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Downstream Process Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Viltis

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Downstream Process Development Scientist - Tech Transfer Consultant

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$75 - $90/hr

Downstream Process Development Scientist / Tech Transfer Consultant * Employment Type: Contract * Compensation: $75-$90/hour, depending on experience and technical background. * Function: Process ...

Viltis

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Staff Engineer, Downstream Process Development & Manufacturing

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$186K - $218K/yr

Staff Engineer, Downstream Process Development and Manufacturing Location: San Carlos, California Work Arrangement: Onsite, a minimum of four days per week Salary Range: $186,000-$218,000 Reports to:

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$35

How much do downstream process jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 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 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.

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 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 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 are popular job titles related to Downstream Process jobs in California?

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

What job categories do people searching Downstream Process jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Downstream Process jobs in California are:

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, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,647 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Director, Downstream Process Development

Allakos

Redwood City, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Director, Downstream Process Development
Allakos Inc. is a clinical-stage company developing therapeutic antibodies for inhibitory receptors on the surface of immune effector cells involved in allergic, inflammatory and proliferative diseases.
Allakos is committed to developing innovative therapies that transform patients’ lives. We are looking for bright and talented individuals to join our team and share in our passion and commitment to improving the lives of patients.
Position Summary:
The Director, Downstream Process Development would be key member of Biologics DS development and tech transfer team and would be responsible for all activities related to Downstream Process Development of our late-stage clinical biologics (Mab) molecule AK002 and early stage program. This position leads the Purification Group which is responsible for the process development, tech transfer, supervision of Engineering and Clinical batches, BLA enabling activities, PPQ Batches and commercial production at multiple CMO sites, process characterization and BLA authoring and review.
Your Role:
  • Provide technical and managerial leadership to the Downstream Process Development group and technology transfer of AK002 process to CMO sites.
  • Accountable for all activities pertaining to the downstream process development lab. Supervise planning and execution of experiments. Analyze results and communicate it effectively to management.
  • Coordinate with Upstream development, Analytical and Facilities department to successfully complete the DSP activities
  • Provide overall strategy and experimental plan for downstream process characterization studies. Generate protocols, supervise execution, use statistical tools to analyze results and review reports for studies.
  • Plan the downstream process development experiments for new molecules and supervise execution of the same.
  • Supervise the Engineering and Clinical batches at the CMOs, Review and approve Batch records, Bill of Materials, Bill of Parameters, Batch records, deviations and CAPA documents for these batches
  • Plan and supervise PPQ batches at CMOs. Review and approve protocols and reports for PPQ batches
  • Author and review BLA submission documents
  • Lead cross functional meetings with Quality, Regulatory, Supply Chain, Process Development, Analytical and Drug Product to build consensus on key issues and facilitate decision making to move the project forward
  • Travel domestically and internationally up to 10% of the time
Qualifications and Expertise:
  • At least 15 years of relevant experience (12+ with MS, 10+ for PhD) successfully working in biopharmaceutical industry with proven track record of leadership and success
  • At least 8 years managing cross functional projects and leading teams
  • Extensive experience in Downstream process development and process characterization of biologics molecules such as Mabs and fusion proteins.
  • Experience in technology transfer and facility fit assessments
  • Should have worked with early and late stage and commercial biologics with experience in process development, process characterization, PPQ batches and other BLA enabling studies and CPV programs.
  • Experience working with Contract Manufacturers is preferred.
  • Experienced in BLA submission write ups.
  • Experience in people and stakeholder management, conflict resolution and building consensus.
  • Good understanding of cGMP-regulations including relevant US/EU regulatory and quality requirements, practices, and standards.
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills to establish positive relationships with internal stakeholders, CROs/CMOs, and multi-functional/multi-cultural teams.
  • Ability to travel at least 10% of the time.
The salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications.
The Allakos Values are: Selflessness, Drive, Clarity, Thoughtfulness, Fun, and Leadership
Allakos is an equal opportunity employer. Allakos will consider all qualified applicants for employment without discrimination on grounds of disability, sex or sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity leave status, race or national or ethnic origin, age, religion or belief, gender identity or re-assignment, marital or
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About Allakos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Biotechnology research and development

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Redwood City, CA, US

Year founded

2012

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