Project Engineer

Synonym enables the commercialization and manufacture of bioproducts—accelerating the world’s transition to better, more sustainable materials and products. We believe that products created using biology will represent the next manufacturing revolution, transforming crucial elements of supply chains across multiple sectors and helping to catalyze a sustainable and decarbonized future.

Synonym works as the strategic biomanufacturing partner for companies building these next-generation bioproducts. We help companies chart their roadmaps toward commercialization and profitability by building custom techno-economic analyses (TEA) and lifecycle assessments (LCA). We match companies with contract manufacturers (CMOs) to help companies secure capacity and meet production needs. And we undertake large capital projects, working with companies to develop, finance, construct, and operate dedicated, modular fermentation facilities so they can produce at scale.

If you want to tackle global challenges that will help support a more sustainable future and be part of a team that will be an integral part of the emerging biomanufacturing ecosystem, we'd love to hear from you!

About This Job

Synonym’s Project Engineer will be responsible for managing and executing capital engineering projects from engineering design to facility startup.  The candidate will leverage project management and engineering principles to manage projects and facilitate collaboration between Synonym’s team, the engineering firm (EPC, EPCM), and other external partners and stakeholders to develop designs for biomanufacturing facilities.  

Synonym’s Project Engineer will report to the Associate Director of Project Engineering and closely work with other members of the team, as well as interface with clients, engineering firms, and equipment suppliers.

Outcomes and Mandate

• Engineering firm evaluation and  interface

• Assist in project site selection activities 

• Prepare scope of work (SOW) and request for proposals (RFPs) for engineering services and process equipment

• Facilitate preparation (working with the engineering firm) and review of project design documentation such as PFDs, P&IDs, 3D model, equipment list, equipment datasheets and specifications, BIMS, site plans, etc. 

• Assist front end loading (FEL) efforts with an engineering firm.

• Ensure that project designs incorporate Synonyms User Requirement Specifications and other design standards

• Collaborate with the process engineering team to perform selection of contractors/vendors and to develop equipment and instrumentation specifications

• Interface and coordinate with equipment suppliers to specify user and  process requirements for long lead items and packaged systems

• Assist with project risk assessments, risk corrective/preventive actions, and risk mitigation, including developing project risk registers, quality risk assessments (HACCP/HARPC), and safety risk assessments (PHA/HAZOP)

• Execute project commissioning and startup activities, including drafting of Standard Operating Procedures 

• Communicate with project stakeholders and company leadership on project status

Competencies

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical Engineering or related)

• 4+ years of relevant experience in manufacturing or chemical process industries, such as site/facility engineering, manufacturing operations, or technical project management experience. Prior experience in biomanufacturing preferred.

• Experience managing technical project components, including project documentation exposure (charter, budget, schedule, work breakdown structure, etc)

• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams to execute capital projects from basic engineering to facility startup. 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with all levels of management, clients, and vendors

• Prior food GMP experience with a background in fermentation or food processing (including sterile and sanitary equipment design) preferred.

• Project management training and/or PMP certification a plus

Other Details

• Location: Synonym is a distributed organization, role is remote

• Work Authorization: Candidate must be located and authorized to work in United States

• Travel for team meetings and project site visits up to 30% of the time

Our team aspires to hire great people and create an environment where we can be happy, feel challenged, and do our best work. It's an exciting time to join Synonym and build that environment from the ground up!

Benefits Include

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage

• Daily lunch allowance

• Beautiful office in SoHo (NYC)

• Competitive compensation packages, including equity

Synonym provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome people from all backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and abilities.