Bioprocess Engineer (Manufacturing Operations)

The Opportunity (Full-time, On-site, Lincoln, NE)

We are seeking a hands-on Bioprocess Engineer to run day-to-day manufacturing of our live probiotic products. In this role, you will establish and operate a small-scale bioprocessing line from fermentation through drying and finishing: running fermenters, downstream processing equipment, desiccation equipment, blending dried material, and running a tablet press. You will own batch execution, real-time batch records, equipment maintenance and calibration, materials inventory, and facility cleanliness. You will also be the go-to person on site when something needs troubleshooting, catching equipment issues, deviations, and contamination early and documenting them.

This is an operator-first role. It is built for a strong bioprocess engineer who takes pride in running a tight, clean, well-documented operation, works hard, and is comfortable working independently in their own facility. As production grows, you may also lead technicians who report to and support you.

This role reports to our Head of Manufacturing.

Required Qualifications

✔️ Bioprocess manufacturing experience — 4+ years of hands-on experience operating equipment in a bioprocessing, biomanufacturing, probiotic, food/dairy, or pharmaceutical production environment.

✔️ Microbial cultivation — hands-on experience growing and harvesting microbes, including media preparation, aseptic technique, and fermenter or shake-flask culture.

✔️ Equipment operation — direct experience running production equipment such as fermenters, lyophilizers, dryers, blenders, or tablet presses, plus the mechanical aptitude to troubleshoot it.

✔️ Process rigor and documentation — experience working in cGMP or cGMP-like environments with strict cleanliness standards, SOPs, batch records, and traceability.

✔️ Independent and hardworking — comfortable owning a facility and a production schedule with minimal day-to-day supervision; reliable, self-directed, and willing to put in the work to get every batch out right.

✔️ Full on-site availability — based in or willing to relocate to the Lincoln, NE area. Batch schedules may occasionally require early, late, or weekend work.

✔️ Authorized to work in the U.S. — Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

Highly Desirable Experience

✔️ Lyophilization — hands-on operation of freeze-drying cycles, especially for live microbes or other viability-sensitive biological materials.

✔️ Tablet pressing and solid-dose manufacturing — experience with blending, compression, and in-process tablet checks (weight, hardness, friability).

✔️ Aerobic bacterial fermentation — bench- to pilot-scale fermentation experience, with a practical understanding of how growth conditions affect cell health and survival through drying.

✔️ Microbial drying — spray drying or other drying methods for live microbes.

✔️ Contamination control — experience preventing, identifying, and responding to contamination in microbial processes, prioritizing long-term process integrity over salvaging individual batches.

✔️ Supervisory experience — training or leading technicians or operators in a production setting.

✔️ Equipment maintenance — preventive maintenance, calibration, and basic repairs on process equipment.

Transparent Compensation

✔️ Base salary — $110,000 annual base salary.

✔️ Benefits — comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.

✔️ Retirement — 401(k) plan with a 6% employer match.