Process Development Engineer
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
POET Process Development Engineers turn dreams and back-of-the napkin ideas into real life commercialized solutions. From idea generation to experiment design to pilot scale trials that progress to commercialization, our Process Development Engineers work with the industry’s best to create valuable technology for POET.
This is an on-site role located in Scotland, SD. Responsibilities include:
Write and coordinate procedures, and communicate those to the operations team.
Design, set up, and run experiments that solve critical business issues or have the potential to progress POET’s commercial goals.
Design/fabricate/build pilot scale testing platforms to evaluate process and technology opportunities for POET.
Work with (and in!) a multitude of different scientific and engineering disciplines.
Generate, compile and analyze data. Generate technical documentation to effectivity communicate results to the broader team and organization.
Translate results and recommendations to diverse audiences in a way that everyone can understand.
Investigate new opportunities related to business needs.
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 in Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering, Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or other related majors.
Experience requirements:
Process Development Engineer I: No experience required
Process Development Engineer II: 4 or more years of overall experience with 3 or more years of experience in a related industry.
Process Development Engineer III: 8 or more years of overall experience with 6 or more years of experience in a related industry.
Senior Process Development Engineer: 12 or more years of overall experience with 10 or more years of experience in a related industry.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite programs to write emails, conduct research, write experiments, present scientific findings.
You enjoy solving problems. You don’t get flustered when things don’t go according to plan. You love taking on challenges and finding creative solutions.
You are a curious individual, you’re not afraid to ask questions as you’re always looking to improve and understand how things work.
You love the blending biology, chemistry, engineering, and agriculture.
You love getting your hands dirty and learning how things work.
You communicate effectively with sound technical writing abilities. You can explain complicated engineering terminology to a non-technical audience in a way they understand.
You pay attention to the details. For you, anything worth doing is worth doing right, every time.
You’re a learner and are resourceful. You’re not afraid of taking on new things and stretching yourself.
BONUS COMPETENCIES:
Specialized training and/or certifications in a related field.
Specific knowledge of bio-based technologies and development processes.
Knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices and procedures within process engineering in a production plant utilizing agricultural feedstock.
Experience with DCS control, simulation software (ChemCAD/Aspen), LIMS, SharePoint, Maximo or other software programs.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
Team members will be required to adhere to all safety requirements at all times and in all work environments. This position is exposed to work in multiple environments, including plant, laboratory, as well as an office environment. You may be exposed to high noise levels, moving mechanical parts, dusty conditions, internal and external temperature/weather conditions, and chemicals.
Due to the physical and safety-sensitive nature of this job, you will be subject to a physical and expected to pass a drug screen during the pre-screen process. During employment, you’ll be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
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.
Up to 25% travel will be part of the norm for this position to visit the bioprocessing facilities, meetings, and site visits. At times, overnight travel may be required.
This role has some physical requirements that our team members will need to be able to perform, such as:
Exposure to different environments (cold, heat, climbing to heights, confined spaces, etc.) when working at the plants.
Performing mechanical repair/maintenance of equipment.
Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while working with chemicals or in dusty environments.
Working at a computer for extended periods.
Standing at the lab bench for extended periods.
Regularly bending, twisting and turning while lifting weights up to ten (10) pounds. Occasionally you may need to do this with heavier items, up to fifty (50) pounds.
Occasionally lifting weights greater than fifty (50) pounds with assistance.
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.
