Senior Process Engineer, Biomaterials
Nature’s Fynd
Chicago, IL, USA
Posted on Tuesday, July 30, 2024
Nature’s Fynd is a groundbreaking food tech company born out of NASA-supported research on extremophiles in the geothermal pools of Yellowstone National Park. Our novel fermentation technology produces a sustainable source of complete protein using only a fraction of the resources required by traditional agriculture. As the challenge to feed the world’s expanding population grows, our mission is to create amazing foods and materials that provide sustainable choices and nurture the planet.
We’re looking for passionate, driven, and ambitious people to join our fast-growing team.
As a Senior Process Engineer, you will be responsible for optimizing and managing our pilot and commercial manufacturing processes, both internally and in collaboration with external manufacturing partners. Your deep expertise in textiles and extrusion technology will be crucial in ensuring consistent product quality, enhancing production efficiency, and fostering successful partnerships. You will work closely with internal teams and external stakeholders to develop, implement, and refine manufacturing processes that align with our strategic goals.
Must have a minimum of 5 years of process engineering experience in an extrusion industry setting.
This position is located in Chicago, IL at our 2075 W 43rd St. location.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop, optimize, and oversee extrusion processes for textile applications, ensuring high-quality and efficient production across internal and external facilities
- Analyze and troubleshoot process issues, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions in collaboration with internal teams and external partners
- Collaborate with R&D, quality control, and production teams to translate research and development results into scalable manufacturing processes
- Lead process trials and validations to ensure robust and scalable manufacturing processes
- Implement and monitor statistical process controls (SPC) and continuous improvement initiatives, both internally and with external partners
- Perform Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) or similar methods to identify potential process risks and develop mitigation strategies
- Establish quality metrics and assurance protocols in manufacturing processes, working closely with quality teams to ensure compliance with industry standards and customer requirements
- Maintain strong relationships with external manufacturing partners, ensuring alignment on process standards, quality expectations, and continuous improvement goals
- Stay current with industry trends, technologies, and best practices in extrusion and textiles, sharing insights with both internal teams and external partners
- Prepare and present technical reports, process documentation, and project updates to management and stakeholders
- Travel up to 50% of the time to support external manufacturing partners, conduct on-site evaluations, and implement process improvements
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field
- Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in process engineering, with a strong focus on scaling extrusion and textile processes
- Proven track record of optimizing extrusion processes and improving product quality in both internal and external manufacturing environments
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a hands-on approach to process troubleshooting
- Extensive experience with statistical process controls (SPC), process monitoring, and data analysis, statistical analysis software, and quality management systems and methods
- Proficiency in conducting Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) and other risk assessment tools
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and external partners
- Experience translating R&D results into scalable manufacturing processes
- Knowledge of industry standards and regulations related to textiles and extrusion
Preferred Qualifications:
- Familiarity with advanced materials and technologies in the textile industry
- Black belt Six Sigma certification or equivalent experience in continuous improvement methodologies
- Experience with mechanical testing methods such as tensile strength, tear resistance, and other relevant tests
- Knowledge of synthetic leather testing methods, including adhesion, abrasion resistance, and flex testing
- Experience implementing Lean, Six Sigma, or Agile methodologies in complex supply chain manufacturing environments
Benefits:
- Participation in Employee Stock Ownership Program
- 100% paid employee benefits (medical, dental, vision)
- Generous Parental leave policy
- Opportunity to join a company with an aggressive growth trajectory that will revolutionize multiple industries
- Engaging and dynamic work culture full of innovation and collaboration with your fellow Fynders
Commitment To Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, And Belonging:
- Nature’s Fynd views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values
EEO Statement:
- We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law