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Biotech Process Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Engineer, Biotech

Thousand Oaks, CA · On-site

$40 - $44/hr

... process attributes for new equipment or facility modifications. * Suggest design modifications to address risks and design in quality and safety. * Develop the commissioning strategy based on the URS ...

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Biotech Process Engineer information

See California salary details

$48.9K

$90.8K

$140.6K

How much do biotech process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for biotech process engineer in California is $90,813.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $101,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior biotech process engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in bioprocessing, and leadership roles can earn $300,000 or more annually. High compensation is often associated with working in specialized areas, managing large-scale production, or holding executive-level responsibilities in the biotech industry.

What is process engineering in biotechnology?

Process engineering in biotechnology involves designing, developing, and optimizing manufacturing processes for biological products such as pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and biofuels. Biotech process engineers work with equipment like bioreactors and use techniques such as fermentation and purification to ensure efficient, scalable, and compliant production. They often require knowledge of chemical engineering principles, laboratory skills, and familiarity with regulatory standards.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior biotech process engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in bioprocessing, and leadership roles can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000, especially in high-cost-of-living areas or with bonuses and stock options. Such compensation typically requires a combination of technical expertise, management responsibilities, and industry demand.

What is the difference between Biotech Process Engineer vs Biotech Manufacturing Technician?

AspectBiotech Process EngineerBiotech Manufacturing Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in biotech, chemical engineering, or related field; often requires experience in process designAssociate's or bachelor's degree; focus on operational skills and equipment handling
Work EnvironmentDesigning, optimizing, and overseeing production processes in labs or manufacturing facilitiesOperating and maintaining equipment on the manufacturing floor
Job FocusProcess development, scale-up, troubleshooting, and process improvementExecuting production tasks, quality checks, and equipment setup

Biotech Process Engineers focus on designing and improving manufacturing processes, requiring technical and analytical skills. In contrast, Biotech Manufacturing Technicians handle day-to-day production operations. Both roles are essential in biotech manufacturing but differ in responsibilities and required qualifications.

What are some common challenges faced by Biotech Process Engineers during scale-up from laboratory to production?

Biotech Process Engineers often encounter challenges when scaling up processes from laboratory or pilot scale to full production. These challenges can include maintaining product consistency, ensuring process sterility, and adapting equipment to handle larger volumes without compromising yield or quality. Engineers must also collaborate closely with cross-functional teams such as quality assurance, validation, and manufacturing to implement changes efficiently and adhere to regulatory standards. Proactive problem-solving and strong communication skills are key to overcoming these hurdles and ensuring successful technology transfer.

What does a Biotech Process Engineer do?

A Biotech Process Engineer designs, develops, and optimizes processes used in the production of biological products such as pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and biofuels. They work closely with scientists and manufacturing teams to scale up lab procedures to industrial levels while ensuring product quality and regulatory compliance. Their role often involves troubleshooting equipment, improving efficiency, and implementing new technologies within biotech manufacturing environments.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Biotech process engineers can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced degrees, or leadership roles in the industry. High salaries are often associated with senior positions, specialized skills in bioprocessing, and working in competitive biotech or pharmaceutical companies.

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

To thrive as a Biotech Process Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical or biochemical engineering, process design, and regulatory compliance, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with process control systems, bioprocess simulation software, and industry-standard quality systems such as cGMP is essential. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in cross-functional environments. These skills ensure efficient, compliant, and innovative bioprocess operations, which are critical for product quality and organizational success.
What are popular job titles related to Biotech Process Engineer jobs in California? For Biotech Process Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Biotech Process Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Biotech Process Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Biotech Process Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, and 24% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $90,813 per year, or $43.7 per hour.
Drug Substance/Product Process Engineer, Tech Transfer - Biopharma (JP15405)

Drug Substance/Product Process Engineer, Tech Transfer - Biopharma (JP15405)

