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Downstream Process Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Debut Biotech

Staff Process Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

Staff Process Engineer Summary The Staff Process Engineer, Downstream Processing (DSP) will take a leading role in the strategy, development, and execution of downstream purification processes for ...

Debut Biotech

Staff Process Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

Staff Process Engineer Summary The Staff Process Engineer, Downstream Processing (DSP) will take a leading role in the strategy, development, and execution of downstream purification processes for ...

Legend Biotech USA, Inc.

Legend Biotech is seeking a Principal Engineer, Lentivirus Downstream Process Development as part of the Technical Development team based in Somerset, NJ.Role OverviewThe Principal Engineer ...

KBI BioPharma Inc.

$125 - $150/hr

You will apply sound scientific and engineering principles to successfully define upstream and downstream process equipment requirements, specifications and standards for facility fit, and assess ...

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Downstream Process Engineer information

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$49.5K

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$142.5K

How much do downstream process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for downstream process engineer in the United States is $92,018.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,500.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a downstream process engineer?

A Downstream Process Engineer is a professional who specializes in the purification and processing of biological products, such as proteins or pharmaceuticals, after the initial production phase. Their main responsibility is to develop, optimize, and manage processes that separate and refine products from mixtures, ensuring quality and efficiency. This typically involves techniques like filtration, chromatography, and centrifugation. Downstream Process Engineers work closely with other scientists and engineers to scale up processes for commercial manufacturing while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance.

What are some common challenges faced by downstream process engineers when scaling up bioprocesses from lab to production?

One of the key challenges for Downstream Process Engineers is ensuring that purification and separation processes developed at the lab scale remain efficient and cost-effective during large-scale production. Factors such as changes in equipment performance, increased impurity loads, and process consistency can complicate scale-up. Engineers must also collaborate closely with upstream teams, quality assurance, and manufacturing staff to troubleshoot issues and optimize yield and product quality. Effective communication and adaptability are essential for overcoming these challenges and ensuring a smooth transition from development to manufacturing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a downstream process engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Downstream Process Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical or biochemical engineering, experience with purification processes, and often a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with chromatography, filtration systems, process simulation software (like Aspen or MATLAB), and cGMP regulations is typically required. Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, and communication skills enable effective troubleshooting and collaboration with cross-functional teams. These skills are crucial for optimizing product yield, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining efficient and safe manufacturing operations.

What is the difference between Downstream Process Engineer vs Upstream Process Engineer?

AspectDownstream Process EngineerUpstream Process Engineer
Primary FocusPurification, separation, and finishing of bioproductsCell culture, fermentation, and biomass production
Skills & CertificationsBioprocessing, chromatography, filtration, GMP knowledgeBioreactor operation, microbiology, fermentation techniques
Work EnvironmentManufacturing facilities, labs, quality controlResearch labs, pilot plants, production facilities
Industry UsageBiotech, pharmaceutical manufacturingBiotech, pharmaceutical, agricultural biotech

Both roles are essential in bioprocessing, with downstream process engineers focusing on product purification and upstream process engineers on initial bioproduction. Understanding their differences helps in career planning and job search strategies within the biotech industry.

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Downstream Process Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Downstream Process Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,018 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

Process Engineer, Downstream Processing

Hayward, CA • On-site

Visolis
Clean Energy Semiconductors Manufacturing • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Visolisexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 14 hours ago

Job description

Job Description

The Process Engineer with our Downstream Processing team will be responsible for providing support activities in the catalysis and process development areas. Specifically, the person in this position will contribute to the development of the production process and catalyst development strategies through the operation of lab-scale reactors to quantitatively characterize catalysts for the production of renewable chemicals. The person will work closely with engineering, molecular biology and analytical teams to increase the yield and productivity of the processes. The scientist will promote a strong health, safety and environment culture on site and within the team.
Primary Responsibilities

  • Assist in the scale up of Visolis' patented processes to make a range of bio-based chemical products.
  • Design experiments to test catalysts.
  • Perform various unit operations and different purification/separation processes.
  • Run analytical instruments for quantification.
  • Collect and process samples for products of interest.
  • Analyze and report data to enable appropriate interpretation and follow up experiments.
  • Identify and report opportunities for improvement and assist to implement as needed.
  • Proactively communicate information through appropriate verbal and written means and actively participate in meetings.
  • Understand and follow department and corporate guidelines, compliance and safety rules and procedures related to duties.
  • Perform other reasonably related duties not expressly written in this job description as may be assigned from time to time.

Job Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

  • B.S. or higher in Chemical Engineering
  • Flexibility in working schedule to accommodate experimental needs.
  • Ability to lift approximately 10-20 kg routinely.
  • Eligibility to work in the US (no visa sponsorship/transfer).

Preferred Qualifications

  • Industrial engineering experience, including process development for chemical production processes.
  • Familiar with HPLC analysis.
  • Strong computer and analytical skills, statistical analysis and reporting experience.
Employment Type: FULL_TIME
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About Visolis

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Clean energy semiconductors manufacturing

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

Hayward, CA, US

Year founded

2012

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