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Biochemical Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Iff

Automation Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Translate molecular biology and biochemistry workflows into automated protocols and robust ... Programming experience with Python or similar languages. * Strong analytical and problem-solving ...

Exthymic

Senior Mechanical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$135K - $165K/yr

Led by experienced industry pioneers, we blend hardware, software, and biochemical engineering to disrupt the status quo and democratize life-saving therapies. Join us to solve complex challenges and ...

Exthymic

Senior Mechanical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$135K - $165K/yr

Led by experienced industry pioneers, we blend hardware, software, and biochemical engineering to disrupt the status quo and democratize life-saving therapies. Join us to solve complex challenges and ...

Exthymic

Senior Mechanical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$135K - $165K/yr

Led by experienced industry pioneers, we blend hardware, software, and biochemical engineering to disrupt the status quo and democratize life-saving therapies. Join us to solve complex challenges and ...

GeneFab

Senior Process Engineer, MSAT

Alameda, CA · On-site

$117K - $152K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Bioprocess Engineering, or a closely related life sciences field required; advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) strongly preferred.

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Biochemical Engineer information

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How much do biochemical engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 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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Biochemical Engineer jobs near you
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.

Associate Director, Process Validation

Vaxcyte

San Carlos, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Join our Mission to Protect Humankind!
Vaxcyte is a clinical-stage vaccine innovation company engineering high-fidelity vaccines to protect humankind from the consequences of bacterial diseases, which have serious and costly health consequences when left unchecked. Working to eradicate or treat bacterial infections such as invasive pneumococcal disease, Group A Strep, and Shigella is just the beginning. Our path to success is clear and well-defined, and Vaxcyte is set up to go the distance.
WHAT we do is every bit as important as HOW we do it! Our work together is guided by four enduring core values:
*RETHINK CONVENTION: We bring creative and intellectual diversity to every facet of the work we do in order to innovate and re-innovate the way vaccines are delivered.
*AIM HIGH: We embody our collectively audacious goal to courageously make the most complex biologics ever attempted to protect humankind.
*LEAD WITH HEART: Everyone leads at Vaxcyte with a kindness-first, inclusive approach to collaboration and vigorous debate that advances our business objectives.
*MODEL EXCELLENCE: The magnitude of our challenge requires our shared commitment to demonstrating integrity, accountability, equality and clarity across communications and decision making.
Summary:
The Associate Director, Process Validation and Risk Management will lead and facilitate commercial process validation and risk management activities across Vaxcyte's end-to-end manufacturing processes. This role focuses on technical strategy, execution, and cross-functional coordination to support commercial readiness, regulatory compliance, and lifecycle management.
The incumbent will provide leadership to ensure the organization is equipped to effectively design, execute, and communicate process validation and risk management strategies to internal stakeholders, external partners, and regulatory agencies.
This position will report to the Sr. Director of Process Validation within the Global MSAT organization and will collaborate on overall validation strategy, with primary responsibility for process validation execution and risk management frameworks supporting commercial manufacturing.
Essential Functions:
Process Validation Leadership
  • Provide strategic and scientific leadership for process validation (PPQ, CPV, lifecycle validation) across commercial programs.
  • Lead and facilitate execution of validation strategies to support technology transfer, site readiness, and product launch.
  • Ensure alignment of validation activities with regulatory expectations and lifecycle management plans.

Risk Management
  • Develop and implement risk management frameworks, tools, and processes in collaboration with Quality.
  • Lead cross-functional risk assessments to identify, evaluate, and mitigate operational, technical, and regulatory risks.
  • Monitor and communicate risk trends and key risk indicators to stakeholders.

Commercialization & Lifecycle Support
  • Support commercial manufacturing operations by ensuring processes remain in a validated and controlled state.
  • Contribute to lifecycle management activities, including process improvements and continued process verification.

Cross-functional Interface
  • Collaborate with Regulatory, CMC, Quality, Supply Chain, Procurement, and Engineering to support commercialization and supply continuity.
  • Partner with internal teams and external CMOs to ensure alignment on validation and risk strategies.

Technical Oversight
  • Provide guidance for validation of processes, systems, facilities, and methods within the commercial organization.
  • Support deviation investigations, ensuring timely resolution and sustained compliance.

Regulatory
  • Contribute to authoring and reviewing regulatory filings and responses to health authorities.
  • Effectively communicate the scientific and commercial rationale for validation and risk management strategies.

Process Validation & Comparability
  • Provide leadership for execution of process validation and comparabilityactivities, ensuring data integrity and compliance.

Raw Material & Network Support
  • Provide guidance on raw material qualification strategies to ensure supply reliability.
  • Support validation activities across internal and external manufacturing networks.

Communication & Leadership
  • Communicate process validation performance and risk insights to key stakeholders.
  • Build strong working relationships and influence across a matrixed organization.
  • Contribute as a key member of the Global MSAT organization to enable successful commercialization.
  • Travel - 10-30% domestic and international travel required.
Requirements:
  • Degree(s) in Chemical or Biochemical Engineering, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related discipline with a minimum of 9+ years of relevant experience for Ph.D., 11+ years for M.S./M.A., or 14+ years for B.S./B.A.
  • Strong experience in biologics/vaccine manufacturing, including:
    • Process validation (PPQ/CPV)
    • MSAT, technical operations, or late-stage development
  • Technology transfer and commercialization
  • Experience in quality risk management (ICH Q9) and regulatory expectations
  • Demonstrated leadership in matrixed or cross-functional team environments
  • Ability to apply deep technical knowledge to develop strategies and drive execution
  • Strong problem-solving, organizational, and strategic planning skills
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
  • Ability to analyze data and align stakeholders with organizational strategy
  • Innovative and entrepreneurial mindset to drive continuous improvement
  • An entrepreneurial and creative approach to developing new, innovative ideas that will stretch the organization and push the boundaries within the industry.

Reports to: Senior Director, Process Validation
Location: San Carlos, CA or North Carolina
Compensation:
The compensation package will be competitive and includes comprehensive benefits and an equity component.
Salary Range: $174,000 - $203,000 (SF Bay Area). Salary ranges for non-California locations may vary.
Equal Opportunity
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.
Recruitment Fraud Notice
Please be aware of fraud or scams from individuals, organizations and/or internet sites claiming to represent Vaxcyte in recruitment activities. Vaxcyte has an established recruitment process for all positions prior to issuing an offer for employment and we will never extend unsolicited employment offers or ask candidates to provide financial or sensitive personal information as part of the application process. All legitimate communication from Vaxcyte will come from an official @vaxcyte.com email address. Qualified and interested candidates should apply to current openings at vaxcyte.com/careers.
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About Vaxcyte

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Biotechnology research and development

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

San Carlos, CA, US

Year founded

2013

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