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Downstream Process Development Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Bigbear.ai

Data Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$142K/yr

... downstream processing * Partner with data architecture and domain SMEs to define and maintain data ... Strong experience with API integrations and ETL/ELT development in complex environments.

BigBear.ai

Data Engineer with Security Clearance

Mclean, VA · On-site

$115K - $139K/yr

... downstream processing * Partner with data architecture and domain SMEs to define and maintain data ... Strong experience with API integrations and ETL/ELT development in complex environments.

BigBear.ai

Data Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$117K - $141K/yr

... downstream processing * Partner with data architecture and domain SMEs to define and maintain data ... Strong experience with API integrations and ETL/ELT development in complex environments.

Socket.dev

Senior Marketing Analyst

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$67 - $109/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Partner with Performance Marketing to leverage CRM and downstream data to evaluate marketing ... Identify opportunities to improve analytics capabilities, processes, technologies, and measurement ...

New

CAI

Validation Engineer

Elkton, VA · On-site

$72K - $80K/yr

... processes, and elite expertise developed over 30 years. Our Purpose We exist to be the trusted ... HVAC) - Upstream/downstream processing - Purification, recovery - Building automation ...

CAI

Validation Engineer

Elkton, VA

$72K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • PTO

... processes, and elite expertise developed over 30 years. Our Purpose We exist to be the trusted ... HVAC) - Upstream/downstream processing - Purification, recovery - Building automation ...

CAI

Validation Engineer

Elkton, VA · On-site

$72K - $80K/yr

... processes, and elite expertise developed over 30 years. Our Purpose We exist to be the trusted ... HVAC) - Upstream/downstream processing - Purification, recovery - Building automation ...

Prometheus Federal Services

Power BI Developer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

... multiple downstream reports and apps. Data Engineering & Pipeline Development * Design and ... Business Process Engineering & Stakeholder Engagement * Partner with VA/VHA stakeholders to elicit ...

CAI

Validation Engineer

Elkton, VA

$72K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • PTO

... processes, and elite expertise developed over 30 years. Our Purpose We exist to be the trusted ... HVAC) - Upstream/downstream processing - Purification, recovery - Building automation ...

CAI

Validation Engineer

Elkton, VA · On-site

$72K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • PTO

... processes, and elite expertise developed over 30 years. Our Purpose We exist to be the trusted ... HVAC) - Upstream/downstream processing - Purification, recovery - Building automation ...

CAI

Validation Engineer

Elkton, VA · On-site

$72K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • PTO

... processes, and elite expertise developed over 30 years. Our Purpose We exist to be the trusted ... HVAC) - Upstream/downstream processing - Purification, recovery - Building automation ...

Prometheus Federal Services

Power Platform Developer

Fairfax, VA · On-site +1

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... downstream reports and apps. Data Engineering & Pipeline Development * Design and build ingestion ... Business Process Engineering & Stakeholder Engagement * Partner with VA/VHA stakeholders to elicit ...

Socket.dev

Senior Manager, Network Compliance

Richmond, VA · On-site

$162 - $184/hr

... processes worldwide, as well as serving as a subject matter expert to ensure the development of the ... downstream entities, evaluate new opportunities for card acceptance, or develop new products

New

10Pearls LLC

SAP Ariba Technical Lead

Vienna, VA · On-site

Assists customers in the development of processes and procedures which leverage Ariba solution ... In depth understanding of ARIBA upstream and downstream processes * Knowledge of backend ...

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Downstream Process Development information

See Virginia salary details

$18

$33

$49

How much do downstream process development jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for downstream process development in Virginia is $33.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.40 and $41.01 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 popular job titles related to Downstream Process Development jobs in Virginia?

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

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

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

Downstream Process Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Downstream Process Development job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,460 per year, or $33.4 per hour.

