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Downstream Process Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Valspec

Process Validation Engineer

Rockville, MD · On-site

$70 - $80/hr

Process Engineer -- Upstream / Downstream / Clean Utilities (Consultant) -- Contract Engagement: Valspec consultant placed onsite at a major biopharmaceutical manufacturing site in the Raleigh-Durham ...

Catalyx

Automation SME

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$170K - $190K/yr

This role ensures automation solutions are reliable, compliant, secure, and aligned with industry standards while supporting upstream and downstream process performance. The SME works closely with ...

Catalyx

Automation SME

Gaithersburg, MD

This role ensures automation solutions are reliable, compliant, secure, and aligned with industry standards while supporting upstream and downstream process performance. The SME works closely with ...

Oak Leaf Solutions

DevSecOps / Sys Admin

Columbia, MD · On-site

Design, implement, and support dataflow architectures that move information securely from front-end systems to back-end services and downstream processing environments. * Analyze interfaces, data ...

ProSidian Consulting

Electrical Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site +1

... Downstream (Refineries | Petrochemical facilities | Processing plants) * - Power & Utilities (Generation facilities | Transmission infrastructure | Grid modernization | Energy storage) Other Details ...

ProSidian Consulting

Mechanical Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site +1

... Downstream (Refineries | Petrochemical facilities | Processing plants) * - Power & Utilities (Generation facilities | Transmission infrastructure | Grid modernization | Energy storage) Other Details ...

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Downstream Process information

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How much do downstream process jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for downstream process in Washington is $27.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.31 and $31.88 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 are popular job titles related to Downstream Process jobs in Washington? For Downstream Process jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Downstream Process jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Downstream Process jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Downstream Process jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Downstream Process job openings:
Downstream Process jobs near you
Infographic showing various Downstream Process job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,123 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

Process Validation Engineer

Valspec

Rockville, MD • On-site

$70 - $80/hr

Full-time, Contractor

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Valspec—a global provider of system validation and lifecycle services—provides commissioning and qualification of computerized systems for clients in the Life Sciences industry. Established in 1999, Valspec's mission is to provide a wide spectrum of services that help its clients meet their capital project and lifecycle maintenance goals.

Valspec's projects are critical to the industry, and to the people who rely on its products. Many projects ensure that life-changing drugs are available to those who need them; others streamline production to meet demand at a lower cost, allowing for the discovery of new and innovative therapies.

Process Engineer — Upstream / Downstream / Clean Utilities (Consultant) — Contract

Engagement: Valspec consultant placed onsite at a major biopharmaceutical manufacturing site in the Raleigh-Durham, NC area

Location: Raleigh-Durham, NC (onsite)

Type: Contract / consulting — initial term approximately 12 months, with a possibility of extension

Start: ASAP

About the Engagement

Valspec is seeking Process Engineers to support large-scale biologics drug substance manufacturing at a major biopharmaceutical site in the Raleigh-Durham area. We're looking for candidates who can step into an active, fast-moving environment and contribute with minimal ramp-up. Openings across Upstream, Downstream, and Clean Utilities — candidates with a strength in one area are encouraged to apply.

Role Overview

The Process Engineer will provide engineering support to production and startup activities across Drug Substance manufacturing, with a primary focus in one of the following areas depending on team assignment: Upstream (cell culture/bioreactors), Downstream (purification/chromatography), or Clean Utilities (WFI, clean steam, process gases, and supporting utility systems). This person will partner closely with Manufacturing, Manufacturing Sciences (MSAT), Automation, and Quality to troubleshoot process issues and support equipment and process reliability.

Key Responsibilities
  • Provide engineering technical support for assigned process area, specifying equipment and process gaps within existing facility design.
  • Troubleshoot production and startup issues, partnering with Manufacturing and Maintenance to minimize downtime and support equipment reliability.
  • Support process monitoring and control activities within the assigned functional area, ensuring compliance with cGMP requirements.
  • Author and review technical documentation, including SOPs, protocols, deviations, and change controls, within GMP quality systems.
  • Support process characterization, technology transfer, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Required Qualifications
  • BS in Chemical, Biochemical, Mechanical, or Biomedical Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • 5+ years of process or manufacturing engineering experience in a pharmaceutical or biotech GMP manufacturing environment.
  • Hands-on experience in at least one of: Upstream (cell culture/bioreactor) operations, Downstream (purification) operations, or Clean Utilities systems.
  • Working knowledge of cGMP requirements in a regulated biologics manufacturing environment.
  • Able to work onsite in the Raleigh-Durham, NC area and be fully productive quickly given the engagement timeline.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Large-scale biologics drug substance experience (mammalian cell culture and downstream purification).
  • Experience supporting a startup, commissioning, or new-facility environment.
  • Familiarity with relevant unit operations depending on focus area: bioreactors and cell culture systems (Upstream); chromatography, UF/DF, and viral filtration (Downstream); or WFI, clean steam, and process gas systems (Clean Utilities).
Join Us

Salary Range: $70 - $80 / hourly range is an estimate of pay for project-based employment. Range varies based on knowledge, experience, and area of focus. Higher rates possible for short-term assignments and independent contractors. Apply now to be part of a dynamic team driving innovation in North Carolina and beyond.

Why Join Valspec?

At Valspec, we offer more than just a job — we provide a career experience rooted in a standout culture, collaborative environment, and a strong sense of ownership. As an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) company, every team member has a stake in our success, fostering a shared commitment to excellence and innovation. We also offer a highly competitive benefits package, including:

  • Premium medical coverage
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Unique performance incentives
  • And more — all designed to support your growth, well-being, and future.

Join a team where your contributions matter, your development is prioritized, and your success is shared.

When receiving e-mails from a Proconex or Valspec recruiter, you will only receive e-mails from addresses ending in @proconexdirect.com, @proconex.net or @valspec.net. Any other domains are impersonations and should be ignored.

Candidates must be legally eligible to work in the United States without company sponsorship. Also, we are not interested in working on a corp-to-corp basis with other companies at this time.

Any third-party unsolicited resume submission(s) will immediately become the property of Valspec. Valspec will not pay any fee to a submitting employment agency, person, or entity unless a signed agreement is established.

Valspec is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other protected class. We are committed to providing a professional environment free of any discrimination or harassment, and we are proud to be a Drug-Free Workplace.