BlueNalu, Inc. is a fast-growing, San Diego-based company that is pioneering the production of seafood products derived directly from fish cells. Using proprietary cell biology techniques and engineering processes, BlueNalu’ s platform technology can produce a wide array of value-added seafood products, that are healthy for people, humane for animals, and sustainable for the planet. Our products will contain no mercury, microplastics or other contaminants.
Job Summary:
The core responsibility of the Food/Process Engineer is to develop, design, identify and/or optimize scale up processes and related equipment to support production of cell-cultured seafood products. This role will focus on understanding the key food processing technologies, product considerations and processes to effectively scale cell culture seafood products. Candidates should have expertise in equipment design, process engineering and food process scale up experience. Candidates should enjoy hands on experimentation and demonstrate creativity to solve problems. This position reports directly to the Sr. Food Technologist, Product Development.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Understand the requirements of the product and accordingly identify suitable processing techniques for the scale up
- Explore various food forming techniques to closely replicate the required sensory attributes of the product
- Design/identify new equipment to meet the changing needs of the scale of the operations and involved unit operations
- Self-starter – identifying and procuring resources needed for fabrication, development etc.
- Managing and communicating external contract firms, vendors, suppliers for fabrication and development work
- Optimize the process design and effectively scale operation to meet production goals
Additional responsibilities:
- Lead/support the installation and qualification of equipment according to the GMP guidelines
- Develop project justification and proposals including providing input for capital planning process
- Work cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, and Bioprocess team to achieve operational excellence
- Train and supervise team members to perform project activities
- Manage draft documentation, technical information, and technology transfer in company database
- Preparation of invention disclosures and other IP documentation as required
- Provide regular updates to the project team and management on project timelines and deliverables
Jobs Supervised (by title):
Sr. Food Technologist, Product Development
Travel:
As required depending on the project
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor or master’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Food Engineering
Applicants with minimum 7-10 years of industry experience are preferred
Enjoys hands on and experimentation to identify and solve problems
Must have equipment design, process development and optimization experience.
Bakery, pet food, plant-based food industry experience is preferred
Experience of using design software and 3D modeling
Legally authorized to work in the United States
Nice to have:
Knowledge of process qualification, validation in the food industry IQ, OQ, PQ, FDA regulation
Excellent project management, communication, and interpersonal skills
Demonstrated strong background to lead technically driven projects, and ability to effectively work in cross functional teams, meet deadlines, and prioritize multiple projects
Accurately summarize, interpret, and review experimental data with adequate computer skills for data acquisition, data management and visualization of experimental results
Exceptional interpersonal skills and organizational skills, with impeccable attention to detail
Materials and Equipment Directly Used:
Office machinery including computers, printers, copiers, etc.
Microsoft Office Suite and other computer systems.
Basic lab equipment
Working Environment / Physical Demands:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of
those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the
essential functions.
Physical Demands:
Ability to work pilot plant environment.
Requires sitting and standing, bending, stooping and climbing.
Requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, photocopier, telephone, calculator, and laboratory equipment.
Requires normal range of hearing and vision (including colors) to record, prepare and communicate appropriate reports and laboratory results.
Requires lifting up to 50 pounds. Requires exposure to machines, chemicals and solvents.
No makeup, or jewelry can be worn when working in cleanroom environments.
Required flexibility to meet gowning procedures for cleanroom environments.
Ability to work 8 hours shifts including overtime, along with weekends and evenings.
Work Environment:
Must understand vague and implicit instructions and react favorably in all work situations.
Must be adaptable and flexible in dealing with a variety of people.
Emotional stability and personal maturity are important attributes in this position.
Must be able to resolve problems, handle conflict and make decisions under pressure.
Ability to give, receive, and analyze information, formulate work plans and prepare written materials, and articulate goals and action plans.
Must understand people and be able to communicate effectively.
Ability to do basic math calculations, input data into a computer, and analyze data is required.
Ability to work with and directly handle products containing Major US Allergens and sensitizing agents such as fish and soy.
Additional Information
BlueNalu, Inc. provides an attractive compensation and benefits package. All applicants must be authorized to work in the US, and willing and able to work a flexible work schedule to meet the needs of the Company. BlueNalu, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. This is an excellent opportunity to join a small but quickly growing company where everybody’s contribution is equally important. BlueNalu is seeking team players that are driven, focused, creative, proactive and productive, with excellent written and verbal communication skills, and excellent interpersonal and organizational skills. We are also seeking team members that enjoy and thrive in the atmosphere of a very fast-paced entrepreneurial environment, have a good sense of humor, and are personally motivated to make a difference to humanity and our planet.
To learn more, visit: www.bluenalu.com