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Downstream Process Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Debut Biotech

Staff Process Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

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 ...

Debut Biotech

Staff Process Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

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 ...

Sanmina

Process Engineer - Electroplating

San Jose, CA · On-site

$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 ...

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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Showing results 21-40

All JobsDownstream Process JobsDownstream Process Jobs in California

Downstream Process information

See California salary details

$13

$24

$35

How much do downstream process jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 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.

Scientist II, Downstream Viral Vector Process Development

GeneFab

Alameda, CA

$130K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

GeneFab is seeking an experienced Downstream Process Development Scientist/Lead focused on viral vector purification (AAV and Lentiviral) for in vivo gene therapy. It is a technical, project-based role within a CRDMO environment that balances hands-on process optimization with cross-functional leadership and client-facing responsibilities.
 
Responsibilities
  • Design, optimize, and scale-up downstream processes for the purification of viral
    vectors, with a focus on in vivo gene therapy products and lentiviral vectors.
  • Execute experimental plans, analyze data, and provide insightful
    recommendations to improve process efficiency, yield, and product quality.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Upstream Process
    Development, Analytical Development, and Manufacturing, to ensure seamless
    integration of processes.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges in downstream processes, ensuring
    robust and scalable solutions.
  • Present internally and to client with project status updates
  • Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory guidelines
    to contribute to the continuous improvement of processes and compliance.
  • Provide direction and leadership to development associates as the team expands.
Qualifications
  • Ph.D. or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering,
    Biotechnology, or related field with a minimum of 3 years (Ph.D.) or 5 years
    (Master's) of relevant industry experience
  • Proven expertise in downstream process development for viral vectors, with a
    focus on AAV and lentiviral vectors.
  • Hands-on experience with chromatography, filtration, TFF and other downstream
    processing techniques.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex
    data sets.
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team
    environment.
  • Knowledge of regulatory requirements and quality standards related to
    biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
  • Experience with formulation science preferred
$130,000 - $150,000 a year
About GeneFab 
GeneFab is a contract manufacturing and synthetic biology biofoundry focused on cell and gene therapies. GeneFab was formed in 2023 with a vision to combine industry leading expertise in synthetic biology with advanced cGMP capabilities in order to accelerate the development and commercialization of genetic medicines. GeneFab offers its customers an extensive technology platform and know-how that spans early stage product design, technical development, and cGMP compliant production. GeneFab's technology platform includes bioinformatic-guided discovery of cell type promoters, directed evolution of small molecule-regulated gene switches, and the engineering of highly sensitive kill switches for enhanced safety and control of cellular therapies.

We are committed to an inclusive and diverse GeneFab. We believe that different perspectives lead to better ideas, and better ideas allow us to better understand the needs and interests of our diverse GeneFab team. We welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives and are an equal opportunity employer.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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