Supplier Quality Engineer (Metallurgy)

Wolverine Advanced Materials

Blacksburg, VA • On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

About Wolverine Advanced Materials
Wolverine Advanced Materials produces and sells performance-critical, specialty elastomer-coated metals used in gaskets for automotive & industrial applications; automotive brake noise insulators and NVH (noise, vibration & harshness) damping solutions for automotive.
Wolverine employs approximately 600 people worldwide and has manufacturing operations in Virginia, Florida, Germany, and China, as well as sales & technical offices in Michigan, Germany, Japan, China, Brazil, and India.
Wolverine Advanced Materials, an entity of Center Rock Capital, is a leading developer and manufacturer of high-performance materials. Our core competency is in performance-critical, specialty elastomer-coated metals that offer damping and seal-ability solutions in the automotive and gasket industries.
Center Rock Capital is a company where they see potential where others may not look; and as a team we can find the right solution to the right challenge.
For more information, visit centerrockcp.com or wamglobal.com.
About the role
Wolverine Advanced Materials (WAM) is seeking a highly experienced Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) with deep metallurgical expertise to strengthen our metal raw material supply base and drive supplier quality performance across our global manufacturing network. This is a field-active, supplier-facing technical authority role - not a laboratory position. This role will operate at the intersection of metallurgical depth and supplier quality execution, combining hands-on problem solving with structured quality system management (IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP).
The SQE - Metallurgy will serve as WAM's technical expert for metallic raw materials, working directly with steel mills, galvanizers, metal service centers, and internal manufacturing, quality, and R&D teams. The role demands proven capability to resolve complex metal-related quality issues, qualify new suppliers, manage supplier performance metrics, and support new product and process development. Core materials include carbon steel, galvanized steel, stainless steel, and aluminum in coil form, with a strong focus on downstream coating and elastomer-lamination processes.
This position is located on site in Blacksburg, VA.
What you'll do
Supplier Quality Management & Performance
  • Own supplier quality performance for assigned metal raw material suppliers, including monitoring KPIs (PPM, OTD, SCAR closure rate, audit scores) and driving continuous improvement.
  • Manage Supplier Problem Notification (SPN's) end-to-end: initiation, root cause verification, corrective action validation, and effectiveness monitoring.
  • Lead or support supplier audits (process audits, system audits) in accordance with IATF 16949, customer-specific requirements, and WAM internal standards.
  • Serve as the primary technical interface between WAM and metal suppliers during quality escalations, containment actions, and customer-impacting incidents.
  • Maintain supplier quality records, corrective action logs, audit reports, and performance dashboards.

Supplier Quality Problem Solving & Root Cause Analysis
  • Lead technical investigations and root cause analysis (8D, A3, PDCA) for metal-related quality issues, including:
    • Galvanization and coating layer defects (thickness variation, adhesion failure, flaking, surface defects)
    • Mechanical properties out of specification (yield strength, tensile strength, elongation, hardness)
    • Surface defects (scratches, pits, roll marks, inclusions, stains, dross)
    • Flatness, camber, edge wave, crossbow, and coil deformation issues
  • Work directly with steel mills, galvanizers, and metal service centers to define root causes using metallurgical principles and data-driven methods.
  • Review chemical composition, microstructure, processing routes, and heat treatment records as part of investigations.
  • Establish and track corrective and preventive actions to closure, ensuring permanent elimination of recurrence.
  • Act as WAM's subject-matter expert during customer escalations and warranty claims related to metal raw material quality.

Supplier Development & Qualification (APQP / PPAP)
  • Lead or support the development and qualification of new metal suppliers for carbon steel, galvanized steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.
  • Define technical requirements for raw materials including chemical composition, mechanical properties, surface and flatness criteria, and coating specifications (zinc coating type and mass).
  • Manage the PPAP process for new and changed metal sources: part submission warrants, material certifications, dimensional reports, initial process capability studies.
  • Conduct APQP activities for new material introductions: supplier selection criteria, DFMEA/PFMEA participation, control plan review, and industrialization milestones.
  • Evaluate supplier metallurgical capability, process controls, and quality systems prior to qualification approval.
  • Collaborate with Purchasing, R&D, Quality, and Operations to reduce supply risk and improve supply chain robustness.

