Job description
Synonym is a technology company focused on accelerating production and market adoption of materials and ingredients made with biology. Founded in early 2022, Synonym has established itself as the leading player in the sector, providing bioproduct-related data services and facilitating production via its network of capacity partners.
About This Job
Synonym’s Engineering Solutions Lead will lead the strategy and execution of front-end engineering for early-stage biomanufacturing projects. This role is central to Synonym’s mission of accelerating viable bioproduct development, focusing on techno-economic modeling, process design, and project definition. Rather than delivering engineering services as a commodity, this team partners with clients to shape robust, economically viable processes that are ready for scale.
The Engineering Solutions Lead will report to the SVP of Science and Engineering and work closely with other functional leaders across the organization. This role will be heavily client-facing.
Job 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.
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
PE license preferred but not required
Engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firm experience preferred
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.)
Compensation
- $140,000 - 190,000/yr
Other
While fully-remote, Synonym’s team values cohesiveness and in-person collaboration. We have a preference for candidates near our existing team (NYC, SF/Bay Area, Boston) who are open to hybrid work.
Our team aspires to hire great people and create an environment where we can be happy, feel challenged, and do our best work. It’s an exciting time to join Synonym and build that environment from the ground up!
Benefits Include
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
Synonym provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome people from all backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and abilities.
