Materials Process Engineer

About ZymoChem

ZymoChem is breakthrough science for a fossil-free future.  We accelerate the transition to a real-zero economy by developing bio-based materials for everyday products.  Our platform is powered by proprietary carbon conserving (C2) microbes that convert renewable feedstocks into high-value materials while radically minimizing CO2 loss during the production phase.  

ZymoChem has raised >$20 million to-date that includes funding from premier domestic & international venture capital firms, multiple government awards – most recently two ARPA-E awards – and partnerships with world-leading chemicals companies. With a plan to double our team in 2023, we seek candidates who are motivated by science & innovation and have a passion to push the boundaries of materials performance. We are collaborative, multidisciplinary, and relentlessly committed to creating a chemicals & materials industry in tune with the 21st century. 

             Our Mission: To catalyze a real-zero economy with drop-in, bio-based solutions. 

Our Vision: To live in a world in which the goods we depend on everyday are bio-manufactured from 100% renewable materials and designed for a sustainable economy - without compromise.  

Values:  Lead with Compassion, Aspire Collectively, Evolve Continuously, Innovate with Impact, and Scale Sustainably

Position Summary

The Materials Process Engineer position is responsible for development and scale-up of our next-generation high-performance super absorbent based polymeric materials and products. This role will support the Materials Process development team in designing, optimizing and implementing processes for our unique polymeric products by leading scaleup in-house and with external manufacturing partners. This position solves problems related to equipment and systems to support product development and manufacturing operations by implementing new processes, operating specifications, and technologies to achieve cost efficiencies and improve product quality with continuous process improvement. The Materials Process Engineer position collaborates with various departments to ensure compatibility in process, design, and product.  

Department Summary

The Materials Development & Scale-up (PD&S) group is a fast-paced, milestone-driven development team utilizing the company’s proprietary carbon conserving bioprocesses. This department’s goal is developing and characterizing Zymochem’s proprietary super absorbent based polymeric biomaterials through polymer and fundamental chemistry approaches by exploring a combination of both established and cutting-edge technologies. The Materials Development & Scale-up (PD&S) offers opportunities for consistent multi-disciplinary collaborations with internal R&D, bioprocess and product groups as well as the company’s external CMO/CDMO partners and vendors to accelerate bringing Zymochem’s platform biomaterials out into the world for a much needed sustainable future. 

Responsibilities

• Lead demo plant and commercial operations by resolving process, performance and quality issues, troubleshooting, and data analysis.  
• Explore and partner with external production partners, vendors, and other stakeholders to identify new technologies and capabilities and proof-of-concept studies to advance the company's production  
• Evaluate the commercial feasibility of process designs by creating process flow diagrams, mass and energy balances, and process cost estimates. 
• Support design and execution of experiments at lab and pilot scales to demonstrate new technology and operation performance and meet target product specifications. 
• Develop and practice standard operating procedures to ensure safe and efficient operation of equipment.  
• Analyze, document, and communicate results to other members of the team and propose next steps.  
• Collaborate internally with other departments and product groups for optimization of processes and analysis pipelines.  
• May lead sub-project teams (project scope, goals, deliverables, timeline, resources, management/stakeholder collaboration).  
• May mentor junior level personnel. 
• Assist with patent-related matters and building out the company’s IP strategy.    
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications 

• Requires a MS or BS in Materials engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Process Engineering, Material Science, or a related discipline
• Work experience is 2-5 years of industrial/startup experience working directly with bench, pilot-scale and production scale materials development
• Demonstrated experience working with external or internal production partners s on scale-up endeavors especially with respect to documentation and continuous improvement is required
• Hands-on expertise with equipment like reactive extruders, dryers etc. is highly desired
• Strong aptitude for hands-on work with equipment along with a rigorous attention to details with experimental design, execution, and recordkeeping
• Previous experience working with biomaterials, super absorbent materials, polymeric materials will be highly valued
• Excellent time management skills, effective with multitasking, and an adept ability to improvise work plans while maintaining efficiency
• Capable of working collaboratively in a team environment
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and strong computer skills (Google Suite, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project, etc.)
• Ability to incorporate safety concepts in processes and equipment design
• Flexibility regarding travel to partner and plant sites.
• Must be able to move up to 25 pounds and move around the lab facility between multiple locations.

Culture and Benefits

ZymoChem offers full-time employees a competitive base salary, a comprehensive benefits package, and a company culture that’s collaborative, multidisciplinary, and committed to a big vision for positively impacting the world. We seek candidates who are motivated by our mission and are equally passionate toward pushing the boundaries to build a sustainable future. Located in the vibrant East Bay area of San Francisco, Gate 510 is a state-of-the-facility with many in-house and nearby amenities.

Full-time opportunities at ZymoChem come with: 

• Competitive salary range $80-128k depending on the level of experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package that includes company stock options, 401(k) retirement plan (matching starting 1/1/24), medical, dental, and vision healthcare coverage, and life and long-term disability insurance
• Additional benefits including FSA, commuter, and supplemental life insurance
• Flexible time off policy with 15 days Paid Time Off per year and 10 paid company holidays per year
• Relocation assistance may be agreed upon as well

If this opportunity sounds exciting and aligns with your career aspirations, we want to hear from you! Please send your resume/CV and a cover letter through our website job posting.

Legal authorization to work in the United States is required. ZymoChem may agree to sponsor an individual for an employment visa immediately or in the future if there is a shortage of individuals with particular skills for this job.  In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States, and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

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