Production Engineer

Who WE are…

Locus Fermentation Solutions is a USA-based biotech company delivering high-performance, bio-based solutions across agriculture, energy, mining, and industrial markets. We specialize in advanced fermentation and formulation technologies that push performance beyond the limits of conventional chemistry.

OUR MISSION is to redefine what’s possible by using biosurfactants and microbial solutions as powerful performance amplifiers—driving superior solution performance while improving sustainability across industries.

We are looking for creative and collaborative outside-the-box thinkers who thrive in fast-paced, entrepreneurial-style environments. Learn more about us at Locusfs.com!

What you’ll be doing:

The Production Engineer is responsible for supporting the production department through planning and designing methods to improve and optimize production processes to achieve the output, quality, and cost goals of the organization. The position is also responsible for collaborating with R&D to understand new technology processes and objectives and provide support to technology scale-up. Manage capital projects up to $1 M.

Location: Solon, OH 

Key Responsibilities:

• Collects production data and applies standard scientific and statistical methods to analyze, document, and diagram production processes to identify process constraints and develop solutions to resolve them.
• Recommends changes or upgrades to equipment, work methods, or other aspects of the process to improve efficiency and utilization of resources, including labor, energy, and raw materials.
• Plans and designs methods to optimize, improve, and develop a lean production process. 
• Reviews existing processes and develops solutions to increase productivity or reduce costs. 
• Ensures compliance with approved production methods and quality standards.
• Confronts and solves performance/operational issues to improve development efficiency.
• Collaborates with R&D and production departments to understand and support their operational needs, processes, and challenges, including scale-up.
• Participates in cross-departmental collaboration to support conceptual planning of new equipment, development of design and layout, and equipment selection. 
• Creates SOPs and technical documents, including support to technology transfer and assistance with scale-up activities, i.e., pilot to commercial manufacturing.
• Work with programmers to improve the functionality of the new control system.
• Provides ongoing technical support, communication, documentation, and training to key stakeholders.
• Supports a high-performance, results-oriented culture and maintains high standards of safety and compliance.
• Work closely with EHS to ensure compliance at production locations on items such as air permits and PSM standards.
• Scope, estimate, and manage capital projects as needed to implement improvements.
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications & Requirements

• B.S. in an engineering discipline is required. Ideally chemical or biochemical engineering fields.
• Minimum of 3 years’ work experience in a process/chemical engineering role or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Experience operating plants with computer-controlled processes.
• Demonstrated experience in project leadership and data analysis preferred/required.
• Experience with both submerged and solid substrate fermentation systems preferred 
• Familiarity with Six Sigma, Lean, CAD and CAE software, and quality management systems is preferred. 
• Familiarity with OSHA and EPA regulations such as PSM (Process Safety Management)

General Skills 

• Strong, positive leadership and managerial attributes.
• Delivers results while being good to work with and good to work for.
• Demonstrates strong emotional intelligence, creating high impact and fun.
• Sets a positive leadership role model for commitment, process expertise, work ethics, and personal character.
• Builds organizational success through collaboration, openness, and sharing of experience and insights.
• Ability to interact clearly and effectively, in both written and oral communication, with management, staff, customers, etc.
• Ability to use engineering principles to solve problems and design process equipment.
• Familiar with Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing principles
• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to identify problems and execute standard procedures.
• Ability to use MS Word, Excel, and Outlook efficiently. 

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the individual is required to remain in a stationary position 80% of the time and move about the facility 20% of the time. The individual is regularly required to operate common office equipment and is regularly required to position themself to operate and test machines. The individual is occasionally required to position themselves to reach overhead and below machines. The individual must have the ability to use hand tools and motorized tools and the ability to identify details at close range. The individual is required to lift, push, pull, or carry objects up to 25 pounds and move about the facility.

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts. The individual frequently works in a temperature-controlled office and warehouse environment. Employees are required to wear personal protective equipment as needed. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

What’s in it for you:

· Competitive Salary

· Medical/Dental/Vison Benefits

· 401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match

· Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)

· Paid Holidays

· Volunteer Hours

· Annual allowance of Floating Holidays

· Tuition Assistance and Continuing Education Reimbursement Policy