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Director of Process Development and Engineering

Hayward, CA

Director of Process Development and Engineering 

About Lygos

Lygos is a specialty chemicals and materials company, developing sustainable solutions to address the performance requirements of our customers and partners. Our technology platform enables better economics and unlocks the power of sustainable and biobased specialty chemicals, enabling our partners to offer sustainable alternatives in our target markets of agriculture, home care and hygiene. 

About the Position

The Director President of Process Development will be responsible for spearheading the development, optimization, and scaling of manufacturing processes for existing and new products derived from sustainable feedstocks, including fermentation derived monomers. This position will be focused on the downstream conversion and derivation of feedstocks to high performing materials and polymers. This role demands a strategic leader with deep expertise in process engineering, industrial process chemistry, materials science and polymer processing, with a strong emphasis on thermochemical processes. The ideal candidate will drive innovation, enhance process efficiency, and ensure that processes are scalable and operable whilst meeting financial and product quality objectives to support ambitious product diversification and growth targets. 

Role and Responsibilities

  • Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a comprehensive process development strategy to support the launch of current and development products. Ensure process development goals are aligned with company objectives and market needs.
  •  Process Optimization: Lead efforts to optimize existing manufacturing processes, focusing on yield improvement, cost reduction, and improved product performance. 
  •  Innovation and Development: Oversee the research and development of new processes that are at the cutting edge, staying abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and the competitive landscape.
  • Team Leadership: Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing team of process engineers and scientists, providing mentorship towards successful project outcomes. Promote collaboration and knowledge sharing across teams, ensuring alignment and integration.
  • Integration with Business Functions: Ensure process development activities are aligned and integrated with other operations and business functions including quality and supply chain, biotechnology R&D, biorefinery capital project team and product development. 
  • Contract Manufacturing: Leads the technical interface with our CMO partners, including process optimization, operations support, troubleshooting and capital projects. 
  •  Project Management: Develop and manage project plans, timelines, and budgets, ensuring timely delivery of objectives and adherence to quality standards.
  •  Quality and Compliance: Ensure all process development activities comply with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and safety protocols. 

Stakeholder Communication: Communicate progress, challenges, and successes to internal stakeholders, including executive management and other departments. Represent the company in external forums, conferences and partner technical interactions.

Qualifications and Experience

  • Education: Degree in chemical engineering, or a related field. Graduate qualification will be a distinct advantage.
  • Experience: Minimum of 10 years’ experience in leadership positions driving process development, with a strong track record of leadership and innovation.
  • Expertise: Proven expertise in thermochemical conversion processes, reactor design, polymer processing and process chemistry related to functionalization of materials. 
  • Skills: Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills; proficiency in process modeling and simulation tools; strong communication skills within the organization and with external partners.

Leadership: Demonstrated ability to build and motivate high-performing teams, lead cross-functional teams, manage complex projects, and drive organizational change.

Salary Range: $220,000 – $275,000
Depending on the candidate, this position could be upgraded to Senior Director level

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.

Lygos, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.

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