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Pharma Startup Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Perform safe startup, shutdown, and operation of pumps, fans, boilers, air compressors, and related ... Chemical / Pharma / Food plant operations experience $35 - $40 an hour Zero Carbon Systems is proud ...

Operator

Brighton, CO · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

Perform safe startup, shutdown, and operation of pumps, fans, boilers, air compressors, and related ... Chemical / Pharma / Food plant operations experience $35 - $40 an hour Zero Carbon Systems is proud ...

Process Engineer

Frederick, CO · On-site

$67K - $105K/yr

DESIRED: 2+ years of combined experience in pharma/biopharma, fine chemicals or food manufacturing ... and startup of an API manufacturing facility. Self-motivated, hands-on problem solver with the ...

Project Engineer

Frederick, CO · On-site

$103K - $161K/yr

Support Environmental Health & Safety activities including Process Hazard Analysis, Pre-Startup ... in pharma/biopharma and fine chemicals industry * 4 years of experience with P&IDs, facility ...

Support Environmental Health & Safety activities including Process Hazard Analysis, Pre-Startup ... in pharma/biopharma and fine chemicals industry * 4 years of experience with P&IDs, facility ...

Thought Leader Liaison (TLL), West

Denver, CO · On-site +1

$170K - $199K/yr

... a startup environment. Requirements * Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree (MBA, MPH, etc.) preferred. * Minimum of 8 years of commercial experience in biotech/pharma, including at least 1+ ...

DESIRED: 2+ years of combined experience in pharma/biopharma, fine chemicals or food manufacturing ... and startup of an API manufacturing facility. Self-motivated, hands-on problem solver with the ...

Pharma Startup information

See Colorado salary details

$26.8K

$186.2K

$368.5K

How much do pharma startup jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for pharma startup in Colorado is $186,158.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,484.00 and $272,517.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pharma startup?

A pharma startup is a newly established company focused on the development, manufacturing, or commercialization of pharmaceutical products, such as drugs, biologics, or medical devices. These startups often work on innovative therapies, drug discovery, or novel approaches to healthcare challenges. Pharma startups play a crucial role in bringing new treatments to market and often collaborate with larger pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, or investors to advance their products. They typically face unique challenges, such as regulatory approval, funding, and clinical trials, but also drive significant innovation in the healthcare industry.

What are jobs at a pharma startup?

Jobs at a pharma startup include positions in research, development, and sales for pharmaceutical and prescription drugs. In these roles, you may help educate potential clients about your products, research ways to make your drugs more effective, or help them get through the rigorous scrutiny necessary for most medications. Pharma startups often focus on one or two products—developing new medicine can be extremely expensive, so companies usually want to have a successful, money-earning product before expanding out into other areas. Many employees during the startup phase work long hours to help make the company more successful, so expect frequent overtime in most positions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a pharma startup?

To thrive in a pharma startup, you need a solid background in pharmaceutical sciences, drug development, or related fields, often supported by relevant degrees or industry experience. Familiarity with regulatory frameworks (FDA, EMA), clinical trial management systems, and data analysis tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving, entrepreneurial mindset, and effective communication are vital soft skills for navigating the dynamic startup environment. These skills and qualities enable rapid innovation, regulatory compliance, and successful teamwork essential for scaling a pharma startup.

What are the typical challenges faced when working at a pharma startup, and how can new team members best adapt?

Working at a pharma startup often means operating in a fast-paced and rapidly evolving environment, with shifting priorities and limited resources. Team members may frequently wear multiple hats, contributing to research, regulatory documentation, and even business development. Adapting quickly, being flexible, and proactively communicating with colleagues are crucial for success. Embracing a collaborative mindset and staying open to learning new skills will help new hires navigate these unique challenges and thrive in the dynamic startup culture.

What is the difference between Pharma Startup vs Pharmaceutical Sales Representative?

AspectPharma StartupPharmaceutical Sales Representative
Required CredentialsDegree in life sciences or related field, possibly some industry certificationsDegree in life sciences, marketing, or related field; often requires sales training
Work EnvironmentFast-paced, innovative, often small teams, dynamic startup cultureCorporate setting, client-facing, travel involved, structured sales environment
Employer & Industry UsageStartups in biotech/pharma, early-stage companiesEstablished pharmaceutical companies, healthcare industry

Pharma Startup roles focus on innovation, product development, and early-stage growth, often requiring a versatile skill set. Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives primarily promote existing products, build client relationships, and work within structured sales frameworks. Both roles require a background in life sciences, but differ in work environment and company maturity.

Infographic showing various Pharma Startup job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $186,158 per year, or $89.5 per hour.

Senior Process Engineer - Downstream (Biologics & Peptides)

Stark Pharma Solutions Inc

Boulder, CO • On-site

$107K - $139K/yr

Contractor

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Senior Process Engineer – Downstream (Biologics & Peptides)

Location: Boulder, CO (100% Onsite)

Duration: 6 Months + Extensions

Start Date: ASAP

Job Summary

We are seeking a Senior Process Engineer with strong expertise in downstream processing to support the development, scale-up, and commercialization of biologics and peptide-based therapeutics. This role will focus on designing, optimizing, and implementing purification processes and manufacturing systems within a GMP-regulated environment.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with chromatography and tangential flow filtration (TFF) technologies, along with a proven track record supporting process scale-up, equipment qualification, and manufacturing startup activities.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead downstream process development and optimization activities for biologics and peptide products
  • Design, specify, and support implementation of purification systems including chromatography and TFF skids
  • Support process scale-up from development through pilot and commercial manufacturing
  • Drive startup, commissioning, qualification, and troubleshooting of downstream manufacturing equipment
  • Develop and execute process validation and verification strategies aligned with GMP and regulatory requirements
  • Collaborate with MSAT, Upstream, Manufacturing, and Quality teams to ensure process robustness and consistency
  • Author and review technical documentation including process descriptions, validation protocols, and regulatory support documents
  • Serve as a technical SME for downstream purification operations and technologies
  • Mentor junior engineers and support continuous improvement initiatives

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, or related field
  • 8+ years of experience in biopharmaceutical process engineering with strong downstream processing expertise
  • Hands-on experience with:
  • Chromatography systems (affinity, ion exchange, HIC, etc.)
  • Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF) systems
  • Experience supporting equipment startup, commissioning, and qualification activities
  • Strong understanding of process validation and GMP manufacturing environments
  • Experience supporting or leading tech transfer and process scale-up activities
  • Strong troubleshooting, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills