Scale-Up Engineer

iPROOF; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 82,000 - 103,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

Dental & Vision

Retirement plans

Paid parental leave

Job summary

iPROOF is hiring a Scale-Up Engineer to transfer fermentation processes from lab to pilot and full-scale demonstrations. You will bridge R&D, process development, manufacturing, quality, and engineering to ensure robust performance and efficient commercialization.

The role includes process characterization, scale-up studies, technology transfer, batch support, troubleshooting and continuous improvement for microbial, fungal, yeast, or algae systems, with a focus on safety and compliance.

Qualifications

• BS in Chemical, Bio, Engineering or related field from ABET-accredited program.
• Advanced degree in related field preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma and Continuous Improvement certification preferred.
• Root-cause analysis certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead technology transfer from bench/pilot to iPROOF facilities.
• Scale fermentation processes through pilot and demonstration scales.
• Design and execute experiments for media optimization and feeding strategies.
• Provide on-floor technical support during fermentation campaigns.
• Collaborate with engineering on utility needs and CIP/SIP systems.
• Prepare and review master batch records and process descriptions.
• Manage multiple projects with timelines, budgets, and risk assessments.

Skills

Organization

Time management

Communication

Critical thinking

Problem solving

Teamwork

Project management

Regulatory awareness

Attention to safety

Education

ABET-accredited BS in Chemical/Bio Engineering

Advanced degree (preferred)

Lean Six Sigma (preferred)

Root cause analysis (preferred)

Tools

Excel

Process modeling software

Job description

At iPROOF, we are building a state-of-the-art hub for bioproducts innovation. We offer dynamic career opportunities for scientific and technical professionals who are driven to scale the future of precision fermentation.

We combine the agility of a biotech startup with the stability of an industry leader. As a part of the iPROOF team, you will help advance critical innovations in an inclusive environment that values curiosity, embraces diversity of thought, and actively challenges the status quo.

Because we believe in investing in our people, iPROOF offers a highly competitive benefits package, including comprehensive healthcare, dental and vision, retirement plans with an employer contribution, and paid parental leave.

About IPROOF

Join the Future of Biomanufacturing

At iPROOF, we are building a state-of-the-art hub for bioproducts innovation. We offer dynamic career opportunities for scientific and technical professionals who are driven to scale the future of precision fermentation.

We combine the agility of a biotech startup with the stability of an industry leader. As a part of the iPROOF team, you will help advance critical innovations in an inclusive environment that values curiosity, embraces diversity of thought, and actively challenges the status quo.

Because we believe in investing in our people, iPROOF offers a highly competitive benefits package, including comprehensive healthcare, dental and vision, retirement plans with an employer contribution, and paid parental leave.

About the Role

The Scale-Up Engineer is responsible for transferring fermentation processes from laboratory and pilot scales into demonstration environments. This role serves as the technical bridge between R&D, process development, manufacturing, quality, and engineering teams to ensure successful scale-up, robust process performance, and efficient commercialization. The engineer will lead process characterization, scale-up studies, technology transfer activities, batch execution support, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives for microbial, fungal, yeast, and/or heterotrophic algae fermentation and downstream processes.

Key responsibilities: Process Engineer

Technology Transfer:

Lead technology transfer projects from bench, pilot, or external development organizations into the iPROOF facility. Develop and maintain technology transfer packages including; process descriptions, batch records, SOPs, process flow diagrams, material balances, and control strategies. This role will help coordinate knowledge transfer between iPROOF and customers and facilitate technical risk assessments and transfer readiness reviews.

Fermentation Development and Scale-Up:

Scale fermentation processes through pilot and demonstration scales to de-risk the technology. Evaluate critical scale-up parameters including oxygen transfer (kLa), power input (P/V), mixing time, gas flow rates, heat transfer requirements, and feed strategies. Support seed train development and scale progression strategies. Design and execute experiments for media optimization, feeding strategies, and induction strategies, Apply statistical and data-driven methods to improve process performance. Identify opportunities to improve throughput, yield, and manufacturing economics.

Process Development and Optimization:

Recommend unit operations needed and their order to obtain desired product. Design and execute unit-operations-specific experiments for throughput and efficiency. Apply statistical and data-driven methods to improve process performance and identify opportunities.

