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Downstream Process Development Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

iProof

Engineer 2, iPROOF

Decatur, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... and process development reports. Support customer onboarding and engineering evaluations. * Process Support: Provide technical support during seed train, fermentation, harvest, and downstream ...

iProof

Scale-Up Engineer

Decatur, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... and downstream processes. Key responsibilities: Process Engineer Technology Transfer: Lead technology transfer projects from bench, pilot, or external development organizations into the iPROOF ...

Archer Daniels Midland

Develop and test hypotheses to improve understanding of downstream strategies, yield, purity, and ... Apply understanding of regulatory expectations to process development strategies, contribute to ...

ADM

Pilot Fermentation Engineer - Decatur, IL

Decatur, IL · On-site

$84K - $134K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Develop and test hypotheses to improve understanding of downstream strategies, yield, purity, and ... Apply understanding of regulatory expectations to process development strategies, contribute to ...

Johnsonelectric

Line Technician

Vandalia, IL · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Champion a "stop and fix" mindset to prevent defects from continuing downstream. Process ... Advanced Technical Development Over time, support advanced tasks such as programming adjustments ...

Brindley Engineering

Associate Process Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... downstream engineering disciplines, develop equipment specifications, compile scope of work ... Knowledge of P&ID development, heat and material balances, hydraulic and equipment sizing ...

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All JobsDownstream Process Development JobsDownstream Process Development Jobs in Illinois

Downstream Process Development information

See Illinois salary details

$18

$32

$47

How much do downstream process development jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for downstream process development in Illinois is $32.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.78 and $40.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is downstream process development?

A Downstream Process Development job involves optimizing and scaling purification processes for biologics, such as proteins, antibodies, or gene therapies. Scientists and engineers in this role develop efficient methods for isolation, purification, and formulation of therapeutic products while ensuring quality and regulatory compliance. Key activities include chromatography, filtration, and process analytics to improve yield, purity, and consistency. This role is critical in biotech and pharmaceutical industries to ensure safe and effective drug production for clinical and commercial use.

What does someone in downstream process development do?

Professionals in Downstream Process Development are typically responsible for designing, optimizing, and scaling up purification processes for biopharmaceutical products. Their day-to-day work may involve conducting laboratory experiments, analyzing data, troubleshooting technical issues, and documenting process changes in accordance with regulatory standards. They also frequently collaborate with upstream processing, analytical, and quality teams to ensure seamless transfer and integration of processes. The role often includes participating in project meetings, contributing to process validation efforts, and supporting technology transfer to manufacturing teams, making it both technically challenging and collaborative.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed for downstream process development?

To excel in Downstream Process Development, you generally need a strong background in biochemistry, chemical engineering, or a related life sciences field, often with experience in bioprocessing or purification technologies. Familiarity with chromatography systems, filtration equipment, process analytical technology (PAT), and relevant software such as DeltaV or Unicorn is frequently required, along with knowledge of GMP and regulatory standards. Excellent problem-solving, project management, and cross-functional communication skills help professionals succeed in dynamic team environments. These competencies are crucial for developing efficient, scalable purification processes that ensure high product quality and support organizational goals.

What are the most commonly searched types of Downstream Process Development jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Downstream Process Development jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Downstream Process Development jobs in Illinois?

For Downstream Process Development jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Downstream Process Development jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Downstream Process Development jobs in Illinois are:

Downstream Process Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Downstream Process Development job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,890 per year, or $32.6 per hour.

Senior Fermentation Scientist - Sumitomo Biorational Company

Sumitomo Chemical Group Companies of America

Libertyville, IL • On-site

$124K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

About Sumitomo Biorational Company:
Headquartered in Libertyville, Ill., Sumitomo Biorational Company is the Global Center of Excellence for Biorational Innovation, advancing integrated, science-driven solutions in agriculture, public health, forest health, and environmental markets. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Biorational operates through three divisions: AgroSolutions, Environmental Health (MGK), and Public Health & Forest Health, leveraging decades of expertise to drive innovation and sustainability for customers worldwide.

