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Pharma Manufacturing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Associate Manufacturing

Thousand Oaks, CA ยท On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

Master's degree OR Bachelor's degree and 6 months of experience in biotech/pharma manufacturing/laboratory or manufacturing support (i.e. laboratories, engineering, facilities, quality) OR Associate ...

Must have Pharma/Manufacturing Tech Writing experience. * Demonstrates knowledge of current Good Manufacturing Practice (FDA, EU and ICH) requirements and Quality Systems, with the ability to assess ...

Pharma manufacturing experience, with IT Infra knowledge. * MES knowledge is an added advantage. * Cross Team/Dept Coordination. * Familiarity with general Project Management principles * Knowledge ...

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Pharma Manufacturing information

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$32

How much do pharma manufacturing jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for pharma manufacturing in California is $20.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $23.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is pharma manufacturing?

Pharma manufacturing refers to the process of producing pharmaceutical drugs on a large scale. This involves the formulation, production, testing, packaging, and quality assurance of medications to ensure they meet regulatory standards. The industry follows strict guidelines to maintain product safety, efficacy, and consistency. Pharma manufacturing can include both the creation of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and the final dosage forms like tablets, capsules, or injectables.

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

To thrive in Pharma Manufacturing, you need a solid background in life sciences or engineering, strong knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and relevant industry experience. Familiarity with manufacturing equipment, process automation systems, and regulatory compliance certifications (such as GMP or ISO) is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this field. These competencies ensure consistent product quality, regulatory compliance, and efficient production processes essential for patient safety and company success.

What are some common challenges faced in a pharma manufacturing role, and how are they typically addressed?

One of the most common challenges in pharma manufacturing is maintaining strict compliance with regulatory standards while ensuring product quality and consistency. Employees must adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and undergo regular audits, which can be demanding but also offer valuable learning experiences. Additionally, adapting to new technologies and process changes is essential, as the industry is constantly evolving. Strong teamwork and clear communication with quality assurance, engineering, and R&D departments help address these challenges and maintain smooth operations.

What is the difference between Pharma Manufacturing vs Pharmaceutical Quality Control?

AspectPharma ManufacturingPharmaceutical Quality Control
Primary FocusProduction of medicines and active pharmaceutical ingredientsInspection and testing of products to ensure quality standards
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, production linesLaboratories, quality assurance labs
Required CertificationsGMP training, technical certificationsGMP, quality assurance certifications
Industry UsageUsed by pharmaceutical manufacturers during productionUsed by quality control teams to verify product quality

Pharma Manufacturing involves the actual production of medicines, focusing on manufacturing processes and compliance. Pharmaceutical Quality Control centers on testing and inspecting products to ensure they meet safety and quality standards. Both roles are essential in the pharmaceutical industry but serve different functions within the drug development and production process.

Is pharmaceutical manufacturing a good job?

Pharmaceutical manufacturing is a stable career that offers opportunities for growth, often requiring technical skills and adherence to strict safety and quality standards. It typically involves working in controlled environments with shifts and may require certifications such as GMP training. The industry provides competitive wages and benefits, making it a viable option for those interested in science and production roles.

What job categories do people searching Pharma Manufacturing jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Pharma Manufacturing jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Pharma Manufacturing jobs?

Cities in California with the most Pharma Manufacturing job openings:

Infographic showing various Pharma Manufacturing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,774 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

Senior Associate Manufacturing

Amgen, Inc.

Thousand Oaks, CA โ€ข On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Career Category
Manufacturing
Job Description
Join Amgen's Mission of Serving Patients
At Amgen, if you feel like you're part of something bigger, it's because you are. Our shared mission-to serve patients living with serious illnesses-drives all that we do.
Since 1980, we've helped pioneer the world of biotech in our fight against the world's toughest diseases. With our focus on four therapeutic areas -Oncology, Inflammation, General Medicine, and Rare Disease- we reach millions of patients each year. Amgen is advancing a broad and deep pipeline of medicines to treat cancer, heart disease, inflammatory conditions, rare diseases, and obesity-related conditions. As a member of the Amgen team, you'll help make a lasting impact on the lives of patients as we research, manufacture, and deliver innovative medicines to help people live longer, fuller happier lives.
Our award-winning culture is collaborative, innovative, and science based. If you have a passion for challenges and the opportunities that lay within them, you'll thrive as part of the Amgen team. Join us and transform the lives of patients while transforming your career.
Senior Associate Manufacturing
What you will do
Let's do this! Let's change the world!
The Manufacturing Senior Associate position is part of the Amgen, Thousand Oaks, Drug Product Supply organization. This is a manufacturing support role responsible for manual visual inspection team. This Senior Associate position will be focused on:
  • Characterization, data, and equipment management
  • Process improvement projects/assignments within operations
  • Quality systems (Deviations/CAPA/CAPA EV/LIMS/MES/SAP/MAXIMO) support
  • Support new product introduction activities
  • Support production
  • Maintain open communication between operations teams

