Process Modeling Engineer, Fluid Dynamics

Position Summary

Genomatica is harnessing biology to remake everyday products and materials built by and for the planet. The company is developing and scaling sustainable materials derived from plant- or waste-based feedstocks instead of fossil fuels to help brands deliver on their climate goals and our planet’s needs. Genomatica has already commercialized sustainable materials used in plastics, spandex and cosmetics, and is working on plant-based nylon, household cleaners and more.

We seek a highly motivated Senior Process and Reactor Development Engineer to lead the development biobased chemical processes. This high impact position will work with a team of engineers and interface with Process Technology, R&D, and Commercial functions to develop novel bioprocesses computationally and experimentally, lead the computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) modeling and analysis across Genomatica’s process technology platform, analysis in mixing, multiphase flows, gas bubble distribution, bioreactor design & modeling to assist strain selection and to develop bioprocess and reactor models to assist process design and optimization.

Strong communication skills are a must as this position will interact internally with multiple functions and externally with current and prospective partners. Candidates who can demonstrate previous high performance developing 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.

Leads development of the reactor analysis, design and modeling to support the commercialization of biobased chemical processes from the laboratory through pilot plant to commercial scale-up and technology transfer. Responsibilities include:

• Serve as an internal Subject Matter Expert on fluid dynamics, fluid flows, transport phenomenon, reaction engineering and modeling and mentor other process engineers in the team
• Lead the development of computational fluid dynamics modeling and fluid flow analysis for production of industrial biochemicals. This includes hydrodynamic analysis, mixing analysis, heat and mass transfer analysis, reactor design and modeling
• Guide design biology and strain selection via insight derived from process modeling, hydrodynamics and reactor modeling
• Work collaboratively and iteratively with biology research and experimental projects to achieve company goals

After integrating with the company, the candidate will:

• Lead the development of cost-effective methods for the production of industrial chemicals. This includes process flowsheet modeling with Aspen Plus, Aspen Hysys, SuperPro, gProm, Excel and other process modeling tools
• Lead project teams in the development and execution of project scope, goals, deliverables, resources and timeline in support of business goals, in collaboration with senior management and stakeholders; effectively communicate project expectations, results and status to team members and stakeholders in a timely and clear fashion.
• Participate in process evaluations through the analysis and interpretation of lab and demo scale data, technical literature, and process simulations. Translate this information into equipment and process specifications and provide recommendations for further R&D, intellectual property opportunities, and cost minimization projects.
• Support technology transfer, scale-up, and process troubleshooting and form strong relationships with external partners.
• 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

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, Biochemical or Biomechanical Engineering, or related field.

Experience

Minimum of 3 years of relevant industry experience. Candidates with Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees and 6 years of directly relevant industry experience may also be considered.

Knowledge Requirements

• Expert in fluid dynamics and fluid flow principles.
• Expert in reaction engineering, reactor modeling and design.
• Experience leading the design, development, scale-up and optimization of industrial chemical production processes; preferably fermentation based processes.
• Proficiency in chemical engineering modeling including kinetic models, unit operation models, and process flowsheet models in both steady state and dynamic simulation. Experience using a variety of software tools (Python, OpenFOAM, Aspen, SuperPro, Matlab, etc.) is preferred.
• Significant knowledge and experience in industrial process design, preferably on fermentation based bioprocesses.

Competencies

• Thorough understanding of basic chemical engineering principles.
• Strong computational ability with strong analytical skills. Attention to details.
• Proven ability to communicate the technical requirements of equipment and processes.
• Experience working in technical project teams as a key contributor or lead, collaborating to accomplish project goals.
• Understanding of project management fundamentals.
• Working knowledge in the field of environmental, health and safety (EH&S) regulations, standards, and practices and their impact on chemical process design and operations.
• 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
  
  While experience in biological systems and processes is desirable, candidates who have experience assessing the hydrodynamics of other types of systems are encouraged to apply.

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.

This position involves working in office, laboratory, and pilot/manufacturing environments. Time spent in partner laboratories or at manufacturing facilities requires compliance with all site safety rules. The primary work location is at Genomatica’s R&D Headquarters in San Diego, CA, with up to 20% travel per year to partner, pilot/manufacturing sites.

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.

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.

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