Description of Job: Lead internal upstream process development efforts at the Sumitomo Biorational Company Biorational Research Center by conducting fermentation experiments in laboratory- and pilot-scale bioreactors. Evaluate the performance of microbial strain candidates by analysis and interpretation of fermentation data. Work with a team of fermentation scientists, downstream process engineers, formulations scientists, microbial engineers and analytical chemists to develop sustainable biorational solutions within the expanding field of BioAgriculture.

Principal Responsibilities:

  • Design and implement upstream processes to optimize strain performance of bacterial and fungal microorganisms to produce microbial products, metabolites and proteins
  • Mentor junior team members by training safe and proper use of fermentation and analytical equipment required to execute process development and improvement experiments
  • Provide guidance to research associates and support their professional development
  • Take primary responsibility for the operation and troubleshooting of pilot scale fermentation equipment
  • Design scale up and scale down experiments to execute seamless technology transfer between Research and Manufacturing operations
  • Build strong relationships with supporting research departments and deliver fermentations on time or ahead of schedule to biology, downstream processing, formulations, and product development teams
  • Travel to manufacturing site to launch new fermentation processes and troubleshoot current commercial processes
  • Maintain and further develop collaborative relationship with the pilot and production fermentation team at the manufacturing site
  • Execute sophisticated process development experiments utilizing statistical tools to ensure process robustness
  • Work alongside data scientists, IT, and engineering to build and maintain a digital system to organize and archive run data and electronic batch records
  • Maintain and update laboratory data and documents including electronic lab notebook and SOPs
  • Conduct all work in strict compliance with all applicable safety requirements, containment requirements, standards operating procedures and/or guidelines while maintaining a clean and orderly workspace
  • Work both independently and with interdisciplinary research teams while maintaining a positive and collaborative environment

Required skills/experience:

  • Expertise in culturing microorganisms, including filamentous fungi, to increase metabolite productivity using aseptic techniques Hands-on experience using lab-scale or pilot-scale SIP bioreactor systems for microbial cultivations and metabolite production, particularly with non-model bacterial and fungal organisms
  • Experience training junior scientists in the use of fermentation equipment and execution of process development experiments
  • High degree of competency in the Microsoft Office 365 suite and statistical analysis software
  • Strong communication, presentation, and listening skills in cross-functional teams
  • Willingness to foster a culture of diversity and inclusion.
  • Able to lift up to 25 lbs

Education: Degree in Fermentation Science, Chemical/Biochemical/Biosystems Engineering, or closely related field with industrial fermentation experience (5 years with PhD, 8 years with MS, 12+ years with BS).

Travel: Limited travel will be required. (<5%)

What We Offer

We recognize that compensation and benefits play a crucial role in your career decisions. That’s why we’re dedicated to equitable pay practices and transparency in how we reward our employees.

Base Salary: The estimated annual base salary for this position ranges from:

$124,000 to $145,000. Individual pay is based upon location, skills, experience, and other relevant factors.

Incentives: All full-time employees are eligible for an incentive program or profit-sharing program in addition to their base salary.

Benefits:

  • High-quality healthcare coverage starting on day one, with options for medical (HSA/HRA), vision, and dental plans
  • 5% company contribution to your 401(k), plus a quarterly discretionary bonus
  • Immediate 100% vesting of all retirement contributions
  • Financial assistance programs to support your goals
  • Life and disability insurance for added security
  • Generous paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and volunteer days

Our Commitment to a Sustainable Future

At Sumitomo Biorational Company, we’re proud to power a sustainable future through our work. Sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) have been at the core of our culture since the beginning. Today, they continue to drive everything we do.

Join us in making a meaningful impact and contributing to a better world.

  • Sumitomo Biorational Company is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation and/or identity, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, disabilities, or protected veteran status.

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