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Full-Time

Bioprocess Engineer

Posted on 7/22/2024

MycoWorks

MycoWorks

201-500 employees

Produces sustainable mycelium-based leather alternative

Food & Agriculture
Hardware
Energy
Social Impact
Biotechnology
Consumer Goods

Mid, Senior

Spartanburg, SC, USA

Category
Design Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Required Skills
R
Excel/Numbers/Sheets
Requirements
  • BS/MS in Engineering or other relevant experience
  • Experience with a wide variety of bio and general manufacturing systems/techniques
  • Experience designing and implementing robust/flexible pilot scale systems
  • Experience with in-process measurement tools and techniques for living products
  • Familiarity with common industrial fungal cultivation techniques
  • Experience with clean spaces, biological safety cabinets, aseptic techniques, and sanitary design
  • Working knowledge of common biological measurement procedures
  • Experience setting up and running small scale experiments following common DOE principles
  • Comprehensive Analytical & Problem Solving Skills
  • Strong planning & time management background
  • Competency with Google workspace products and Microsoft Excel, experience with R a plus
Responsibilities
  • Translate upstream biotechnology concepts into manufacturable product offerings
  • Act as an expert on fungal fermentation bioprocessing techniques
  • Design and facilitate small scale bioprocess experiments
  • Contribute to designs for an in-house pilot plant
  • Design and test novel bioprocessing techniques
  • Perform biological tests on experimental systems
  • Develop new in-process measurement techniques
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to recommend process changes
  • Implement engineering work process
  • Physical demands: Stand or Sit, Walk, Dexterity, Climb or Balance, Stoop, Kneel, Crouch, Crawl, Talk/Hear, See, Lift, Carry, Push, Pull, Exposure to Work Environments

MycoWorks produces a leather alternative called Reishi™, made from mycelium, which is a part of fungus. This material is designed to be sustainable and is appealing to fashion brands and designers seeking eco-friendly options. Reishi™ has already been used in luxury products, such as handbags and hats. The company has recently expanded by opening a large facility in South Carolina, which is the first commercial-scale plant for Fine Mycelium™, allowing them to increase production to meet rising demand. MycoWorks stands out from competitors by focusing specifically on mycelium-based materials, which offer both sustainability and performance. The goal of MycoWorks is to capture a significant share of the growing leather goods market by providing a viable, eco-friendly alternative to traditional leather.

Company Stage

Series C

Total Funding

$187.2M

Headquarters

Emeryville, California

Founded

2013

Growth & Insights
Headcount

6 month growth

1%

1 year growth

8%

2 year growth

63%
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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • The opening of a 136,000 square foot facility in South Carolina positions MycoWorks to significantly scale up production and meet growing demand.
  • Collaborations with high-profile brands and designers, such as Cadillac and Deadwood Studios, enhance MycoWorks' visibility and market credibility.
  • The appointment of experienced luxury sector professionals like Ginevra Boralevi to the leadership team strengthens the company's strategic direction and brand positioning.

What critics are saying

  • The high cost of scaling production facilities could strain financial resources and impact profitability.
  • Dependence on luxury markets may limit broader adoption and make the company vulnerable to economic downturns affecting high-end consumer spending.

What makes MycoWorks unique

  • MycoWorks' Reishi™ is derived from mycelium, offering a unique and sustainable alternative to traditional leather, unlike many competitors who use synthetic or animal-based materials.
  • The company has established the world's first commercial-scale Fine Mycelium™ plant, showcasing its commitment to scaling production and meeting market demand.
  • Strategic partnerships with luxury brands like Hermès and Ligne Roset highlight MycoWorks' penetration into high-end markets, setting it apart from other sustainable material startups.
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