Lead Process Engineer - Protein Purification

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance

South San Francisco, CA

As a Lead Process Engineer, you will lead the scale-up and optimization of our protein purification workflows. You will bridge the space between bench-scale innovation and pilot-plant operations, ensuring consistent execution, robust process reliability, and adherence to food safety guidelines. We are looking for a process engineer with hands-on proficiency in using extraction, solid/liquid separation, filtration and ultrafiltration, evaporation and drying equipment at pilot and/or commercial scale.

This role blends technical execution with people leadership, as you will manage a small team of engineers/technicians to hit critical production milestones.

• Piloting Operations: Lead and oversee the execution of purification runs at the Mini-Pilot, ensuring equipment is utilized efficiently and safely, and product is produced according to good food manufacturing practices.
• Process Optimization: Analyze existing workflows to propose and implement process modifications that improve yield, purity, and scalability.
• Documentation: Author and review comprehensive Batch Records, SOPs, and technical reports to ensure regulatory compliance and knowledge transfer.
• People Leadership: Manage, mentor, and develop two direct reports, coordinating their daily tasks and guiding their professional growth.
• Bench-Scale Testing: Design and perform hands-on bench-scale experiments to validate proposed changes before full-scale implementation. Perform composition, material (viscosity, rheology) and functionality testing of samples.
• Collaboration: Work closely with R&D and Leadership teams to ensure seamless technology transfer, alignment on process development priorities, and adherence to strategic company goals.

• Education: B.S./M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• Experience: 4+ years in downstream processing (DSP), specifically in protein purification at pilot and/or commercial scale.
• Technical
  
  Skills:
  
  Deep expertise in processing of plant-based raw materials (extraction, centrifugation), TFF, depth filtration, spray drying and freeze drying operations.
• Leadership: Experience and desire to manage direct reports or lead small project teams in a laboratory or pilot setting.

The pay range is currently between $113,000 to $134,000 in annual gross compensation. Within the range, individual pay is determined by many factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Alpine Bio offers competitive compensation, generous health care, dental and vision plans, 401(k) and commuter benefits.