Senior Process Engineer, Engineering Solutions Lead

Synonym
Summary
Join Synonym, a leading technology company in bioproduct data services and production, as their Engineering Solutions Lead. Lead the strategy and execution of front-end engineering for early-stage biomanufacturing projects, focusing on techno-economic modeling, process design, and project definition. Partner with clients to create robust, economically viable processes ready for scale. Report to the SVP of Science and Engineering and work closely with other functional leaders. This client-facing role requires leading a team of process engineers, defining engineering service strategies, and acting as a player-coach. You will also serve as a subject matter expert, reviewing engineering outputs, managing project timelines and budgets, and overseeing QA/QC processes. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits package.
Requirements
- BS or higher in Chemical Engineering, Bioprocess Engineering, or a related field
- 10+ years of relevant experience, with at least 3 years managing teams or leading capital project design
- Deep expertise in industrial bioprocess design (fermentation and downstream processing)
- Proven experience developing and leading FEL-1 and FEL-2 engineering studies
- Strong techno-economic modeling capabilities and comfort with cost estimation
- Demonstrated ability to dive deep into calculations and identify critical assumptions and levers
- Excellent client-facing communication and problem-solving skills
- Familiarity with common process simulation tools (e.g., Aspen Plus or Aspen HYSYS, SuperPro, Excel-based TEA models), Bluebeam, and scheduling tools (e.g., Smartsheets, MS Project, Primavera, etc.)
Responsibilities
- Lead a team of highly skilled process engineers in delivering FEL-0 through FEL-2 level engineering for biomanufacturing projects
- Define and drive the strategy for Synonym's front-end engineering services, ensuring client engagements result in actionable designs and decision-grade cost estimates
- Act as a player-coach by engaging directly on high-priority modeling and design tasks while building team capability and setting internal standards for engineering quality, documentation, and communication
- Serve as a subject matter expert, guiding development of TEA models, defining key outputs, validating early assumptions, and ensuring focus on design drivers
- Review all process engineering outputs, including mass and energy balances, equipment sizing, CAPEX estimates, labor models, and footprint assumptions
- Translate project needs into clear scopes of work and timelines; manage team resourcing, project schedules, and budgets across multiple active engagements
- Interface directly with clients to define project scope, validate assumptions, review deliverables, and support business development activities
- Oversee internal QA/QC processes and support the development and deployment of process modeling tools and software
- Manage coordination with third-party engineering firms and consultants as needed to ensure high-quality, on-time project delivery
Preferred Qualifications
- PE license preferred but not required
- Engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firm experience preferred
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Daily lunch allowance
- Beautiful office in SoHo (NYC), or coworking space (Boston, SF Bay Area)
- Competitive compensation packages, including equity
- Flexible PTO
- 401(k)
- Team offsites