This position is located in Marshall, MN.

Position

Production Engineer

About Solugen:

Solugen is a groundbreaking technology company on a bold mission to decarbonize the physical world. At the heart of our innovation is the world’s first sustainable molecule factory—the Bioforge. This unique manufacturing platform uses a chemienzymatic process to convert plant-derived substances into essential materials that have historically been made from fossil fuels—all with minimal emissions and no hazardous waste. A highly scalable and localized alternative to conventional approaches, the Bioforge enables us to produce a range of high-performance, cost-competitive, and sustainable solutions to meet the diverse needs of our customers.

Ready to shape the future? Join us.

Are you passionate about sustainable solutions and combating climate change? We’re always on the lookout for dynamic individuals who blend passion with adaptability. You thrive in an environment where curiosity propels you, questions are celebrated, and insights power your work. As a self-starter, you’ll embrace the pace and uncertainty of startup culture– that’s where the best ideas flourish. At our core, we prioritize safety above all, value respect for others, and consider creative problem-solving a superpower.

Mission:

Reporting to the Plant Manager, this individual will be responsible for optimizing value of Solugen’s manufacturing assets. This is a hands on role where the individual’s initiative, engineering prowess, energy level and creativity for process optimization will make a substantial impact on the company. In addition to process optimization, this individual will have responsibility for executing small capital projects ($50k-$5M) that support the improvement of Solugen’s manufacturing facilities. Participate in implementing the QMS program and identifying training on personnel as needed. Promoting customer focus and awareness of the quality policy and quality objectives and how they can contribute to them. Recognizing and communicating opportunities for improvement to the QMS. Ensuring that the processes are delivering the expected outputs. As the company grows and the individual progresses, the ideal candidate for this position can move up and laterally to different areas within the company including commercial plant operations, project engineering, process optimization, and technical business development.

Key Outcomes:

• Optimize plant Overall Equipment Efficiency by working closely with Operators, Logistics, and Procurement
• Seek and follow up on the use of innovative new technology that has potential to improve productivity, reduce costs and enhance safety performance
• Identify and implement manufacturing improvement projects (up to $5M in capital spend)
• Propose and support rating adding, rate protecting, compliance and surveillance investment opportunities
• Manage equipment failures and conduct root cause analysis
• Support operations by providing daily operational and engineering support
• Provide mentorship and coaching to team members

Key Competencies:

Job Specific

• Attention to detail and organization
• Good communication, negotiation, leadership, and project management skills with the desire to further develop these skills as the company grows
• Commitment to safe workplace goals and practices that ensure operational integrity, including compliance with all regulatory policies and procedures
• Comfortable following safety protocols and wearing personal protective equipment—including hard hats, gloves, earplugs, and respirators--in work zones
• Good familiarity with Office products as well as a general level of comfort with online communication and work management platforms such as Dropbox, Google Doc, and Slack
• Basic understanding of project scheduling software (e.g. Microsoft Project, Primavera)
• Analytical approach to problem solving, with a focus on managing a team environment with attention to results and a sense of urgency

Company Specific

• Be nimble, embrace the speed and ambiguity of startup culture
• A passion for green chemistry and fighting climate change
• Ability to self-manage and set your own priorities and schedule
• Be comfortable working in multiple roles
• Emphasize safety above all else
• Respect for others
• Creative problem solving
• Willingness to learn and research new engineering/science concepts

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field and minimum 5 years full-time experience working as a Production Engineer

Solugen is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other legally protected status.