Fermentation Engineer, Valent BioSciences, LLC

About Us:

Valent BioSciences LLC is a worldwide leader in the research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of biorational products for the agriculture, public health, and forestry markets. We have more than 60 years of experience bringing biorational products to market, and our products are used in sustainable operations in 95 countries around the world. Biorational products maximize plant quality, productivity, and sustainability.

As a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical, Valent BioSciences LLC operates with the Sumitomo Spirit mindset, which means to benefit both self and others, recognizing that private and public interests are one and the same. It’s about contributing to society, as well as making a profit.

JOB SUMMARY And KEY OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this position is to assist production in meeting all safety, quality, delivery and cost goals set by VBC Management. The individual will have knowledge of fermentation science and biochemical engineering principles, theory and practice with special focus on microbial fermentation operations in an industrial setting or a strong interest in acquiring such skills. The Pilot Plant Engineer will also act as mentor and leader to Production Specialists and Interns.

Essential Functions

• Support and comply with all VBC safety and environmental training policies and programs
• Optimize microbial fermentation processes of the existing fermentation products by conducting pilot (2L to 10,000L) fermentation experimentation.
• Scale up new microbial fermentation processes from research to production.
• Participate in new product development and realization projects
• Track and trend yield and quality data for each fermentation batch for all products to identify and eliminate special cause variation and recommend continuous improvement projects
• Identify, develop and implement creative practical solutions to improve the economics of the fermentation processes
• Participate in cost-saving initiatives, and maintain or improve product quality and yield
• Establish procedures to ensure efficient operation and maintenance of commercial-scale fermenters and all related fermentation equipment
• Provide fermentation support to production
• Advice and train plant operators, production specialists and supervisors
• Foster a continuous process improvement environment and help implement new technologies
  
  

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES And TASKS

• Mentor new employees and Interns.
• Write, review and execute process validation procedures
• Write, update and maintain production master batch records, work instructions and other standard operating procedures and training manuals
• Chart, track and analyze other production data to recommend and implement lean manufacturing projects
• Proactively identify problems and develop solutions to improve manufacturing operations and safety
• Review and adjust cost standards/bill of materials
• Assist production with troubleshooting, drive root cause analysis investigations and implement fail safe solutions as corrective/preventive actions (CAPA)
• Other duties as required
  
  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS And EDUCATION

• BS in chemical engineering, bioengineering, biotechnology, biochemical engineering, biology, or other related fields is required, M.S. or Ph.D. preferred
• Hands-on experience with industrial scale microbial fermentation processes or a strong interest in developing such skills is desired
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Must be able to work independently and as a part of an interdisciplinary, diverse team
• Good working knowledge of chemical and biochemical process unit operations is a plus
• Excellent computer skills are desired
• Working knowledge and understanding of process control and automation is a plus
• Industrial scale hands-on plant experience with process optimization and Six Sigma experience is a plus
• Must have flexibility to work some limited off-shift and weekend hours in order to support all production shifts when needed
  
  

What We Offer:

You’ll enjoy competitive compensation, consisting of base pay plus an incentive program available to all full-time employees, and a comprehensive benefits package including high-quality healthcare options, 401k matching, life and disability insurance, generous time off (with time off to volunteer) and much more! Additionally, we offer several Flexible Work Arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance.

We work together to power our sustainable future. Here's what drives us: Valent BioSciences, LLC has a strong commitment to both sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR). In fact, being a responsible corporate citizen has been ingrained in our culture since the company’s founding. Today, it remains at the forefront of everything we do.

• Valent BioSciences LLC is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation and/or identity, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, disabilities, or protected veteran status.