ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Bioprocess Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Biosphere

Open Application

Oakland, CA · On-site

Whether your background is in bioprocess engineering, synthetic biology, automation, operations, manufacturing, business development, or something unexpected, please reach out. Who We're Looking For

Biosphere

Open Application

Oakland, CA

Whether your background is in bioprocess engineering, synthetic biology, automation, operations, manufacturing, business development, or something unexpected, please reach out. Who We're Looking For

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsBioprocess Engineer Jobs

Bioprocess Engineer information

See salary details

$11K

$83K

$113.5K

How much do bioprocess engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for bioprocess engineer in the United States is $82,999.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $102,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is Bioprocess Engineering?

A bioprocess engineer uses biological materials to create a variety of products. As a bioprocess engineer, you apply your biology and chemistry skills to create foods, products used in the agriculture industry, biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and water filtration systems, among other products. Qualifications for this career depend on the specific duties of a job, but you should obtain at least a bachelor’s degree in biology or chemistry. Most bioprocess engineers go on to pursue a graduate degree as well. You also need experience in a laboratory setting. The biotechnology field is growing quickly, so an entry-level engineer job in the field is perfect for those looking to pursue this a career in this industry.

What is the difference between Bioprocess Engineer vs Process Development Scientist?

AspectBioprocess EngineerProcess Development Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Bioengineering, Biotechnology, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Bioengineering, Biotechnology, or related fields
Work EnvironmentManufacturing facilities, production lines, biotech companiesResearch labs, R&D departments, biotech firms
Employer & Industry UsageBiotech, pharmaceutical manufacturing, contract manufacturing organizationsBiotech, pharmaceutical R&D, research institutions
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work in biotech environments, Bioprocess Engineers focus on scaling up and optimizing manufacturing processes, whereas Process Development Scientists concentrate on developing and refining processes during early research stages. Understanding these differences helps professionals choose the right career path or job search focus.

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

To thrive as a Bioprocess Engineer, you need a strong background in chemical or biochemical engineering, with expertise in cell culture, fermentation, and process optimization, usually backed by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with bioprocess simulation software, laboratory automation tools, and regulatory standards like GMP is critical. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure efficient development and scaling of bioprocesses, compliance with quality standards, and successful collaboration in biomanufacturing environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Bioprocess Engineers when scaling up production from the lab to industrial levels?

Bioprocess Engineers often encounter challenges when scaling up processes, such as maintaining product quality and consistency, optimizing yield, and ensuring efficient mixing and mass transfer in larger bioreactors. Unexpected issues like contamination risks and differences in process dynamics can arise at larger scales, requiring close collaboration with quality assurance, manufacturing, and R&D teams. Successful scale-up demands strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and a thorough understanding of both biological and engineering principles.

What does a Bioprocess Engineer do?

A Bioprocess Engineer designs and optimizes processes that use living cells or their components, such as bacteria or enzymes, to produce products like pharmaceuticals, biofuels, and food ingredients. Their work involves scaling up laboratory processes to industrial production, ensuring efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance. They collaborate with scientists, production teams, and quality assurance to troubleshoot issues and improve yields. Bioprocess Engineers play a critical role in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries by bridging the gap between research and manufacturing.
More about Bioprocess Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Bioprocess Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Bioprocess Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Bioprocess Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Bioprocess Engineer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Bioprocess Engineer jobs? The top employers for Bioprocess Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Bioprocess Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Bioprocess Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Bioprocess Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Bioprocess Engineer jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Bioprocess Engineer jobs? For Bioprocess Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Bioprocess Engineer jobs near you
Lead Bioprocess Development Engineer

Lead Bioprocess Development Engineer

Switch Bioworks

San Carlos, CA • On-site

$120K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

About Switch Bioworks
Based in San Carlos, CA, Switch Bioworks is redefining bioproduction through programmable microbes. Beginning with agriculture, we are developing nitrogen-fixing microbial consortia that live directly on crop roots. This replaces expensive, carbon-intensive synthetic fertilizers with a living alternative that reshapes the economics and sustainability of farming.
Our edge lies in our namesake "switches" - synthetic biology control systems that activate microbial production only when and where it's needed. By combining microbial ecology with advanced genetic control systems, Switch is building a biological platform with the potential to transform agriculture and a wide range of industrial bioproduction applications.
Our mission is simple: improve planetary health while reducing fertilizer costs at the farm gate. Learn more at www.switchbioworks.com
About the position
As the Lead Bioprocess Development Engineer, you will lead the development of fermentation, recovery, and formulation processes for Switch's engineered microbial products. We are looking for a hands-on technical leader to own this work stream, manage a small team, and strategically contribute to cross-functional R&D leadership. The position is responsible for the development of scalable processes for the cost-effective manufacture of viable, stabilized, regulatory compliant, biological products, their transfer to CMOs, and their deployment internally for the generation of test materials to support growth chamber, greenhouse, and field studies.
Objectives and responsibilities
  • Fermentation Leadership: Source, equip, and operate lab-scale stirred-tank bioreactors (STRs) to develop robust and scalable high-cell density fermentation processes for microbial products.
  • Engineering Analysis: Design and execute rigorous quantitative physiology studies to establish scalable media compositions and feeding strategies, mass and energy balances, mixing and oxygen transfer requirements, etc. Develop and own process techno-economic analysis (TEA).
  • Recovery & Formulation: Develop scalable downstream processes (DSP) including cell recovery, drying, stabilization, and blending of live microbes for long-term shelf-life and deployment into the field.
  • Process Scale-up: Own process description and flow diagrams, manage relationships and lead technology transfer for scale-up and manufacturing with CRO and CMOs, review batch records, and participate in on-site troubleshooting as required.
  • Trial Support: Prepare and stabilize high-quality microbial materials to support time-sensitive Greenhouse and Field Trial applications.
  • Management: Support, mentor, and guide team member activities and career development. Contribute to the cross-functional strategic leadership team.

Characteristics of a successful candidate
  • Must be authorized to work full-time in the U.S. and able to work on-site daily in San Carlos, CA, and travel out of state for several days as required from time to time.
  • Deep technical mastery of stirred-tank bioreactor operations, control systems, and monitoring, and analytics.
  • Expert biochemical engineer with deep understanding of microbial physiology and industrial fermentation process development.
  • Experience with industrial biomass recovery and formulation unit operations, including centrifugation, filtration, spray drying, lyophilization, and powder blending.
  • Strong interpersonal and cross-functional leadership skills; able to bridge the gap between synthetic biology, industrial manufacturing, science, engineering, and business.
  • An "owner" mindset with the ability to troubleshoot mechanical hardware, analyze complex datasets, drive independent projects in a fast-paced startup environment, and influence across an organization.
  • Exceptional organizational skills for managing external vendors and complex tech transfer timelines.
  • Demonstrated ability to operate under EHS and regulatory guidelines.

Preferred Qualifications
  • B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Microbiology, or a related discipline.
  • 5-8 years of industrial experience in bioprocess development, with an emphasis on live bacterial products (Ag-Bio or Probiotics preferred).
  • Experience in stabilization and formulation (e.g., spray drying, freeze drying) is considered a significant asset.
  • Proficiency in statistical analysis software (JMP, Python, or R) and process modeling.
  • Demonstrated success in managing tech transfer to external CMOs.

Expected salary range
$120,000-155,000
Salary and Title commensurate with experience

Apply