Process Engineer

Process Engineer - Calipatria CA

Piper Maddox is partnering with an exciting biotechnology energy company based in California, that uses engineered microalgae to produce low-carbon liquid fuels at commercial scale.

They are currently growing operations, engineering, and science teams, and are looking for a Process Engineer that will help bring the technology online. This is a rare opportunity to help launch a new category in the multi-billion-dollar SAF and liquid-fuels markets from the ground up.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead hands-on downstream processing operations, including dewatering, centrifugation, filtration, cell lysis, and extraction to support pilot-scale production and commercial scale-up
• Support commissioning, startup, troubleshooting, and optimization of process equipment while responding to operational issues and implementing process improvements
• Analyze production data, investigate process deviations, and drive continuous improvements to maximize reliability, efficiency, and product quality
• Develop and maintain SOPs, batch records, operating procedures, and other process documentation to ensure safe and consistent plant operations
• Partner with engineering, R&D, and operations teams to scale the microalgae platform into commercial renewable diesel and SAF production while growing into operations leadership and mentoring junior team members

Background:

• 4–8 years in process engineering, ideally downstream bioprocessing — algae, fermentation, food/feed, or comparable bio-based manufacturing
• Genuinely hands-on — running the equipment, not just specifying it. Dewatering, centrifugation, filtration, lysis, extraction at pilot or commercial scale
• Has supported commissioning and start-up work and can troubleshoot deviations as first responder
• Disciplined on documentation — SOPs, batch records, run data — and can turn performance data into improvements
• Chemical engineering degree is a plus. Comfortable in an outdoor production environment and with the physical side of the work
• Will grow into schedule and operations management as the technician team builds out, with scope to mentor a junior engineer