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Downstream Process Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Kinetic Personnel Group

Downstream Process

Tustin, CA · On-site

Downstream Process Analytics Specialist Industry: Biopharmaceutical CDMO / Biologics Manufacturing Location: Irvine, CA (Onsite) Employment Type: Full-Time Schedule: Monday–Friday | Standard ...

Debut Biotech

Staff Process Engineer

San Diego, CA

Develop downstream purification processes for fermentation-derived products, from bench scale (grams) through pilot scale (kilograms) to manufacturing scale (tons per year). * Provide hands-on ...

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Downstream Process information

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$13

$24

$35

How much do downstream process jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for downstream process in California is $24.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $27.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in downstream process roles?

Professionals in downstream process roles often encounter challenges such as optimizing purification steps to maximize yield and product purity while minimizing costs and processing time. They must also troubleshoot issues related to equipment performance, scalability, and regulatory compliance, especially when transitioning from lab-scale to large-scale production. Collaboration with upstream teams, quality assurance, and engineering is critical to address these challenges and ensure a smooth workflow. Staying current with technological advances and regulatory requirements also plays a significant role in day-to-day success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a downstream process engineer?

To thrive as a Downstream Process Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical or biochemical engineering, knowledge of purification techniques, and typically a relevant degree. Familiarity with process control systems, chromatography, filtration technologies, and GMP compliance, as well as certifications like Six Sigma, are commonly required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you excel in cross-functional teams and address complex production challenges. These skills ensure efficient, high-quality product recovery and compliance with industry standards in biomanufacturing environments.

What is the difference between Downstream Process vs Upstream Process?

AspectDownstream ProcessUpstream Process
PurposePurifies and isolates the target product from the mixtureProduces the initial product, such as cell culture or fermentation
ActivitiesFiltration, chromatography, centrifugation, purificationCell growth, fermentation, media preparation
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, bioprocessing facilitiesBioreactors, fermentation tanks, labs
Required SkillsBioprocessing techniques, chromatography, filtrationMicrobiology, cell culture, fermentation technology

Downstream Process focuses on purifying the product, while Upstream Process involves producing the raw material. Both are essential steps in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, often working sequentially to ensure high-quality product output.

What is a downstream process?

A Downstream Process refers to the series of steps involved in the purification and recovery of biological products, such as proteins, enzymes, or antibodies, after they have been produced by microorganisms or cells during fermentation or cell culture. It typically includes cell separation, product isolation, purification, and polishing to achieve the desired product quality and purity. Downstream processing is crucial for ensuring that biopharmaceutical products meet regulatory and safety standards before they reach the market.
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What cities in California are hiring for Downstream Process jobs? Cities in California with the most Downstream Process job openings:
Downstream Process jobs near you
Infographic showing various Downstream Process job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,647 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Downstream Process

Kinetic Personnel Group

Tustin, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Downstream Process Analytics Specialist Industry: Biopharmaceutical CDMO / Biologics Manufacturing Location: Irvine, CA (Onsite) Employment Type: Full-Time Schedule: Monday–Friday | Standard Business Hours (Flexibility for manufacturing support as needed) Position Summary Our client, a growing biopharmaceutical CDMO, is seeking a Downstream Process Analytics Specialist to support commercial and clinical manufacturing operations. This role will partner with Manufacturing, Process Development, Quality, and MSAT teams to analyze downstream purification process data, identify trends, optimize manufacturing performance, and support continuous process improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate will have experience working in a GMP biologics manufacturing environment with downstream purification processes and strong analytical and statistical skills. Essential Responsibilities Analyze manufacturing process data from downstream purification operations, including: Chromatography Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF) Viral Filtration Ultrafiltration/Diafiltration (UF/DF) Monitor critical process parameters (CPPs) and critical quality attributes (CQAs). Perform trend analysis using statistical tools to identify process variability and improvement opportunities. Develop dashboards and reports to communicate manufacturing performance metrics. Support investigations involving deviations, CAPAs, and out-of-trend manufacturing results. Collaborate with Manufacturing, MSAT, Process Development, Validation, and Quality teams to improve process robustness. Evaluate process yield, recovery, cycle time, and resin performance. Generate technical reports and present findings to cross-functional teams. Assist with technology transfers and process characterization studies. Support Continued Process Verification (CPV) and Process Performance Qualification (PPQ) activities. Ensure all documentation complies with GMP, FDA, and ICH guidelines. Qualifications Education Bachelor's degree in: Chemical Engineering Biochemistry Biology Biotechnology Biomedical Engineering Biochemical Engineering KPG123

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