Pilot/Facilities Engineer Associate

Berkeley Lab’s Biological Systems and Engineering (BSE) Division has an opening for Pilot/Facilities engineer associate to join the Bioprocess & Facilities team at the Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts Process Development Unit (ABPDU), a state-of-the-art, world-class bioprocess optimization and scale-up facility for conversion of sustainable feedstocks and biomass to biofuels, bio-based chemicals, and biomaterials. This position will provide multi support to ensure equipment and utilities are serviced and maintained well to minimize the downtime.

Essential to success is a strong knowledge of biotechnology/pharmaceutical utilities and facilities. This individual will be responsible for driving projects to bring in new equipment or modify existing equipment for bioprocess pilot facilities. The individual will serve as point of contact for any external vendors, building owners, facilities and transportation personnel.

What You Will Do:

• Perform daily checks and maintain ABPDU utility systems including chillers, vacuum pumps, clean steam generator, roof top boilers, waste treatment unit, autoclave, dishwasher, air-handling units, and associated components.

• Serve as point of contact and ABPDU’s liaison with external vendors and Laboratory, Division and building owner, facilities, transportation and engineering personnel.

• Assume responsibility to work with LBNL transportation to ship chemicals, solvents and other lab supplies from in and out of the facility.

• Lead the efforts for laboratory organization and maintenance of a strong safety culture at the ABPDU.

• Manages subcontracts from broad range of vendors including but not limited to waste treatment, steam boilers, chillers, steam, vacuum and compressed air units.

• Prepare the sub-contractor job hazard analysis (sJHA) and work with LBNL facilities and electrical safety groups to make sure all hazards are reviewed and documented.

• Responds to emergency alarm and after-hours requests for services and coordinates with available resources to meet the requirements of the situation.

• Work under direct supervision to execute projects from start to end for equipment upgrades, maintenance and commissioning.

• Serve as a work lead or supervisor for interns and research associates.

• Maintain exemplary ethical conduct of integrity, honesty, and mutual respect, both intellectually and in interpersonal workplace interactions.

• Maintain current knowledge of and implement relevant Laboratory, Division, and Program Conduct of

• Operations and Quality Assurance policies and procedures.

What is Required: 

• Knowledge equivalent to bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, Chemistry, Biochemistry or related areas.

• 2-5 years’ experience working in a research laboratory or pilot plant facility

• Experience with lab management and equipment, facility maintenance and safety compliance.    

• Basic knowledge of chemical and biochemical unit operations for biofuel/biochemical/protein production their recovery and characterization methods.

• Strong people skills to interact with external vendors, building owners and facilities personnel. 

• Effective oral and written communication skills; ability to organize and summarize data in a clean manner

• Ability to effectively conduct scrum to understand team needs in terms of equipment and utility readiness for projects 

Additional Desired Qualifications:

• Project or Facilities Management Certification is preferred

The posting shall remain open until the position is filled.

Notes: 

• This is a full-time career appointment.

• Full-time, M-F, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.

• Salary is commensurate with experience.

• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.

• Work will be primarily performed at Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI) — Bldg. 978, 5885 Hollis St., 4th floor, Emeryville, CA.

Berkeley Lab (LBNL) addresses the world’s most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab’s scientific expertise has been recognized with 13 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. Berkeley Lab is in compliance with the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4.  Click here to view the poster and supplement: "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law."