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Downstream Process Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

New

Wright Technical Services

Process Engineer

Macomb, MI · On-site

Support in technical training of Sales & Estimation and downstream process teams. * Help identify engineering & key technical organizational capability improvement opportunities. Provide guidance and ...

Sanmina

Sr. Process Engineer - Lithography

San Jose, CA

$135K - $150K/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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All JobsDownstream Process Engineer Jobs

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 Jun 26, 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 does downstream business mean?

In the context of a Downstream Process Engineer, downstream business refers to the part of the pharmaceutical or biotech manufacturing process that involves the purification, formulation, and packaging of products after the initial production or synthesis. It includes activities such as chromatography, filtration, and filling, and requires knowledge of process optimization and quality control. This stage is essential for ensuring product purity and compliance with regulatory standards.

What is downstream vs upstream?

In the context of a Downstream Process Engineer, upstream refers to the initial stages of bioprocessing, such as cell culture and fermentation, where the product is generated. Downstream involves the purification, filtration, and formulation of the product to meet quality standards. Both stages require different skills and equipment but are essential for producing pharmaceuticals or bioproducts.

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.

What is the meaning of downstream?

In the context of a Downstream Process Engineer, downstream refers to the steps involved in purifying and isolating the final product, such as proteins or pharmaceuticals, after the initial production or fermentation process. It includes activities like filtration, chromatography, and formulation to ensure product quality and safety. This phase is critical in biomanufacturing and often requires knowledge of bioprocessing tools and quality standards.

What is upstream and downstream?

In the context of a Downstream Process Engineer, upstream refers to the initial stages of biopharmaceutical production, such as cell culture and fermentation, where the product is generated. Downstream involves the purification, filtration, and formulation processes that isolate and prepare the final product for use. Both stages require specialized skills and knowledge of bioprocessing techniques and equipment.
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Downstream Process Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Downstream Process Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $92,018 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

Associate Scientist, Downstream Process Development

Epicrispr Biotechnologies

South San Francisco, CA

$118K - $124K/yr

Other

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Title: Associate Scientist, Downstream Process Development

Location: South San Francisco, CA

Opportunity:

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Associate Scientist to join the Downstream Process Development team focused on adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy therapeutics. This role will support the development, optimization, and scale-up of purification processes for AAV vectors from early research through clinical manufacturing.

Responsibilities:

  • Design, execute, and analyze downstream purification experiments for AAV vectors for process steps including clarification, sterile filtration, tangential flow filtration (TFF), chromatography (affinity, ion exchange, size exclusion, mixed mode), and ultracentrifugation.
  • Perform small-scale studies for development of downstream AAV processes, process optimization, process characterization, and assessment of process robustness.
  • Support process development activities from bench scale through pilot scale and tech transfer to GMP manufacturing.
  • Present data and project updates in team meetings and cross-functional forums.
  • Maintain accurate and timely documentation in electronic lab notebooks and technical reports.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with upstream process development and analytical development and other functions.
  • Stay current with advancements in AAV purification technologies, regulatory expectations, and industry best practices.

Qualifications:
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform this job successfully.

  • B.S. degree in Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or related discipline with 5+ years of relevant industry experience (or M.S. with 3+ years or Ph.D.)
  • Required experience with AKTA purification
  • Strong working knowledge of chromatography and filtration technologies
  • Hands-on experience with viral vector purification, preferably AAV
  • Experience with analytical techniques for AAV characterization such as Refeyn, qPCR/dPCR/ddPCR, ELISA, alkaline gel, CE-SDS, SEC-HPLC, AUC and other similar analytical assays
  • Familiarity with Design of Experiments (DOE) and JMP are a plus
  • Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Compensation: The salary range for this position is $118,000 to $124,000 USD annually. This salary range is an estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on various factors, including, without limitation, individual education, experience, tenure, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data, including potential adjustments for geographic location. 

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