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Downstream Process Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Integrated Resources INC

Process Engineer

Lexington, MA · On-site

As a member of the Manufacturing Science & Technology group, this individual will join a group of process scientists and engineers to support downstream processes of commercial productions and late ...

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 ...

Quality Agents, LLC

Process Engineer

Rockville, MD · On-site

The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience in biotech or pharmaceutical process engineering, with a focus on upstream, downstream or cell therapy operations. Key Responsibilities Support the ...

Quality Agents

Process Engineer

Rockville, MD · On-site

The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience in biotech or pharmaceutical process engineering, with a focus on upstream, downstream or cell therapy operations. Key Responsibilities Support the ...

Integrated Resources INC

Biprocess Engineer

Devens, MA · On-site

Process Engineer Scientific: * MS&T organization is seeking to fill a Process Engineer position for ... Preferred: Prior experience scaling up biopharma manufacturing processes (upstream/downstream ...

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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 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.
Senior Scientist, Downstream Process Development

Senior Scientist, Downstream Process Development

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

$87K - $119K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Elanco rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 74 rated pharmaceutical

Job description

At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) - it all starts with animals!
As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose - all to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People.
At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you'll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights.
Making animals' lives better makes life better - join our team today!
Your Role: Senior Scientist, Downstream Process Development
Elanco is seeking a Senior Scientist, Downstream Process Development to lead purification process development for biologic drug substances, with a focus on monoclonal antibodies, therapeutic proteins, and mammalian cell culture-derived biologics.
This role will support programs from bench and pilot scale through process scale-up, technology transfer, process characterization, GMP manufacturing implementation, clinical material production, and CMC/regulatory filing support.
The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience developing and optimizing downstream purification processes, including chromatography and filtration-based unit operations such as Protein A or affinity chromatography, ion exchange chromatography, polishing steps, viral clearance or viral inactivation, depth filtration, UF/DF, TFF, and scale-down model development.
You will partner closely with R&D, TS/MS, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Regulatory, and external CDMOs to ensure successful process transfer, implementation, and commercialization. This role requires strong technical judgment, clear communication, and the ability to lead cross-functional work in a fast-paced biologics development environment.
Your Responsibilities
  • Lead downstream process development for early- and late-stage biologic programs, including monoclonal antibodies, therapeutic proteins, and other biologic modalities.
  • Develop and optimize purification processes using phase-appropriate strategies, QbD principles, and process characterization approaches.
  • Design and execute bench- and pilot-scale studies, including scale-down model development, process scale-up, and manufacturing support.
  • Support risk assessments, control strategy development, stage-gate reviews, and technical decision-making for biologic drug substance programs.
  • Author and review technical reports, process development documents, tech transfer packages, and CMC source documents for regulatory submissions.
  • Support responses to CMC questions from regulatory agencies.
  • Partner with R&D, TS/MS, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Regulatory, Launch Teams, and external CDMOs to ensure successful tech transfer, clinical material production, and commercialization.
  • Serve as a downstream process development subject matter expert for internal teams, manufacturing sites, and external partners.

What You Need to Succeed
  • MSc or PhD in chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, biotechnology, chemical engineering, or a related scientific discipline. Equivalent experience may be considered.
  • PhD with 7+ years or MSc with 12+ years of experience in downstream biologics process development, preferably with mammalian cell culture-derived biologic products.
  • Hands-on experience developing and optimizing downstream purification processes for biologic drug substances, including monoclonal antibodies, therapeutic proteins, or other protein-based biologic modalities.
  • Experience supporting late-stage development, process scale-up, technology transfer, and implementation into GMP manufacturing.
  • Experience contributing to CMC/regulatory filing activities, including technical reports, source documents, process descriptions, tech transfer documents, or responses to regulatory agency questions.
  • Strong understanding of downstream unit operations such as chromatography, filtration, UF/DF, TFF, polishing steps, viral clearance or viral inactivation, process characterization, and scale-down model development.

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge
  • Strong understanding of GMP, Quality by Design, process characterization, control strategy development, and risk assessment principles.
  • Demonstrated success developing, scaling, transferring, or commercializing biologics, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, or other complex biological products.
  • Experience working with internal manufacturing teams, TS/MS, Quality, Regulatory, Supply Chain, Launch Teams, and external CDMOs.
  • Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and lead cross-functional technical teams.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities, navigate ambiguity, and communicate complex technical information through clear writing and presentations.
  • Experience with AI/ML applications in process development is a plus.
  • Animal health experience is advantageous but not required.

Additional Information:
  • Travel: 10-20% (domestic and international)
  • Location: Indianapolis, IN - Hybrid Work Environment

Elanco Benefits and Perks:
We offer a comprehensive benefits package focusing on financial, physical, and mental well-being while encouraging our employees to pursue our purpose! Some highlights include:
  • 8-week parental leave

  • 9 Employee Resource Groups

  • Annual bonus offering

  • Up to 6% 401K matching

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown underrepresented groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Elanco we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment. If you think you might be a good fit for a role but don't necessarily meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role or other roles!
Elanco Benefits and Perks:
We offer a comprehensive benefits package focusing on financial, physical, and mental well-being while encouraging our employees to pursue our purpose! Some highlights include:
• Multiple relocation packages
• Two weeklong shutdowns (mid-summer and year-end) in the US (in addition to PTO)
• 8-week parental leave
• 9 Employee Resource Groups
• Annual bonus offering
• Flexible work arrangements
• Up to 6% 401K matching
Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status
Elanco may use automated tools, including AI, to support parts of our recruitment process, such as reviewing applications against job-related criteria and/or transferrable skills. These tools help ensure a consistent, structured evaluation, but they do not make hiring decisions. All decisions involve a human reviewer. For more information on how we handle personal data, please see our Elanco Workforce Privacy Notice.
Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status
Elanco may use automated tools, including AI, to support parts of our recruitment process, such as reviewing applications against job-related criteria and/or transferrable skills. These tools help ensure a consistent, structured evaluation, but they do not make hiring decisions. All decisions involve a human reviewer. For more information on how we handle personal data, please see our Elanco Workforce Privacy Notice.

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