Process Engineer

Company: MicroHarvest GmbH

About the job

MicroHarvest is a rapidly growing scale-up in Hamburg that uses microorganisms and a sustainable process to produce better, healthier, and tastier protein. In doing so, MicroHarvest contributes to a sustainable solution to the global challenge of feeding the world's population. Look forward to a collaborative and dynamic environment where you will work with a team with extensive experience in biotechnology, business, and product development.

Are you ambitious, hands-on, and passionate about tasks with real potential rather than narrow boundaries? At MicroHarvest, you won't just support production – you'll actively shape it. From production control with external partners to building our first industrial plant, this position offers exceptional autonomy, visibility, and growth potential from day one. You'll work closely with experienced leaders, gain deep insights into the scale-up of industrial biotechnology, and have the opportunity to develop into a key operational leader as the company grows. If you thrive in dynamic environments where structures are still being built and want to make a tangible impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Requirements

• Degree in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, bioengineering, biotechnology, or a related field
• At least 3 years of experience in industrial production or plant engineering ( biotechnology, fermentation, food, or chemical industry)
• Experience in troubleshooting and process optimization in a production environment
• Ability to work independently and coordinate operational issues with external partners.
• Willingness to undertake regular business trips to production sites
• Willingness to relocate to the Halle/Leipzig area
• Fluent German and English language skills ( additional languages ​​are an advantage)

The candidate

Short-term: In-house production at our CMO

• Role as operational and technical contact person for MicroHarvest at our contract manufacturing organization (CMO)
• Management of production activities at the CMO with a high degree of personal responsibility
• Regular trips to the site (usually 1-2 times per month for 3-5 days ) to support production campaigns, solve problems, align priorities, and ensure the quality of execution.
• Monitoring process performance , identifying bottlenecks , and driving improvements in throughput , yield , quality , and robustness .
• Addressing deviations and overcoming scaling challenges in close collaboration with internal and external teams. ​
• Building in-depth know-how about our industrial process and developing into the company's leading expert for large-scale production

In parallel : Preparation of our first industrial plant

• Support in the planning , construction, and commissioning of MicroHarvest 's first industrial production facility
• Close collaboration with the future site manager to translate process requirements into the reality of the plant.
• Participating in the selection of equipment , operational concepts , process layout , site preparation , and ramp-up planning.
• Help shape how the plant and site should be set up for safe, efficient, and scalable operation.
• Ensure that a strong operational focus is paramount in all project phases, from engineering to commissioning.

Over time: Development towards a leadership role in the plant

• Become the right-hand man and deputy of the future plant manager.
• I am increasingly taking on responsibility in the areas of operations, process engineering, and plant readiness.
• Help build the systems, discipline, and culture needed for a high-performing production organization.
• Develop your skills towards deputy plant manager, with the prospect of taking on a more comprehensive leadership role at the site in the future.

Experience level: Senior

How to apply: send your CV and motivation to [email protected]