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Downstream Manufacturing Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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ob description Upstream, Formulation & Downstream Manufacturing Associate Location: Tustin, CA Industry: Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Schedule: 5:00PM - 2:00AM Employment Type: Full-Time Position ...

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ob description Upstream, Formulation & Downstream Manufacturing Associate Location: Tustin, CA Industry: Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Schedule: 5:00PM - 2:00AM Employment Type: Full-Time Position ...

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Downstream Manufacturing Associate information

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How much do downstream manufacturing associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for downstream manufacturing associate in the United States is $20.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $23.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a downstream manufacturing associate?

Downstream Manufacturing Associates are professionals who work in the later stages of biopharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturing processes. Their main responsibilities involve purifying and processing biological products after the initial production phase, often using techniques like filtration and chromatography. They ensure the quality and safety of the final product by following strict protocols and maintaining detailed documentation. Downstream associates often work in cleanroom environments and collaborate with other teams to meet production goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a downstream manufacturing associate?

To thrive as a Downstream Manufacturing Associate, you need a solid understanding of bioprocessing, protein purification, and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards, often gained through a degree in life sciences or related field. Familiarity with chromatography systems, filtration technologies, and process automation tools is typically required, alongside relevant safety certifications. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong problem-solving skills are valued soft skills in this role. These qualifications are essential for ensuring the efficient, safe, and compliant production of biopharmaceutical products.

What are some typical challenges faced by downstream manufacturing associates, and how can they be addressed?

Downstream Manufacturing Associates often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict adherence to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), troubleshooting equipment issues, and ensuring consistent product quality during purification and filtration processes. These challenges can be addressed through thorough training, clear documentation, and effective communication within the team. Collaborating closely with upstream teams and quality control helps resolve issues quickly and ensures smooth workflow. Staying detail-oriented and proactive in identifying potential bottlenecks also contributes to success in this role.

What is the difference between Downstream Manufacturing Associate vs Upstream Manufacturing Associate?

AspectDownstream Manufacturing AssociateUpstream Manufacturing Associate
Primary ResponsibilitiesPurifies, filters, and processes final product batchesPrepares raw materials and manages initial production stages
Work EnvironmentCleanroom, laboratory, manufacturing floorManufacturing plant, laboratory, production line
Required CertificationsGMP training, OSHA safety certificationsGMP training, OSHA safety certifications
Industry UsagePharmaceutical, biotech manufacturingPharmaceutical, biotech manufacturing

Downstream Manufacturing Associates focus on final product purification and processing, while Upstream Manufacturing Associates handle raw material preparation and initial production. Both roles are essential in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, often requiring similar certifications and working in related environments.

What cities are hiring for Downstream Manufacturing Associate jobs?

Cities with the most Downstream Manufacturing Associate job openings:

What states have the most Downstream Manufacturing Associate jobs?

States with the most job openings for Downstream Manufacturing Associate jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Downstream Manufacturing Associate jobs?

For Downstream Manufacturing Associate jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Downstream Manufacturing Associate job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,341 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Downstream Manufacturing Associate III

San Antonio, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Oversee daily downstream processing operations, including microbial fermentation, cell culture, and bulk fill activities.

  • Operate and support chromatographic, filtration, and utility systems, ensuring proper execution and documentation.

  • Author, review, and revise SOPs, work instructions, and batch records to ensure compliance with GMP and regulatory standards.


Job description

Description:

TITLE: Downstream Manufacturing Associate III

REPORTS TO: Downstream Supervisor, Manufacturing

LOCATION: San Antonio, Texas (On-site)


The Company

Velocity Bioworks is a U.S.-based biopharma CDMO headquartered in San Antonio, Texas supporting funded programs as they move from development into manufacturing for clinical trials. We collaborate with sponsors who are past exploration and are ready to apply discipline, structure, and technical rigor to development, analytics, and manufacturing. 


Velocity is built to accelerate speed to clinic through aligned execution. Our work focuses on translating defined program goals into scalable manufacturing processes and robust analytical strategies. These activities are designed to support near-term clinical timelines while meeting quality requirements. We operate where quality and execution directly influence clinical and business progress.


