Engineer - Illinois

EngineerThe Engineer is responsible for the management of all operations at the farm (the facility), including cultivation, growth, work flow, data collection, prime awardee staff coordination of responsibilities, safety, environmental, maintenance, repairs, operating procedures and practices.This position is responsible for determining and developing effective approaches for research, development, design, testing, automation, and operation. These approaches will be applied for algae cultivation and processing as well as manufacturing of equipment and instrumentation for algae facilities. With consultative direction, this position exercises considerable latitude in determining technical objectives for the review, research, design, development, and solutions for designated investigations or projects. Functioning in an advisory or leadership role participates in the planning and oversight of the successful resolution and implementation of scientific problems and provides direction and guidance to professional and support staff. Formulates technical plans, typically multi-year, for solution development, documentation, and deployment of the scientific or technical solutions. Evaluates the integration of the solution within the overall scientific environment; and responsible for planning and overseeing documentation, testing, maintenance, and technical updates. Represents the company as a prime technical contact on assigned problems or projects with exceptional knowledge and a national reputation in the area of specialization. Assists in the recruitment process for professional and support staff. Motivates, and develops professional and support staff. Anticipates future scientific needs and develops new or expands existing business opportunities. Recognized to possess authoritative knowledge on the concepts, principles and methods in their specific field of engineering or science.Essential Functions:Collaborates with Company management on the goals and objectives for the facilityCoordinates the facility schedule for production, testing, maintenance, repairs, upgrades, and modifications with other technical and management staffSchedules staffing and manages the resources at the facility to accomplish the production, research and development objectivesManages the procurement, storage, and use of consumables and other materials needed for operation of the facilityAnticipates and evaluates improvements in the process, operating procedures, controls, data collection, data reporting, equipment design, workflow, staffing plans, safety protocols, environmental at the facilityFormulates, plans, and guides the development of innovative and practical solutions to advanced technical or scientific problemsAnticipates and evaluates future project or scientific needs, design system components, and modifications to accomplish technical goalsProvides the focal point for tours of the facility and communications with government regulatory agenciesDetermines annual and multi-year technical objectives for designated investigations or projectsActs as prime technical expert or consultant for the assigned investigations or projects.Directs and allocates technical resources and professional staff to achieve objectives.Perform thorough research to understand concepts that contribute to design, experiments, and operation; conduct experimental testing; analyze and document experimental resultsDesign, specify, and document experiments, equipment, and processes including process design, mass and energy balance, equipment and line sizing, process control and instrumentationLead fabrication and operations including building, installation, operation troubleshooting, analyzing, and repairing analytical, test, and production equipment and systems.Identify, diagnose, and propose solutions to issues or problems with processes or equipmentPublishes and presents technical papers and abstracts and participates in internal and external technical program reviewsDevelops new and expanding business opportunitiesContribute proposal planning and write sections of proposals for research and development grantsInteracts with co-workers, suppliers, customers, and partners in a professional, considerate, and respectful mannerFosters an environment of safety, camaraderie, and integrity in all aspects of workObserves all laws, regulations, other applicable obligations, and Company ethical standards while on duty, wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the CompanyPerforms work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practicesNotifies management of any activities that could violate or have the appearance of violating laws, regulations, obligations, ethical standards, potentially unsafe working conditions, procedures, or practicesQualifications, Skills and Physical DemandsBachelor's degree, Master's degree, or Ph.D. in Scientific, Engineering or related technical field, Chemical Engineering degree preferred, typical minimum experience is three years or moreDemonstrated ability to coordinate workflow and effectively communicate with staff at all levels in a complex operating environmentTechnical capability includes a versatile knowledge of the facility's process, design, operating procedures, troubleshooting, maintenance requirements, safety plan, and environmental concernsDemonstrates a detailed and extensive technical expertise and application of scientific principles, concepts, theory, and practice as well as project leadership including organizing, planning, scheduling, and coordinating workloads to meet established project deadlines or milestonesMust possess the ability to contribute to the development of new concepts and principles; resolve unusually complex technical problems; serve as spokesperson on projects and/or programs; and be a technical expert in one or more areas of scientific investigationCustomer focused, formulates plans based on the development of innovative new designs in resolving advanced technical scientific problemsMust be able to work extended hours and travel as requiredMust be able to remain in a stationary position and use a computer or equipment for most of the dayMust be able to move 50 pounds at one time; multiple times throughout the workdayMust be able to work outdoors most of the day in outdoor weather conditions, traverse algae farm, ascend/descend ladders, and remain in a stationary positionPositions self at ground level to perform tasks such as equipment maintenance and sample collectionMust be able to work indoors in the lab traversing the lab while transporting samplesWilling to work in or near unusual environments such as pressurized air, high voltage, microwave energy, heat, cryogens, water ponds, high places, and heavy objectsMust have strong communication, computer, documentation, leadership, presentation, and interpersonal skills; enabling an effective leadership interface with other departments, all levels of management, professional and support staff, customers, potential customers, and government representativesComputer literate with the knowledge of applications pertinent to position objectivesMust be able to communicate via phone, video conference and email with colleges and business contactsMust have ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment and learn new concepts quicklyMust be able to think strategically and have the ability to use independent judgmentMust be able to maintain confidentiality