Process Engineer
Calipatria, California, United States
Process Engineer - Calipatria CA Piper Maddox is partnering with an exciting biotechnology energy company based in California, that uses engineered microalgae to produce low-carbon liquid fuels at commercial scale. They are currently growing operations, engineering, and science teams, and are looking for a Process Engineer that will help bring the technology online. This is a rare opportunity to help launch a new category in the multi-billion-dollar SAF and liquid-fuels markets from the ground up. Key Responsibilities: Lead hands-on downstream processing operations, including dewatering, centrifugation, filtration, cell lysis, and extraction to support pilot-scale production and commercial scale-upSupport commissioning, startup, troubleshooting, and optimization of process equipment while responding to operational issues and implementing process improvementsAnalyze production data, investigate process deviations, and drive continuous improvements to maximize reliability, efficiency, and product qualityDevelop and maintain SOPs, batch records, operating procedures, and other process documentation to ensure safe and consistent plant operationsPartner with engineering, R&D, and operations teams to scale the microalgae platform into commercial renewable diesel and SAF production while growing into operations leadership and mentoring junior team members Background: 4–8 years in process engineering, ideally downstream bioprocessing — algae, fermentation, food/feed, or comparable bio-based manufacturingGenuinely hands-on — running the equipment, not just specifying it. Dewatering, centrifugation, filtration, lysis, extraction at pilot or commercial scaleHas supported commissioning and start-up work and can troubleshoot deviations as first responderDisciplined on documentation — SOPs, batch records, run data — and can turn performance data into improvementsChemical engineering degree is a plus. Comfortable in an outdoor production environment and with the physical side of the workWill grow into schedule and operations management as the technician team builds out, with scope to mentor a junior engineer