Lead Process Engineer - Protein Purification

Job Description

Job Description

Lead Process Engineer (Protein Purification), Food Science and Product Development, Full-time, Exempt

South San Francisco, CA

Alpine Bio is a plant ingredient and genetics company focused on redefining protein production from the soil up. We believe that replacing resource-intensive protein production methods based on animal agriculture with highly efficient and regenerative systems can facilitate rapid, planet-scale changes.

Our proprietary biomanufacturing platform makes this possible. Since 2016, we’ve been transforming soybeans into the world’s most efficient protein factories, harnessing their natural ability to create functional proteins at scale and unprecedented efficiency. Using our expertise in purifying proteins we created the world's most soluble and neutral tasting plant proteins, and invite you to be a part of the revolution in plant-based ingredients!

About the Role:  

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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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 , Standard Operating Procedures (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.

Required Qualifications

• 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 leading small project teams in a laboratory or pilot setting.

Closing:  

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 healthcare, dental and vision plans, 401(k) and commuter benefits.