Process Development Engineering Manager

ABOUT POET

At POET, it is our mission to be good stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources to energy and other valuable goods as effectively as humanly possible. For over thirty-five years, our drive and passion to change the world has enabled us to become the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and a leader in sustainable products in the world.

CULTURE IS KING AT POET

We’re all on the same team. We always communicate. And we park our egos at the door. These aren’t just slogans on our walls. It’s the way we do things at POET. We provide an environment for team members to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It’s the best way to optimize health, wellness, and productivity in a sustainable way. We work hard. We play hard. We have frequent team events, volunteer efforts, and we know how to celebrate wins!

JOB SUMMARY & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Process Development Engineering Manager supervises a team responsible for performing research-based activities in the conceptualization, development and scale-up of novel bio-chemical processes from benchtop to commercial reality. This includes advising your team on experiment design, lab scale testing, statistical analysis, computer-based modeling, pilot scale equipment design/development/optimization, pre-commercial operations, and technical writing to generate reports and complete design packages for commercial-scale production. This also includes protecting POET’s Intellectual property, in partnership with POET Legal. Developing the skill base of the team, ensuring safe operations, and focusing on successful process commercialization are key elements of the position.

This is an on-site role located in Scotland, SD. Responsibilities include:

• Manage all of POET Research Process Development Engineers and Technicians. Oversees all engineering activities in the research facility.

• Effectively lead the team by recruiting, selecting, orienting and training team members. Leadership responsibilities also include delegating, coaching, managing performance and career development to effectively execute departmental strategies and support company objectives.

• Ensure that POET’s technology and technical capabilities are best in class. Develop innovative technical solutions to improve plant performance, provide process alternatives or develop new products.
• Collaborate with Operations teams to understand key areas of opportunity in Bioprocessing Operations and develop strategies to close operational gaps.
• Be aware of industry trends and find the best solutions to drive value for POET.
• Generate or supervise the creation of process flowsheets and mass and energy balances on processes under development based on laboratory or bench scale data using Microsoft Visio, Excel, Aspen, ChemCad, or other process simulation software.
• Generate major equipment list and estimated capital project budget based on info prepared above and knowledge of standard equipment costing routines.
• Support POET Research Center’s starch & pilot plant operations as necessary. Support includes process troubleshooting, operator training, and DCS modifications. Continuously improve POET’s pilot plant technology resulting lower cost more effectively trialing of new or improved processes.
• Generate detailed equipment specifications for pilot scale equipment to be located. Coordinate procurement and installation of equipment with POET Design & Construction, POET Research Center, or other Bioprocessing location.
• Support a range of activities from development of research/project goals, to drafting of technical documentation for full scale development.
• Meet or exceed project timelines while staying within project budgets or capital estimates.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams to achieve project goals.
• Be “hands on” supporting benchtop, pilot plant, and plant trials being conducted at POET Research Center. Support ranges from creating experimental design to operating equipment.
• Provide operational startup support at production plants to assist in the rollout of new processes/technologies to POET Bioprocessing facilities.
• Represent POET at scientific conferences and meetings.
• Communicate results through internal POET presentations, technical reports, and patent disclosures and/or published papers
• Promote safety in all aspects of engineering, equipment, and process design, team member training, and plant operations and maintenance.
• Foster a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance at all times.
• Maintain a team environment at all times and champion POET in the community.
• Maintain and advance the food safety and quality of POET’s products and processes to deliver a best-in-class culture of quality.
• Since we’re all about teamwork and getting the job done, your skills may be put to a lot of other uses!

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• Bachelor’s degree or greater in a related field; Chemical Engineering, Biosystems Engineering, Agricultural & Biological Systems Engineering or equivalent is required.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in chemical process industry, particularly as a process engineer or equivalent related industry preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in a management role for project and project teams including managing project costs.
• Knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within process engineering in a production plant utilizing agricultural feedstock.
• Familiarity with DCS control (Delta V) systems and historian is beneficial.
• Knowledge of the basics of Microsoft Office Suite and the ability of learning new programs.

A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE

• Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills as well as the ability to adapt to change
• A high level of personal integrity
• Demonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• An innovative mindset
• The ability to think objectively
• Self-awareness in the face of uncertainty
• The ability to work in a team environment

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Occasional travel up to 40% may be required to provide support of new technologies at POET Bioprocessing facilities as needed.
• In this role, you’ll be asked to drive a POET vehicle. A motor vehicle record check will be conducted during the pre-employment process.
• The work environment at POET is dynamic. You should expect a balance between time spent in the office and at the bioprocessing facility, which may include some physical labor helping your team members.

GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

At POET, we encourage internal development and growth by allowing team members to carve their own path to success. Leaders support team members with the necessary resources to develop their skills, achieve goals, and create the most value. We believe in developing our team members to their highest potential and recognizing contributions that add value to the organization. Each new team member’s position and compensation are carefully determined by considering their unique qualifications and skillset.

BENEFITS

For eligible team members

• Comprehensive benefits package: Individual and family plans for health, dental, & vision insurance, including a generous employer Health Savings Account contribution

• Quarterly Profit-Sharing Bonuses and Bi-Annual Incentive Bonuses

• Competitive pay, including shift premium pay for qualifying positions

• 401K with company match

• Paid time off and paid holidays - 40 hours available on day ONE!

• Paid Parental Leave

• Tuition reimbursement

• Attractive Relocation Assistance and Bonus Programs for qualifying positions and/or locations

OTHER PERKS

For eligible team members

• A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person - mentally, physically, and spiritually

• Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements

• Safety and cold weather gear reimbursements

• Discounted home and auto insurance

POET is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, abilities, merit, and other legitimate business factors, without regard to any legally protected characteristic. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, working conditions, promotion, and termination.