Process Engineer I

About Atomo

Atomo is a cutting-edge, Seattle-based, food-tech startup confronting the climate crisis by reinventing coffee for tomorrow. Founded in 2019, with offices in the heart of Seattle, Atomo is a place for innovative, creative, committed people to come together, learn from one another and leave this planet better than we found it. We have already reverse-engineered the coffee bean—producing outstanding cold brew coffee with over 90% reduction in both water and carbon footprints—and have even bigger plans for the future. Join us to help shape the future of coffee!

Core Values

At Atomo we believe that everyone has a critical role to play in how we change the future. We believe in Empowering Innovation through continuous learning while also honoring coffee traditions. We believe in being Stewards to the Planet by leading through example in everything we do and putting the planet over profits. We believe in Building Community by fostering an environment of physiological safety and always striving for a team of “we”. And we are committed to delivering an exceptional product and experience, every single time.

Job Description:

Atomo is currently seeking a Process Engineer I. You are growing in your field, supporting the company’s technical experts in food processing. You will contribute to process design and scale, deployments, improvements and facility construction. You understand the importance and excitement of working in a start-up environment, which includes wearing many hats and being flexible with timelines and direction.

As a member of the research and development team, you will work with Commercialization, Innovation, and Manufacturing, have strong communication skills, as well as enjoy participating in projects.  The Process Engineer I will participate in changes to existing process systems in the facilities, scaling production volumes for new lines, and deployment of new processing technologies. The responsibilities of this role are carried out at Atomo facilities and contract manufacturers for the company. The Process Engineer I will report directly to the Principal Process Engineer.

What You’ll Do:

• Investigate, implement, and justify process and system modifications in order to improve quality, throughput, sustainability, material usage, utility savings 

• Facilitate, with the R&D and Manufacturing teams, root cause analysis troubleshooting, corrective and preventive actions on operational process and quality failures

• Collaborate with team activities around improved processes, procedures, and specifications through the utilization of all resources

• Assist in researching equipment and materials, which may include facilitating discussion and building partnerships with vendors and procuring quotes.

• Partner with the R&D and Manufacturing teams to analyze process and equipment performance data to improve product quality, optimize system throughput, root cause analysis troubleshooting, corrective and preventive actions, and reduce costs

• Support construction firms in the buildout of new processing lines and additions to existing lines

• Support the engineering leads on scaleup and commercialization of new product innovations

• Assist with plant redesign/layout, and new product scale-up projects for commercialization.

• Contribute to development of the operating teams' technical understanding

• Perform benchtop analyses to provide data in support of manufacturing process decisions

• Expect 10-20% travel; focused on brand / product specification adherence and process improvement with contract manufacturers

Skills and Qualifications:

• 1-2  years of progressive experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment.

• Lean / Greenbelt and Project Management experience a plus

• Experience in food processing industry, preferably with consumer packaged goods

• Developing knowledge and understanding in areas beyond process development, including product and package development, quality assurance, project engineering, and understanding of marketing needs and financial hurdles

• Food safety systems knowledge; especially pertaining to equipment, maintenance and sanitation requirements

• Working knowledge of manufacturing operations equipment and technology

• Exhibits a professional attitude at all times; demonstrates a cooperative demeanor, and willingness to help others

• Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels

• Ability to analyze and interpret data 

• Detail and follow-through oriented

• Knowledge of  Statistical Process Control

• B.S. in Food Engineering, Food Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field required

Additional Details: 

Pay Range: $80-90k + Equity

Benefits: Generous PTO, Holidays, Medical-, Dental-, Vision- and Life- Insurance. Personal + Professional Development Program.