Extrusion Engineer at Beyond Meat

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

At Beyond Meat, we started with simple questions. Why do you need an animal to create meat? Why can’t you build meat directly from plants? Thus, we make plant-based meats that allow families to eat more, not less, of the traditional dishes they love while feeling great about the health, sustainability, and animal welfare benefits of plant protein. Our goal is to bring exciting change to the plate—and Beyond.

The R&D Team is a matrix organization within Beyond Meat that is dedicated to creating food products that are leading the gold standard in plant-based proteins.  We are looking for an outstanding individual to join the team located in El Segundo, CA as an Engineer II specializing in Extrusion. 

This Extrusion Engineer will be responsible for the safe and efficient development of food processes at pilot- or production-scale; development and modification of food processing equipment; modification and manufacture of food products and samples; and leading pilot and/or production trials. They will model and design new equipment and applications that support R&D innovation.

The ideal candidate will be a problem-solver and have a keen interest in transferring bench-top processes to pilot- or production-scale processes for innovative food products that may require implementing new processes on scale. A team-oriented perspective is a must. They will also have the opportunity to make an immediate impact on innovation, initiate creative product development, and develop skills described herein. TASKS, DUTIES, & GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIESSupport the R&D team in attaining short and long-term product development goals, adapting to evolving scientific prioritiesProvide written and verbal reports on work and pilot trials, including analysis of process and product operationsFoundation understanding with demonstrated experience in extrusion processing Experience in applying robust science, data capture and project management in executing aggressive process development from pilot stage through to the commissioning and qualification of new food product introductions into high volume production for commercial launches Documentation of extrusion line capabilities and processes at pilot and commercial scaleDevelopment and effective execution of Design of Experiments (DOE), sensitivity, scaling, and process capability trialsCreate experimental protocol and identify variables to alter to meet desired process/product characteristicsDemonstrate mature knowledge of process/machinery parameters and effects on product quality Identify and test new equipment for the development of new products Collaborate with formulation team on new product developmentIdentify key process variables and their effects on scale upAssist in creation process flow diagrams and identifies necessary equipment for proper product qualityCollect and lead data analysis to ensure efficiency and contextualize those results as part of the larger team effort; present and communicate results at whole cross-functional R&D team meetingsInitiate new processes, formulations, cost saving analysis, and experiments based on findings to improve product yield Point of contact for select innovation projectsCommunicate accurate deadlines to general project team for timely completion of R&D projects Cross functional collaboration and communication within and outside (i.e.. vendors, suppliers, customers etc.) Beyond Meat teams Manage select R&D project scopes within their functional group and design experiments to meet project needsConduct research and summarize findings on new process technology in formal reports and for group presentations  Write and revise SOPs as needed in accordance with standard work practicesUnderstand process requirements and identify new equipment for various food processing steps both for bench-top and larger scale experimentsConduct pilot-scale experiments and potentially test new equipment at various vendorsOptimize and troubleshoot processes and equipment to ensure desired product quality attributes are being achievedCoordinate production test runs and provide technical leadership and operational oversight for food processing operationsTrain team members on new equipmentParticipation in sensory studies may be requiredMaintain and follow GMP and Lab safety protocols in compliance with EH&S guidelinesPerform other assigned responsibilities and scientific techniques as neededSupervisory Duties (if applicable)Lead, manage, and supervise Engineers, Associate Engineers, Food Technologists, Research Associates, and/or Process Technicians in the planning and execution of research and product development projects; accountable for the performance and results of team members   Provide mentorship and training to functional team membersAccountable for developing talent through on-going performance feedback and career management coachingQUALIFICATIONS: Education, Technical Skills, and/or Previous Experience B.S. OR  M.S. in Food Science OR Food, Process, Mechanical, or Chemical engineering and 2-4 years of related extrusion experience OR technical college with 6 - 7 years of extrusion experienceExperience in food industry preferredExtrusion experience required, food extrusion preferredKnowledge/experience with extruders, ideally in a food manufacturing facilityDemonstrate knowledge of mechanical assembly, machinery operation, formulation, food processing equipment and scale-upKnowledge of EHS, food safe production practices, and regulationsStrong verbal, presentation, and written communication skillsStrong command of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Google SuiteBe self-directed and work effectively and collaboratively with a diverse, dynamic teamIndependently manage multiple projects at one time and meet strict deadlines in a highly demanding and dynamic environmentWork closely with senior leadership and direct reports by communicating ongoing progress updates This position may require the ability to work rotating shifts or beyond business hours

WORK ENVIRONMENTPosition requires the ability to stand or sit for prolonged periods, climb, kneel, bend, and occasionally lift up to 25-50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodationsPosition located in a mix of typical laboratory, pilot lab and office environments, and requires a tolerance for high worker traffic, close quarters, noise, odors, dust, and varying room temperatures and lightingAble to work in a cold environment for extended periods of time while maintaining food safety protocolsSome travel may be necessary to apply pilot learnings to production scale trials $110,000 - $120,000 a yearThe starting annual base pay for this On-site role in El Segundo, CA is between USD $110,000 and $120,000.  The actual base is dependent upon many factors, such as: training, transferable skills, work experience, business needs, and market demands.  The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. The role may also be eligible for bonus, equity, and benefits. Beyond Meat is an equal employment opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, gender identify, sexual orientation, national origin, liability for military service, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you are interested in learning the status of your application, please note you will be contacted directly by the appropriate human resources contact person if you are selected for further consideration. Beyond Meat reserves the right to defer or close a vacancy at any time.Apply for this job