ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Downstream Process Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Catalyx

Automation SME

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDownstream Process JobsDownstream Process Jobs in Washington, DC

Downstream Process information

See Washington, DC salary details

$15

$27

$40

How much do downstream process jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for downstream process in Washington, DC 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 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 Washington, DC?

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

What job categories do people searching Downstream Process jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Downstream Process jobs in Washington, DC are:

Downstream Process jobs near you
Infographic showing various Downstream Process job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. 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.

Senior Scientist, Process Development

Scorpion Therapeutics

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

$114 - $182/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Your Contribution
  • Develop and qualify scale-down models for downstream purification processes to support monoclonal antibody manufacturing
  • Execute studies and FMEA assessments to establish critical process parameters and proven acceptable ranges for process characterization
  • Lead development, optimization, and characterization of downstream processes, including scale-up, virus/impurity clearance, and resin/membrane lifetime
  • Conduct downstream process unit operations such as depth filtration, chromatography, viral inactivation, viral filtration, tangential flow filtration, and formulation
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design experiments, analyze results, support technology transfers, and meet project timelines
  • Contribute to CMC documentation by drafting process descriptions, characterization reports, QbD risk assessments, and other technical reports
  • Drive the creation of best practices and workflows for process development in a fast-paced environment
A Good Match
  • PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry or related discipline with 6+ years of relevant experience (including post-doctoral training), or MS with 8+ years of industry experience
  • 6 years' experience in global pharma PD or MS&T for monoclonal antibodies or related biologics
  • Expertise in downstream process development including scale-up and technology transfer
  • Proven ability to design and execute process characterization studies using scale-down models that inform PPQ strategy
  • Strong understanding of biologics CMC processes including PPQ/BLA readiness; antibody or ADC development preferred
  • Demonstrated technical leadership within cross-functional teams and programs
  • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required
Benefits
  • Expected Pay Range: $113,600/year to $181,600/year + benefits, annual bonus & equity
#J-18808-Ljbffr

Apply