Role Summary
Alta is seeking a talented Process Engineer to join our growing Process Development Group. Reporting directly to the Director of R&D Engineering, this role will support the lab and pilot development, as well as technology transfer to Alta’s demonstration plant. Daily operations will include experimental execution at the lab and pilot scale, technical writing for SOPs and tech transfer documents, and assisting the demonstration plant optimize our processes. 

The position plays an important part in advancing Alta’s mission by providing reliable data and communications to ensure smooth transition of our processes at each scale. An ideal candidate will bring strong foundational laboratory skills, prior SMB or semi-prep chromatography experience, TFF experience, and experience working in a multi-disciplinary organization. A desire to learn and grow within a team spanning chemistry, engineering, and operations is a must.

The role requires full-time, on-site presence at our Boulder lab, with occasional support outside standard hours.

Key Responsibilities
Laboratory & Pilot Development

• Independently design, execute and troubleshoot experiments including: chromatography on AKTA and other automated systems, chemical synthesis, mineral digestion, precipitation and solid/liquid separations.
• Assist in improving process workflows, documentation protocols, and data analysis methods.
• Support day-to-day lab readiness through reagent preparation and consumables management.
• Interact and synchronize with the Analytical Chemistry team to coordinate sample analysis.
• Maintain clear and accurate records of experimental conditions, actions, and results for Management and the Demonstration Team.

Technology Transfer

• Support the team to generate work instructions, procedures, and process transfer documents for transition from pilot to demonstration scale
• Analyze demonstration scale data to support troubleshooting and provide recommendations for process optimization 

Downstream Processing/Formulations

• Work cross-functionally between Process Engineering, Applied Biology, Data Science and Analytical Chemistry teams
• Design and execute buffer exchange experiments via TFF
• Optimize buffer formulations for both protein stability and post-processing requirements

Safety, Compliance & Documentation

• Follow all laboratory safety protocols for chemical handling, instrumentation, and waste management.
• Maintain organized, complete laboratory records aligned with Alta’s quality expectations.
• Support updates to procedures, documentation tools, and best practices.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Biology or a related scientific discipline.
• 2-4 years of laboratory or pilot experience in research or industry setting.
• Strong understanding of chemical engineering separation techniques and fluid dynamics.
• Ability to analyze data, generate conclusions, and present clear results to technical teams.
• Ability to execute and troubleshoot experiments using complex chemical systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience scaling chemical processes from R&D to multi-kilogram scale
• Experience developing chromatographic separation processes
• Experience writing and participating in process safety analyses
• Hands-on experience designing and building chemical flow systems
• Exposure to a range of analytical instrumentation, such as LC-based systems, mass spectrometry, particle size analysis, or similar platforms.
• Please note: Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to lead a breakthrough program redefining U.S. supply chain resilience in critical materials.
• A mission-driven, high-trust team operating at the intersection of innovation, national security, and sustainability.
• High Impact & Visibility: direct interaction and reporting to executive leadership.

Compensation & Benefits

• The starting pay range for this position is $90,000 - $135,000 and is commensurate with educational background and work experience.
  Benefits include:
• 401(K)
• Medical, Dental, Vision plans (or equivalent)
• Flexible Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Sick Leave
• Company Holidays