Process Engineer

Plantible; Eldorado (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

401k Program

Career Stipend

Relocation assistance

Relocation support

Job summary

Plantible Foods is seeking a Process Engineer to lead projects that optimize throughput, drive yield improvements, and scale technologies from R&D into full commercial operation at our Ranchito facility.

You will work shoulder to shoulder with operators, scientists, and engineers in a fast-paced startup environment to continuously improve our production process from cultivation to packaging, delivering data-driven results.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.

Skills

Process optimization

Scale-up initiatives

PFD/P&ID drafting

Sanitary design & food safety

Strong communication

Education

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

Tools

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 on site at our Ranchito facility, you will lead projects that optimize throughput, drive yield improvements, standardize processes, 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

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.

What Your Work Week Will Look Like

Work closely with the Engineering, Operations and Research teams to optimize current processes and scale up new developments.

Located 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 Stipend
• 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.

If you feel your skill set does not meet all listed qualifications for the role, we still encourage you to apply. As we continue to grow our company, we are seeking a range of candidates and would gladly consider you for other current or upcoming roles that may be a fit!

Recruitment Fraud Alert

Plantible Foods is aware of fraudulent job offers and individuals impersonating our recruiters or employees.

Please Note

We will never ask candidates to pay fees for employment, training, equipment, or background checks.

We will never request sensitive personal or financial information during the early stages of the hiring process.

All official Plantible Foods communications come only from email addresses ending in @plantiblefoods.com.

Our only official company website is www.plantiblefoods.com, and our jobs are posted on our Careers page and our official LinkedIn page.

If you receive a suspicious message claiming to be from Plantible Foods, do not respond. Please report it to [e-mail].

The Pay Range For This Role Is

90,000 - 120,000 USD per year(Ranchito)