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Biotech Operations Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Supply Chain Specialist

Camarillo, CA · On-site

$38.86 - $49.18/hr

Operations Reports to: Principal Planner, Supply Chain & OperationsAbout PBS Biotech At PBS Biotech, we are advancing the future of cell therapy manufacturing through innovative bioreactor technology.

Operations Reports to: Principal Planner, Supply Chain & Operations About PBS Biotech At PBS Biotech, we are advancing the future of cell therapy manufacturing through innovative bioreactor ...

Engineer, Biotech

Thousand Oaks, CA · On-site

$40 - $44/hr

Engineer, Biotech Location: Thousand Oaks, CA. Employment Type: Contract Duration: 12 months with ... the operation and reliability of equipment while driving safety and quality compliance. The ...

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Biotech Operations information

See California salary details

$11

$25

$52

How much do biotech operations jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for biotech operations in California is $25.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $29.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Biotech Operations, and why are they important?

Thriving in Biotech Operations requires a solid background in life sciences or engineering, experience with regulatory compliance, and a relevant degree such as a B.S. or M.S. in biotechnology or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), quality management systems (QMS), and certifications like Six Sigma or GMP training are highly valuable. Excellent problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and strong collaboration skills help individuals excel and adapt in dynamic environments. These competencies are essential for ensuring operational efficiency, regulatory adherence, and successful product development in the biotech industry.

What are some common challenges faced in Biotech Operations, and how can new team members effectively navigate them?

Biotech Operations professionals often encounter challenges such as stringent regulatory compliance, maintaining production timelines, and managing cross-functional communication between research, quality, and manufacturing teams. New team members can navigate these challenges by proactively seeking mentorship, staying organized with project management tools, and maintaining open communication channels with colleagues in related departments. Embracing a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability is also crucial, as processes and technologies in biotech are constantly evolving.

What are biotech operations?

Biotech operations refer to the management and coordination of processes involved in developing, manufacturing, and distributing biotechnology products. This includes overseeing laboratory research, quality control, regulatory compliance, production scaling, and supply chain logistics. Professionals in biotech operations ensure that products such as pharmaceuticals, vaccines, or genetically engineered organisms are produced safely, efficiently, and in compliance with industry standards. Their work is critical in bringing scientific discoveries from the lab to market and ultimately to patients or consumers.

What is the difference between Biotech Operations vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectBiotech OperationsLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in biotech, biology, or related field; sometimes certifications in GMP or quality assuranceAssociate's or bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or related field; lab safety certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing facilities, quality control labs, production linesResearch labs, clinical labs, testing facilities
Employer & Industry UsageBiotech companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, biotech startupsResearch institutions, hospitals, biotech and pharma labs

Biotech Operations roles focus on managing production processes, quality assurance, and ensuring compliance in manufacturing settings. Laboratory Technicians primarily perform experiments, testing, and data collection in research or clinical labs. While both roles require scientific knowledge, Biotech Operations emphasizes process management and compliance, whereas Laboratory Technicians focus on hands-on lab work and data analysis.

What cities in California are hiring for Biotech Operations jobs? Cities in California with the most Biotech Operations job openings:
Infographic showing various Biotech Operations job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $53,874 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

Engineer II - Frontline Engineering (Downstream Operations)

Lonza

Vacaville, CA • On-site

$95K - $153K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Lonza rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 70 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Engineer ll - Frontline Engineering

Location: Vacaville, California

Play a critical role at the heart of biopharmaceutical manufacturing, directly supporting lifesaving drug production. As a Frontline Engineer, you will act as a system and equipment subject matter expert, solving complex technical challenges, driving continuous improvement, and ensuring manufacturing readiness in a GMP-regulated environment.

What you will get:

The full-time base annual salary for this position is expected to range between $95,000-$153,000. In addition, below you will find a comprehensive summary of the benefits package we offer:

  • Performance-related bonus

  • Medical, dental and vision insurance

  • 401(k) matching plan

  • Life insurance, as well as short-term and long-term disability insurance

  • Employee assistance programs

  • Paid Time Off

Compensation for this role will be determined by the candidate's qualifications, skills, experience, and relevant knowledge.

What you will do:

  • Directly support 24/7 manufacturing operations as a system and equipment SME, ensuring systems are fit for purpose and ready for use.

  • Investigate and assess complex unplanned events, applying structured problem solving and root cause analysis to deliver sustainable solutions.

  • Lead and manage small to medium-sized improvement projects, driving operational excellence and reliability.

  • Partner crossfunctionally with Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, Engineering, Maintenance, MSAT, Automation, and EHS to deliver on production schedules.

  • Provide SME support for startup, commissioning, and qualification of new equipment and systems, including oncall support as required.

  • Analyze equipment and process data to identify trends, recommend improvements, and lead implementation activities.

  • Support CAPEX projects and New Product Transfers, contributing technical expertise from conceptual design through qualification.

What we are looking for:

  • Bachelor's degree (or equivalent practical experience) in Engineering, Biotech, Operations, or a related field.

  • Strong experience supporting pharmaceutical or biotech manufacturing equipment and systems in a GMP-regulated environment.

  • Hands-on experience in downstream biopharmaceutical manufacturing operations within a commercial GMP facility, supporting equipment and processes such as chromatography, viral filtration, ultrafiltration/diafiltration, or bulk drug substance operations.

  • Demonstrated project leadership skills with experience delivering improvements and system changes.

  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence crossfunctional stakeholders.

  • Proficiency with tools such as SAP, MS Office, P&IDs, and data visualization tools preferred.

About Lonza

At Lonza, our people are our greatest strength. With 30+ sites across five continents, our globally connected teams work together every day to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow. Our core values of Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion and Integrity reflect who we are and how we work together. Everyone's ideas, big or small, have the potential to improve millions of lives, and that's the kind of work we want you to be part of.

Innovation thrives when people from all backgrounds bring their unique perspectives to the table. At Lonza, we offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you're ready to help turn our customers' breakthrough ideas into viable therapies, we look forward to welcoming you on board.

Ready to shape the future of life sciences? Apply now.


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