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Position Summary

The Electrical Technician will troubleshoot, repair, maintain and install site electrical systems and process equipment, and will build control system panels for lab scale pilot and process plant equipment employed in Virent’s development of biomass conversion to fuels and chemicals. The Electrical technician will possess a thorough understanding of high voltage industrial power distribution systems and associated equipment needed to condition power for various site requirements. He/she will also be capable of troubleshooting and programming standalone controllers, PLCs and data acquisition systems in support of R&D initiatives. Safety and environmental compliance is a high priority requiring a thorough knowledge of various OSHA and NEC codes as they relate to site and equipment wiring methods and practices.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (combination of electrical and instrumentation technician disciplines) * duties specific to but not limited to an instrumentation tech

• *Install, maintain, repair, overhaul, calibrate and test a wide variety of industrial instrumentation that includes but is not limited to those instruments that record, indicate, control and regulate level, flow, pressure, temperature, position and provides analysis.
• *Troubleshoot process controller hardware and maintain a functional knowledge of the operation of system software and hardware.
• *Lay out, install and place into service new metering, controlling and recording devices, calibrating as required; may extend or connect related electrical circuits.
• *Troubleshoot and program controllers, PLCs, data acquisition systems and various other process controls. Make recommendations and perform software changes, maintain documentation of changes to software and hardware.
• Fabricate and wire electrical control panels as required to NEC and other applicable recognized and generally accepted good engineering practices.
• Update schematics, diagrams and related documentation. When updates are complete, forward to the CAD Design Specialist for an AutoCAD Electrical rendering.
• Prepare working sketches when required to accurately communicate system or equipment function to coworkers.
• Work with laboratory personnel to create, modify and maintain experimental equipment and systems.

Education and Experience Requirements

EDUCATION: Associate Degree in applicable electrical discipline or Journeyman Electrician Certification

EXPERIENCE: 3-5 years of experience in a high-paced start-up company with a heavy emphasis on development.

SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE:

• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, PIDs and electrical wiring diagrams/schematics.
• Ability to read, interpret and apply NEC and related electrical and instrumentation codes.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Click Here To Submit Online Application
Virent, Inc. is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Virent Showcases Technologies that Convert a Variety of Agricultural Crops to High Value Products

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Madison, Wisconsin – April 18, 2012 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today visited Virent, Inc. to observe how the company’s technology to manufacture biobased products from plant materials can create sustainable products and produce jobs in rural America.  Vilsack met with company employees and toured Virent’s demonstration facility to learn more about Virent’s patented BioForming™ process to convert a variety of agricultural products – including sugar, wood, and agricultural waste – into bio-based products.

Virent is working toward deploying a first commercial scale plant to produce chemicals and fuels from renewable biomass that will support rural economic development, create new jobs, and provide markets for farm commodities. “Biorefineries have the potential to transform the economic landscape of rural America – from corn stover in Wisconsin, Iowa and Michigan, to miscanthus in Georgia, to woody biomass in places as diverse as Oregon and Louisiana,” said Lee Edwards, Virent President and CEO.

“Technologies like Virent’s mean that plentiful, plant derived sugars have the potential to compete with petroleum as a source of energy.  Direct replacement, drop-in products generated from biomass are sustainable alternatives to petroleum, and leveraging our unmatched agricultural resources to promote energy security and rural economic growth,” said Edwards.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack said, “We should rely on innovative companies and the productivity of American farms and ranchers to produce our household items and power our cars and trucks – not foreign oil. If we are able to produce more energy here at home and build a manufacturing economy producing bio-based goods, we’ll generate middle-class jobs and strengthen our economy in the long run.”

During the tour of Virent’s facility, Edwards and Secretary Vilsack discussed how renewable fuels and bio-based products have the potential to replace over 90 percent of a barrel of oil, including the chemicals used to make many consumer goods, such as plastic bottles to clothing, to fishing lines, tires and soap. Virent recently signed agreements with the Coca-Cola Company to provide the technology and biobased chemical Paraxylene to create 100 percent plant-based, renewable PlantBottle^® packaging. Coca-Cola Company and Cargill representatives, both strategic partners and funders of Virent’s, were onhand to meet Secretary Vilsack and participate in the tour.

