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Biotech Process Development Jobs in Santa Ana, CA

Syner-G

Staff Process Engineer

Tustin, CA · On-site

Technical Experience * 10-15+ years of experience in MSAT, process engineering, process development, technology transfer, or biologics manufacturing within biotechnology or pharmaceutical ...

Kinetic Personnel Group

Downstream Process

Tustin, CA · On-site

This role will partner with Manufacturing, Process Development, Quality, and MSAT teams to analyze ... Chemical Engineering Biochemistry Biology Biotechnology Biomedical Engineering Biochemical ...

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All JobsBiotech Process Development JobsBiotech Process Development Jobs in Santa Ana, CA

Biotech Process Development information

See Santa Ana, CA salary details

$19

$35

$51

How much do biotech process development jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for biotech process development in Santa Ana, CA is $35.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.75 and $43.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is biotech process development?

Biotech process development refers to the design, optimization, and scale-up of manufacturing processes used to produce biological products, such as pharmaceuticals, enzymes, or vaccines. Professionals in this field work to turn laboratory procedures into efficient, large-scale industrial processes that meet regulatory and quality standards. This often involves selecting suitable equipment, optimizing conditions, ensuring reproducibility, and troubleshooting production issues. The ultimate goal is to produce high-quality products safely, consistently, and cost-effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in biotech process development, and why are they important?

To excel in Biotech Process Development, you need a strong background in bioprocess engineering, molecular biology, and chemistry, typically supported by a degree in biotechnology or related fields. Familiarity with tools such as bioreactors, chromatography systems, and data analysis software, along with certifications in Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are crucial for optimizing processes, ensuring product quality, and driving innovation in the biotech industry.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in biotech process development, and how are they typically addressed?

Professionals in Biotech Process Development often encounter challenges related to scaling up processes from the laboratory to commercial production, ensuring product consistency, and meeting strict regulatory standards. Addressing these challenges typically involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams such as quality assurance, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing. Continuous process optimization, thorough documentation, and robust validation protocols are essential strategies to overcome these hurdles and ensure successful product development and commercialization.

What is the difference between Biotech Process Development vs Biotech Manufacturing Associate?

AspectBiotech Process DevelopmentBiotech Manufacturing Associate
Primary FocusDesigning, optimizing, and scaling up bioprocesses for product developmentExecuting manufacturing processes to produce biopharmaceuticals at scale
Work EnvironmentLaboratories and pilot plant facilitiesProduction floors and manufacturing plants
Required SkillsProcess design, lab techniques, troubleshootingEquipment operation, quality control, adherence to SOPs
Typical CredentialsBSc/MSc in Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, or related fieldsBSc in Biotechnology, Biology, or related fields

While both roles are essential in biotech, Biotech Process Development focuses on creating and optimizing processes during product development, whereas Biotech Manufacturing Associates handle the day-to-day production to ensure consistent product quality at scale.

What are popular job titles related to Biotech Process Development jobs in Santa Ana, CA?

For Biotech Process Development jobs in Santa Ana, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Biotech Process Development jobs in Santa Ana, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Biotech Process Development jobs in Santa Ana, CA are:

What cities near Santa Ana, CA are hiring for Biotech Process Development jobs?

Cities near Santa Ana, CA with the most Biotech Process Development job openings:

Biotech Process Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Biotech Process Development job openings in Santa Ana, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,904 per year, or $35 per hour.

Process Development Engineer - Torrance

Torrance, CA • On-site

PolyPeptide US
See more jobs at PolyPeptide USexternal

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Process Development Engineer
Location: Torrance, CA | Employment Type: Full-Time
Help Bring Peptide Manufacturing Processes from Development to Production
At PolyPeptide, we partner with pharmaceutical and biotech companies to support the development and manufacturing of peptide-based therapies. We are looking for a Development Scale-Up Engineer to help bridge the gap between process development and full-scale manufacturing.
This role is ideal for a technically strong chemical engineer who enjoys solving complex process challenges, working closely with chemists, and using data-driven approaches to improve yield, efficiency, throughput, and manufacturing performance.
About the Role
The Development Scale-Up Engineer will work closely with our chemists and process development teams to develop, optimize, scale up, and scale down unit operations used in peptide manufacturing. This position will support the transition of processes from laboratory scale to pilot and production scale while helping ensure safe, efficient, compliant, and reliable manufacturing outcomes.
In this role, you will apply chemical engineering principles, process modeling, data analysis, DOE, and continuous improvement methodologies to identify bottlenecks, reduce waste, improve yields, and support cost and capacity planning. Your work will directly contribute to PolyPeptide's commitment to delivering exceptional quality and on-time delivery to our customers.
What You Will Do
  • Scale up and scale down unit operations in peptide manufacturing, supporting the transition from laboratory to pilot and production scales.
  • Collaborate closely with chemists to understand process requirements, challenges, and constraints.
  • Support smooth process transfer from Process Development to full-scale manufacturing.
  • Apply data analysis and Design of Experiments to identify bottlenecks, reduce waste, and improve yields.
  • Develop steady-state process simulation models using physical property data to predict system performance under varying operating conditions.
  • Perform cost and capacity analyses to optimize production efficiency and material output across unit operations.
  • Support new product introductions and manufacturing transfer activities.
  • Improve process capability, yield, throughput, cycle time, and manufacturing costs.
  • Apply Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, DOE, SPC, and other continuous improvement tools.
  • Identify opportunities for automation, waste reduction, and increased manufacturing efficiency.
  • Ensure work is performed in compliance with safety, quality, regulatory, and company requirements.
  • Report directly to the Head of Process Development.

What We Are Looking For
Education and Experience
  • Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field required.
  • Experience in process development, scale-up, scale-down, or manufacturing support within a chemical, pharmaceutical, biotech, or related manufacturing environment.
  • Experience in peptide manufacturing is highly beneficial.
  • Experience working in a GMP-regulated environment and with quality systems preferred.
  • Experience supporting technology transfer, new product introduction, or manufacturing process optimization is a plus.

Technical Skills
  • Strong understanding of chemical engineering principles and unit operations.
  • Experience with peptide synthesis and purification, preferably in an industrial setting.
  • Knowledge of filtration, chromatography, crystallization, and other manufacturing unit operations.
  • Experience with scale-up and scale-down of chemical processes.
  • Ability to use data analysis, DOE, SPC, and process modeling to support process development and optimization.
  • Ability to perform cost, capacity, yield, throughput, and efficiency evaluations.
  • Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies preferred.

Skills and Competencies
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to translate development data into practical manufacturing solutions.
  • Strong collaboration skills and ability to work effectively with chemists, development teams, manufacturing, and cross-functional partners.
  • Clear communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts and process recommendations.
  • Ability to work independently while contributing to a team-based environment.
  • Detail-oriented approach with a focus on safety, quality, compliance, and operational excellence.

Why Join PolyPeptide?
This is an opportunity to play a key role in bringing complex peptide manufacturing processes from development into production. You will work at the intersection of chemistry, engineering, and manufacturing, helping improve processes that support the delivery of peptide-based therapies to customers and patients.
As a Development Scale-Up Engineer, your work will have a direct impact on process performance, production readiness, manufacturing efficiency, and successful product transfer. This role is a strong fit for someone who enjoys hands-on technical problem solving, process optimization, and cross-functional collaboration in a GMP manufacturing environment.
Join PolyPeptide and help support the development, optimization, and scale-up of peptide manufacturing processes that contribute to high-quality production and reliable delivery for our customers.
Salary: $85k - $105k
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Department Process Development Locations Torrance, CA

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