Process Engineer - Extraction

The Role

We are seeking a Process Engineer to join the Extraction and Formulation team, reporting to the Director of Extraction and Formulation. This role will be responsible for process support and optimization across hydrocarbon, ethanol, CO2, and solvent-less extraction, as well as optimization of biomass handling and post-processing methods. This roll will involve method development and optimization, documentation of new processes, as well as equipment installation in new labs and on-site training. Cannabis is a heavily regulated industry, therefore requires all employees comply to safety and compliance regulations. 

This Process Engineer will ideally work out of one of our following locations: Hackettstown, NJ | Warwick, NY | Holyoke, MA | West Haven, CT.  This engineer will be expected to travel 50% of the time to our locations in NY, NJ, MA, MD, CT, PA.  

Responsibilities

• Conduct extraction process development work from bench top pilot projects through production scale batches, via experimental design and process validation. 
• Develop, optimize, and scale-up manufacturing processes for cannabis products, including extraction, purification, distillation, and formulation. 
• Identify potential areas of improvement in the extraction and post-processing workflow.   
• Support multiple projects, including process improvement projects  
• Lead on-site equipment installs and tech transfers. 
• Collaborate frequently with a cross-functional team, including but not limited to, project managers, brand managers, and manufacturing personal from concept through commercialization of products. 
• Establish and maintain process documentation, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), batch records, and equipment specifications. 
• Process development and product development for new vape, concentrate, and infused products 
• Conduct process troubleshooting and root cause analysis to resolve manufacturing issues, ensuring minimal impact on production schedules and product quality. 
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory guidelines, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and relevant cannabis regulations. 
• Provide training and guidance to production personnel on process-related activities, safety protocols, and equipment operation. 
• Capability of troubleshooting, fixing, and services a wide range of equipment and software without assistance. 
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Safety & Compliance

• Be aware of hazards in the workspace 
• Retain and understand department specific training 
• Report safety incidents/ concerns and comply with follow-up actions 
• Be compliant with area safety requirements, state regulations and PPE requirements 
• Follow GMP, biosecurity, sanitation or other quality and compliance requirements 
• Perform record keeping accurately and completely as directed by a lead or supervisor 
• Maintain and calibrate tools, equipment and machinery as directed by a lead or supervisor 
• Report and escalate safety & quality concerns 
• Understanding & adhering to applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations as they pertain to the industry, safety regulations, local municipal codes and organizational rules, regulations, directives and standard operating procedures. 
• Familiarity with OSHA guidelines for dealing with hazardous chemicals. 

Working Conditions

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to perform reaching, grasping, bending, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions 
• Must be able to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time while maintaining focus 
• Must be able to lift, carry, and balance up to 50 pounds (and up to 100 pounds with assistance) AND must be able to do so with extreme care and caution when working with product 
• Must be able to work in an environment that is 85+ degrees and 70% humidity for extended periods 
• Must be able to work at heights 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, changing, and challenging environment 
• Work involves daily exposure to allergens (such as cannabis, tree nuts, and coconut oil). 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or related  
• Prior experience in manufacturing, or fast-paced environment   
• Ideally: extensive extraction experience or other wet lab/production experience. 
• Preference for candidates with experience with cannabis extraction and post processing,  
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with a meticulous attention to detail. 
• Experience with process scale-up, equipment selection, and validation in a regulated manufacturing environment. 

Minimum Requirements

• Must be a minimum of 21 years of age 
• Must possess valid state ID 
• Must be able to obtain, and maintain, state badging requirements in order to work in in cannabis industry (requires background check and state review)