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Associate Process Engineer

Somerville, MA

Overview

Are you looking to make a difference in the world while producing a new product? Tender is revolutionizing the food industry by solving a major global challenge: how to make meat production ethical and sustainable. Going beyond the existing plant-based burgers, we are developing alternative meat whole-cuts – think steaks and chicken breasts – using innovative technologies.

We are looking for an Associate Process Engineer to support the implementation, troubleshooting, and optimization of our production and scale-up processes. This role involves hands-on work with equipment, supporting commissioning and start-up, and providing on-site technical assistance to ensure smooth operations at our pilot and commercial facilities. 

Key Responsibilities: 

  • Process Support: Work closely with the Process Engineering Lead to implement and optimize manufacturing processes.  
  • Equipment Installation & Maintenance: Assist in commissioning, troubleshooting, and maintaining production equipment and process lines. 
  • Safety & Compliance: Ensure that all work aligns with food safety, quality, and regulatory standards. 
  • Field Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve mechanical, electrical, and process-related issues in collaboration with engineering and operations teams. 
  • Cross Functional Support: Work collaboratively with multiple different cross-functional teams including Engineering, R&D, FSQA and Operations.  
  • Scale-Up Assistance: Support the transition from pilot-scale to full-scale production by refining equipment setup and process parameters. 
  • Data Collection & Reporting: Gather operational data, identify inefficiencies, and provide feedback for continuous improvement. 
  • Operator Training: Assist in training plant operators and technicians on new equipment and procedures. 

Who (we hope) You Are: 

  • Hands-on problem solver with strong technical aptitude 
  • Excited about working in a fast-paced, startup environment 
  • Comfortable troubleshooting and working with food manufacturing equipment 
  • Collaborative and willing to work cross-functionally with Engineering, R&D, FSQA and Operations 
  • Self-starting problem solver who likes identifying ways for improvement as well as ways implementing solutions. 
  • Act as the processing subject matter expert with cross-functional teams.  

 Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical or Industrial Engineering is preferred; other technical qualifications/experience will be considered. 
  • 2+ years in food manufacturing, process engineering, or equipment maintenance role. 
  • Mechanical, electrical, and process troubleshooting experience preferred. 
  • This role will split time between our R&D facility Somerville, Pilot Facility in Rhode Island, and future production sites. Travel up to 50% to other production facilities not in the area as we launch new lines nationally.  

 Desired Skills 

  • Knowledge in scaling processes from the benchtop to a production line. 
  • Experience in processing equipment and materials related to the food and beverage industry 
  • Experience scoping, implementing and commissioning new equipment 
  • Experience conducting trials to optimize the performance of existing equipment to achieve more consistent results and to allow new products to be conducted on existing equipment. 
  • Pro-active mindset, personal drive, decisiveness, communication skills, excellent teamwork skills and the ability to prioritize work.  

 

Benefits to you:

  • Salary: $75,000 - $90,000
  • Employee Incentive Stock Option Plan
  • 401k
  • Paid Parental, Family & Medical Leave
  • Unlimited PTO
  • Health & Wellness Stipend
  • Prescription Lab Goggles
  • Generous Medical, Dental & Vision Benefits Package

 

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