Internal Technical Support, Process Interface & Product Development
  • Provide metallurgical expertise to manufacturing, quality, and engineering teams in areas including coil handling, slitting, forming, and downstream processing.
  • Assess and communicate the impact of metal substrate properties on elastomer coating adhesion, functional performance, and long-term durability.
  • Support new product development activities by defining material requirements, supporting supplier trials, and validating metal substrate performance.
  • Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives aimed at reducing scrap, rework, and cost of poor quality related to metal raw materials.
  • Contribute to the development, review, and maintenance of material specifications, acceptance criteria, and inspection methods.
  • Perform metallurgical testing and failure analysis; interpret results and drive clear, actionable technical conclusions.

Documentation, Standards & Knowledge Management
  • Interpret and apply relevant standards and specifications: ASTM, ISO, DIN, SAE, IATF 16949, and customer-specific requirements.
  • Lead creation and maintenance of material specifications, acceptance criteria, inspection and testing methods, and supplier quality agreements.
  • Document findings, conclusions, and technical recommendations clearly for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Support the development and continuous improvement of the supplier quality management system.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and the requirements for the performance of this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in metallurgical engineering, Materials Science, or related field (required)
  • Master's degree in Metallurgy or Materials Engineering preferred
  • 8+ years of combined experience in metallurgical engineering and supplier quality, preferably in:
    • Steel mills, galvanizing operations, or metal processing/service centers
    • Automotive Tier 1 / Tier 2 suppliers with supplier-facing SQE roles
    • Coated-metal, elastomer-metal laminate, or gasket product environments
  • Demonstrated experience with APQP, PPAP, and IATF 16949 quality systems in an automotive or industrial manufacturing environment.
  • Proven track record of leading supplier audits, managing supplier root cause analysis, and driving supplier quality improvement programs.
  • Field-active experience: direct engagement with suppliers at their facilities (not purely lab or office-based).

Technical Knowledge & Skills
  • In-depth knowledge of:
    • Carbon steel, galvanized steel, stainless steel, and aluminum metallurgy
    • Galvanization processes: hot-dip, electro galvanizing, coating weight control, adhesion mechanisms
    • Mechanical properties, testing methods (tensile, hardness, bend, formability)
    • Microstructure, heat treatment, annealing, and forming behavior
    • Common coil defects and their metallurgical root causes
  • Strong understanding of:
    • Coil manufacturing: rolling, annealing, galvanizing, slitting, and temper passing
    • Interaction between metal substrates and elastomer or polymer coatings (adhesion, delamination mechanisms)
  • Automotive quality systems: IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP, MSA, SPC
  • Structured problem-solving: 8D, PDCA, A3, Is/Is-Not
  • Supplier audit techniques: process audits, layered process audits, VDA 6.3

Behavioral Competencies
  • Supplier Influence: Ability to drive corrective action and quality improvement at suppliers without direct authority, through technical credibility and professional persuasion.
  • Cross-functional Communication: Communicates complex metallurgical and quality concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders (purchasing, operations, customers).
  • Escalation Management: Comfortable managing high-pressure situations involving customer complaints, production stoppages, and supplier disputes.
  • Ownership & Accountability: Operates autonomously in the field; self-directed and results-oriented with strong follow-through.
  • Collaboration: Works effectively across engineering, purchasing, R&D, and operations teams in a matrixed, global organization.

Travel Requirements
Domestic and international travel required to support suppliers and WAM manufacturing facilities worldwide (estimated 30-40%). Travel destinations include supplier sites in North America, Europe (Germany), and Asia (China, Japan).
Valid passport required.
Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to stand or sit for extended periods (4-8 hours depending on workflow).
  • Ability to walk on the production floor, between workstations, storage areas, and equipment.
  • Capacity to bend, reach, and crouch to access low or high shelves.
  • Must be able to occasionally lift up to 40lbs.

Wolverine Advanced Materials is an Equal Employment Opportunity Company
Salary Range: $90,000-$125,000
Bonus and competitive benefits.

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