“It was a tremendous opportunity for Virent to meet with Secretary Vilsack and demonstrate how we are working with our strategic partners to provide a viable option to replace imported oil – along with the whole variety of sustainable products now derived from a barrel of crude,” Edwards said.

About Virent

Virent is replacing crude oil by creating the chemicals and fuels the world demands using a wide range of naturally-occurring, renewable resources. Its patented technology features catalytic chemistry to convert plant-based materials into a full range of products identical to those made from petroleum, including gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and chemicals for plastics and fibers. The products are drop-in replacements that enable full utilization of existing logistics infrastructure without blending limitations. The development of Virent’s BioForming® technology platform is supported through strategic partners including Cargill, Coca-Cola, Honda and Shell, as well as 125 employees based in Madison, Wisconsin. The company has received several grants from the U.S. Departments of Commerce, Energy and Agriculture and has been recognized with many honors, including the World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer award and the EPA’s Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award.  Please learn more at www.Virent.com.

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Contact

Kelly Morgan
Marketing Manager, Virent, Inc.
Kelly_morgan@virent.com
608-237-8603
3571 Anderson St.
Madison, WI 53704

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Position Summary

The Electrical Engineer will assist Research, Engineering and Operation associates by providing electrical system design and development services to support Virent’s development of biomass conversion to fuels and chemicals. The Electrical Engineer will automate, troubleshoot and upgrade electromechanical components and systems in the construction and modification of pilot or process plants in a variety of roles: as a contributor to a project team, at the request of equipment users, and through identified continuous improvement projects. He/she will ensure that all existing and modified systems comply with applicable regulatory and design code references to insure safe operation, reliability and regulatory/code compliance.

Additional skill sets required for this position include but are not limited to a working level knowledge of PLC logic, programming and troubleshooting, LabView logic programming and troubleshooting, DCS troubleshooting and making minor changes to program logic when authorized.

Essential Technical Responsibilities and Duties

• Detailed design of electromechanical systems for liquid, gas and two-phase flow such as but not limited to control systems that incorporate: pumps, heat exchangers, mechanized valves, pressure measurement, flow measurement, level measurement and temperature measurement control components.
• Research and apply required code references to component and system designs to insure safe operation and code compliance with all automated system designs.
• Direct and coordinate electromechanical system construction, installation, testing and system qualification activities to ensure compliance with federal regulations and system design codes/specifications to achieve system operation requirements as specified by the assigned project manager.
• Continuously upgrade knowledge of current regulatory and code requirements as they apply to component and system designs required to safely operate new and/or modify pilot and process plants.
• Continuously upgrade knowledge and skills associated with PLC logic/programming and LabView logic/programming.
• Continuously upgrade skill sets to assist process engineering associate assigned DCS programming responsibilities. Skill set level will include DCS system troubleshooting and ability make minor program changes as authorized when required.
• Provide maintenance and troubleshooting services for control systems.
• Prepare specifications for the purchase of materials and equipment.
• Serve as a technical resource for site personnel.
• Update schematics, diagrams and related documentation. Make sure that all documents are properly filed with associated systems or equipment.
• Construct accurate hand drawn sketches, diagrams, ladder schematics of relay and PLC logic for pilot and production plants as required. When sketch is complete and accurate pass sketch on to CAD Design Specialist for a digital AutoCAD Electrical rendering.
• Review system designs for functionality and required interlocks before PSSR. Work with electrical technicians and project manager to make system upgrades if required.

Education and Experience Requirements

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering
EXPERIENCE: 5-10 years of experience in a high-paced start-up company with a heavy emphasis on development.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Click Here to Submit Online Application
Virent Energy Systems in an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

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Position Summary

An Operations Engineer will apply Operations Engineering principles to positively impact the successful achievement of Research and Development objectives and safety goals at Virent. He/she will provide operations engineering support in a multifunctional team tasked with implementing new or modified processes. He/she will also monitor existing processes for operational deficiencies and implement engineering solutions for identified problems in support of Virent development of the conversion of biomass to fuels and chemicals. A primary focus will be the continuous improvement of the transfer of processes and equipment from concept to operable in a fast paced, constantly changing environment. An Operations engineer will use knowledge and past experience in supporting the development and commercialization of Virent’s processes.

