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Downstream Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Machine Operator - Downstream

Nicholasville, KY ยท On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Downstream Operator Salary Grade: Hourly Basic Function: Safely and effectively operate downstream equipment (including boxmakers, palletizers, robots and any other related machinery) in accordance ...

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Downstream information

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$15

$24

$32

How much do downstream jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for downstream in the United States is $24.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Downstream Oil & Gas role, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Downstream Oil & Gas role, you need a strong background in chemical or process engineering, safety protocols, and operational management, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with industry-specific software like Aspen HYSYS, distributed control systems (DCS), and certifications such as OSHA or API are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for optimizing processes and ensuring team safety. These competencies are essential for maintaining regulatory compliance, maximizing operational efficiency, and minimizing risks in refining and petrochemical environments.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in downstream oil and gas operations?

Professionals in downstream oil and gas operations often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict safety and environmental compliance, adapting to rapidly evolving technologies, and managing complex supply chains. The role typically involves collaborating closely with engineering, logistics, and marketing teams to ensure efficient refining, distribution, and sale of petroleum products. Navigating fluctuating market demands and regulatory requirements can also be demanding, but these challenges offer valuable opportunities for skill development and career advancement within the industry.

What are downstream jobs in the oil and gas industry?

Downstream jobs refer to positions involved in the final stages of the oil and gas production process, including refining, distribution, and marketing of petroleum products. Employees in downstream roles work in refineries, chemical plants, or with companies that handle the sale and transportation of finished products like gasoline, diesel, and lubricants. These jobs are essential for ensuring that crude oil and natural gas are transformed into usable products and delivered safely to consumers and businesses.

What is the difference between Downstream vs Upstream?

AspectDownstreamUpstream
Primary FocusRefining, processing, and marketing finished petroleum productsExploring, extracting, and producing crude oil and natural gas
Work EnvironmentRefineries, chemical plants, marketing officesOil rigs, drilling sites, exploration fields
Required CredentialsEngineering degrees, safety certifications, technical trainingGeology, petroleum engineering degrees, safety certifications
Industry UsageRefining and marketing sectors of oil and gas industryExploration and production sectors of oil and gas industry

Downstream and Upstream are two key segments of the oil and gas industry. Downstream involves refining crude oil into usable products and marketing them, while Upstream focuses on exploring and extracting oil and natural gas. Both roles require specialized credentials and operate in different environments, but they are interconnected parts of the energy supply chain.

More about Downstream jobs
What cities are hiring for Downstream jobs? Cities with the most Downstream job openings:
What states have the most Downstream jobs? States with the most job openings for Downstream jobs include:
Infographic showing various Downstream job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,107 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Downstream Manufacturing Associate III

Velocity Bioworks

San Antonio, TX โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

TITLE: Downstream Manufacturing Associate III
REPORTS TO: Downstream Supervisor, Manufacturing
LOCATION: San Antonio, Texas (On-site)
The Company
Velocity Bioworks is a U.S.-based biopharma CDMO headquartered in San Antonio, Texas supporting funded programs as they move from development into manufacturing for clinical trials. We collaborate with sponsors who are past exploration and are ready to apply discipline, structure, and technical rigor to development, analytics, and manufacturing.
Velocity is built to accelerate speed to clinic through aligned execution. Our work focuses on translating defined program goals into scalable manufacturing processes and robust analytical strategies. These activities are designed to support near-term clinical timelines while meeting quality requirements. We operate where quality and execution directly influence clinical and business progress.
Position Summary
Reporting directly to the Downstream Supervisor, the Downstream Manufacturing Associate III will be responsible for overseeing daily operations related to downstream processing in a CGMP-compliant biologics environment. An ideal candidate must have strong experience in downstream manufacturing, process execution, and the operation of qualified manufacturing equipment. Strong understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP) and Regulatory Guidelines, strict attention to detail, high-quality customer service skills, sound judgment and ability to escalate issues appropriately, and the ability to work well and collaborate in cross-functional teams at Velocity Bioworks .
Key Responsibilities
Manufacturing Operations
  • Execute and document batch records in compliance with GDP.
  • Support daily manufacturing for clinical and commercial programs.
  • Microbial fermentation and/or mammalian cell culture knowledge required.
  • Perform Drug Substance bulk fill or vial fill using aseptic techniques.
  • Operate autoclave systems and manage sample handling.
  • Support and execute routine cleanroom cleaning activities.

Downstream Processing
  • Operate bench to large-scale chromatographic systems.
  • Operate bench to large-scale filtration systems (TFF, depth, and sterilizing-grade filtration).
  • Pack and evaluate chromatography columns.
  • Author and review Unicorn methods.
  • Use pH/conductivity meters, balances, welders, sealers, etc.
  • Safely handle utility units.
  • Manual filtrations, and integrity testing
  • Solution preparation using jacketed and non-jacketed mixing units.

Documentation and Compliance
  • Author, revise, and review SOPs, work instructions, forms, and batch records.
  • Ensure adherence to equipment calibration and preventative maintenance programs.
  • Support deviation/investigation, CAPA resolution, and change control implementations.
  • Maintain client and company confidentiality.
  • Oversee execution of shift activities to ensure alignment with the established manufacturing schedule.

Cross-functional Collaboration
  • Provide input and feedback to the Process Sciences/Technical Transfer team during development, scale-up, and transfer.
  • Adhere to and promote safety policies across teams.
  • Interact with external vendors or suppliers.
  • Review Bill of materials and technical transfer collaboration documents.
  • Support facilities and equipment validation in ensuring proper functionality of the equipment.

Requirements
Education and Experience
Shall have education, training, and experience, or any combination thereof.
  • Associate's, BS, or MS from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a Scientific- or Engineering-related discipline preferred.
  • Experience working in a GMP manufacturing environment is essential.
  • Manufacturing processes in microbial and mammalian production systems is required.
  • Requires 5+ years (AS/BS) or 3+ years (MS) of biomanufacturing experience.
  • Requires a strong background in CGMP principles and Quality Management Systems.

Knowledge and Skills
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong presentation skills as this role requires the ability to communicate and connect with all levels of the organization.
  • Critical and analytical thinking, analytical ability, good judgment, ethics, professional presence, interdepartmental collaboration, and demeanor are traits of successful manufacturing technicians.
  • Must demonstrate proper writing and PC skills with a knowledge base in Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Must maintain a working knowledge of commercial CGMP's and phase-appropriate CGMP's as they apply to various phases of clinical and commercial manufacturing.
  • Must obtain a working knowledge of current global regulatory requirements and guidelines and perform within all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and policies.
  • Ability to take responsibility and "get the job done" in a high-energy, high-intensity, results-oriented environment.

Physical Requirements and Working Environment
  • Must be able to stand for extended periods and lift up to 20 lbs.
  • Must meet gowning requirements for cleanroom Grade A/ISO 5 environments and pass PAPR physical requirements.
  • Requires flexibility with work hours, including weekends or adjusted shifts.
  • Work performed in both office and cleanroom/lab settings with moderate noise levels.
  • Requires manual dexterity, vision acuity, and computer use.

Notice to Third Party Agencies: Velocity Bioworks does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement and approved engagement request with Velocity Bioworks, Velocity Bioworks reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency.
Velocity Bioworks is proud to be an EEO/AAP Employer. Velocity Bioworks encourages protected veterans, individuals with disabilities, and applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Velocity Bioworks ensures nondiscrimination in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.