1

Pharma Instrumentation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$140K - $144K/yr

Pharma / BioPharma Business Development Specialist Location: Carlsbad, CA - San Francisco, CA ... instrumentation, physical testing, and environmental monitoring systems in the world. Ground ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Pharma Instrumentation information

See salary details

$14

$28

$76

How much do pharma instrumentation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for pharma instrumentation in the United States is $28.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $29.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Pharma Instrumentation, and why are they important?

To thrive in Pharma Instrumentation, you need a solid understanding of pharmaceutical processes, instrumentation engineering, and quality standards, often backed by a degree in engineering or a related science field. Familiarity with analytical instruments (like HPLC, GC, and spectrophotometers), calibration procedures, and compliance systems such as GMP is crucial. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set top professionals apart. These competencies ensure precise instrument operation, regulatory compliance, and the reliability of pharmaceutical analysis and production.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in pharma instrumentation, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in pharma instrumentation often encounter challenges related to maintaining strict regulatory compliance, ensuring equipment calibration accuracy, and troubleshooting complex automated systems. Staying updated with evolving industry standards and frequent technological advancements can also be demanding. These challenges can be addressed by participating in regular training, collaborating closely with quality assurance teams, and implementing preventive maintenance schedules. Additionally, open communication with cross-functional teams helps streamline problem-solving and keeps instrumentation in optimal condition.

What is Pharma Instrumentation?

Pharma instrumentation refers to the specialized tools, equipment, and devices used in the pharmaceutical industry for processes such as research, development, manufacturing, and quality control of drugs. These instruments include spectrometers, chromatographs, dissolution testers, and particle size analyzers, among others. They ensure that pharmaceutical products are developed and produced safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory standards. Professionals in pharma instrumentation often install, maintain, and calibrate these devices to ensure accurate and reliable results.

What is the difference between Pharma Instrumentation vs Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technician?

AspectPharma InstrumentationPharmaceutical Manufacturing Technician
CredentialsTechnical certifications, instrumentation trainingTechnical diploma or associate degree
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, calibration labs, cleanroomsManufacturing floors, production lines
Industry UsageEquipment maintenance, calibration, validationOperating machinery, assembling products
Common Search/ComparisonFocus on instrumentation and calibration rolesFocus on production and assembly roles

Pharma Instrumentation professionals primarily handle calibration, maintenance, and validation of laboratory and manufacturing equipment, ensuring compliance with industry standards. In contrast, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technicians focus on operating production machinery and assembling pharmaceutical products. Both roles are essential in the pharmaceutical industry but differ in their specific responsibilities and work environments.

What job categories do people searching Pharma Instrumentation jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Pharma Instrumentation jobs are:
Infographic showing various Pharma Instrumentation job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,888 per year, or $28.8 per hour.

Instrumentation and Calibration Engineer

Piramal Pharma Limited

Riverview, MI โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Be the First to Apply

Division

Piramal Pharma Solutions

Piramal Pharma Solutions is a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), offering end-to-end development and manufacturing solutions across the drug life cycle. We serve our clients through a globally integrated network of facilities in North America, Europe and Asia.

This enables us to offer a comprehensive range of services including Drug Discovery Solutions, Process & Pharmaceutical Development services, Clinical Trial Supplies, Commercial supply of APIs and Finished dosage forms. We also offer specialized services like development and manufacture of Highly Potent APIs and Antibody Drug Conjugation.

Our capability as an integrated service provider & experience with various technologies enables us to serve Innovator and Generic companies worldwide.

For more details, please visit : www.piramalpharmasolutions.com

Job Title

Instrumentation and Calibration Engineer

Job Description

The Instrumentation and Calibration Engineer has the responsibility for ensuring the site's production instruments are operating at optimal levels and properly maintained to data collection in an FDA regulated environment. The position will be primarily responsible for ensuring all instruments are maintained in a calibrated state. Additionally, the Engineer will support general troubleshooting of production equipment/utilities, and asset management.

Keyresponsibilities.

  • Support thePreventive Maintenance (PM) program through thecreation of new PMtasks, evaluation ofexisting PMs for technical relevance to current asset problems.

  • Help create Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)for equipment operation, engineering analyses, PM and calibration tasks,that adhere to FDA and cGMP requirements.

  • Support the management of the calibrations onproduction instruments, such as temperature sensors (RTDs/resistance thermometers), pressure sensors (electronic manometers, gauges), and othertransmitters.

  • Support root cause investigationsto a detailed levelrequiredforan FDA regulated/cGMPenvironment, andtranslate these root causes to effective CAPAs that mitigate equipment risk.

  • Assesses and monitors equipment for reliability of operation implementing necessary improvements

  • Maintains system classification of incoming equipment with the system owner. Duties may include assembly of supplieroperatingand maintenance manuals,installationand operational qualification.

  • Translate data from Root CauseCenteredMaintenance (RCCM) data to support Autonomous Maintenance program. Train Operations personnel in Autonomous Maintenance.

  • Maintain calibration records, and qualification of calibration contractor.

  • Manages risk to achieve organization's strategicobjectivesin areas of environmental health and safety, asset capability, quality, and production.

  • Conducts risk analyses routinely when production equipment is functioning outside of expected parameters

  • Develops Total Cost of Ownership, Mean Time to Failure, Life Cycle Cost, Mean Time to Repair, specific to critical equipment in the production areas.

  • Runs process improvement projects from designthruimplementation.Apply Root Cause Centered Maintenance (RCCM) to develop improved preventive maintenance tasks.

  • Executes changes through to completion, from initiation of change controls to revising SWIs, coordinating work with Maintenance/Engineering, etc., to close out of CCs

  • Collaborates with other departments to ensure that reliability is integrated into all aspects of the organization

  • Participates in and execute qualification and validation of equipment and processes

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE.

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering disciplineand 3 years of experience in a related or similar field, or

  • Associate's degree inan engineeringor scientific discipline and at least 5 years of experience.

job competencies.

  • Analytical thinking: the ability to think critically and logically, as well as the ability to work with large sets of data and make sense of them.

  • Technical aptitude: a strong understanding of the systems, equipment, and processes at hand. This includes knowledge of the engineering principles and specific systems usedatan organization.

  • Mechanical aptitude: an understanding of how mechanical components fit together and support the function of equipment.Demonstrated curiosity for how production equipment functions.

  • Problem-solving: the ability to think creatively andcome up withinnovative solutions to complex problems. Specific experience applying Root Cause Analysis and Root Cause Investigation concepts todetermineroot causes and create effective corrective actions.

  • Communication: the ability to explain technical concepts in a clear and understandable manner, as well as the ability to collaborate effectively with others. The ability to generate highly technical equipment maintenance into work instructions for Maintenance Technicians.

  • Timemanagement: the ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously and effectively including planning, scheduling, and organizing. Preferred experience in the Agile Project Management System.

  • A continuous improvement mindset: identifying and implementing ways to continuously improve reliability.

  • An understanding of lean manufacturingprinciples, andapplying Six Sigma concepts to chemical manufacturing.

  • Safety-conscious: the ability toidentifypotential hazards and take the necessary steps to mitigate them.

  • Knowledge of CMMS system and functions

  • Knowledge of the regulations and their applicationto instruments that gather GMP data in a production environment.