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Pharmaceutical Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Astrix Inc

Quality Engineer (Pharmaceutical)

Irvine, CA · On-site

$120K/yr

Pay Rate Low: 100000 | Pay Rate High: 120000 Opportunity to join a rapidly growing pharmaceutical organization in a highly impactful Quality Engineer capacity. Salary: $100-120k/yr Hybrid (Irvine OR ...

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Pharmaceutical Developer information

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$80

How much do pharmaceutical developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for pharmaceutical developer in California is $52.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.86 and $63.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pharmaceutical developer?

Pharmaceutical developers are professionals who design, create, and test new medications and drug therapies. They work on the research and development of pharmaceuticals, ensuring that new drugs are safe, effective, and meet regulatory standards. Their work involves a combination of biology, chemistry, and clinical trials to bring new treatments from the laboratory to the market. Pharmaceutical developers often collaborate with scientists, regulatory agencies, and manufacturers throughout the drug development process.

What are the main challenges a pharmaceutical developer faces during the drug development process?

Pharmaceutical Developers often encounter challenges such as navigating complex regulatory requirements, ensuring product safety and efficacy, and managing lengthy development timelines. Balancing innovation with compliance is crucial, as each stage— from research and formulation to clinical trials— involves rigorous testing and documentation. Collaboration with cross-functional teams like regulatory affairs, quality assurance, and clinical researchers is essential to successfully advance a drug candidate through each development phase.

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

To thrive as a Pharmaceutical Developer, you need a solid background in pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, or related fields, often supported by an advanced degree. Familiarity with analytical instruments, Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), regulatory compliance systems, and data analysis software is crucial. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help set outstanding professionals apart. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant development of new medications in a highly regulated industry.

What is the difference between Pharmaceutical Developer vs Pharmaceutical Scientist?

AspectPharmaceutical DeveloperPharmaceutical Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Pharmacy, Chemistry, or related fieldBachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D departments, manufacturing settingsResearch labs, academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, R&D centersResearch institutions, pharmaceutical companies, academia
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Pharmaceutical Developers focus on designing, developing, and optimizing new drug formulations and delivery methods, often working closely with manufacturing. Pharmaceutical Scientists conduct research to understand drug properties, mechanisms, and efficacy, primarily in laboratory or academic settings. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work within the pharmaceutical industry, their core responsibilities differ: development versus scientific research.

How do you become a pharmaceutical developer?

To become a pharmaceutical developer, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in pharmacy, chemistry, biology, or a related field, followed by relevant experience or advanced degrees such as a master's or Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences or medicinal chemistry. Skills in laboratory research, knowledge of drug development processes, and familiarity with regulatory requirements are essential for success in this role.

How much do pharmaceutical developers make?

Pharmaceutical developers typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in drug formulation or regulatory affairs can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000 annually.

What cities in California are hiring for Pharmaceutical Developer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Pharmaceutical Developer job openings:

Pharmaceutical Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pharmaceutical Developer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,466 per year, or $52.1 per hour.

Project Engineer

Montrose, CA • On-site

Eliquent Life Sciences, Inc
See more jobs at Eliquent Life Sciences, Incexternal

$90K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead and support commissioning activities for pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment and systems, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and company standards.

  • Collaborate with engineering, quality, and production teams to develop and implement process improvements and validation protocols.

  • Prepare and review technical documentation, including commissioning plans, validation reports, and standard operating procedures.

Job description

About Company:

Who Are We?

ELIQUENT Life Sciences is a leading global consulting group delivering regulatory affairs, pharmacovigilance, quality, and compliance solutions that support pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, and combination product companies across therapeutic modalities, phase-based pathways, and major global markets.


Why explore your future at ELIQUENT?

ELIQUENT Life Sciences is a trusted global consulting firm helping life sciences companies navigate regulatory complexity and bring breakthrough therapies to market. Founded by former regulators and industry experts, we offer end-to-end support in regulatory affairs, pharmacovigilance, and quality compliance. Our team is driven by a shared mission to improve global health through innovation, collaboration, and integrity. At ELIQUENT, you will be part of a purpose-led organization where your expertise contributes to meaningful impact and your growth is supported every step of the way.


About the Role:

As a Project Engineer specializing in Pharmaceutical Engineering within the manufacturing sector, you will play a critical role in supporting the design, development, and commissioning of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and equipment. Your primary objective will be to ensure that all engineering solutions meet regulatory standards and operational efficiency requirements, facilitating the successful production of high-quality pharmaceutical products. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including quality assurance, production, and project management to implement best practices and troubleshoot technical challenges. This role demands a proactive approach to commissioning activities, ensuring that new systems and equipment are validated and fully operational according to project timelines. Ultimately, your contributions will help optimize manufacturing workflows, enhance compliance, and support the company’s commitment to delivering safe and effective pharmaceutical products to market.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
  • Demonstrated experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing environments, specifically in commissioning and validation activities.
  • Strong understanding of regulatory requirements such as FDA, cGMP, and other relevant industry standards.
  • Proficiency in interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills to effectively collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Advanced degree or certifications related to pharmaceutical engineering or manufacturing.
  • Experience with automation systems and control technologies used in pharmaceutical production.
  • Familiarity with project management methodologies and tools.
  • Knowledge of risk management and quality assurance processes within pharmaceutical manufacturing.
  • Previous consulting experience in a pharmaceutical or biotech environment.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead and support commissioning activities for pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment and systems, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and company standards.
  • Collaborate with engineering, quality, and production teams to develop and implement process improvements and validation protocols.
  • Conduct technical assessments and provide recommendations to optimize manufacturing processes and equipment performance.
  • Prepare and review technical documentation, including commissioning plans, validation reports, and standard operating procedures.
  • Assist in troubleshooting and resolving engineering issues during commissioning and initial production phases.

Skills:

The required skills in Pharmaceutical Engineering and Commissioning are essential for daily tasks such as designing and validating manufacturing processes, ensuring equipment meets operational and regulatory standards, and leading commissioning activities. These skills enable the consultant to analyze complex engineering challenges and implement effective solutions that enhance production efficiency and compliance. Preferred skills, including familiarity with automation and project management, complement the core competencies by allowing the consultant to manage projects more effectively and integrate advanced technologies into manufacturing workflows. Strong communication and documentation skills are used daily to coordinate with various teams and maintain clear, accurate records of commissioning and validation activities. Together, these skills ensure the consultant can deliver high-quality engineering support that aligns with organizational goals and regulatory expectations.