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Entry Level Pharmaceutical Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR

Entry Level Pharmaceutical Engineer information

See Portland, OR salary details

$43K

$91.6K

$151.1K

How much do entry level pharmaceutical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level pharmaceutical engineer in Portland, OR is $91,607.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,900.00 and $109,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level pharmaceutical engineer do?

An Entry Level Pharmaceutical Engineer assists in the design, development, and optimization of processes used in the manufacturing of pharmaceutical products. They often work under the supervision of senior engineers to ensure safety, quality, and regulatory compliance in the production of medications. Their responsibilities may include conducting experiments, analyzing data, troubleshooting equipment, and supporting process improvements. This role serves as a foundation for gaining experience in pharmaceutical engineering and understanding industry standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level pharmaceutical engineer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Pharmaceutical Engineer, you need a bachelor's degree in chemical, biomedical, or pharmaceutical engineering and a solid grounding in process design and regulatory standards. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, process simulation tools, and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) compliance is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set top performers apart in this role. These competencies are vital to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant drug manufacturing processes in a highly regulated industry.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level pharmaceutical engineers when transitioning from academia to industry?

Entry level pharmaceutical engineers often find the transition from academia to industry challenging due to the emphasis on strict regulatory compliance, tight project deadlines, and cross-functional teamwork. Unlike academic research, industry projects demand adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and extensive documentation. New hires must quickly adapt to working in multidisciplinary teams alongside professionals from quality assurance, production, and regulatory affairs. Embracing continuous learning and seeking mentorship can help ease this transition and accelerate professional growth.

What is the difference between Entry Level Pharmaceutical Engineer vs Quality Control Technician?

AspectEntry Level Pharmaceutical EngineerQuality Control Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Pharmaceutical, Chemical, or related field; some roles may require internshipsAssociate's or Bachelor's in Science or related field; certifications like CQE are a plus
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, manufacturing plants, R&D settingsLaboratories, manufacturing facilities, quality assurance departments
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, contract manufacturingPharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, quality assurance labs

Entry Level Pharmaceutical Engineers focus on designing, developing, and improving pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, while Quality Control Technicians primarily test and inspect products to ensure quality standards. Both roles are essential in pharmaceutical production, often working closely but with different core responsibilities.

Are entry level pharmaceutical engineers in demand?

Entry level pharmaceutical engineers are in demand due to the ongoing need for drug development, manufacturing, and quality assurance in the pharmaceutical industry. Employers seek candidates with knowledge of process engineering, regulatory standards, and laboratory skills, making this a growing field for new graduates.

Do entry level pharmaceutical engineers make good money?

Entry-level pharmaceutical engineers typically earn a starting salary ranging from $60,000 to $75,000 annually, depending on location and company. With experience, certifications, and advanced skills in process design or quality assurance, salaries can increase significantly. The role often involves working in manufacturing or research environments with standard business hours.

How to get into entry level pharmaceutical engineering?

To enter an entry-level pharmaceutical engineering role, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships, developing skills in process design and quality control, and understanding Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) can improve job prospects.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Pharmaceutical Engineer jobs in Portland, OR?

For Entry Level Pharmaceutical Engineer jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Pharmaceutical Engineer jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Pharmaceutical Engineer jobs in Portland, OR are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Pharmaceutical Engineer job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, and 34% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $91,607 per year, or $44 per hour.

Entry Level Project Engineer, Project Management

Barry-Wehmiller

Portland, OR

$75K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

About Us:

BW Design Group is a fully integrated architecture, engineering, construction, system integration, and consulting firm committed to helping our clients realize their most critical goals from Strategy to Commercialization. As the only firm born from a manufacturing technology company to become an independent and fully integrated firm, we combine deep domain expertise in the manufacturing environment with an approach that is built to serve the dynamic needs of our clients. Rooted in our distinct culture of Truly Human Leadership, we cultivate the leaders who will define tomorrow and partner with our clients in the food & beverage, life sciences, industrial, and advanced technology industries to build the future of manufacturing and technology.


 

Barry-Wehmiller is a diversified global supplier of engineering consulting and manufacturing technology for the packaging, corrugating, sheeting and paper-converting industries. By blending people-centric leadership with disciplined operational strategies and purpose-driven growth, Barry-Wehmiller has become a $3 billion organization with nearly 12,000 team members united by a common belief: to use the power of business to build a better world.


 

Job Description:

Who You'll Work With

At Design Group,you'llcollaborate with experienced leaders, technical specialists, and subject matter experts to solve complex challenges for some of the world's leading companies.You'lljoin a growing team of more than 1,500 professionals across 45 U.S. offices whereyou'llbe empowered to make an impact, develop yourexpertise, and grow your career.

As anEntryLevelProject Engineer,you'lljoin a multidisciplinary project team and work alongside project managers, engineers, construction professionals, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.You'llgain hands-on experience across project delivery, construction, client service, and technical collaboration while buildinga strong foundationin engineering, construction, and project management.

What You'll Do

In this role,you'llsupport the delivery of capital projects from early planning through construction and commissioning.You'llwork closely with project managers, design teams, construction teams, and clients to coordinate technical work, track project performance, and help resolve issues. This position gives you the opportunity to build practical project delivery experience, strengthen client relationships, and contribute to solutions that improve manufacturing operations.

Apply engineering design and technical problem-solving skills to manufacturing and facility projects

Support project managers in planning, executing, and closing design and construction projects from concept through commissioning

Track schedules, budgets, risks, forecasts, milestones, and action items under the guidance of senior project managers

Coordinate with multidisciplinary design and construction teams, including subcontractors, vendors, and client stakeholders

Support field engineering activities and help resolve technical issues during construction

Prepare and coordinate project deliverables, including drawings, specifications, reports, meeting notes, and decision logs

Assist with procurement coordination, estimating, planning, and buyout activities

Apply Design Group and client quality assurance procedures to assigned project work

Contribute to proposals and presentations that communicate Design Group's capabilities and project approach

Communicate professionally with clients, vendors, contractors, and project team members

Build industry knowledge across manufacturing,foodand beverage, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and advanced technology projects

What You'll Bring

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in mechanical, civil, structural, electrical, or architectural engineering; construction management; or a related technical field

Internship, co-op, academic project, or other practical experience related to engineering, construction management, facility design, project management, or consulting

Ability to travel for project requirements, including construction support, site visits, client meetings, company meetings, training, and industry events

Ability to work at project or construction sites andcomply withapplicable site safety requirements

Preferred Qualifications

Familiarity with AutoCAD, Revit, SolidWorks, or 3D facility modeling software

Familiarity with Microsoft Project, Procore,Join.build, Clearstory, or similar project delivery tools

Experience through coursework, internships, or co-ops in manufacturing,foodand beverage, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, advanced technology, or consumer products

Compensation

The approximate pay range for this position is$75,000-$90,000. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to background, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as geographic location of the position.


 

At Barry-Wehmiller we recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. We know that our differences often can bring about innovation, excellence and meaningful work-therefore, people from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require reasonable accommodations during the interview process.

Barry-Wehmiller is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V This organization uses E-Verify.


 

Applicants may be subject to pre-employment screening which may include drug screening, reference checks, employment verifications, background screening and/or skills assessments.


Company:

Design Group