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Pharmaceutical Engineer information

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$41

How much do pharmaceutical engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for pharmaceutical engineer in California is $37.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36.06 and $39.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a pharmaceutical engineer do?

Pharmaceutical engineers design and manufacture pharmaceutical products. As a pharmaceutical engineer, the focus of your work may be on chemical research, manufacturing design, field testing, quality assurance, packaging and labeling, product delivery, or regulations compliance. Your job duties include collaborating with other engineers and manufacturing personnel, and ensuring all procedures follow Good Manufacturing Practice Regulations established by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). You need extensive science experience, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to work well with a team.

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

To thrive as a Pharmaceutical Engineer, you need a strong background in chemical or biomedical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, and process development, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) regulations, process simulation software, and quality assurance systems is essential. Exceptional problem-solving, attention to detail, and teamwork skills help you excel in cross-functional environments. These skills ensure safe, efficient drug production and regulatory compliance, which are vital for patient safety and business success.

How do pharmaceutical engineers typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during drug development projects?

Pharmaceutical engineers work closely with scientists, quality assurance specialists, regulatory teams, and manufacturing staff throughout the drug development process. They play a key role in translating laboratory-scale processes into safe, efficient, and scalable manufacturing solutions. Effective communication and teamwork are crucial, as engineers must ensure that all technical, safety, and compliance requirements are met while balancing project timelines and budgets. This collaborative environment offers valuable opportunities to broaden your expertise and develop leadership skills, especially as you take on more responsibility in project management or process optimization roles.

What is the difference between Pharmaceutical Engineer vs Chemical Engineer?

AspectPharmaceutical EngineerChemical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Pharmaceutical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field; often requires industry-specific certificationsBachelor's in Chemical Engineering; professional engineer (PE) license optional
Work EnvironmentPharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, labs, quality controlChemical plants, refineries, research labs
Industry UsagePrimarily in pharmaceutical and biotech industriesBroader industries including chemicals, energy, and materials
Job FocusDesigning and optimizing drug manufacturing processes, ensuring compliance with regulationsDesigning chemical processes, scaling up production, safety analysis

While both roles require a background in chemical processes, Pharmaceutical Engineers focus specifically on drug manufacturing and regulatory compliance within the pharmaceutical industry. Chemical Engineers have a broader scope, working across various chemical production sectors. The choice depends on your industry interest and specialization goals.

More about Pharmaceutical Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Pharmaceutical Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Pharmaceutical Engineer jobs in California are:

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For Pharmaceutical Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Pharmaceutical Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Pharmaceutical Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Pharmaceutical Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Pharmaceutical Engineer job openings:

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For Pharmaceutical Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Pharmaceutical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pharmaceutical Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,952 per year, or $38 per hour.

Project Engineer

Eliquent Life Sciences, Inc

Montrose, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

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.

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