Essential Technical Responsibilities and Duties

• Participate in Engineering reviews (design, hazard, management of change), occasionally in a leadership role and develop associated solutions.
• Collaborate with Operations and Engineering staff to transfer operations knowledge across projects resulting in procedure and equipment standardization.
• Analyze operational data to develop solutions for improving process performance of existing equipment.
• Utilize operations data to aid in the selection and installation of new pilot plant equipment.
• Lead the startup of new or modified processes to aid in the commissioning process and transfer process to the operations staff.
• Lead facilities department on preventive maintenance plan development and implementation for Pilot Plant equipment and supporting systems.
• Collaborate with senior operations, engineering and facilities group members, taking a lead in the development of Pilot Plant documentation including: operating procedures, Piping and Instrument Diagrams, equipment specifications, and maintenance plans.
• Support operations of non-routine processes and equipment including demonstration unit operation.
• Develop constructive relationships within the Operations, Research, Analysis and Facilities groups

Education and Experience Requirements

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or appropriate field
EXPERIENCE: 3-5 years of related experience in a fast paced professional environment.
TECHNICAL SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE:

• Detailed knowledge of Pilot Plants laboratory equipment and utilities (function, hazards, use, process, procedure) desirable
• Demonstrated knowledge of engineering principles (mass & energy balance, process design, materials of construction, fouling).
• Working knowledge of all chemicals (function, hazards, use, process, procedure)
• Participation in Process Hazard Analysis and knowledge of safety system best practices desirable.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Click Here to Submit Online Application
Virent is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Cellulosic Jet Fuel Passes Rigorous Specification Tests

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Madison, Wisconsin, and Danville, Virginia – March 26, 2012 – Virent and Virdia, formerly HCL CleanTech, announce the successful conversion of cellulosic pine tree sugars to drop-in hydrocarbon fuels within the BIRD Energy project, a joint program funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, the Israeli Ministry of National Infrastructure and the BIRD Foundation. The project, which commenced in January 2011, successfully demonstrated that Virdia’s deconstruction process generated high-quality sugars from cellulosic biomass, which were converted to fuel via Virent’s BioForming® process.

Virent used Virdia’s biomass-derived sugars to produce gasoline and jet fuel, the latter being sent to the U.S Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) for analysis where it passed rigorous testing. Tim Edwards of the Fuels Branch of the AFRL said, “This fuel passed the most stringent specification tests we could throw at it (such as thermal stability) under some conditions where conventional jet fuels would fail. This fuel is definitely worth further evaluation.”

“While Virent’s BioForming® process has previously generated fuels and chemicals from sugars in cellulosic biomass,” said Virent Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer Dr. Randy Cortright, “The high-quality sugars generated from pine trees using Virdia’s process leveraged Virent’s conversion process, establishing a viable route to drop-in hydrocarbons from biomass.”

“Passing the AFRL’s arduous test requirements for jet fuel further substantiates the superior value proposition of the advanced carbohydrates that Virdia is introducing,” said Philippe Lavielle, Virdia CEO. “As demonstrated by the BIRD Energy project results, Virdia’s CASE™ (Cold Acid Solvent Extraction) process can deliver the high-purity, cost-effective cellulosic sugars needed as the primary raw material for jet fuels and other applications. We are pleased to work with Virent to prove that the value of cellulosic biomass can be unlocked.”

Virdia’s CASE process encompasses a sequence of proprietary extraction and separation operations. Originally developed around the Bergius process (concentrated hydrochloric acid hydrolysis of biomass), the CASE process achieves the highest yields in the industry, and produces high purity fractions of sugars and lignin. Its low temperature, low pressure hydrolysis coupled with its closed loops of acid recovery and solvent extraction establish it as one of the most economical and environmentally sustainable processes.

Virent’s BioForming platform utilizes a novel combination of catalytic processes to convert water-soluble oxygenated hydrocarbons derived from biomass to non-oxygenated hydrocarbons that can be used as drop-in compounds in gasoline, jet fuel and diesel fuel. Virent’s BioForming platform catalysts and reactor systems are similar to those found in today’s petroleum oil refineries and petrochemical complexes.

About Virent, Inc.

