Job Description

About Us: 

Valent BioSciences LLC is a worldwide leader in the research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of biorational products for the agriculture, public health, and forestry markets. We have more than 60 years of experience bringing biorational products to market, and our products are used in sustainable operations in 95 countries around the world. Biorational products maximize plant quality, productivity, and sustainability.

As a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical, Valent BioSciences LLC operates with the Sumitomo Spirit mindset, which means to benefit both self and others, recognizing that private and public interests are one and the same. It’s about contributing to society, as well as making a profit.

The Valent BioSciences manufacturing site located on an expansive 73-acre site in Osage, IA is a state of the art 130,000 square foot plant and is the largest purpose-built biorational facility in the world. It serves as the manufacturing and quality control center for Valent BioSciences broad portfolio of fermentation products.

Description of Job: 

As the Senior Automation Engineer at Valent BioSciences, you will be a key technical leader responsible for the design, programming, troubleshooting, and optimization of process automation systems within a complex fermentation manufacturing environment. In this role you will focus on the development and support of PLC and HMI systems (primarily Allen-Bradley and DeltaV platforms), with an emphasis on ensuring reliable, efficient, and safe plant operations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in industrial automation, including OT networking, process instrumentation, and systems integration, with experience in fermentation and biotech manufacturing environments considered a strong asset. This position requires a proactive problem solver capable of collaborating across engineering, maintenance, and production teams to minimize downtime and drive continuous improvement in plant performance.

Essential Functions:

• Adheres to Valent Biosciences’ safe work policies and practices and wears appropriate PPE for duties being performed.
• PLC programming (Allen Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix PLC’s; additional experience with Legacy Allen-Bradley and Emerson DeltaV).
• HMI programming (Rockwell Software and Aveva “Wonderware” HMI and SCADA software; additional experience with Emerson DeltaV Operate).
• Ability to maintain and troubleshoot OT networks for the DeltaV and PLC systems. 
• Knowledge of Continuous Sterilization systems, CIP systems, Evaporator, CMF’s, Centrifuges, UF, and RO (Waste Water System operation knowledge is a plus).
• Troubleshooting of control systems in day-to-day operation of a fermentation facility.
• Read, analyze and develop technical procedures, process flow schematics, electrical, instrumentation, and pneumatic.
• Communicate effectively with Process Engineers, Project Engineers, and Production personnel.
• Experience with instrumentation devices, VFD’s, and network equipment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and ensure the facility is operating with no downtime.  

Preferred Qualifications:

• BS degree in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or Electronics Engineering is desired; consideration will be given to other degrees.
• 7+ years of automation/programming experience preferred.
• Experience in fermentation process is beneficial.
• Ability to understand panel layout drawings and electrical schematics.

What We Offer: 

We recognize that compensation and benefits play a crucial role in your career decisions. That’s why we’re dedicated to equitable pay practices and transparency in how we reward our employees.

Base Salary: The estimated annual base salary for this position ranges from: $100,100 to $130,100 per year.  Individual pay is based upon location, skills, experience, and other relevant factors.

Incentives: All full-time employees are eligible for an incentive program or profit-sharing program in addition to their base salary.

Benefits: 

•    High-quality healthcare coverage starting on day one, with options for medical (HSA/HRA), vision, and dental plans

•    5% company contribution to your 401(k), plus a quarterly discretionary bonus

•    Immediate 100% vesting of all retirement contributions

•    Financial assistance programs to support your goals

•    Life and disability insurance for added security

•    Generous paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and volunteer days

Our Commitment to a Sustainable Future

At Valent Group of Companies, we’re proud to power a sustainable future through our work. Sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) have been at the core of our culture since the beginning. Today, they continue to drive everything we do.

Join us in making a meaningful impact and contributing to a better world.

•    Valent U.S.A., Valent North America LLC, Valent BioSciences LLC and Mycorrhizal Applications LLC are an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation and/or identity, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, disabilities, or protected veteran status.

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To apply visit:

https://www.valentbiosciences.com/careers/