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Cell Therapy Process Development Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kite Pharma

Process Engineer III

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$115K - $149K/yr

Conduct cell therapy process development experiments using automated platforms. * Design and ... MS Degree in Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology ...

AstraZeneca

Process Engineer

Rockville, MD · On-site

- Process Engineer, Manufacturing Sciences & Technology, Cell Therapy Location: AstraZeneca ... This position will report to Director, MS&T, Cell Therapy Development and Operations. Key ...

AstraZeneca

Process Engineer

Rockville, MD · On-site

-Process Engineer, Manufacturing Sciences & Technology, Cell Therapy Location: AstraZeneca ... with cell therapy unit operations throughpreviousexperience in process development and/or ...

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Cell Therapy Process Development Engineer information

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$45.5K

$101.6K

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How much do cell therapy process development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for cell therapy process development engineer in the United States is $101,612.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,500.00 and $119,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Cell Therapy Process Development Engineer vs Cell Manufacturing Technician?

AspectCell Therapy Process Development EngineerCell Manufacturing Technician
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Biotechnology, Bioengineering, or related fields; experience in cell culture and process developmentHigh school diploma or associate degree; on-the-job training in manufacturing processes
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D settings, process optimization labsManufacturing floors, cleanrooms, production facilities
Industry UsageResearch, process development, scale-up activities in biotech and pharma companiesProduction, batch manufacturing, quality control in cell therapy manufacturing plants

The Cell Therapy Process Development Engineer focuses on developing and optimizing processes in labs, requiring advanced degrees and specialized skills. In contrast, the Cell Manufacturing Technician works on executing manufacturing processes on the production floor, often with less formal education. Both roles are essential in the cell therapy industry but differ in responsibilities, environment, and expertise level.

What are some common challenges faced by Cell Therapy Process Development Engineers when scaling up processes from the lab to clinical or commercial manufacturing?

Cell Therapy Process Development Engineers often encounter challenges when translating small-scale laboratory protocols to large-scale manufacturing, such as maintaining cell viability and product consistency. Ensuring reproducibility, meeting stringent regulatory requirements, and adapting to variations in raw materials are also key obstacles. Collaborating closely with quality assurance, manufacturing, and regulatory teams is vital to address these issues and develop robust, scalable processes that adhere to industry standards.

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

To thrive as a Cell Therapy Process Development Engineer, you need a strong background in biomedical engineering, cell biology, or a related field, often with advanced degrees and experience in cell culture techniques. Familiarity with bioprocessing equipment, automation systems, and regulatory standards such as GMP is typically required, along with knowledge of analytical tools for process characterization. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective collaboration are critical soft skills in this role. These competencies are essential to ensure robust, scalable, and compliant cell therapy manufacturing processes that meet quality and safety standards.

What does a Cell Therapy Process Development Engineer do?

A Cell Therapy Process Development Engineer is responsible for designing, optimizing, and scaling up processes used to manufacture cell-based therapies for clinical and commercial use. They work closely with research scientists, manufacturing teams, and quality assurance to ensure that cell therapy products are produced safely, efficiently, and consistently. Their work often includes developing protocols, troubleshooting production issues, implementing new technologies, and ensuring regulatory compliance in a highly controlled environment.
Infographic showing various Cell Therapy Process Development Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $101,612 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

Senior Scientist, Cell Therapy Process Development

GeneFab

Alameda, CA

$103K - $141K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

GeneFab is seeking a highly skilled Senior Scientist to join our Cell Therapy Process Development team in Alameda, CA. In this role, you will lead the design and optimization of integrated processes, bridging the gap between innovative synthetic biology and phase-appropriate cGMP manufacturing. If you have hands-on experience with automated cell processing and a passion for driving clinical readiness for next-generation genetic medicines, we want to hear from you.
Responsibilities:

  • Design and perform experiments to optimize integrated processes for cell therapy, including: evaluation of cell sources, isolation and activation of human immune cells, media optimization, viral/non-viral genetic modification, cell expansion, cell harvest/fill/finish, and cryopreservation. 

  • Cell therapy process scaleup, including: transition from open processes to closed automated systems, understanding analytical methods, using a Design of Experiments (DoE) approach, and evaluating process choices within a Quality by Design (QbD) framework 

  • Exploration of new technologies or materials for process scale-up or improvements with quality mindset leading to clinical or commercial readiness.  

  • Cross-functional collaborations in project teams to translate scientific understanding to development of phase appropriate cGMP cell therapy manufacturing unit operations. 

  • Lead the design, execution, and analysis of experimental studies for new manufacturing technologies and processes 

  • Author and review study protocols, technical reports, ELNs, regulatory submissions. 

  • Support authoring of key documentation to enable technology transfer (e.g. sampling plans, batch records, specifications, SOPs, FMEA, flow diagrams, etc.). 

  • Help coordinate sample management workflow across Process and Analytical Development teams and manage development database 

  • Serve as a technical resource/SME for GMP operations (e.g. root cause analyses and continuous improvement initiatives) 

  • Coordinate and prioritize tasks across multiple projects 

  • Maintain familiarity with current state-of-the-art related to cell therapy processes 

Qualifications:

  • BS/MS with 6+ years or PhD with 4+ years of experience in science/engineering of biopharmaceutical or cell/gene therapy process development and technology transfer  

  • Hands-on experience with automated cell processing units or platforms (i.e. bioreactors, automated cell wash, fill and finish) is critical.  

  • Experience developing and optimizing cell therapy processes for GMP production with quality mindset  

  • Strong technical writing and communication skills to support both development and tech transfer applications 

  • Strong critical thinking, organizational skills, ability to work in multi-functional project teams, and attention to detail  

  • Experience with various types of cell therapy products (i.e. CAR-T, CAR-NK, HSC, MSC) is preferred 

  • Experience with AI solutions for CGT processes and working with LIMS is a plus  

About GeneFab 
GeneFab is a contract manufacturing and synthetic biology biofoundry focused on cell and gene therapies. GeneFab was formed in 2023 with a vision to combine industry leading expertise in synthetic biology with advanced cGMP capabilities in order to accelerate the development and commercialization of genetic medicines. GeneFab offers its customers an extensive technology platform and know-how that spans early stage product design, technical development, and cGMP compliant production. GeneFab's technology platform includes bioinformatic-guided discovery of cell type promoters, directed evolution of small molecule-regulated gene switches, and the engineering of highly sensitive kill switches for enhanced safety and control of cellular therapies.

We are committed to an inclusive and diverse GeneFab. We believe that different perspectives lead to better ideas, and better ideas allow us to better understand the needs and interests of our diverse GeneFab team. We welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives and are an equal opportunity employer.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.