scale-down and have experience with reactor set-up and commissioning. You have a pioneering attitude, capable of wearing multiple hats to get the job done as part of a highly collaborative and dynamic start-up team.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent education) with 7 years of relevant, full-time industry experience, or a master's degree with 5 years of relevant, full-time industry experience. A degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Fermentation Biotechnology, Microbiology, or a related field is preferred.
• 2-4 years of experience with setup, operation, and maintenance of state-of-the-art fermenters and fill finish equipment.
• 2-4 years of experience working with bacterial microbes and applying aseptic techniques in manufacturing
• Experience with lyophilized products is a plus

Requirements

• Expert with planning and executing fermentation campaigns in a manufacturing setting in support of the commercial team's needs
• Hands-on knowledge in the installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting of new production fermenters
• Experience with fermenter harvesting and bottling of biologicals for liquids and lyophilized products in an industrial setting Experience with biological product packaging for commercial use
• Solid understanding of microbiology and biochemical principles of fermentation
• Ability to perform work area maintenance activities, including area organization, chemical handling, and chemical replenishment.
• Ability to independently select techniques and procedures to solve problems within the area of responsibility.
• Occasional weekend and evening work as needed.

At Kula Bio, we work and live by our shared values of Innovation, Intellectual Honesty, Balance, and Integrity. These guiding principles drive us to develop best-in-class biological products and enable farmers with a cost-effective technology. For more details, please visit our company site www.kulabio.com.

Salary Description

$92k - $95k a year