3 Key Consulting

Thousand Oaks, CA • Hybrid

$43 - $47/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Be an early applicant


Job description

Job Title: Drug Substance/Product Process Engineer, Tech Transfer - Biopharma (JP15405)
Location: Thousand Oaks, CA (Hybrid)
Employment Type: Contract
Business Unit: Process Engineering
Duration: 1+ years with possible extensions and/or conversion to permanent
Posting Date: 5/21/2026
Pay Rate: $43 - $47/hour W2
Notes: Hybrid | 2 Days onsite , 3 days remote per week
3 Key Consulting is hiring an Engineer for a consulting engagement with our direct client, a leading global biopharmaceutical company.
Job Description:
As a member of the process development team, the candidate will be focused on supporting senior staff to develop and characterize drug product technologies and manufacturing capabilities, as well as assist in the process validation and technology transfer of multiple products to internal manufacturing sites. The candidate will be responsible for executing characterization studies and other experiments at the lab-scale and production scale to generate technical data packages using complex technology, while organizing data and analyzing results under supervision of senior staff. The candidate will be responsible for liaising with various drug product teams to ensure successful technology transfer, with associated documentation, of company products. The candidate will assist in study design, develop and execute protocols, obtain reproducible and reliable results, analyze and document experimental results, and communicate results to cross-functional groups. The candidate will also be responsible for developing and maintaining trackers for project status and other key outputs for the team.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Apply fundamental engineering and scientific principles to resolve issues and evaluate effects of process improvements, equipment, scale, and raw materials.
  • Assist in the design and execution of experiments to characterize and enable implementation of new capabilities and process changes such as filling, lyophilization and analytical technologies.
  • Support technology transfer leads during the transfer of drug products into manufacturing sites (clinical and commercial), including make-a-batch exercises, process transfer documents, and change control assessments.
  • Support development of technology transfer tools (clinical and commercial) and automation of routine activities.
  • Effectively communicate results of characterization studies, experimental execution, and technology transfer initiatives.
  • Author/review/data verify technical documents, such as technical protocols, technical assessments, technical reports and draft standard operating procedures
  • Conduct analysis of data generated, including statistical analysis using Minitab, JMP etc.
  • Development of digital tools and models by leveraging data analytics and programming skills, and AI

Preferred Qualifications:
  • B.S. in engineering or biotechnology discipline with 1‒3 years’ experience or M.S. in engineering or biotechnology discipline with 0‒2 years’ experience
  • Familiarity with cGMP and experience in drug products / drug substance manufacturing or process development
  • Knowledge of and hands-on experience with various drug product technologies
  • Displayed critical thinking, problem solving and independent research skills
  • Ability to learn new techniques, perform multiple tasks, keep accurate records, follow instructions, and comply with company policies
  • Excellent project management skills and ability to elevate relevant issues to project lead and line-management
  • Strong cross functional team player with good communication skills (oral and written)
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team with internal and external partners
  • Good computer and organizational skills with strong attention to detail
  • Self-motivated with a positive attitude

Why is the Position Open?
Supplement additional workload on team.
Top Must Have Skills:
  • Strong cross functional team player with good communication skills (oral and written).
  • Good computer and organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
  • Strong technical/engineering background with critical thinking, problem solving and independent research skills. Team player and self starter.
 
Day to Day Responsibilities:
  • Author, review, and data verify documents related to drug product tech transfers
  • Collaborate with team members to develop and maintain trackers for key performance indicators
  • Participate in study design and execution of experiments

Red Flags:
  1. High frequency of job changes
  2. Overqualified for the role

Interview process:
Phone interviews. Available to start with interviews.
We invite qualified candidates to send your resume to resumes@3keyconsulting.com.  If you decide that you’re not interested in pursuing this particular position, please feel free to take a look at the other positions on our website www.3keyconsulting.com/careers. You are also welcome to share this opportunity with anyone you think might be interested in applying for this role.