Process Engineer

Plantible Foods; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

Outdoor land

Health benefits

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Unlimited PTO

Paid holidays

401k

Career development

Team events

Job summary

Plantible Foods seeks a Process Engineer to optimize throughput and yield across our Austin-based production, working closely with operators, scientists, and engineers.

You will analyze plant data, implement process improvements from R&D to full-scale manufacturing, and develop robust documentation including PFDs and P&IDs. On-site collaboration at Ranchito facility is expected.

Qualifications

• 3–7 years hands-on experience in food/biotech/ingredient manufacturing, preferably protein/fermentation.
• Proven ability to lead process optimization and scale-up initiatives.
• Strong communication skills and proactive, get-it-done attitude.

Responsibilities

• Analyze plant and process data to identify inefficiencies in yield, throughput, and resource use.
• Design and validate process improvements in collaboration with operations, maintenance, and controls.
• Develop process documentation including PFDs, P&IDs, mass/energy balances.
• Collaborate with pilot and R&D teams to design scale-up trials.
• Support commissioning, validation, and troubleshooting of new process lines.
• Scope and execute CAPEX projects to enhance safety and performance.
• Advance automation and control improvements.
• Communicate progress and manage project pace and budget.

Skills

Process optimization

Scale-up leadership

Data analysis

Communication

Education

B.S./M.S. in Process, Chemical, Mechanical, or Bioprocess Engineering

Tools

PFD/P&ID drafting

H&M balances

Aspen

SuperPro

AutoCAD

Job description

Kindly be advised that we are handling the recruitment for this position internally and are not partnering with external recruiters.

We are a Biology Company

Plantible, backed by Astanor Ventures, Lerer Hippeau, Piva Capital, Kellogg’s, and Vectr Ventures, is a vertically integrated biology company that is unlocking the power in plants in service of people & planet. Our mission is to create solutions that empower customers to make sustainable and regenerative choices without compromising on quality. We are beginning with the food industry. Please visit our website to learn more about our mission and continued success: https://www.plantiblefoods.com/

How you will contribute:

We are seeking a Process Engineer who combines analytical rigor with hands-on curiosity - someone who loves data as much as they love getting their boots dirty. Based in Austin but frequently on site at our Ranchito facility, you will lead projects that optimize throughput, drive yield improvements, and scale technologies from R&D into full commercial operation.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, high-impact startup environment—working shoulder to shoulder with operators, scientists, and engineers to continuously improve our production process from cultivation to packaging.

What you will be working on:

• 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.
• Translate R&D findings into robust, scalable manufacturing processes.
• Develop detailed process documentation including PFDs, P&IDs, 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.
• Scope and execute CAPEX projects that enhance safety, reliability, and performance.
• Support the design and implementation of automation and control improvements.

What your week will look like:

• Work closely with the Engineering, Operations and Research teams to optimize current processes and scale up new developments.
• Spend time at the commercial facility working on process improvements & new engineering developments to successful tech transfers.
• Develop and communicate process designs using process flow diagrams, P&IDs, process narratives, and volume and mass balances.
• Monitor operations and project progression, resolve any issues that arise, and coordinate team activities to maintain the approved schedule.
• Update management team and other project engineers on project progress and requirements regularly in written reports and presentations.
• Control project pace and budget and manage project changes as needed.

What you bring to Plantible:

• 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, H&M 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.
• A proactive, "get-it-done" attitude with the flexibility to work on-site at Ranchito as projects demand.

Choose Plantible Foods

Joining Plantible means contributing to a sustainable future for all. We are a venture backed startup that is both spreading happiness amongst our employees and to current and future generations. We believe diversity creates uniqueness. Our team is composed of highly talented people with different interests and hobbies, which makes for a rich working environment.

At Plantible we are continually working on our offerings to foster the best team. Check it out!

• Competitive health and wellness benefits
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Discretionary Unlimited PTO Program
• Paid Holidays
• 401k Program
• Career development and growth opportunities
• Working in a rapidly growing, flexible and entrepreneurial environment
• Team building and company-wide events
• Financial support with your relocation, if necessary, ensuring a smooth transition
• And of course, lots of beautiful land for outdoor activities!

Plantible Foods is an equal employment opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, liability for military service, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you are interested in learning the status of your application, please note you will be contacted directly by the appropriate human resources contact person if you are selected for further consideration. Plantible Foods reserves the right to defer or close a vacancy at any time.