‍Sr. Process Engineer 

OMAHA, NE

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ABOUT US:
Bluestem Biosciences, Inc., is a decarbonized chemicals company using programmable biology for the biomanufacturing of commodity chemicals in the Midwest. We are designing biology with “the end in mind”  to enable existing infrastructure to make chemicals using organisms, not from oil. 

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ROLE SUMMARY:
We are seeking an experienced chemical engineer to lead process development efforts for the separation and purification of our target molecules. Our ideal candidate will have practical experience in developing and scaling up bioindustrial separation processes. This position will report directly to the COO and will collaborate closely with upstream process development and external engineering partners to drive development, scale-up, and commercialization of our process.

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RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Design and optimize downstream processing steps including separation, purification, and waste management for the production of our target molecules organic acids.
• Design and direct bench and pilot scale process trials; analyzing data to inform process intensification, improvement, and scale-up strategies
• Collaborate with R&D to integrate upstream, downstream, and recycle  streams, ensuring efficient and sustainable overall process performance.
• Identify and interface with vendors and equipment suppliers for the design, procurement, and commissioning of downstream process equipment.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, Lean methodologies, and cost reduction efforts while maintaining product quality and consistency.
• Build and refine techno-economic analysis throughout process development
• Be the single point of contact for, and manage projects with lab and pilot facility partners
• Drive execution with engineering firms to translate processes into PFDs, P&IDs, and FEL packages
• Align process development with existing manufacturing capabilities; design with the "end in mind"

REQUIREMENTS: 

• Advanced degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, or related engineering or scientific field plus 8+ year(s) in a development or production engineering position. Differing combinations of experience and education will be considered. 
• Demonstrated hands-on experience in DSP engineering principles and practice, with a strong understanding of chemical and biochemical fundamentals that drive optimal DSP design for fermented products.
• Proven ability to lead projects at both development stage and through scale-up, build relationships with contractors and collaborators, and represent the company vocally.
• Expertise with formal process and manufacturing engineering practices, including Lean Six Sigma, statistical process control, Quality by Design, and continuous process improvement principles.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal; organizational skills and ability to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in computer software applications such as JMP, R, Python, ASPEN+, SuperPro Designer,  or other modeling.
• Possess a Growth Mindset and open mind that seeks continuous learning from feedback, setbacks and failure on the journey to achieving results
• Embraces diversity, models equity in action and contributes to a high trust and inclusive work environment that supports team members in doing the best work of their careers at Bluestem
• Humble, Hungry and Smart with a grounded “otherish” approach to collaboration, an ownership mentality with a bias towards execution, and the ability to read and lead yourself so that you can more effectively read and lead others

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Bluestem is excited to offer a remote-first working model. Team members can work primarily remotely. Conditions permitting, teams will meet in person every quarter or two at Bluestem’s hub, in Omaha, NE. Travel (25-50%) to third party collaborators on a monthly basis will also be required, especially when executing critical experiments or tech transfer activities. We believe this balanced, flexible approach gives our team members the best of both worlds: plenty of focus time along with in-person collaboration that fosters trust, unlocks creativity, and further fuels innovation.

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Bluestem is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. 

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If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know by emailing careers@bluestembiosciences.com

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