Process Engineer (Process Development & Scale-Up)

Rubi is pioneering the next era of manufacturing with its proprietary enzyme cascade technology. Our cell-free biocatalysis platform converts waste carbon into high-value materials – including cellulose textiles, chemicals, and polymer ingredients – requiring a fraction of the energy use and capital investment of traditional manufacturing systems.

Our modular production systems are designed to be deployed anywhere, enabling us to establish resilient and decarbonized supply chains at projected cost parity with existing products. We've established partnerships with global manufacturers and retailers including Walmart, H&M, and Patagonia, and have been honored as World Economic Forum Technology Pioneers, MIT Tech Review 35 Innovators Under 35, European Patent Office Young Inventors Prize winners, and H&M Global Change Award winners.

As Rubi Laboratories continues to grow, we are expanding our team to support the full range of scientific expertise behind our technology. We are seeking a Process Engineer (Level I/II/III or Senior) to collaborate closely with our engineers and scientists in executing experiments and supporting day-to-day operations. In this role, you will directly contribute to advancing our product and scaling the availability of our carbon-negative materials for leading global brands. This is an opportunity to build hands-on experience in a fast-paced startup environment while applying your expertise to develop solutions that drive meaningful environmental impact.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments (DoE) to develop and optimize processes across fermentation, enzyme production, biocatalytic reactions, and downstream processing (DSP)

• Own process development from early-stage experimentation through lab and pilot-scale scale-up

• Analyze and interpret data (e.g., JMP, GraphPad Prism) to drive process decisions and rapidly iterate

• Develop and optimize purification and recovery processes, including protein purification and processing of insoluble bioproducts (e.g., polysaccharides)

• Build and/or operate lab- and pilot-scale systems (TFF, filtration, reactors bioreactors) to enable rapid learning cycles

• Translate process learnings into scalable designs, including PFDs and tech transfer packages

• Support scale-up and tech transfer to external partners (CDMOs/CMOs) and internal pilot operations

• Troubleshoot complex process and equipment challenges using fundamentals of kinetics, thermodynamics, and transport phenomena

• Develop and validate analytical methods to monitor process performance (e.g., OD, conductivity, sugar assays, colorimetric assays)

• Drive continuous improvement of processes to increase yield, robustness, and consistency

• Identify, source, and commission new equipment and technologies to expand process capabilities

• Document experimental work and processes clearly in ELN systems (e.g., Benchling) and contribute to SOPs and batch records as needed

• Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, product, and business teams to translate process insights into product and manufacturing strategy

• Proactively incorporate customer requirements and end-use performance criteria into process development, product specifications, and R&D strategy

Requirements/Qualifications

• B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biochemistry, or related field with 3–8+ years of experience in bioprocess development, fermentation, or downstream processing

• Strong hands-on experience in process development and scale-up (0→1 or lab-to-pilot environments)

• Experience designing and running experiments (DoE) and using data to guide process optimization

• Experience scaling biocatalytic reactions

• Experience with fermentation and/or downstream processing workflows

• Familiarity with key unit operations (bioreactors, TFF, filtration, chemical reactors)

• Ability to translate experimental results into scalable process designs

• Experience with data analysis and statistical tools (JMP, GraphPad, or similar)

• Strong documentation practices; experience with ELNs (e.g., Benchling)

• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot complex technical challenges

• High ownership and bias toward action; comfortable working in fast-paced, ambiguous environments

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to work independently while collaborating across interdisciplinary teams

• Experience with standard data analysis tools (Excel, JMP, Origin, GraphPad Prism)

Nice-to-haves

• Experience scaling cell-free enzymatic reactions and enzyme reuse systems

• Experience with insoluble product processing or non-traditional DSP approaches

• Familiarity with process modeling tools (e.g., Aspen)

• Experience developing PFDs, P&IDs, and tech transfer packages

• Experience working with CDMOs/CMOs

• Experience commissioning new equipment or building pilot-scale systems

• Familiarity with polysaccharide or cellulose-based materials

Rubi Laboratories is dedicated to providing a supportive work environment for all our employees. We provide a competitive salary, generous equity, and benefits in a rapidly growing venture-backed company with all the exciting career and growth opportunities that come with it.

Compensation: $120,000 - $165,000 annually; actual compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and geographic location.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (100% coverage of monthly fees of base plan for our employees and their dependents)

• 401K with up to 2% company match at 100%

• Generous equity

• Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) plus 16 Paid Company Holidays, including company-wide Winter break (1 week)

• Daily $12 meal credit through Forkable meal delivery M-F

• Free snacks in-office

• A mission-driven environment solving one of the world's most pressing sustainability challenges through cutting-edge biotechnology

• Hands-on experience with engineered enzyme platforms alongside a world-class interdisciplinary team

• Direct impact on breakthrough materials used by global brands, with the opportunity to help scale technology from lab to market

We are excited to explore applicants with all different backgrounds so if you think you have the experience, please apply! Rubi Laboratories is dedicated to establishing a diverse employee base.

This position is in our Alameda, CA headquarters and requires on-site presence to complete the required laboratory work described. Rubi Laboratories cannot offer relocation assistance for this position.

Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required. Rubi Labs cannot offer employment visa sponsorship at this time.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.