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Entry Level Pharmaceutical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This entry-level position is ideal for candidates with a background in life sciences or IT who are ... to work in a regulated pharmaceutical environment. Must Have''s: 1. Lab system life cycle ...

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Entry Level Pharmaceutical Engineer information

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$40.5K

$86.4K

$142.5K

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

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level pharmaceutical engineer in the United States is $86,381.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $103,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 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.
More about Entry Level Pharmaceutical Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Pharmaceutical Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Pharmaceutical Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Pharmaceutical Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Pharmaceutical Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Pharmaceutical Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Pharmaceutical Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Pharmaceutical Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, and 36% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $86,381 per year, or $41.5 per hour.

Process Engineering Associate (Entry Level)

Elanco

Clinton, IN • On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 6 days ago


Elanco rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

52nd of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) - it all starts with animals!

As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose - all to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People.

At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you'll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights.

Making animals' lives better makes life better - join our team today!

Your Role: Process Engineering Associate (Entry Level)

As a Process Engineer at Clinton Labs, Elanco's largest U.S. manufacturing site, you'll join a team focused on ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient production of animal health products. In this entry-level role, you'll develop deep technical expertise in pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and equipment, contribute to regulatory compliance, and support continuous improvement initiatives in a highly regulated environment.

Your Responsibilities:

  • Troubleshoot and resolve day-to-day process and equipment issues to maintain production performance and reliability

  • Analyze operational and process data to identify trends, improve efficiency, and support decision-making

  • Support regulatory compliance by documenting process changes, investigating deviations, and applying safety and environmental standards (e.g., PSM)

  • Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams on improvement projects, including equipment upgrades and process optimizations

  • Participate in cross-functional efforts to reduce variability in manufacturing by evaluating process, equipment, and procedural factors

What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):

  • Education: Pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline, with an expected graduation by June 2027.

  • Required Experience: None required - entry-level position

  • Strong problem-solving and communication skills; comfortable using tools like Excel, Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint

What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications):

  • Internship, co-op, or project experience in a manufacturing, engineering, or lab setting

  • Exposure to lean manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies

  • Familiarity with process modeling software (e.g., Aspen) or data analysis tools (e.g., PI system)

  • Understanding of root cause analysis or troubleshooting methods

  • General awareness of manufacturing or process equipment such as fermentors, dryers, or packaging systems

Additional Information:

  • Schedule: Full-time, primarily Monday-Friday (8-hour shifts); occasional evening or weekend support may be required

  • Location: Clinton, IN Manufacturing Site

Don't meet every single requirement?Studies have shown underrepresented groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Elanco we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment. If you think you might be a good fit for a role but don't necessarily meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role or other roles!

Elanco Benefits and Perks:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package focusing on financial, physical, and mental well-being while encouraging our employees to pursue our purpose! Some highlights include:

  • Multiple relocation packages

  • 8-week parental leave

  • 9 Employee Resource Groups

  • Annual bonus offering

  • Up to 6% 401K matching

Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status

Elanco may use automated tools, including AI, to support parts of our recruitment process, such as reviewing applications against jobrelated criteria and/or transferrable skills. These tools help ensure a consistent, structured evaluation, but they do not make hiring decisions. All decisions involve a human reviewer. For more information on how we handle personal data, please see our Elanco Workforce Privacy Notice.


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