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Downstream Process Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sales Advisor Are you passionate about driving process technology excellence in downstream refining? Do you enjoy solving complex technical challenges and partnering with customers to optimize ...

Sales Advisor Are you passionate about driving process technology excellence in downstream refining? Do you enjoy solving complex technical challenges and partnering with customers to optimize ...

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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.
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:
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.

Supervisor, Manufacturing Downstream

Avid Bioservices

Tustin, CA • On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Description
Looking to join a passionate team dedicated to developing and manufacturing life-saving biopharmaceuticals? Avid Bioservices is a leading clinical and commercial biologics CDMO focused on creating innovative solutions to meet the needs of our clients and improve patient outcomes.
Your Role:
The Supervisor, Manufacturing Downstream is responsible for the supervision of Downstream manufacturing staff and operations as well as regularly performing hands-on operational activities. This includes ensuring that production is maintained in full cGMP compliance through on the floor observation, direction, and participation.
  • Schedule, plan and coordinate production activities.
  • Perform purification operations (column chromatography, nano-filtration, tangential flow filtration, aseptic bulk fills, etc.) on the production floor, as required.
  • cGMP documentation.
  • Revise initiate and review Batch Production Records (BPRs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), forms and Batch History Records (BHRs).
  • Identify, escalate, and write deviation reports (IRs/DRs/CAPAs). Follow through on corrective and preventative actions to ensure cGMP compliance.
  • Manage the development of SOPs to ensure all manufacturing operations comply with internal and external regulatory agencies.
  • Coordinate manufacturing, validation, and maintenance activities with supporting departments.
  • Oversee the setup of new manufacturing processes and critical equipment.
  • Identify the technical, procedural and equipment issues that hinder production and compliance.
  • Communicate with team members, supervisor and members of other departments, as appropriate, to assure prompt resolution of problems.
  • Assist in the transfer of technology from Process Development to GMP Manufacturing.
  • Assist with technical and compliance investigations, inspections and audits.
  • Report all unsafe activities to department manager, EHS and/or Human Resources.
  • Participate in proactive team efforts to achieve departmental and company goals.
  • Manage direct reports and escalate issues to manager as needed.
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in biology, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering or related field plus 3 - 5 years' cGMP purification experience or equivalent combination of experience and education.
  • A minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience specifically in downstream processing is required. The ideal candidate will be a self-driven leader with a proven track record of building strong and efficient floor operations.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in life sciences or related field.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
This role is a full-time position with a Sunday through Wednesday schedule, working 10 hours each day (4 x 10 hours), with operating hours from 7:00am to 6:00pm, unless otherwise stated by Supervisor. The employee must also, if instructed, have the ability to work overtime, weekends and/or holidays when necessary.
Compensation:
We offer competitive compensation packages for this role, including a base salary, performance-based bonuses, and comprehensive benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) matching, and paid time off.
The compensation range for this role is $75,000 - $95,000 annually depending on experience and qualifications. Additionally, we offer opportunities for career growth and development as well as a supportive and inclusive work environment.
Who you are:
  • You have a "bring it on!" team player approach and an unshakable positive attitude, always ready to tackle anything that comes your way.
  • Your written and verbal skills are out of this world, and you communicate with clarity and confidence.
  • You have exceptional multitasking skills and an unparalleled attention to detail that ensure the smooth running of everything.
  • You are a master at building relationships, capable of establishing connections with anyone, be it team members, clients, vendors, or suppliers.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:
In this dynamic role, expect a blend of regular activities like sitting, standing, and walking, with occasional physically engaging tasks such as lifting objects up to 20 pounds. The work environment might expose you to electrical shocks, toxic chemicals, vibrations, or loud noise levels occasionally. However, reasonable accommodations are available to enable individuals with different abilities to perform effectively, ensuring a supportive and adaptable work setting. Your visual acuity, including close, distance, and color vision, will be essential in navigating through the diverse day-to-day demands of this position.