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Biochemical Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

D. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Food Science, Chemistry, Materials Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related discipline; or equivalent combination of ...

Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or a related scientific or engineering discipline with equivalent relevant experience or

Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or a related scientific or engineering discipline with equivalent relevant experience or

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Biochemical Engineer information

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How much do biochemical engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for biochemical engineer in California is $29.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.07 and $31.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a biochemical engineer?

Combining both engineering skills and a scientific background, a biochemical engineer studies the nature of chemical functions and uses research to develop or improve products. As a biochemical engineer, your job duties involve consulting with scientists to evaluate technology and products, using studies to recommend changes to processes or operations, and leading experiments to improve production while minimizing waste. You also design experimental activities within laboratories to ensure compliance with biohazard regulations and maintain databases of experiment-related information. The materials you work with may be organic or lab-made depending on your field of expertise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a biochemical engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Biochemical Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical engineering, biology, and mathematics, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in biochemical or chemical engineering. Familiarity with bioprocessing equipment, laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and relevant safety certifications is important. Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, and teamwork skills set outstanding biochemical engineers apart. These competencies are essential for developing innovative solutions, ensuring process efficiency, and maintaining safety and compliance in biotechnological and pharmaceutical industries.

What are some typical challenges a biochemical engineer faces when scaling up processes from the lab to industrial production?

Biochemical Engineers often encounter challenges when transitioning processes from laboratory scale to full-scale manufacturing, including maintaining product consistency, optimizing yield, and controlling contamination risks. Variables such as mixing, temperature, and pH are easier to control in small batches, but become more complex at larger volumes. Collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams—including microbiologists, mechanical engineers, and quality assurance professionals—is essential to troubleshoot issues and ensure successful scale-up. Addressing these challenges requires strong problem-solving skills and adaptability to evolving project needs.

What is the difference between Biochemical Engineer vs Chemical Engineer?

AspectBiochemical EngineerChemical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Biochemical, Chemical, or Biological EngineeringBachelor's in Chemical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentBiotech labs, pharmaceutical companies, research facilitiesChemical plants, manufacturing facilities, process industries
Industry UsageBiotechnology, pharmaceuticals, food processingPetrochemical, chemicals, energy production

Biochemical Engineers focus on applying engineering principles to biological systems, often working in biotech and pharmaceutical industries. Chemical Engineers have a broader scope, working on chemical processes across various industries. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, their work environments and industry applications differ significantly.

Are biochemical engineers in demand?

Biochemical engineers are in demand due to growth in industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and environmental management. They often require strong knowledge of biology, chemistry, and process engineering, with employment opportunities available in research labs, manufacturing plants, and regulatory agencies.

Do biochemical engineers make a lot of money?

Biochemical engineers typically earn competitive salaries that vary by experience, location, and industry. According to industry data, the median annual wage is above the national average for engineering roles, and salaries can increase with advanced skills, certifications, and managerial responsibilities.

What jobs do biochemical engineers do?

Biochemical engineers design and develop processes to produce pharmaceuticals, biofuels, and other bioproducts using biological organisms and systems. They work in laboratories and manufacturing facilities, applying skills in process engineering, microbiology, and biochemistry to optimize production methods and ensure safety and efficiency.

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For Biochemical Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Biochemical Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Biochemical Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Biochemical Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Biochemical Engineer job openings:

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For Biochemical Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Biochemical Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,694 per year, or $29.2 per hour.

