Principal Process Engineer - ECO Synthesis

Job Details
Department
55 - ECO Process Development
Employment Type
Full Time
Location
Redwood City, CA
Workplace type
Onsite
Description
Codexis, a biotechnology company based in Redwood City, CA, is looking to hire a Principal Process Engineer - Flow Biocatalysis for Oligonucleotide Synthesis. Codexis is a leading enzyme engineering company leveraging its proprietary CodeEvolver® technology platform to discover, develop and enhance novel, high-performance enzymes and other classes of proteins. Codexis enzymes solve for real-world challenges associated with small molecule pharmaceuticals manufacturing and nucleic acid synthesis. The Company is currently developing its proprietary ECO Synthesis™ platform to enable the scaled manufacture of RNAi therapeutics through an enzymatic route. Codexis enzymes can drive improvements, such as higher yields, reduced energy usage and waste generation, improve efficiency in manufacturing and greater sensitivity in genomic and diagnostic applications.
To meet the goals we've set for ourselves, we look for individuals who are driven, eager to grow and ready to embrace meaningful challenges. We empower employees to be authentic, ambitious, agile and have the courage to take action where they can make a positive impact.
Come join us on this journey to transform the enzyme engineering landscape for the betterment of human health.
About the Opportunity: We are seeking a highly experienced and innovative Principal Process Engineer to lead the development, scale-up, and optimization of flow biocatalytic and oligonucleotide synthesis using the ECO Synthesis platform at Codexis. This role is critical in advancing our platform technologies and ensuring robust, scalable, and cost-effective manufacturing processes for therapeutic siRNA assets. If any of the below describes you, we would love to meet you!

• Possess a passion for being part of the therapeutic community helping bring cutting edge treatments to patients in need.
• Enjoys collaboration across different functional groups to get a holistic understanding of process development along with aligning data with internal stakeholders.
• Enjoys problem solving by implementing engineering and analytical solutions.

In this role you will be responsible for:

• Oversee process modeling, kinetic analysis, and reactor design (e.g., packed-bed, CSTRs, fluidized bed) for biocatalytic and/or oligonucleotide processes for RNA assets.
• Translate bench-scale and enzymatic processes into commercial-scale manufacturing workflows, ensuring regulatory compliance and cGMP readiness at scale.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement process control strategies using QbD (Quality by Design) principles.
• Drive external collaborations including CDMOs, equipment vendors, and academic institutions for innovative solutions and technology scouting.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including R&D, Analytical Development, MSAT, and Manufacturing to integrate ECO Synthesis platform into production pipelines.
• Author technical reports, protocols, and regulatory documents including CMC sections to support IND and NDA filings.

The essential requirements of the job include:

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, or related field with 8+ years of relevant industrial experience, or M.S. with 12+ years.
• Deep expertise in flow chemistry, biocatalysis, or oligonucleotide synthesis technologies (e.g., SPOS, enzymatic platforms).
• Proven track record of scaling up biocatalytic or nucleic acid processes from pilot to commercial scale.
• Proficient in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, COMSOL, DynoChem) and data analytics.
• Strong communication, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Additional experience that would be valuable for this role includes:

• Knowledge of enzymatic RNA synthesis platforms and immobilized enzyme systems.
• Prior involvement in facility design or equipment specification for nucleic acid manufacturing.
• Experience with purification technologies such as standard column chromatography, continuous chromatography, simulated moving bed chromatography or membrane separations.

CODEXIS PAY TRANSPARENCY: The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work in Redwood City is $200,000 to $260,000. The final salary offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and length of experience within the job, type and length of experience within the industry, education, etc. Codexis is a multi-state employer, and this salary range may not reflect positions that work in other states . What can Codexis offer you?

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Basic Life, AD&D, Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 401k with Company Match up to 4%
• Company Equity
• Generous Paid Time Off including 18 Company Holidays (with a summer and winter shutdown), Vacation, and Wellness Time
• Annual Lifestyle