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Downstream Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Join Takeda as a Downstream Process Development, Engineer III. As a solid professional, you receive assignments with objectives and goals, providing guidance to employees based on established ...

Downstream Process Analytics Specialist Industry: Biopharmaceutical CDMO / Biologics Manufacturing ... Chemical Engineering Biochemistry Biology Biotechnology Biomedical Engineering Biochemical ...

Validation & Engineering Group, Inc. (V&EG) a Pinnaql company is a leading services supplier who ... Project Manager - Downstream Biologics Description: Leads capital projects within downstream ...

Validation & Engineering Group, Inc. (V&EG) a Pinnaql company is a leading services supplier who ... Project Manager - Downstream Biologics Description: Leads capital projects within downstream ...

Validation & Engineering Group, Inc. (V&EG) a Pinnaql company is a leading services supplier who ... Project Manager - Downstream Biologics Description: Leads capital projects within downstream ...

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Validation & Engineering Group, Inc. (V&EG) a Pinnaql company is a leading services supplier who ... Project Manager - Downstream Biologics Description: Leads capital projects within downstream ...

Validation & Engineering Group, Inc. (V&EG) a Pinnaql company is a leading services supplier who ... Project Manager - Downstream Biologics Description: Leads capital projects within downstream ...

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Downstream Engineer information

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$36.5K

$107.3K

$137.5K

How much do downstream engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for downstream engineer in the United States is $107,282.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,500.00 and $136,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Downstream Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical or petroleum engineering, process optimization, and industrial safety, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with process simulation software (like Aspen HYSYS or ChemCAD), industry standards, and certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and address operational challenges. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant operation of refining and petrochemical processes.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, software, or aerospace engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, managing large projects, or holding executive-level responsibilities.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. These roles typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve leadership or executive responsibilities.

What are Downstream Engineers?

Downstream Engineers are professionals who work in the downstream sector of the oil and gas industry, which involves the refining of crude oil, processing of raw natural gas, and the distribution and marketing of petroleum products. They are responsible for designing, operating, and optimizing processes in refineries and petrochemical plants to ensure efficient and safe production. Downstream Engineers also work on improving product quality, reducing environmental impact, and troubleshooting operational issues. Their roles often require strong knowledge of chemical engineering, process optimization, and safety regulations.

What is a downstream engineer?

A downstream engineer is responsible for the processing, refining, and distribution of oil, gas, or petrochemical products after extraction. They design and operate equipment such as pipelines, pumps, and separation units, often working with control systems and safety protocols to ensure efficient product delivery. Strong knowledge of process engineering, safety standards, and industry regulations is essential for this role.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the US, highly specialized roles such as senior executives, investment bankers, and certain specialized engineers, including some senior downstream engineers in the energy sector, can earn $500,000 or more annually. These positions often require extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes professional certifications, and compensation may include bonuses and stock options.

What are some common challenges faced by Downstream Engineers when optimizing refinery processes?

Downstream Engineers often face the challenge of balancing efficiency, safety, and environmental compliance while optimizing refinery processes. They must troubleshoot complex systems, identify bottlenecks, and implement solutions that maximize yield without compromising product quality or safety standards. Additionally, adapting to evolving regulations and integrating new technologies, such as digital process control systems, requires continuous learning and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. These challenges make the role dynamic and rewarding for engineers who enjoy problem-solving and innovation.
More about Downstream Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Downstream Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Downstream Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Downstream Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Downstream Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Downstream Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,282 per year, or $51.6 per hour.

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Takeda Pharmaceuticals rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 71 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

