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Downstream Process Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Our leading CDMO client is eager to hire an Aseptic Downstream Process Development SME for their Indianapolis site. This is a full-time role directly with the client - an outstanding opportunity to ...

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Downstream Process information

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$12

$23

$33

How much do downstream process jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for downstream process in Indiana is $23.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $26.78 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 Indiana?

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

Infographic showing various Downstream Process job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,833 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

Downstream Process Engineer

Indianapolis, IN

Corteva Agriscience
Crop Farming • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Who are we, and what do we do. At Corteva Agriscience, you will help us grow what's next. No matter your role, you will be part of a team that is building the future of agriculture - leading breakthroughs in the innovation and application of science and technology that will better the lives of people all over the world and fuel the progress of humankind.

Corteva Agriscience has an opportunity for a Downstream Process Engineer. You will lead the development and scale-up of downstream processes that convert fermentation-derived materials into high-quality product streams. Working within Bioprocess Discovery and Development in Indianapolis, this role partners closely with fermentation, analytical, formulation, and scale-up teams to improve recovery, purity, yield, reliability, and transfer readiness.

This position provides technical leadership in the development of recovery and purification processes for microbial products and fermentation-derived metabolites, applying sound experimental design, data analysis, and engineering principles to advance programs from laboratory development through scale-up. The engineer works with elevated independence, leads discrete downstream workstreams, and provides key mentorship to associate scientists to understand the upstream process context and material attributes that influence downstream performance and delivers sound science guiding clear technical recommendations. What You'll Do: Design and execute downstream process development studies for fermentation-derived materials, including clarification, separation, extraction, filtration, concentration, and purification.

Develop scalable recovery and purification strategies based on fermentation broth characteristics, product properties, and impurity profiles to cost targets. Optimize downstream processes to improve yield, product quality, throughput, reliability, and cost. Integrate fermentation performance, analytical results, and process data to guide development decisions.

Apply experimental design and statistical analysis to efficiently solve technical challenges. Troubleshoot recovery, purification, stability, and scale-up issues. Lead downstream workstreams within cross-functional fermentation and process development programs.

Support technology transfer and scale-up through process documentation, risk assessments, and manufacturing recommendations. Evaluate and implement new downstream technologies and tools to improve process understanding and efficiency. Prepare technical reports, presentations, and recommendations for project teams, capability leaders, and cross-functional stakeholders.

Promote safe laboratory operations and continuous improvement practices. What Skills You Need: PhD in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Industrial Microbiology, or related field; or MS with relevant industry experience. 3+ years of experience supporting scale-up, technology transfer, or manufacturing of fermentation-based products in industry.

Experience developing downstream processes for fermentation-derived or biological products. Knowledge of downstream unit operations of fermentation broth processing, including filtration, centrifugation, extraction, adsorption, chromatography, concentration, purification, and stabilization. Strong experimental design, data analysis, and technical communication skills.

Ability to work independently and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams. Commitment to laboratory safety, documentation quality, and data integrity. Demonstrated success improving process performance, quality, scalability, or operational efficiency.

Preferred Skills: Demonstration of several downstream processes from biologically derived actives developed into commercialized products Experience with DoE, statistical analysis, process modeling, data visualization, or AI-enabled tools. Experience leading technical workstreams and cross-functional project deliverables. #LI-BB1 Benefits - How We'll Support You: Numerous development opportunities offered to build your skills Be part of a company with a higher purpose and contribute to making the world a better place Health benefits for you and your family on your first day of employment Four weeks of paid time off and two weeks of well-being pay per year, plus paid holidays Excellent parental leave which includes a minimum of 16 weeks for mother and father Future planning with our competitive retirement savings plan and tuition reimbursement program Learn more about our total rewards package here - Corteva Benefits Check out life at Corteva.

www.linkedin.com/company/corteva/life Are you a good match. Apply today. We seek applicants from all backgrounds to ensure we get the best, most creative talent on our team

Corteva Agriscience is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to embracing our differences to enrich lives, advance innovation, and boost company performance. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, military or veteran status, pregnancy related conditions (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), disability or any other protected status in accordance with federal, state, or local laws.