Manufacturing Engineer
Reference Number: BM109
Location: Aiken, South Carolina, United States
MR Lowcountry, LLC. Nebo, NC 28761 Telephone: 843-628-5021 tom@mrlowcountry.com Manufacturing Engineer Aiken, SC area On-site The company is a next-generation industrial biotechnology company headquartered in Massachusetts that produces plant-based ingredients. They use a variety of patented and proprietary technologies to engineer microbes to produce specialty chemicals such as food ingredients, flavor materials, agricultural chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. The company works across industries and value chains to accelerate the transition to Bio Alternatives – better performing and more sustainable versions of complex molecules traditionally sourced from plants, animals, or fossil fuels. Our platform is proven to work across scales, bridging the Valley of Death between lab and manufacturing more efficiently and more reliably to deliver the benefits of synthetic biology today. We are seeking a self-motivated and highly organized individual to join our Engineering Department. We are seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to support commercial scale biomanufacturing operations. The ideal candidate will play a key role in optimizing purification processes, driving operational excellence, and ensuring production efficiency and compliance in a GMP-regulated environment. Why work for the company: Opportunity – For motivated, results-oriented team members, our growth creates opportunities for personal and professional advancement. Accountability – You are given the resources you need to succeed and the freedom to make it happen; in return, we hold each other accountable for our high expectations. Passion – We love what we do and enjoy working with others who feel the same way. We embrace the challenge and hard work that come with working on the cutting edge. Key Responsibilities: Production Planning & Scheduling: Develop, coordinate, and maintain detailed downstream production plans to meet manufacturing targets, delivery timelines, and inventory requirements. Process Optimization: Analyze and improve purification operations (chromatography, filtration, UF/DF) to reduce waste, increase yield, and enhance product quality in coordination with Process Engineering. Operational Excellence Initiatives: Lead or support Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Kaizen projects to drive continuous improvement across downstream production areas. Data-Driven Performance Tracking: Implement and monitor manufacturing KPIs (OEE, yield, cycle time) and leverage analytics to drive process improvement. Support the deployment of automation, robotics, and digital tools to enhance process traceability and efficiency. Quality Assurance Integration: Collaborate with QA/QC teams to ensure full QA program compliance, establish SOPs, and resolve non-conformities. Cost Reduction Projects: Identify and execute cost-saving initiatives through improved process efficiency, material utilization, and resource management. Capacity Analysis: Evaluate production capacity, bottlenecks, and resource allocation to support strategic manufacturing decisions. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with design, maintenance, and supply chain teams to ensure manufacturability, process stability, and efficient material flow. Training & Development: Collaborate on training operators and technicians on process changes, quality standards, and safety procedures. High involvement in the training program. Sustainability, Environmental and Regulatory Compliance: Ensure operations comply with EHS standards and sustainability goals. Ensure do operations adhere to cGMP, ISO, and FDA regulatory requirements. Standard Work Documentation: Develop and maintain process documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and work instructions. Root Cause Analysis: Lead problem-solving activities (5 Whys, Fishbone) to investigate process deviations and implement CAPA actions. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, or a related field (Master’s preferred). 3–7 years of experience in biomanufacturing, preferably within downstream processing (DSP) operations. Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with proficiency in data-driven decision-making. Excellent communication and collaboration skills across technical and operations teams. Experience in GMP manufacturing environments and knowledge of automation and process control systems a plus Other Duties: Please note this job description does not fully describe or provide a comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities of the position. Duties and responsibilities, including essential functions, may vary amongst locations and/or individuals holding this position and may be added or changed without notice. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Vets/Disability.
