Food Process Engineer

Believer Meats is an innovative start-up revolutionizing the food industry through the development and commercialization of cultivated meat products. Leveraging cutting-edge biotechnology, we aim to provide sustainable, ethical, and high-quality meat alternatives to consumers worldwide.

Summary of the role and team:

As we near completion of a new plant and prepare for commercialization, we are seeking Food Process Engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in process design and equipment selection, and will play a key role in driving capital projects from conception through to commissioning. This role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams and vendors, defining manufacturing procedures, and leading continuous improvement initiatives to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of our production processes.

Your Day to Day:

Process development

• Own end-to-end design and implementation of relevant pilot-scale tests using known and new methods for the production of alternative protein and hybrid products.
• Write process design scope, equipment design scope, and engineering briefs
• Evaluate and select major equipment
• Partner with vendors to execute capital projects, ideally design, install, commission new line/new technology (vs duplication of existing)
• Defining manufacturing procedures/standard operating procedures/process operating guidelines
• Lead and support continuous improvement projects
• Ensure pilot test runs are conducted according to the product and process development plan. This includes test design, management, operation, summary, and reporting.
• Identify new production technologies to be implemented in future products.
• Perform tests and evaluations of new technologies at external suppliers' test centers.
• Conduct, support, and document all relevant lab tests during the concept, development, and industrialization phases of product development projects.
• Stay informed about emerging technologies, best practices, trends, and products in the marketplace that may affect the organization's core businesses, resulting in new opportunities or potential risks.

Process Optimization and Lean Design:

• Understand the cost levers within all current and pipeline products and work to optimize these processes to achieve company goals.
• Lead value stream projects to improve production efficiency in current and future processes.
• Collaborate with the operations team at the company factory to support process troubleshooting and improvements.
• Collaborate with external partners to work on innovative technologies, testing, and analyzing methods.

Tech Transfer:

• Write SOPs for the newly identified production processes and ensure successful tech transfer for full-scale production.
• Support the operational team in the company factory and co-manufacturers in implementing new processes and technologies.

The Ideal Candidate:

• BSc/MSc in Food Engineering, Food Science, or a related technical degree.
• Experience in food production process development, optimization, and equipment commissioning within the food industry.
• Experience in plant-based or meat-production processes is preferred.
• Experience with High Moisture Extrusion technology is highly preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of food processing technologies, equipment, and production methodologies.
• Must be well-organized, detail-oriented, able to multitask, and prioritize multiple projects/tasks.
• Ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and effectively in oral and written communication.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and capable of working independently and within a team environment.
• A solid understanding of technical aspects of food manufacturing and familiarity with codes, regulations, SQF, HACCP, and other relevant standards.