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Biochemical Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

$117K - $184K/yr

Bachelor or Master degree in, biology, biochemistry, biochemical engineering, biological systems engineering, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, computer science, integrated science or ...

S. in Engineering discipline (Chemical /Biochemical strongly preferred) * 7 to 10 years' experience in cGMP, 21CFR Part 820, 21CFR Part 210 and 211, and/or Pharmaceutical manufacturing. Specific ...

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline. * Minimum 5 years of experience in drug substance/API ...

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline. * Minimum 5 years of experience in Drug Product/SDI ...

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline. * Minimum 5 years of experience in Drug Product/SDI ...

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline.Minimum 5 years of experience in drug substance/API ...

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline.Minimum 5 years of experience in Drug Product/SDI ...

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Biochemical Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$24

$29

$34

How much do biochemical engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for biochemical engineer in Virginia is $29.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.16 and $31.20 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.

What are popular job titles related to Biochemical Engineer jobs in VA?

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

Infographic showing various Biochemical Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Temporary. Highlights an 74% In-person, and 26% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,972 per year, or $29.3 per hour.

Senior Specialist, Engineering- Validation

Merck & Co.

$117K - $184K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Merck rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Job DescriptionPrimary Responsibilities Providing a leadership and technical supportive role in the areas of Steam Sterilization, Dry Heat Depyrogenation, Steam Decontamination, Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide Decontamination, Controlled Temperature Unit Temperature Mapping and Warehouse Temperature Mapping Performance Qualification Validation activities (but not limited to);Scheduling and executing PQ Validation activitiesScheduling and managing PQ protocol close-outsPerforming technical investigations and analysesDriving to and recommending corrective actions and seeing them through to successful/sustainable implementationReviewing procedural revisions to be compliant with regulatory expectationsData analysis and Second Person ReviewTroubleshooting activities associated with all aspects of PQ executionFinal report and procedure writing and reviewChange control evaluation / implementationQMS evaluation / alignmentSME presentation to regulatory inspectorsDirectly interfacing with Project / IPT customers to manage pinches / challengesMaintain team accomplishment metrics and present as neededManage of team of Contractors and / or P1 and P2 employees (including but not limited too)Justifying appropriate team headcountAuthoring job postings / conducting interviews / evaluating candidates as neededAssigning / Assisting with prioritization of work responsibilitiesEvaluating performance and providing regular feedbackSponsoring employee growth and developmental opportunities through routine 1:1 developmental coachingParticipating in Year End assessment activities as applicableSponsoring the team to achieve Safety and Quality compliance excellenceMultiple opportunities will be provided to stream-line team performance and effectivenessMultiple opportunities will be provided to grow as both a SME and people managerEducation Minimum Requirement:Bachelor or Master degree in, biology, biochemistry, biochemical engineering, biological systems engineering, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, computer science, integrated science or related life science or engineering disciplineRequired Experience and SkillsMinimum five (5) years of pharmaceutical manufacturing industryWorking in a cGMP environmentEffective problem-solving skills and a hands-on approach to problem solving, with a bias toward going to see problems for oneself in the field-Excellent technical, organizational, interpersonal, collaborative, and verbal/written communicationAbility to examine an issue from diverse perspectives (safety, compliance, maintenance, automation, equipment, process, and people) in order to best understand and resolve itEnthusiasm, confidence and initiative-taking ability needed for continuous learning and its applicationsWillingness to work as a contributing member of a dynamic team of individualsExperience acting as a team leaderKnowledge and/or experience in: CTU/WH qualification / validation; Dry Heat Depyrogenation qualification / validation; Steam Sterilization / Sanitization qualification / validation; VHP Decontamination qualification / validationRequired Skills: Biochemistry, Biopharmaceutical Industry, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Steam Sterilization, Sterilization, Sterilization Validation, Temperature Mapping, ValidationPreferred Skills: Current Employees apply HERE Current Contingent Workers apply HERE US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process. As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.--As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.- For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:EEOC Know Your Rights EEOC GINA Supplement• We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another's thinking and approach problems collectively.Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts The salary range for this role is $117,000.00 - $184,200.00This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.We offer a comprehensive package of benefits.- Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits .You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting. San Francisco Residents Only: -We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance Los Angeles Residents Only: -We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully-Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. -No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.-Employee Status: RegularRelocation:DomesticVISA Sponsorship:No Travel Requirements: No Travel RequiredFlexible Work Arrangements:Not ApplicableShift:1st - DayValid Driving License:NoHazardous Material(s):n/aJob Posting End Date:08/25/2026 *A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE -the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date. Requisition ID:R411172 Salary: . Date posted: 08/21/2026

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