Virent is replacing crude oil by creating the chemicals and fuels the world demands using a wide range of naturally-occurring, renewable resources. Its patented technology features catalytic chemistry to convert plant-based materials into a full range of products identical to those made from petroleum. The products are drop-in replacements that enable full utilization of existing logistics infrastructure without blending limitations or compromising on product quality. The development of Virent’s BioForming® technology platform is supported through strategic partners including Cargill, Coca-Cola, Honda and Shell, as well as 120 employees based in Madison, Wisconsin. Please learn more at www.Virent.com.

About Virdia

Virdia is the developer of the CASE process that converts lignocellulose into industrial sugars and lignin from wood chips and other non-food, cellulosic biomass to enable the growth of renewable chemicals and second-generation biofuels. Virdia envisions that producing high quality, competitively priced sugars and lignin from sustainable sources of biomass will help reduce our dependence on petroleum-derived products, reduce overall carbon emissions, and develop new manufacturing industries in rural areas. Founded in 2007, Virdia is a privately held company backed by top-tier venture capital firms, including Tamar Ventures, Khosla Ventures, Burrill & Company and Triple Point Capital. Please learn more at www.Virdia.com.

This project received funding from BIRD Energy; for more information, please visit
www.Birdf.com.

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Virent Contact
Kelly Morgan
Marketing Manager, Virent, Inc.
Kelly_morgan@virent.com
608-237-8603

Virdia Contact
Gina Manassero
Schwartz MSL
virdia@schwartzmsl.com
415-512-0770

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Madison, Wisconsin, USA   March 12, 2012 – Virent is pleased to announce that Jeff White has joined the company as Chief Financial Officer. Throughout Jeff’s 30-year career he has been integrally involved in international finance, risk management, mergers and acquisitions and executive leadership.

“I am excited to be a part of the Virent leadership team. The current team has positioned Virent for successful commercial introduction of its biofuel and biochemical products with strong technology and unrivaled industry collaborations. I look forward to putting my experience to work to support Virent’s aggressive commercial plans” said White.

Prior to joining Virent, Jeff was CFO at Oakleaf Waste Management, CEO at Renew Energy, and CFO at two publicly traded companies, RCN Corporation and Telecom Corporation of New Zealand (TCNZ). He was also Vice President of Investments and Acquisitions at Ameritech Corporation where he oversaw the $2.5B acquisition of TCNZ. While at TCNZ he led a $2.5B secondary stock offering and was instrumental in delivering over $10B in shareholder value during his tenure. He received a B.A. in Accounting, and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

“I am delighted to have Jeff join the executive team as CFO. His financial, executive management and international experience provide key leadership for Virent as we continue on our path to commercialize our biobased fuels and chemicals,” Said Virent CEO Lee Edwards.

Virent is replacing crude oil by creating the chemicals and fuels the world demands using a wide range of naturally-occurring, renewable resources. Its patented technology features catalytic chemistry to convert plant-based materials into a full range of products identical to those made from petroleum, including gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and chemicals for plastics and fibers. The products are drop-in replacements that enable full utilization of existing logistics infrastructure without blending limitations. The development of Virent’s BioForming® technology platform is supported through strategic partners including Cargill, Coca-Cola, Honda and Shell, as well as 125 employees based in Madison, Wisconsin. Please learn more at www.Virent.com.

 #  #  #

Contact

Kelly Morgan
Marketing Manager, Virent, Inc.
Kelly_morgan@virent.com
608-237-8603
3571 Anderson St.
Madison, WI 53704

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Department: Business Development
Reports to: Director of Chemicals, Business Development

Position Summary

Virent is seeking a talented, motivated individual to join the Business Development team. This position is intended as a 2012 summer internship for MBA students expecting to graduate in 2013. The ideal candidate will be passionate about cleantech, excited to work in a start-up environment and bring relevant domain expertise to Virent as we ramp up our commercialization activities. The project(s) on which the candidate will work will reflect their prior experience but could include financial modeling, market research and analysis, strategy development; project management; supporting deal negotiations; etc.

Timing: 10 – 12 weeks between June and September 2012

Education and Experience Requirements

EDUCATION: Candidate must be currently studying for their MBA. Bachelor’s degree with a science or engineering major preferred.
EXPERIENCE: 5+ years of experience in any of the following sectors: chemicals; oil and gas; agribusiness; investment banking; management consulting; venture capital; private equity.
OTHER TECHNICAL SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE: Fluency in other language(s) is a plus, particularly Portuguese or Mandarin.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Click Here to Submit Online Application
Virent is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.