Process & Plant Lead Engineer

Brilliant Planet has an exciting opening for a Process & Plant Lead Engineer.  You will lead the design of our first commercial-scale facility for the extraction of beta carotene from algae biomass. Our R&D team have identified a novel process for the extraction of pigments from algae using a method that significantly more straightforward than long-established industry norms.  Your role will be to implement this bench-top process at industrial scale.  Where possible you will use off-the-shelf equipment from other food & chemical processing industries.  The role involves leading techno-economic analysis, FEED, coordinating detailed engineering design, execution and then continuous improvement as larger subsequent facilities are built.  Selection and coordination between equipment vendors & contractors will be an important aspect of the role.

You will work along-side a multi-disciplinary team of specialist engineers and will report to the Chief Engineer.  You will be given a high level of autonomy and responsibility from day one.  The ability to embrace a broad scope of responsibilities and drive forward the project within an entrepreneurial environment is important.

Responsibilities include:

• Lead, design and execute optimization experiments and related projects in conjunction with other staff to deliver an efficient, cost effective technology package for scale up through to product commercialization.
• Determine EPC strategy for the first commercial plant, including identification of service providers
• Identify and liaise with equipment manufacturers and contractors
• Lead the resolution of design and systems integration issues

Qualifications/selection criteria:

• Degree in Process/Chemical Engineering or related field
• 7+ years’ experience
• Strong experience in separation, purification and extraction technologies
• Experience in design, development and modification of pilot plant equipment
• Experience in food-grade processing facility design
• Hands-on process engineer, interested in equipment and knowledge of mechanical, electrical fundamentals
• Experience as a senior team member from design through to implementation of greenfield manufacturing facilities
• Demonstrated experience in managing external relationships with strategic process engineering partners and commercial scale contract manufacturers