Position Summary

Reporting directly to the Downstream Supervisor, the Downstream Manufacturing Associate III will be responsible for overseeing daily operations related to downstream processing in a CGMP-compliant biologics environment. An ideal candidate must have strong experience in downstream manufacturing, process execution, and the operation of qualified manufacturing equipment. Strong understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP) and Regulatory Guidelines, strict attention to detail, high-quality customer service skills, sound judgment and ability to escalate issues appropriately, and the ability to work well and collaborate in cross-functional teams at Velocity Bioworks .


Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing Operations

  • Execute and document batch records in compliance with GDP.
  • Support daily manufacturing for clinical and commercial programs.
  • Microbial fermentation and/or mammalian cell culture knowledge required.
  • Perform Drug Substance bulk fill or vial fill using aseptic techniques.
  • Operate autoclave systems and manage sample handling.
  • Support and execute routine cleanroom cleaning activities.

Downstream Processing

  • Operate bench to large-scale chromatographic systems.
  • Operate bench to large-scale filtration systems (TFF, depth, and sterilizing-grade filtration).
  • Pack and evaluate chromatography columns.
  • Author and review Unicorn methods.
  • Use pH/conductivity meters, balances, welders, sealers, etc. 
  • Safely handle utility units.
  • Manual filtrations, and integrity testing 
  • Solution preparation using jacketed and non-jacketed mixing units.

Documentation and Compliance

  • Author, revise, and review SOPs, work instructions, forms, and batch records.
  • Ensure adherence to equipment calibration and preventative maintenance programs.
  • Support deviation/investigation, CAPA resolution, and change control implementations.
  • Maintain client and company confidentiality.
  • Oversee execution of shift activities to ensure alignment with the established manufacturing schedule.

Cross-functional Collaboration

  • Provide input and feedback to the Process Sciences/Technical Transfer team during development, scale-up, and transfer.
  • Adhere to and promote safety policies across teams.
  • Interact with external vendors or suppliers.
  • Review Bill of materials and technical transfer collaboration documents.
  • Support facilities and equipment validation in ensuring proper functionality of the equipment.


Requirements:


Education and Experience

Shall have education, training, and experience, or any combination thereof.

  • Associate’s, BS, or MS from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a Scientific- or Engineering-related discipline preferred.
  • Experience working in a GMP manufacturing environment is essential.
  • Manufacturing processes in microbial and mammalian production systems is required.
  • Requires 5+ years (AS/BS) or 3+ years (MS) of biomanufacturing experience.
  • Requires a strong background in CGMP principles and Quality Management Systems.

Knowledge and Skills

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong presentation skills as this role requires the ability to communicate and connect with all levels of the organization.
  • Critical and analytical thinking, analytical ability, good judgment, ethics, professional presence, interdepartmental collaboration, and demeanor are traits of successful manufacturing technicians.
  • Must demonstrate proper writing and PC skills with a knowledge base in Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Must maintain a working knowledge of commercial CGMP’s and phase-appropriate CGMP’s as they apply to various phases of clinical and commercial manufacturing.
  • Must obtain a working knowledge of current global regulatory requirements and guidelines and perform within all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and policies. 
  • Ability to take responsibility and “get the job done” in a high-energy, high-intensity, results-oriented environment.

Physical Requirements and Working Environment

  • Must be able to stand for extended periods and lift up to 20 lbs.
  • Must meet gowning requirements for cleanroom Grade A/ISO 5 environments and pass PAPR physical requirements.
  • Requires flexibility with work hours, including weekends or adjusted shifts.
  • Work performed in both office and cleanroom/lab settings with moderate noise levels.
  • Requires manual dexterity, vision acuity, and computer use.


Notice to Third Party Agencies: Velocity Bioworks does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement and approved engagement request with Velocity Bioworks, Velocity Bioworks reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency.


Velocity Bioworks is proud to be an EEO/AAP Employer. Velocity Bioworks encourages protected veterans, individuals with disabilities, and applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Velocity Bioworks ensures nondiscrimination in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.