Process Engineering Intern

We are a Biology Company

Plantible, backed by Astanor Ventures, Lerer Hippeau, Piva Capital, Kellogg’s, and Vectr Ventures, is a vertically integrated biology company that is unlocking the power in plants in service of people & planet. Our mission is to create solutions that empower customers to make sustainable and regenerative choices without compromising on quality. We are beginning with the food industry. Please visit our website to learn more about our mission and continued success: https://www.plantiblefoods.com/

How you will contribute:

We are seeking a Process Engineering Intern who combines analytical rigor with hands-on curiosity - someone who loves data as much as they love getting their boots dirty. Based on site at our Ranchito facility, you will own a defined process improvement project, focused on optimizing throughput or yield and supporting scale-up initiatives from R&D to commercial operations.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, high-impact startup environment—working shoulder to shoulder with operators, scientists, and engineers to continuously improve our production process from cultivation to packaging.

This is a paid, part-time summer internship (hourly, non-exempt) lasting approximately 10–12 weeks, from late May/early June through August. Interns are expected to work approximately 20–25 hours per week, with some flexibility based on project needs and academic schedules. Compensation is $20/hour.

What you will be working on:

Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement:

• Analyze plant and process data to identify inefficiencies in yield, throughput, and resource utilization.
• Design, and support implementation, and validation of process improvements in collaboration with operations, maintenance, and controls teams.
• Develop models, SOPs, and documentation to institutionalize process knowledge.
• Contribute to and promote a data-driven, continuous improvement mindset across the plant.

Technology Transfer

• Support the translation of R&D findings into scalable manufacturing processes through documentation, analysis, and trial support
• Develop detailed process documentation including PFDs, P&IDs, and mass/energy balances.
• Collaborate with pilot and R&D teams to support design and execution scale-up trials.
• Support commissioning, validation, and troubleshooting of new process lines and equipment.

What your week will look like:

• Work at the commercial facility working on process improvements to drive yield, throughput, and resource utilization.
• Develop and communicate process designs using process flow diagrams, P&IDs, process narratives, and volume and mass balances.
• Monitor operations and project progression, resolve any issues that arise, and coordinate team activities to maintain the approved schedule.
• Transfer any new processes to the operations team through proper documentation and training.
• Update management team and other project engineers on project progress and requirements regularly in written reports and presentations.
• Track project milestones, document progress, and escalate risks or changes to the engineering lead as needed.

What you bring to Plantible:

• Planned B.S. or M.S. in Process, Chemical, Mechanical, or Bioprocess Engineering (or related discipline).
• Familiarity with PFD/P&IDs, H&M balances.
• Understanding of sanitary design, food safety (HACCP, FSMA), and equipment standards (USDA, FDA).
• Strong communication skills; comfortable bridging R&D and plant operations.
• A proactive, “get-it-done” attitude with the flexibility to work on-site at Ranchito as projects demand.
  

Choose Plantible Foods

Joining Plantible means contributing to a sustainable future for all. We are a venture backed startup that is both spreading happiness amongst our employees and to current and future generations. We believe diversity creates uniqueness. Our team is composed of highly talented people with different interests and hobbies, which makes for a rich working environment.

Plantible Foods is an equal employment opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, liability for military service, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you are interested in learning the status of your application, please note you will be contacted directly by the appropriate human resources contact person if you are selected for further consideration. Plantible Foods reserves the right to defer or close a vacancy at any time. 

If you feel your skill set does not meet all listed qualifications for the role, we still encourage you to apply. As we continue to grow our company, we are seeking a range of candidates and would gladly consider you for other current or upcoming roles that may be a fit!