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Downstream Process Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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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 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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What are popular job titles related to Downstream Process Engineer jobs?

For Downstream Process Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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.

Sr. Research Associate, Process Development Downstream

Tustin, CA • On-site

Avid Bioservices
Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing • 51 - 200 employees

$80 - $100/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Looking to join a passionate team dedicated to developing and manufacturing life‑saving biopharmaceuticals? Avid Bioservices is a leading clinical and commercial biologics CDMO focused on creating innovative solutions to meet the needs of our clients and improve patient outcomes.

Your Role:

The Senior Research Associate, Process Development Downstream will provide laboratory support for Process Development by leading in the downstream process and/or method development. The Senior Research Associate may be assigned various tasks within the department and outside the department as needed.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) and/or technical lead for downstream process development and purification of monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, and related biologics. Responsibilities include buffer formulation and preparation, chromatography process development and optimization, filtration development, and routine process execution.
  • Lead downstream process development studies, including chromatography screening, process optimization, and scale-up activities to support client programs from early development through commercialization.
  • Perform and oversee in-process and routine analytical testing to support downstream development activities, including protein concentration determination (A280), HPLC-based assays, and other relevant analytical methods.
  • Independently execute downstream unit operations using chromatography systems, filtration equipment, and associated process analytical tools with minimal supervision.
  • Support process scale-up, technology transfer, and manufacturing operations by developing robust buffer preparation strategies and downstream processing workflows suitable for pilot and GMP manufacturing environments.
  • Compile, analyze, interpret, and present experimental data. Author technical reports, development summaries, protocols, and client-facing documentation, and present findings during internal project reviews and client meetings.
  • Lead troubleshooting and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance process performance, robustness, productivity, and scalability.
  • Contribute to the evaluation, implementation, and validation of emerging technologies, process analytics, laboratory automation platforms, and process intensification strategies to improve development efficiency.
  • Experience with laboratory automation, process intensification, process analytical technologies (PAT), high-throughput process development, and data analytics is highly desirable.
  • Mentor junior scientists and provide technical guidance across downstream process development activities.
  • Perform other duties and project-related responsibilities as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree with 3-4 years of relevant biopharmaceutical industry experience, or a Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Biological Sciences, or a related field.
  • Candidates should possess a strong understanding of downstream processing principles, experimental design, data analysis, and bioprocess development methodologies.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This role is a full-time onsite position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday unless otherwise stated by Supervisor. The employee must also have the ability to work overtime and/or weekends when necessary.

Compensation:

We offer competitive compensation packages for this role, including a base salary, performance-based bonuses, and comprehensive benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) matching, and paid time off.

The compensation range for this role is $72,800 - $91,000 annually depending on experience and qualifications. Additionally, we offer opportunities for career growth and development as well as a supportive and inclusive work environment.

Who you are:
  • You have a "bring it on!" team player approach and an unshakable positive attitude, always ready to tackle anything that comes your way.
  • Your written and verbal skills are out of this world, and you communicate with clarity and confidence.
  • You have exceptional multitasking skills and an unparalleled attention to detail that ensure the smooth running of everything.
  • You are a master at building relationships, capable of establishing connections with anyone, be it team members, clients, vendors, or suppliers.
Physical Demands & Work Environment:

In this dynamic role, expect a blend of regular activities like sitting, standing, and walking, with occasional physically engaging tasks such as lifting objects up to 25 pounds. The work environment might expose you to electrical shocks, toxic chemicals, vibrations, or loud noise levels occasionally. However, reasonable accommodations are available to enable individuals with different abilities to perform effectively, ensuring a supportive and adaptable work setting. Your visual acuity, including close, distance, and color vision, will be essential in navigating through the diverse day-to-day demands of this position.

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