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Downstream Process Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

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 ...

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 ...

Veramaris Process Engineer (Blair, NE) Evonik Corporation is seeking a Veramaris Process Engineer ... downstream process. Add value to the process through process monitoring, root cause analysis ...

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Downstream Process Engineer information

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$49.5K

$92K

$142.5K

How much do downstream process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 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 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.

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 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.

More about Downstream Process Engineer jobs
Infographic showing various Downstream Process Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $92,018 per year, or $44.2 per hour.
Associate Principal Scientist, Downstream Process Development

Associate Principal Scientist, Downstream Process Development

Merck & Co.

Rahway, NJ

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Merck rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 70 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Job Description Job Description In Primary Posting Language The Biologics Process Research & Development organization within our company's Research Laboratories is responsible for developing the drug substance manufacturing processes for our company's biologics pipeline. We work closely with colleagues in Discovery, Pre-clinical and Early Development to rapidly develop manufacturing processes for biotherapeutics and efficiently manufacture material to supply clinical trials. We are also responsible for commercial process development and the development and implementation of new manufacturing technologies.

We work with our partners in the company's Manufacturing Division to commercialize and launch new products. We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual to join our Downstream Process Development and Engineering group as an Associate Principal Scientist. In this role, you will work with a highly collaborative team of Scientists and Engineers to design and develop downstream purification processes in support of early and late-stage biological products.

The scope and activities include designing and optimization of downstream unit operations such as cell harvest, filtration, chromatography, viral clearance, precipitation, crystallization, and continuous processing for batch and intensified/continuous bioprocesses. The role will also include strategic Applicants should have effective organizational and multi-tasking skills and strong communication skills both verbal and presentation of data is required. A track record of leveraging data science and digital tools for delivering impactful solutions to complex problems are distinguishing.

Evidence of strong cross-functional collaboration, experience successfully mentoring junior scientists, leading projects, and an external presence through scientific excellence are expected. JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: The successful candidate will contribute to CMC development of our company's pipeline, playing an active role in development of downstream processes and transfer to clinical and commercial manufacturing sites. She/He will also develop strategies for process and pipeline-facing innovation.

Responsibilities include: • Leading biologic downstream process development for first-in-human and commercial processes by efficiently developing high yield, robust and scalable processes. Independently designing and conducting experiments using relevant operational parameters and analytical inputs. • Providing technical supervision for process development and characterization • Collaborate with upstream process development, Biologics Analytical R&D, and other cross-functional teams in both Research and Manufacturing to advance biologics pipeline.

• Advancing downstream platform process technical strategy, and championing creative process improvement initiatives • Assessing new technologies, sciences, and industry strategies and relevance to our company • Collaborating with academia, industry partners, and vendors to drive development, innovation and adoption of new process technologies • Keeping up to date with the external patent and literature environment; actively presents and publishes externally and pursues patenting strategies • Mentoring junior scientists EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: • Ph.D. with 3+ years of industry experience or Master with 6+ years industry experience or BS with 8+ years in industry experience in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical engineering, or a related field REQUIRED SKILLS: • Proven record of accomplishments in downstream process and technology development with a scientific publication and presentation track record. • Scientific understanding of the engineering principles for recombinant protein purification unit operations.

Proven ability to design and execute protein purification experiments independently. • Ability to direct the planning, execution, analysis, and documentation of all stages of downstream process development. • Ability to work in a matrixed team environment and collaborate with both internal and external partners including vendors • Knowledge of biologics CMC development cycle • Demonstrated ability for taking initiative, creativity, and innovation in problem solving PREFERRED SKILLS: • Experience with high throughput experimentation using automation platforms such as TECAN • Experience using and/or programming process control systems such as DeltaV and PCS 7 • Experience with integrated and continuous processing and equipment including multi-column chromatography systems (BioSMB, PCC, or similar) • Background or experience in data science approaches related to downstream processes and predictive modeling (multivariate data analysis, machine learning/artificial intelligence, leveraging PAT) Required Skills: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cell Line Development, Chemical Engineering, Chromatography, Clinical Supplies Management, Clinical Trials, Column Chromatography, Commercialization, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Detail-Oriented, Downstream Process Development, Drug Delivery Technology, Drug Development, Expression Vectors, Interpersonal Relationships, Leading Project Teams, Manufacturing Processes, Molecular Biology, Multivariate Data Analysis, Pharmaceutical Formulations, Pharmaceutical Process Development, Physical Characterization, Protein Purifications, Stable Cell Lines, Strategic PlanningPreferred Skills: Current Employees apply HERE Current Contingent Workers apply HERE US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities.

Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process. As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.--As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.- For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:EEOC Know Your Rights EEOC GINA Supplement• We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds.

The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another's thinking and approach problems collectively.Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts The salary range for this role is $142,400.00 - $224,100.00This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.We offer a comprehensive package of benefits.- Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.

More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits .You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting. San Francisco Residents Only: -We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance Los Angeles Residents Only: -We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully-Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities.

All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. -No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific.

Please, no phone calls or emails.-Employee Status: RegularRelocation:DomesticVISA Sponsorship:Yes Travel Requirements: 10%Flexible Work Arrangements:Not ApplicableShift:Not IndicatedValid Driving License:NoHazardous Material(s):n/aJob Posting End Date:06/20/2026 *A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE -the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date. Requisition ID:R397371 Salary: .

Date posted: 05/28/2026


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