About Us

Alta is reinventing how the world sources critical minerals — using protein-based chemistry to extract rare earth elements and other essential materials from challenging feedstocks with unmatched selectivity. By dramatically reducing the cost and environmental impact of mineral separation, Alta is making it possible to unlock new sources of supply for 21st-century technologies. As global demand accelerates, securing these materials has become one of the most urgent challenges facing U.S. competitiveness and national security. Backed by top investors and government partners, Alta is growing fast and hiring mission-driven scientists and engineers to help us scale our platform and transform the future of mining.

How we work

Speed is part of our DNA. We’re building first-of-a-kind technology and facilities, which means the path isn’t always mapped. We’re comfortable with ambiguity: making sound, timely decisions guided by clear priorities, adapting quickly as we learn, and keeping a relentless focus on moving our business forward. We commit to fixed milestones on compressed timelines and hold ourselves accountable without compromising on safety or rigor.

Location: Boulder, CO

Reports To: SVP of R&D

About Us

Role Summary

The Director of Bioprocess Engineering will own Alta's end-to-end strategy for producing engineered proteins, from shake flask through 10 m³ manufacturing scale. This is a dual-facing leadership role. Internally, you will build and lead the fermentation and downstream processing team, set technical direction, and drive process development that lowers cost of goods. Externally, you will be Alta's technical lead for technology transfer with contract research organizations (CROs), and toll manufacturing.

The ideal candidate is a proven builder of teams and a hands-on expert in industrial fermentation of Bacillus and other microbial systems. You will translate bench-scale results into robust, transferable processes, represent Alta's bioprocess capabilities to partners, investors, and government stakeholders, and serve as a key member of the technical leadership team.

Key Responsibilities

Internal: Bioprocess Strategy and Development

Set and own the bioprocess roadmap for engineered protein production, aligned with company cost, capacity, and timeline goals.
Lead fermentation and downstream process development across scales: shake flask, bench-top bioreactors (1–10 L), pilot scale, and manufacturing scale up to 10 m³.
Define scale-up strategy and scale-down models, including key scale parameters (kLa, OTR, P/V, tip speed, mixing time, feed strategy) to de-risk transfer to larger vessels.
Drive improvements in titer, rate, yield, and purity through media optimization, feeding strategies, strain-process integration, and DOE-based experimentation.
Oversee downstream processing development for protein recovery and purification, with clear KPIs for yield, quality, and cost of goods.
Evaluate and implement new technologies and process innovations that improve performance or reduce cost.
Track and report process performance, techno-economic impact, and progress against milestones to executive leadership.

External: CRO, and Partner Leadership

Serve as Alta's technical lead and primary point of contact for CROs, toll manufacturers and other Partnerships.