CAPEX & Engineering Lead

  • Aarberg
  • Full-Time
  • Start Date: 18 May 2026
  • Apply Now

About

About planetary

planetary is powering the bioeconomy. Operating out of Switzerland, we are building industrial scale biomanufacturing capacity and fermentation IP globally using our proprietary BioBlocks (TM) technology platform.

panetary's technology is licensed to agricultural players around the world, empowering our partners to build, own and operate critical infrastructure to derive higher value from their main- and side-streams. Going forward, planetary will expand its footprint from food into the development of sustainable, fermentation-based biomaterials and cosmetics.

Job Description

Role Overview:

Planetary is seeking a CAPEX Project Lead to drive the execution of large-scale capital investment projects at its industrial fermentation facility in Aarberg. This role is critical in scaling Planetary’s biomanufacturing infrastructure, supporting the expansion of mycoprotein and precision fermentation production.

You will take ownership of end-to-end CAPEX projects, from early design (FEL phases) through engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning (EPCM), ensuring delivery on time, budget, and quality.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead and deliver CAPEX projects (multi-million €) from concept to commissioning globally, from Europe to Asia and the Americas

  • Own all project phases including FEL (Front-End Loading), engineering, procurement, construction, and startup

  • Manage external partners, EPCM contractors, and internal stakeholders

  • Ensure alignment with production, engineering, and operations teams

  • Drive process optimization and plant expansion initiatives

  • Maintain strict control over budget, timelines, and risk management

  • Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and food-grade standards

  • Act as a hands-on leader, bridging strategy and on-site execution

Preferred Experience

Qualifications & Experience:

  • 10+ years of experience in CAPEX project management within biopharma, food, fermentation, or related industries

  • Proven track record delivering large-scale industrial projects (up to ~€50M)

  • Strong experience with EPCM project delivery models

  • Deep understanding of process engineering, utilities, and industrial equipment

  • Experience across full project lifecycle (FEL-based execution)

  • Hands-on, pragmatic, and execution-driven mindset

  • Fluent in English; German is a strong plus

Profile:

  • Combines engineering depth with project leadership

  • Comfortable operating in a scale-up / industrial start-up environment

  • Strong stakeholder management with both technical and non-technical teams

Not a pure “manager” — a doer who gets projects built

Recruitment Process

Recruitment Process

We run a focused and efficient process. Here's what to expect:

  1. Application — Submit your CV and brief motivation

  2. Intro call — 30-minute call with our recruiter to discuss your background and the role

  3. Technical interview — In-depth conversation with Ian (CSO & Co-Founder) focused on your CAPEX project experience and engineering approach

  4. Case discussion — A brief conversation around a relevant project scenario (no heavy prep required)

  5. Final interview — Meeting with David (CEO)

We move fast and keep communication clear throughout. Total process typically takes 3–4 weeks.

Planetary is an equal opportunity employer actively recruiting for diversity. Through hiring, we aim to close the gender gap, create opinion plurality, fight age discrimination, foster cultural diversity and promote freedom of self-expression.

Additional Information

  • Contract Type: Full-Time
  • Start Date: 18 May 2026
  • Location: Aarberg
  • Education Level: Master's Degree
  • Experience: > 10 years
  • Occasional remote authorized