By clicking the "Apply" button, I understand that my employment application process with Takeda will commence and that the information I provide in my application will be processed in line with Takeda's Privacy Notice and Terms of Use. I further attest that all information I submit in my employment application is true to the best of my knowledge.
Job Description
Join Takeda as a Downstream Process Development, Engineer III. As a solid professional, you receive assignments with objectives and goals, providing guidance to employees based on established policies. Your work is reviewed by management to assess goal achievement and adherence to policies, with opportunities to recommend policy changes within your unit or sub-unit. You address moderate scope problems, applying judgment within defined procedures and policies, and act as an advisor when needed. Your role involves frequent use of industry practices and general knowledge, ensuring project completion on schedule, primarily liaising internally with subordinates and supervisors, with minimal external contacts and guidance.
About this role:
The Downstream Process Development Engineer III is responsible for supporting downstream biotherapeutics process development through hands-on purification and recovery experiments. In this individual contributor role, you will support process development across multiple scales, from micro scale through bench and pilot scale, and contribute to both early-stage and late-stage programs. You will work with more senior process engineers to plan and execute larger experiments, while also partnering with process development team members to generate data, maintain accurate records, and contribute to the development and optimization of downstream processes. As an Engineer III in downstream process development, you will contribute independently within established procedures, use sound judgment in routine problem solving, and support project delivery on schedule.
How you will contribute:
• Execute chromatography, harvest operations, ultrafiltration and diafiltration, and viral clearance experiments, with additional potential support of bioconjugation
• Support downstream process development across micro scale, bench scale, and pilot scale studies
• Maintain laboratory equipment and support routine readiness of instruments used in process development work
• Work with more senior process engineers to plan and execute larger experiments and study activities
• Document experimental work in electronic laboratory notebooks and maintain clear, complete, and timely records
• Perform basic data analysis to review trends, compare conditions, and support study conclusions
• Prepare technical summaries, study updates, and other written materials to share results and findings
• Follow established laboratory and process development procedures, including quality and safety requirements
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts by identifying ways to improve workflows, data capture, and experimental execution
• Assist with small projects or specific project tasks under close supervision
• Apply judgment within defined procedures and policies to address moderate scope problems and support timely project completion
• Serve as a reliable advisor to peers and junior team members when needed, while keeping work aligned with team goals and manager guidance
What you bring to Takeda:
• Bachelor's degree with 2 or more years of relevant experience, or master's degree with relevant experience, in chemical engineering, chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, or a related field
• Experience with chromatography, harvest, ultrafiltration and diafiltration, and viral clearance steps
• Some relevant experience in process development, protein purification, or a related laboratory setting
• Experience with basic bioprocess control systems
• Experience using electronic laboratory notebooks for study documentation and data entry
• Ability to perform basic data analysis and present results clearly in written form
• Familiarity with technical writing for laboratory reports or development documents
• Understanding of laboratory practices, process development methods, and quality requirements
• Ability to follow detailed procedures, maintain accurate records, and work under close supervision
• Comfort with emerging digital tools and openness to artificial intelligence-enabled processes that support data analysis, documentation, and workflow improvement
Important Considerations:
At Takeda, our patients rely on us to deliver quality products. As a result, we must follow strict rules in our manufacturing facilities to ensure we are not endangering the quality of the product. In this role, you may:
  • Work in a controlled environment requiring special gowning and wear protective clothing over the head, face, hands, feet and body. This may include additional hearing protection for loud areas.
  • Need to remove all make-up, jewelry, contact lenses, nail polish and/or artificial fingernails while in the manufacturing environment.
  • Work in a cold, wet environment.
  • Work multiple shifts, including weekends, or be asked to work supplemental hours, as necessary.
  • Work around chemicals such as alcohol, acids, buffers and Celite that may require respiratory protection.

More about us:
At Takeda, we are transforming patient care through the development of novel specialty pharmaceuticals and best in class patient support programs. Takeda is a patient-focused company that will inspire and empower you to grow through life-changing work.
Certified as a Global Top Employer, Takeda offers stimulating careers, encourages innovation, and strives for excellence in everything we do. We foster an inclusive, collaborative workplace, in which our teams are united by an unwavering commitment to deliver Better Health and a Brighter Future to people around the world.
#GMSGQ #ZR1 #LI-MA1
Takeda Compensation and Benefits Summary
We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. We are committed to equitable pay for all employees, and we strive to be more transparent with our pay practices.
For Location:
Lexington, MA
U.S. Base Salary Range:
$89,900.00 - $141,240.00
The estimated salary range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The actual base salary offered may depend on a variety of factors, including the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job. The actual base salary offered will be in accordance with state or local minimum wage requirements for the job location.
U.S. based employees may be eligible for short-term and/ or long-term incentives. U.S. based employees may be eligible to participate in medical, dental, vision insurance, a 401(k) plan and company match, short-term and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, a tuition reimbursement program, paid volunteer time off, company holidays, and well-being benefits, among others. U.S. based employees are also eligible to receive, per calendar year, up to 80 hours of sick time, and new hires are eligible to accrue up to 120 hours of paid vacation.
EEO Statement
Takeda is proud in its commitment to creating a diverse workforce and providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, national origin, age, disability, citizenship status, genetic information or characteristics, marital status, status as a Vietnam era veteran, special disabled veteran, or other protected veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, and any other characteristic protected by law.
Locations
Lexington, MA
Worker Type
Employee
Worker Sub-Type
Regular
Time Type
Full time
Job Exempt
Yes
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

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