We’re on a journey to Grow the Future of Materials. How? By unlocking the unique properties of mycelium, the root structure of mushrooms. Our patented technology, Fine Mycelium™, unleashes a new class of materials crafted from nature, engineered for performance, and built for a resilient future.We’re seeking passionate learners to join us in pioneering a materials revolution and creating an epic place to work.
MycoWorks offers competitive equity and benefits programs to support the health, well-being, and financial empowerment of all our employees.We root our relationships with our partners and one another in our core values: Be Mycelial, Cultivate Quality, and Grow the Future, and we're committed to building a diverse team and an inclusive environment where all employees belong. Women, gender expansive individuals, people of color, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and LGBTQ+ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Job Summary:
The Bioprocess Engineer will work within the Mycoworks South Carolina (MWSC) Process Development group and be responsible for the design, optimization, scale-up, and troubleshooting of bioprocesses for the production of Fine Mycelium™. The successful candidate will have experience in bioprocess engineering and a strong understanding of liquid and/or solid state fermentation. Additionally, this role will require operating in a diverse environment and equally supporting both Mycology and Process Development experiments. This role requires both technical expertise and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure the successful transfer of processes from development through to commercialization.
Responsibilities:
- Design and run experiments of prototypical manufacturing/growth systems to furnish centerlines, throughput data, and process parameters for feasibility studies.
- Experience in performing small scale experiments for chemical efficacy testing (testing cleaning chemicals targeted to achieve repeatable and reproducible results).
- Work to provide insights to cross-functional teams tasked with analyzing the technical, business, and financial impact of proposed manufacturing system changes.
- Design and test novel machines and techniques to help improve overall part quality and increase throughput.
- Work with internal quality resources to recommend and trial new in-process measurement techniques.
- Partner cross-functionally with product research, research and development, and manufacturing operations teams to vet and recommend strategic process changes that deliver product quality improvements, process reliability upgrades, and production throughput increases.
- Build and manage relationships with vendors including design/fabrication firms, research equipment vendors, and process equipment OEMs to enable you to act as a force multiplier.
- Implement the MycoWay work processes to support the successful delivery of engineering projects across the company.
- Create and maintain Process Flow Sheets/Transformational Flow Sheets for current and proposed processes.
Qualifications:
- BS/MS in Engineering or an applicable science field with 2-5+ years experience in similar industry
- Experience designing and implementing robust/flexible pilot scale systems, specifically targeting living biological systems (food production, agriculture, solid fermentation, aquaculture, etc)
- Familiarity with common industrial biological cultivation techniques a plus
- Experience setting up and running small scale experiments following common DOE techniques
- Experience working with quality teams to aid in defining practical in-process measurements
- Experience with sanitary design concepts and experience working in clean spaces
- Background in a wide variety of manufacturing processes and techniques, including material handling systems, mixing systems, gravimetric/volumetric filling systems, autoclave/sterilization techniques, robotic handling and assembly workcells, and industrial drying techniques
- Experience with rapid problem solving concepts including; common prototyping techniques, 3D printing, design of proof of concept/principle test systems
- Comprehensive analytical & problem solving skills, including basic statistical analysis tools, data collection best practices, and common data presentation methods.
- Strong planning & time management background allowing participation in multiple projects
- Knowledge of common process management techniques, including; PFS, TFS, centerlines, transformational analysis
- Competency with Google workspace products and Microsoft excel
- Familiarity with JMP, R, Matlab desirable
- Experience with Industrial Scale Fungal Tissue expansion systems, specifically solid state tray-based systems desirable
- Past experience characterizing growth parameters of solid state fungal systems desirable
Physical Demand
Frequency
Stand or Sit (stationary position)
Frequently to Constantly
Walk (move/traverse)
Occasionally to Frequently
Dexterity (use hands/fingers to handle/feel)
Frequently to Constantly
Climb (stairs/ladders) or Balance
Seldom to Occasionally
Stoop, Kneel, Crouch, Crawl
Seldom to Occasionally
Talk/Hear (communicate/convey/discern)
Frequently to Constantly
See (observe/identify/inspect/perceive/assess)
Frequently to Constantly
Lift, Carry, Push, Pull (move/transport/install/remove)
Up to 25 lbs, Occasionally to Frequently / Up to 50 lbs, Seldom to Occasionally
Exposure to Work Environments
Working near loud machinery, Occasionally to Frequently
MycoWorks offers world class benefits and compensation programs to support the health, well-being and financial empowerment of our employees. Our benefits include:
- Medical, Vision and Dental plans at no cost to employees
- Equity
- Optional insurance coverage for partners and dependents
- FSA Accounts
- Free Personal Health Advocate
- Generous PTO policy
- Paid parental leave
- Paid holidays beyond the traditional
- 401(k) program
MycoWorks may contact you via text message regarding your application for this or similar opportunities. You can always text STOP to opt out.
This employment is contingent upon receiving applicable background check results, including drug screening, that meet standards based upon the job duties and business necessity, as well as passing a degree or license verification required for the position.
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In our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment, we recognize the importance of accommodating individual needs. If you require any specific accommodations during the application or interview process, please feel free to let us know. We are dedicated to facilitating a comfortable and accessible experience for all candidates, and will work with you to ensure your needs are met.
Top Skills
What We Do
We create materials at the intersection of art, nature and biotechnology using mycelium, one of the earth’s most regenerative resources. Our mission is to create a platform for the highest quality materials using Fine Mycelium™. Our first product, Reishi™ offers our partners in fashion an option for leather that is neither animal nor plastic, yet uncompromising in quality and aesthetic expression.
Today, our team is growing in order to scale and deliver Reishi to an even broader range of partners in fashion, footwear and beyond. Together, we’re working towards a world where mycelium enables resilient, creative solutions for any industry dependent on animal and petroleum-derived products.
Founded by artists and innovators, MycoWorks is building an inclusive, mission-driven team of people, and a culture where all employees belong. We are passionate learners who are proud of the breakthrough materials we’re bringing to the world. Join our growing team, and let’s grow the future of materials.