This Senior Associate position will be focused on manual visual inspection operations.
Job Scope and Responsibilities:
  • Under minimal supervision, performs manufacturing unit operations according to Standard Operating Procedures
  • May schedule operations for multiple functional areas
  • Understand process parameters and can identify process anomalies
  • Perform data analysis of critical process parameters
  • Operate complex critical processing equipment
  • Assist, plan and implement continuous improvement solutions related to routine functions
  • Assist in ensuring operations are completed per manufacturing schedule which may include delegation of tasks
  • Primary resource related to processing operations on the mfg. floor
  • Identify and propose solutions to complex problems
  • Responsible for resolving problems during operations
  • Perform initial review of manufacturing procedures/batch records
  • Review, revise, and audit documents
  • Ability to perform computer operations (MES, EBR, MAXIMO, LIMS and SAP Knowledge)
  • Provide process theory expertise and hands-on training to others
  • Own deviations/CAPA or provide suggestions/ideas for corrective actions and preventative actions for deviations/safety incidents
  • Applies research, information gathering, and interpretation skills to problems of diverse scope
  • Utilizes project management skills to set project timelines and priorities based project objectives and ongoing assignments
  • Recognizes and escalates problems
  • Able to establish working relationships with others outside area of expertise
  • Ability and willingness to support flexible shift structure in support of operations (may include 24/7 or weekend)
  • Ability to understand, apply, and evaluate basic chemistry, biology, and physical principles as appropriate for the position
  • Organizational skills and an ability to perform assignments with a high degree of attention to detail
  • Written and oral communication skills. Technical writing capability
  • GMP knowledge with ability to interpret and apply applicable regulations

What we expect of you
We are all different, yet we all use our unique contributions to serve patients. The dynamic professional we seek is an employee with these qualifications.
Basic Qualifications:
Master's degree OR
Bachelor's degree and 6 months of experience in biotech/pharma manufacturing/laboratory or manufacturing support (i.e. laboratories, engineering, facilities, quality) OR
Associate's degree and 2 years of experience in biotech/pharma manufacturing/laboratory or manufacturing support (i.e. laboratories, engineering, facilities, quality) OR
High School Diploma/GED and 4 years of experience in a biotech/pharma manufacturing/laboratory or manufacturing support (i.e. laboratories, engineering, facilities, quality)
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Prior experience with lab equipment, computers, and intermediate mathematical skills
  • Significant experience with manual visual inspection in a GMP regulated environment.
  • Significant experience with PAS X Werum software for electronic batch records with some understanding of editing and validation
  • Degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology or Computer Science with experience in biotechnology
  • Demonstrated technical writing skills
  • Strong knowledge of manual visual inspection or strong understanding of related disciplinary areas in bioprocessing (Drug Product operations)
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a team

What you can expect of us
As we work to develop treatments that take care of others, we also work to care for your professional and personal growth and well-being. From our competitive benefits to our collaborative culture, we'll support your journey every step of the way.
The expected annual salary range for this role in the U.S. (excluding Puerto Rico) is posted. Actual salary will vary based on several factors including but not limited to, relevant skills, experience, and qualifications.
In addition to the base salary, Amgen offers a Total Rewards Plan, based on eligibility, comprising of health and welfare plans for staff and eligible dependents, financial plans with opportunities to save towards retirement or other goals, work/life balance, and career development opportunities that may include:
  • A comprehensive employee benefits package, including a Retirement and Savings Plan with generous company contributions, group medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts
  • A discretionary annual bonus program, or for field sales representatives, a sales-based incentive plan
  • Stock-based long-term incentives
  • Award-winning time-off plans
  • Flexible work models where possible. Refer to the Work Location Type in the job posting to see if this applies.

Apply now and make a lasting impact with the Amgen team.
careers.amgen.com
In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Application deadline
Amgen does not have an application deadline for this position; we will continue accepting applications until we receive a sufficient number or select a candidate for the position.
Sponsorship
Sponsorship for this role is not guaranteed.
As an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people around the world, Amgen fosters an inclusive environment of diverse, ethical, committed and highly accomplished people who respect each other and live the Amgen values to continue advancing science to serve patients. Together, we compete in the fight against serious disease.
Amgen is an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
Salary Range
86,048.05USD -116,417.95 USD