Process Development Engineer - Aether Biomachines

This is an Exempt, Full Time position based in our Menlo Park, CA office (San Francisco, CA in the near future). This position reports to the Executive Vice President of Engineering of the Company.

Aether Biomachines is on a mission to build the post-scarcity future using peptide-based nanotechnology as the driving force for the next industrial revolution. By creating the world's most advanced high-throughput robotic laboratory, we are generating data at unprecedented scales to fuel deep learning algorithms. We're assembling a diverse and dynamic team of self-starters, engineers, sci-fi enthusiasts, and visionaries, and we invite you to join us on this journey.

We're breaking barriers in laboratory automation to power world-class machine learning models with faster, broader, and more robust robotic sample processing systems. Our goal is to transform peptides from niche catalysts into general-purpose molecular assemblers using our platform, and enabling a future of abundance for the human race.

What you will be doing

• Process Engineering and Development: Develop innovative adsorption-based mineral extraction processes based on bio-functionalized materials, applying expertise to optimize and innovate in these areas, particularly in relation to lithium extraction and other critical minerals.
• Project Management in Prototyping and Scale-Up: Oversee the selection, design, and implementation of prototype unit operations for a direct lithium extraction system. This includes managing the project from the Front End Engineering Design (FEED) stage through to execution.
• Equipment Selection and System Design: Choose appropriate equipment and design systems for both pilot and commercial-scale operations, ensuring they meet the specific requirements of the project.
• Aspen Modeling: Utilize Aspen software for process modeling and simulation, ensuring optimal design and operation of processes.
• Pilot System Development and Commercial Scale-Up: Lead the development of pilot systems and scale these up to commercial levels, ensuring that systems are efficient, cost-effective, and meet industry standards.
• Compliance and Safety Management: Ensure all processes and systems comply with relevant industry standards, environmental regulations, and safety protocols.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Work closely with other departments, such as R&D, operations, and environmental teams, to integrate process engineering solutions effectively into the broader company operations.
• Continuous Improvement and Innovation: Continuously seek opportunities to improve process efficiency and effectiveness, staying abreast of technological advancements and applying innovative solutions where feasible.

What you should have

• Experience in Process Engineering: At least 1+ years of experience in process engineering, preferably in a hydrometallurgical context, demonstrating exceptional capability and expertise.
• Industry Experience in Mining or Oil & Gas: Prior experience in the mining or oil and gas industries, which provides a strong foundation in handling complex industrial processes.
• Expertise in Separations Processes: A thorough understanding of and experience with separations processes, filtration, and the use of packed bed adsorbent columns, which are crucial in hydrometallurgy.
• Experience in Direct Lithium Extraction System Design: Demonstrated experience in selecting equipment and designing prototype unit operations specifically for direct lithium extraction systems.
• Proficiency in Aspen Modeling: Familiarity and hands-on experience with Aspen software for process modeling and simulation, ensuring optimal design and functionality.
• Track Record in Pilot and Commercial Scale Projects: Experience in building pilot systems and scaling them up to larger commercial-scale systems, ideally leading these projects from conception to full operational status.
• Problem-solving and Innovation Skills: Ability to identify challenges in process engineering and apply innovative and effective solutions.
• Leadership and Project Management Skills: Strong leadership and project management skills to oversee complex engineering projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and meet quality standards.

Not sure you meet 100% of our qualifications? 

We encourage anyone who thinks they would excel at Aether to apply, no matter their background or how they identify.

Benefits and Perks

• Full suite of health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
• Ancillary benefits, including 401(k), HSA/FSA programs
• Commuter Benefits: Aether will match up to $100/month (Commuter benefits can be allocated towards commute expenses, parking expenses, or both)
• Learning & Development: You may purchase up to $50/month in books or other learning materials without any prior approval
• Access to the gym at our Menlo Park location
• Access to our Menlo Park Labs Shuttle & Parking
• Unlimited PTO and 10 Paid Company Holidays
• Stocked kitchen with snacks and drinks
• Monthly team bagel breakfast
• Paid meals every day while you work
• Flexible work schedule to accommodate you/your family needs 
• Quarterly company-wide events and activities 
• Fun--and useful--swag!

EEO

Our company values diversity and believes diverse teams make innovation possible. We work on complex, difficult problems with no linear or clear solutions. We believe that a diverse team can bring different perspectives and approaches, and whose experiences reflect the full set of clients we seek to serve. As such, Aether Biomachines, Inc. is committed to a diverse representation among our employees. Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required.  Aether may agree to sponsor an individual for an employment visa now or in the future if there is a shortage of individuals with particular skills for this job.  In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. This position is based in our California location.