Process Engineer

Biosphere; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Equity

Unlimited vacation

Health insurance (employees & depend.)

Paid family leave

Job summary

Biosphere in Oakland, CA seeks a Process Engineer to design our 20 m³ demonstration facility and to build and run pilot-scale UV bioreactors. Role splits design and hands-on building, from mass/energy balances to commissioning and operation of pilot reactors.

Responsibilities include PFDs/P&IDs, equipment specs, and collaborating with vendors. Candidates should have a BS in Chemical Engineering and 1–6 years in process engineering, with a hands-on mindset and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• BS in Chemical Engineering or related field (bioengineering, mechanical).
• 1 to 6 years of experience in process engineering, process development, or pilot plant/manufacturing operations.
• Solid fundamentals: mass and energy balances, fluid flow, heat transfer, pump and line sizing.
• Able to read and produce P&IDs.
• Hands-on experience with sanitary tubing, instruments, and building skids.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to process design deliverables for the demonstration facility: design basis, mass and energy balances, PFDs, P&IDs, equipment lists and specifications, and process control narratives.
• Size and specify process equipment and utilities and support vendor selection and quote review.
• Design, build and commission pilot-scale UV bioreactors (roughly 100 L to 2 m³).
• Operate pilot equipment: run fermentation and sterilization tests, collect data, and translate results into design changes.
• Support design reviews, HAZOPs, FAT/SAT and commissioning for demo plant equipment.
• Collaborate with engineering partners, vendors, and fabricators; review their deliverables.
• Maintain up-to-date drawings, specifications, procedures, and test batch reports.

Skills

Process design

Mass and energy balances

PFDs/P&IDs

Strong communicator

Safety culture

Education

BS in Chemical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD Plant 3D

SolidWorks

SCADA/PLC exposure

Job description

We are looking for a Process Engineer to support the design of our 20 m³ demonstration facility and to build and run pilot-scale UV bioreactors. The work is split between design and hands-on building. You will work on mass and energy balances, PFDs, P&IDs and equipment specifications for the demo plant. On the hands‑on side you will pipe, instrument, commission and operate pilot reactors. This role is in person at our Oakland, CA facility and reports to the Principal Process Engineer. Title and level (Engineer I, II or III) will be set based on experience.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to process design deliverables for the demonstration facility: design basis, mass and energy balances, PFDs, P&IDs, equipment lists and specifications, and process control narratives.
• Size and specify process equipment and utilities (vessels, pumps, heat exchangers, filtration, piping, valves, instruments) and support vendor selection and quote review.
• Design, build and commission pilot‑scale UV bioreactors (roughly 100 L to 2 m³), including piping, instrumentation and basic controls integration.
• Operate pilot equipment alongside R&D: run fermentation and sterilization tests, collect data, and turn results into design changes.
• Support design reviews, HAZOPs, FAT/SAT and commissioning for demo plant equipment.
• Work with our engineering partners, vendors and fabricators, and review their deliverables.
• Help maintain up‑to‑date documentation, including but not limited to drawings, specifications, procedures, and test batch reports.
• Continue to build and maintain a safety‑first culture in the lab, shop, pilot spaces, and plant.

Qualifications

• BS in Chemical Engineering or a related field (bioengineering, mechanical engineering).
• 1 to 6 years of experience in process engineering, process development, or pilot plant / manufacturing operations. New graduates with strong co‑op or internship experience will be considered for Engineer I.
• Solid chemical engineering fundamentals: mass and energy balances, fluid flow, heat transfer, pump and line sizing.
• Can read and produce P&IDs.
• Hands‑on experience: you’re comfortable using wrenches, assembling sanitary tubing, wired instruments, or building skids and are interested in continuing to build on that experience.
• Clear writer, strong communicator, organized, and able to run small projects with minimal oversight.
• Able to lift 50 lb, stand for extended periods, and wear PPE.
• Due to the requirements of our federal contracts, candidates must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Preferred Skills

• Fermentation or bioprocess experience, including sterile design, SIP/CIP, and aseptic operation.
• Familiarity with hygienic design standards (ASME BPE, EHEDG).
• Experience in food/beverage, pharma, specialty chemicals, or an industrial biotech pilot plant.
• Experience producing or reviewing FEL/FEED packages and/or working with an external engineering firms.
• CAD for process documentation (AutoCAD Plant 3D, SolidWorks or similar).
• Exposure to PLCs, SCADA and instrumentation.
• Comfortable working in an early‑stage company, adapting to uncertainty and evolving priorities as the business grows.

At Biosphere, our goal is to empower talented individuals who are driven by the desire to work on tackling society's biggest challenges. To that end, we take pride in striving to be an equal opportunity employer with a healthy work culture, creating an environment where high performers can thrive. We currently offer the following benefits:

• Competitive compensation through a mix of salary and equity.
• Unlimited paid vacation and sick/leave days + public holidays.
• Comprehensive health insurance for employees and their dependents, including dental and vision.
• Paid family leave.
• Membership at Pacific Pipe Climbing gym next door.

This Role Might Be For You If You

• Want to work on both the design and the build of new process equipment.
• Are excited about biomanufacturing and want to make it cheaper and more accessible.
• Thrive in small teams where your work directly shapes the company's trajectory.

Biosphere is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.