Senior Process Engineer- Upstream

JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Process Engineer will be a critical player in our scale-up journey, operating at the intersection of engineering excellence, bioprocess optimization, automation, and compliance. This role offers a rare opportunity to drive high-impact initiatives across multiple fronts—including documentation, SCADA/MES integration, and GMP-aligned process development—while building and mentoring a growing team in upstream automation.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead end-to-end execution of major upstream engineering projects, from design and risk assessment to implementation, validation, and handover to operations.
• Develop and refine process documentation including SOPs, batch records, protocols, and validation documentation, ensuring full alignment with GMP and regulatory expectations.
• Drive operational excellence in CIP/SIP, disc stack centrifuge, and bioreactor workflows, using deep technical expertise to troubleshoot and optimize performance.
• Own SCADA and MES systems integration, collaborating with automation and IT teams to ensure robust control, data integrity, and real-time process visibility.
• Mentor and lead junior engineers and technicians in upstream automation and process control, helping to establish a strong technical foundation and team culture.
• Act as a technical authority on cross-functional teams involving R&D, QA, Facilities, and Manufacturing to ensure readiness for production.
• Identify and mitigate risks proactively across systems, operations, and documentation to support a successful scale-up.
• Stay current on emerging technologies and best practices in automation, process engineering, and regulatory compliance within the biotech and food tech industries.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• B.S. or M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, or related discipline.
• 5 years of relevant experience in biotech, pharma, food tech, or similar regulated environments, with a strong track record in process development and scale-up.
• Expertise in CIP/SIP procedures, disc stack centrifuge systems, and bioreactor operations (stainless steel and/or single-use systems).
• Proficiency in SCADA and MES platforms with a demonstrated ability to troubleshoot, configure, and optimize system performance.
• In-depth knowledge of GMP requirements and strong experience authoring GMP-compliant protocols, procedures, and validation documents.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and guide others in high-stakes, fast-paced environments.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative, solutions-oriented mindset.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a start-up or scale-up environment.
• Previous team leadership or mentorship experience.
• Familiarity with cultivated meat, food-grade fermentation, or cell culture-based manufacturing.
• Experience with stainless steel bioreactors, disc stack centrifuges, and vessels

Physical Demands:

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift for extended periods of time in a production or pilot facility.
• Must be able to safely lift up to 25 lbs.
• Comfortable working around bioprocessing equipment, including piping, valves, tanks, and instrumentation.
• May be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and enter cleanrooms or controlled environments.
• Occasional weekend work may be required during commissioning, scale-up, or troubleshooting activities.

EEO STATEMENT

Believer is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to age, race, color, genetic information, marital status, national origin, disability, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by law with respect to recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment.

We also provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals in accordance with applicable laws. If you need to inquire about accommodation during the application process or employment, please contact HR (careers@believermeats.com).