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Plantible Foods is a venture-backed biology company focused on unlocking the power of plants to create sustainable, regenerative solutions for the food industry. Backed by Astanor Ventures, Lerer Hippeau, Piva Capital, Kellogg's, and Vectr Ventures, the company is building vertically integrated operations to deliver high-quality alternatives without compromising on performance.
As a Process Engineer, you will be based at the Ranchito commercial facility and lead projects that optimize throughput, drive yield improvements, standardize processes, and scale technologies from R&D into full commercial operation. This is a hands-on role combining analytical rigor with practical problem-solving in a fast-paced startup environment.
Key responsibilities include:
**Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement:**
- Analyze plant and process data to identify inefficiencies in yield, throughput, and resource utilization
- Design, implement, and validate process improvements in collaboration with operations, maintenance, and controls teams
- Develop models, SOPs, and documentation to institutionalize process knowledge
- Champion a data-driven, Kaizen mindset across the plant
- Build documentation, training programs, and work aids to drive consistent operational performance
**Technology Transfer:**
- Translate R&D findings into robust, scalable manufacturing processes
- Develop detailed process documentation including PFDs, P&IDs, SOPs, and mass/energy balances
- Collaborate closely with pilot and R&D teams to design and execute scale-up trials
- Support commissioning, validation, and troubleshooting of new process lines and equipment
**Day-to-Day Work:**
- Work closely with Engineering, Operations, and Research teams to optimize current processes and scale new developments
- Develop and communicate process designs using process flow diagrams, P&IDs, process narratives, and volume/mass balances
- Monitor operations and project progression, resolve issues, and coordinate team activities to maintain schedules
- Update management and project engineers on progress through written reports and presentations
- Control project pace and budget, managing changes as needed
**Requirements:**
- B.S. or M.S. in Process, Chemical, Mechanical, or Bioprocess Engineering (or related discipline)
- 3–7 years of hands-on experience in food, biotech, or ingredient manufacturing; preferably in protein or fermentation systems
- Proven ability to lead process optimization and scale-up initiatives
- Familiarity with PFD/P&ID drafting, heat & mass balances, and process simulation tools (e.g., Aspen, SuperPro, AutoCAD, or equivalent)
- Understanding of sanitary design, food safety (HACCP, FSMA), and equipment standards (USDA, FDA)
- Strong communication skills; comfortable bridging R&D and plant operations
- Proactive, "get-it-done" attitude with flexibility to work on-site at Ranchito as projects demand
