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Manufacturing Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Scientist I, Manufacturing Sciences / Scientist - Polymer Chemistry Location: Sunnyvale, CA - 94085 Duration: 12 Months Job Type: Temporary Assignment Work Type: Onsite Shift: Monday to Friday from ...

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Manufacturing Scientist information

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How much do manufacturing scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for manufacturing scientist in the United States is $36.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.64 and $43.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Which scientist is highly paid?

Among scientists, those specializing in fields like petroleum engineering, data science, and pharmaceuticals tend to have the highest salaries. In the context of manufacturing science, senior-level roles with advanced degrees and specialized skills often command higher pay. Salary levels also depend on experience, certifications, and industry demand.

What is a manufacturing scientist?

A manufacturing scientist is a professional responsible for developing, optimizing, and validating manufacturing processes for products, often in industries like pharmaceuticals, biotech, or chemicals. They use scientific methods, laboratory techniques, and process engineering skills to ensure product quality, efficiency, and compliance with regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Manufacturing Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Manufacturing Scientist, you need a solid background in chemistry, biology, or engineering, often supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Experience with laboratory instrumentation, manufacturing process control systems, and familiarity with GMP regulations are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and attention to detail are essential soft skills for excelling in this role. These skills ensure efficient production, regulatory compliance, and high-quality outputs in manufacturing environments.

What are some common challenges Manufacturing Scientists face when transferring new processes from development to full-scale production?

Manufacturing Scientists often encounter challenges when scaling up processes, such as ensuring consistency between small-scale laboratory results and large-scale manufacturing outcomes. Variations in equipment, raw material batches, and environmental conditions can impact product quality and yield. Effective cross-functional communication with engineering, quality assurance, and production teams is crucial to address these issues. Proactively identifying potential bottlenecks and standardizing protocols are key strategies for a successful process transfer.

What are manufacturing scientists?

Manufacturing scientists are professionals who apply scientific principles to develop, optimize, and oversee manufacturing processes, especially in industries like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and chemicals. They work to ensure products are produced efficiently, safely, and to the highest quality standards. Their role often involves troubleshooting production issues, scaling up laboratory procedures for full-scale manufacturing, validating processes, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Manufacturing scientists collaborate with engineers, quality assurance teams, and production staff to improve processes and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Do I need a PhD to be a research scientist?

A manufacturing scientist typically does not require a PhD; a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field such as chemistry, biology, or engineering is often sufficient. Advanced roles or research positions may prefer or require a PhD, especially for independent research or leadership roles. Relevant skills include laboratory techniques, data analysis, and familiarity with manufacturing processes.

What is the highest paying job in manufacturing?

In manufacturing, senior engineering roles such as Manufacturing Director or Vice President of Manufacturing tend to be the highest paying positions, often earning six-figure salaries. These roles typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and knowledge of production processes and quality control systems.

What is the difference between Manufacturing Scientist vs Quality Control Analyst?

AspectManufacturing ScientistQuality Control Analyst
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Life Sciences, Chemistry, or related fieldBachelor's in Chemistry, Biology, or related field; certifications may vary
Work EnvironmentResearch and development labs, manufacturing facilitiesQuality labs, manufacturing sites, testing environments
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical, biotech, and manufacturing companiesPharmaceutical, biotech, and manufacturing companies
Primary FocusDeveloping and optimizing manufacturing processesTesting and ensuring product quality and compliance

Manufacturing Scientists focus on process development and optimization in manufacturing settings, while Quality Control Analysts concentrate on testing products to ensure quality standards are met. Both roles are essential in the manufacturing industry and often work closely together to ensure efficient production and high-quality products.

More about Manufacturing Scientist jobs
What cities are hiring for Manufacturing Scientist jobs? Cities with the most Manufacturing Scientist job openings:
What states have the most Manufacturing Scientist jobs? States with the most job openings for Manufacturing Scientist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Manufacturing Scientist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,437 per year, or $36.3 per hour.
Technical Services & Manufacturing Science (TSMS) Scientist - Nights

Technical Services & Manufacturing Science (TSMS) Scientist - Nights

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated

Elwood, KS • On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 29 days ago


Elanco rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 74 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: Technical Services & Manufacturing Science (TSMS) Scientist, Nights
The Technical Services & Manufacturing Science (TSMS) Scientist is responsible for providing primary and/or secondary loop technical support for commercial operations at the Elwood, Kansas monoclonal antibody (mAb) manufacturing facility. This role serves as a subject matter expert for mAb products and processes and is actively engaged in tech transfer, scale-up, process optimization, validation, monitoring, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives. The TS/MS Scientist plays a critical role in supporting day-to-day operations and delivering technical projects.
Your Responsibilities:
  • Provide technical and on-floor support for the commercialization, manufacture, and lifecycle management of monoclonal antibody products.
  • Collaborate with R&D, Manufacturing, and Quality teams to execute technical studies, validation activities, and technology transfer programs.
  • Support manufacturing teams with real-time troubleshooting and participate in investigations, including root cause analysis of deviations, complaints, and OOS/OOE events. Ensure proper documentation, CAPA development, and resolution within quality systems.
  • Act as a subject matter expert for product and process within cross-functional teams, projects, and governance forums.
  • Utilize scientific and statistical tools to improve process understanding, maintain process control, and identify opportunities for optimization and continuous improvement.
  • Lead and execute projects to address process performance issues and drive measurable improvements.
  • Support resolution of technical and compliance-related issues, including preparing technical assessments and responses for internal audits and regulatory agencies.

What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):
  • Education: Bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience) in Bio/Pharmaceutical Technology, Microbiology, Engineering, or a related discipline.
  • Experience:
  • Working knowledge of biopharmaceutical production processes and technologies, along with experience in a cGMP-regulated environment.
  • Top 2 Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities; and the ability to provide technical troubleshooting and collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams.

What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications):
  • Advanced degree (MSc or PhD) in a related discipline.
  • 3+ years of experience in the biotech or pharmaceutical industry.
  • Experience with monoclonal antibody or recombinant protein manufacturing processes.
  • Experience in tech transfer, scale-up, and validation of biopharmaceutical processes.
  • Familiarity with SAP, JMP, and Veeva Vault systems.
  • Strong technical writing skills and experience applying tools such as RCI, FMEA, and QRM.
  • Working knowledge of USDA and/or EU GMP regulations for veterinary biologics.

Additional Information:
  • Location: Elwood, Kansas
  • Shift: Night shift position with weekend and evening rotation to support ongoing operations
  • Travel: Minimal (<10%)

Don't meet every single requirement?
Studies have shown underrecognized 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 this 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 job-related 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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