Believer Meats is an innovative biotechnology start-up revolutionizing the food industry through the development and commercialization of cultivated meat products. Leveraging cutting-edge upstream cell culture processes, we aim to provide sustainable, ethical, and high-quality meat alternatives to consumers worldwide. As we near the completion of a new plant and prepare for commercialization, we are seeking Upstream Bioprocess Engineers to join our team.
JOB SUMMARY
The ideal Upstream Bioprocess Engineering candidate will support Believer's upstream bioprocess production process in a variety of ways. Day-to-day duties will include providing expertise on bioprocess and operating stainless steel bioreactors with Ignition SCADA systems (DCSs), operating stainless steel centrifuges with Rockwell Automation systems, performing sampling and analysis to assist in trending results and escalating process excursions, and performing troubleshooting activities during process excursions/ deviations. The successful Engineer will work with quality, maintenance, and management to provide key insights into day-to-day operations and opportunities for improvement.
The Engineer will work on-site in Wilson, North Carolina.
Benefits: This is a full-time, salaried (exempt) role eligible for generous benefits including PTO, Health Care, Retirement with company match, and Parental and Medical Leaves (subject to company policies including eligibility and waiting periods).
RESPONSIBILITIES
Monitor and Control Upstream Process
- Work alongside Upstream Process Engineers during the training period to learn key parts of the upstream bioprocess.
Continuously monitor upstream process parameters during production and intervene in deviating processes accordingly.
- Make real-time adjustments to optimize equipment performance and meet KPIs.
- Develop expertise in stainless steel bioreactor and centrifuge operations and master understanding of Believer's upstream bioprocess
- Monitor equipment operations and failures in processes and escalate accordingly
Hands-On Operations
- Perform routine checks, including but not limited to, daily samplings for metabolite analysis alongside calibrations of equipment involved in bioreactor and centrifuge processes.
- Other related duties as assigned.
Safety & Compliance
- Maintain documentation, logs, and reports according to company safety, quality, and cGMP policies and procedures.
- Notify relevant departments of equipment alarms and process deviations.
- Participate in risk assessments, safety audits, and the plant Emergency Response Team.
QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will have 2+ years of experience in an operations or process engineering role, preferably in the biotech or pharmaceutical industries. Experience in high-speed food manufacturing or fermentation may also be applicable. The incumbent will have a combination of skills, education, and skills that demonstrate the ability to fulfill all aspects of this job description.
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Biotechnology, or Biology with exposure to SCADA/DCS/PLC systems.
- An Associate's degree combined with and 4+ total years experience with biological processes and exposure to SCADA/DCS/PLC systems may also be acceptable.
- Ability to read Process and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), and basic understanding of applied control loops applied to an industrial setting.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Must consistently follow all safety and food safety protocols, guidelines, and procedures to ensure a safe working environment. This includes properly using personal protective equipment (PPE), identifying and reporting potential hazards, and actively participating in safety training and initiatives. A commitment to maintaining a culture of safety and minimizing risks to yourself and your colleagues is essential.
- Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage time effectively as well as problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work well in a team-based environment with limited supervision.
- Authorized to work in the US (Believer is an E-Verify participant).
- Ability to pass pre-employment background screening, credit check, and drug test (if applicable).
ADDITIONAL PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Familiarity with stainless steel bioreactors, single use bioreactors, and stainless-steel centrifuges
- Some experience working with DCS systems (DeltaV, Ignition), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) using Rockwell Software or similar
- Fundamental understanding of biological processes and how various process parameters influence cell culture.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
With or without reasonable accommodation
- Mobility: Must be able to walk throughout the entire manufacturing facility and reach up and down to access equipment. Occasional step ladder use may be required for retrieving items and equipment access.
- Manual Dexterity: Ability to use hands to perform precise tasks and operate standard office/ computer equipment.
- Physical Endurance: Ability to work for extended periods including walking, standing, and sitting throughout the course of the shift.
- Visual and Auditory Acuity: Clear auditory and visual acuity for communication and safety in the manufacturing environment.
- Lifting and Carrying: Occasional light lifting may be required (ex: transporting parts or moving small objects from one place to another).
EEO STATEMENT
Believer is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to age, race, color, genetic information, marital status, national origin, disability, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by law with respect to recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment.
We also provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals in accordance with applicable laws. If you need to inquire about accommodation during the application process or employment, please contact HR .