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Downstream Process Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Agilent

Process Engineer, Downstream

Frederick, CO · On-site

$124K - $194K/yr

Technicalleadfor downstream processes and unit operations.Responsible for process modeling ... Engineering, communication, and organizational skills to support the safe, efficient, and ...

Lonza

MSAT Process Engineer

Portsmouth, NH · On-site

$106K - $137K/yr

This person should have experience supporting at-scale downstream processing. Some of the responsibilities included for the Process Engineer include: * Performs all MSAT functions associated with ...

AbbVie

Global Process Engineer - Biologics

Worcester, MA · On-site

$124K/yr

The Global Biologics upstream and downstream Process Engineer will support the AbbVie Technical Operations Functions and the AbbVie Technical Centers worldwide. This position, working with little or ...

Sanmina

Process Engineer - Electroplating

San Jose, CA

$100K - $135K/yr

Work collaboratively with upstream and downstream process modules to investigate defect root causes and develop solutions. Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline ...

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Downstream Process Engineer information

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$92K

$142.5K

How much do downstream process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 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 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.

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 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 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.
More about Downstream Process Engineer jobs
What job categories do people searching Downstream Process Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Downstream Process Engineer jobs are:
Downstream Process Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Downstream Process Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 23% Locum Tenens, 73% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,018 per year, or $44.2 per hour.
Associate Director, Downstream Process Development

Associate Director, Downstream Process Development

Allakos

Redwood City, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Associate Director, Downstream Process Development
Allakos Inc. is a clinical-stage company developing therapeutic antibodies for inhibitory receptors on the surface of immune effector cells involved in allergic, inflammatory and proliferative diseases.
Allakos is committed to developing innovative therapies that transform patients’ lives. We are looking for bright and talented individuals to join our team and share in our passion and commitment to improving the lives of patients.
Position Summary:
As a member of the Allakos team you will have the opportunity to be a key member of the Biologics DS development and Tech Transfer team and responsible for activities related to Downstream Process Development of our late-stage clinical biologic (Mab) molecule AK002 and other early-stage programs. This position will be responsible for the Process Development, Tech Transfer, and oversite of Engineering/Clinical batches at contract manufacturing site/s. Additionally, there will be a strong focus on BLA-enabling activities including process characterization, PPQ Batches and BLA authoring and review.
Your Role:
  • Provide technical leadership to the Downstream Process Development group and technology transfer of AK002 process to CMO sites.
  • Accountable for activities pertaining to the downstream process development lab. Supervise planning and execution of experiments. Analyze results and communicate them effectively to management.
  • Coordinate with Upstream Development, Analytical, and Facilities departments to successfully complete the DSP activities.
  • Provide input for the strategy and experimental plan for downstream process characterization studies. Generate protocols, supervise execution, use statistical tools to analyze results, and review reports for studies.
  • Assist in the planning of downstream process development experiments for new molecules and supervise execution of the same.
  • Supervise the Engineering and Clinical batches at CMOs, review and approve Deviations and CAPA documents for these batches.
  • Plan and supervise PPQ batches at CMOs. Review and approve protocols and reports for PPQ batches.
  • Author BLA submission documents.
  • Travel domestically and internationally up to 10% of the time.
What We Value:
  • At least 12 years of relevant experience (10+ with M.S., 8+ for Ph.D.) successfully working in the biopharmaceutical industry with proven track record of leadership and success.
  • At least 5 years managing cross functional projects and leading teams.
  • Extensive experience in Downstream Process Development and process characterization of biologics, such as Mabs and fusion proteins.
  • Strong background in statistical design of experiments (DoE) and associated analysis
  • Experience in technology transfer and facility fit assessments.
  • Should have worked with late and commercial stage biologics, with experience in process development, process characterization, PPQ batches, and other BLA enabling studies and CPV programs.
  • Experience working with Contract Manufacturers is preferred.
  • Experienced in BLA submission write ups.
  • Experienced in people and stakeholder management, conflict resolution, and building consensus.
  • Good understanding of cGMP-regulations including relevant US/EU regulatory and quality requirements, practices, and standards.
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills to establish positive relationships with internal stakeholders, CROs/CMOs, and multi-functional/multi-cultural teams.
  • Ability to travel at least 10% of the time.
The Allakos Values are: Selflessness, Drive, Clarity, Thoughtfulness, Fun, and Leadership.
Allakos is an equal opportunity employer. Allakos will consider all qualified applicants for employment without discrimination on grounds of disability, sex or sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity leave status, race or national or ethnic origin, age, religion or belief, gender identity or re-assignment, marital or civil partnership status, protected veteran status (if applicable) or any other characteristic protected by law.
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About Allakos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Biotechnology research and development

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Redwood City, CA, US

Year founded

2012

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