Manufacturing Support:

Provide on-floor technical support during fermentation campaigns. Troubleshoot issues related to growth performance, titer, yield, productivity, contamination events, and process control. Analyze process data and recommend corrective actions. Support deviation investigations, root-cause analyses (RCAs), and corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).

Engineering and Equipment Integration:

Collaborate with engineering teams on utility requirements, piping and instrumentation, CIP/SIP systems, and process controls. Support FAT, SAT, commissioning, qualification, and startup activities. Assist in equipment sizing and process modeling.

Documentation and Compliance:

Author and review master batch records, process descriptions, technical reports, validation protocols, and technology transfer documents. Ensure compliance with applicable food, feed, industrial biotech, or regulatory standards. Maintain accurate project documentation and transfer records.

Project Management:

Manage multiple technology transfer and scale-up projects simultaneously. Track timelines, budgets, risks, and deliverables. Interface directly with customers, strategic partners, and commercial stakeholders. Present project progress and technical findings to management.

About You

Knowledge

• General Chemistry
• Basic mathematical and physics principals
• Unit operation knowledge (fermentation, filtration, spray drying)
• Safety best practices in a manufacturing or pilot/demo environment
• Biochemical engineering principles
• Quality/food safety knowledge
• Microsoft Office (Excel specific)
• Statistical analysis, including multivariate data analysis
• Understanding of process flows

Skills

• Organization skills
• Time management & prioritization
• Excellent written and verbal communications
• Critical thinking
• Problem solving
• Teamwork
• Project Management
• Maintains regulatory and technical awareness
• Ability to coordinate efforts of others

Mindsets

• Goal oriented
• Learning-orientation
• Economic consideration
• Attention to safety, quality, sustainability
• Collaborative

Required and/or Preferred Education/Certification

• BS in Chemical, Bio, Engineering or a related field from ABET accredited institution (required)
• Advanced degree in Chemical, Bio, Engineering or a related field (preferred)
• Certification in Lean Six Sigma and Continuous Improvement (preferred)
• Certification in Root cause analysis (5 why, fishbone, KT) (preferred)

Required and/or Preferred Work Experience

• 2-3 years post graduation work experience (required)
• Previous manufacturing or Pilot/Demo scale experience (preferred)
• Previous experience in CDMO-type facility (preferred)
• Previous experience in fermentation (preferred)
• Previous experience in biomanufacturing-related downstream processing (preferred)

Total Rewards

The annual pay range estimated for this position is $82,053.60 - $102,567.00 and is bonus eligible.

Please note that while this range reflects the full spectrum of compensation available for this role, individual compensation will be determined based on several factors including your experience, skills, and alignment with the role's responsibilities. During the interview process there will be an opportunity to discuss how your background fits into the pay range.

We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes:

Rewards & benefits

Competitive salary / 401 K matching and non-contingent matching plans / Healthcare / Medical insurance

Career development

Our structure provides autonomy and accountability in your role. You have scope to develop a depth of expertise and the opportunity to follow career pathways outside the norm.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

We are passionate believers in the power of difference. We strive to represent the communities in which we operate and to provide an inclusive, welcoming environment for all. We want iPROOF to be a place where every employee feels they belong and knows they are seen, heard, valued and safe to speak up. Our aspiration is to unlock the full potential in diverse perspectives, while offering everyone an equal chance to grow, thrive and progress.

iPROOF is an equal opportunity employer, committed to the strength of an inclusive workforce.

California Consumer Privacy Act (\"CCPA\")

The Company is committed to complying with the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”) and all data privacy and laws in the jurisdictions in which it recruits and hires employees. We collect the following categories of personal information for the purpose of hiring the best qualified applicants and to comply with applicable employment laws: Name and contact information; Job preference and work availability; Social Security Number and/or other identification information; Education and qualifications; Employment history and experience; Military service; Reference and background check information, including relevant criminal history and credit history; Social media information; Pre-employment test results; Post-offer medical examination information and results, including drug test results; Voluntary self-disclosure information regarding minority, veteran, and disability status; and Information provided by you during the hiring process.