Senior Scientist, CMC Downstream Process Development

Neurocrine Biosciences

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Who We Are:

Neurocrine Biosciencesis a leading biopharmaceutical company with a simple purpose: to relieve suffering for people with great needs. We are dedicated to discovering, developing and commercializing life-changing treatments for patients with under-addressed neurological, psychiatric, endocrine and immunological disorders. The company's diverse portfolio includes FDA-approved treatments for tardive dyskinesia, chorea associated with Huntington's disease, classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hyperphagia in Prader-Willi syndrome, endometriosis* and uterine fibroids*, as well as a robust pipeline including multiple compounds in mid- to late-phase clinical development across our core therapeutic areas. For more than three decades, we have applied our unique insight into neuroscience and the interconnections between brain and body systems to treat complex conditions. We relentlessly pursue medicines to ease the burden of debilitating diseases and disorders, because you deserve brave science. For more information, visitneurocrine.com, and follow the company onLinkedIn,X, Facebook and YouTube. (*in collaboration with AbbVie)


About the Role:Serve as the scientific leader for assigned assets, shaping development strategy through deep process understanding and ensuring regulatory defensibility of key decisions. Combines advanced technical expertise with cross-functional influence, guiding asset progression from early development through commercialization. As the primary scientific authority for your programs, define technical direction, lead critical risk assessments, and ensure that scientific rigor guides lifecycle strategy and manufacturing readiness.

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Your Contributions (include, but are not limited to):
  • Apply advanced scientific or engineering principles to complex process development challenges

  • Serve as the primary scientific decision-maker for assigned assets

  • Lead process scale-up and technology transfer initiatives, proactively managing technical risk

  • Plan and manage scientific activities; represent development in cross-functional teams

  • Maintain accountability for asset-level deliverables and production planning.

  • Lead technical risk assessments to support project advancement

  • Independently design and oversee advanced activities supporting clinical through commercial development

  • Supervise laboratory and pilot-scale work and ensure safe laboratory practices

  • Identify and resolve significant process challenges using data-driven approaches

  • Recommend innovative solutions to improve product quality and manufacturing consistency

  • Manage contract manufacturing activities and contractor relationships

  • Provide scientific leadership in CMC regulatory documentation

  • Contribute to development of departmental scientific policies and standards

  • Mentor scientists and support professional development

  • Build and strengthen internal and external professional relationships

  • Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements:
  • BS/BA in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, or similar scientific discipline OR chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, or similar engineering discipline AND 12+ years of experience in experience in pharmaceutical/process development field, including API manufacturing person in plant activities, Experience managing laboratory, maximizing productivity is desirable. OR

  • MS/MA in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, or similar scientific discipline OR chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, or similar engineering discipline AND 10+ years of similar experience noted above OR

  • PhD in chemistry, biochemistry, biology or similar scientific discipline OR chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, or similar engineering AND 4+ years of relevant experience; may include postdoc experience

  • Broad and deep knowledge of scientific or engineering principles with subject matter expertise

  • Recognized authority capable of defending scientific strategy

  • Develops creative and effective solutions to technical challenges

  • Understands interdependencies across functional areas

  • Leads multiple teams or initiatives

  • Demonstrates strong leadership and mentoring skills

  • Excellent communication and analytical skills

  • Understands impact across multiple programs and departments

  • Manages multiple priorities with high accuracy

  • Strong project management skills

  • Thorough understanding of process development and scale-up strategies

  • Excellent laboratory and productivity skills

  • Knowledge of validation and control strategy development

  • Manufacturing experience internally and externally

  • Strong understanding of cGMP and regulatory requirements

  • Demonstrated cross-functional drug development knowledge

  • Advanced proficiency with laboratory equipment and tools

#LI-LS1

Neurocrine Biosciences is an EEO/Disability/Vets employer.

We are committed to building a workplace of belonging, respect, and empowerment, and we recognize there are a variety of ways to meet our requirements. We are looking for the best candidate for the job and encourage you to apply even if your experience or qualifications don't line up to exactly what we have outlined in the job description.

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The annual base salary we reasonably expect to pay is $130,800.00-$179,000.00. Individual pay decisions depend on various factors, such as primary work location, complexity and responsibility of role, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills. In addition, this position offers an annual bonus with a target of 30% of the earned base salary and eligibility to participate in our equity based long term incentive program. Benefits offered include a retirement savings plan (with company match), paid vacation, holiday and personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.