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Pharmaceutical Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Eliquent Life Sciences, Inc

Project Engineer

Montrose, CA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Pharmaceutical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline. * Demonstrated experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing environments, specifically in ...

Bachem

Process Engineer II

Vista, CA · On-site

Minimum 5 years of experience of pharmaceutical engineering and/or manufacturing * Thorough understanding of engineering fundamentals * Deep knowledge of cGMP, pharmaceutical manufacturing facility ...

Bachem AG

Process Engineer II

Vista, CA

Minimum 5 years of experience of pharmaceutical engineering and/or manufacturing * Thorough understanding of engineering fundamentals * Deep knowledge of cGMP, pharmaceutical manufacturing facility ...

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All JobsPharmaceutical Engineering JobsPharmaceutical Engineering Jobs in California

Pharmaceutical Engineering information

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$33

$37

$41

How much do pharmaceutical engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for pharmaceutical engineering 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 is pharmaceutical engineering?

Pharmaceutical engineering is a branch of engineering focused on the design, development, and manufacturing of medications and pharmaceutical products. It combines principles from chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, and pharmaceutical sciences to ensure the safe, effective, and efficient production of drugs. Professionals in this field work on process development, quality control, scaling up laboratory processes to industrial levels, and adhering to regulatory standards. Pharmaceutical engineers play a crucial role in bringing new medicines to market and maintaining the quality of existing products.

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 typically need a strong background in chemical engineering, biology, or pharmaceutical sciences, supported by at least a bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) systems, process simulation software, and regulatory compliance certifications is crucial. Exceptional problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork make professionals stand out in this role. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant development and manufacturing of pharmaceutical products, directly impacting patient safety and product quality.

What are some common challenges faced by pharmaceutical engineers when working on cross-functional project teams?

Pharmaceutical engineers often collaborate with professionals from research, quality assurance, regulatory, and manufacturing teams. One common challenge is aligning technical requirements with strict regulatory standards while meeting project timelines. Communication can also become complex due to the diverse expertise and priorities of each group. Successful pharmaceutical engineers proactively facilitate information sharing and adapt to feedback, ensuring that project goals are achieved without compromising quality or compliance.

What is the difference between Pharmaceutical Engineering vs Chemical Engineering?

AspectPharmaceutical EngineeringChemical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Pharmaceutical Engineering or related field, certifications in GMPBachelor's in Chemical Engineering, professional engineering license
Work EnvironmentPharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, labsChemical plants, refineries, research labs
Industry UsagePharmaceutical companies, biotech firmsChemical, energy, and manufacturing industries

Pharmaceutical Engineering focuses on designing and optimizing processes for drug manufacturing, ensuring compliance with health regulations. Chemical Engineering has a broader scope, involving the development of chemical processes across various industries. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, Pharmaceutical Engineers specialize in pharmaceuticals, whereas Chemical Engineers work in diverse chemical sectors.

Are pharmaceutical engineers in demand?

Pharmaceutical engineers are in demand due to the ongoing need for drug development, manufacturing, and quality assurance in the pharmaceutical industry. They often require knowledge of process engineering, regulatory standards, and specialized tools, making their skills valuable in both research and production environments.

What do pharmaceutical engineers do?

Pharmaceutical engineers design and develop processes for manufacturing drugs and medical products, ensuring they are safe, effective, and produced efficiently. They work with equipment, chemical processes, and quality control standards, often using tools like process simulation software and adhering to regulatory requirements.

What are popular job titles related to Pharmaceutical Engineering jobs in California?

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Pharmaceutical Engineering jobs?

Cities in California with the most Pharmaceutical Engineering job openings:

Pharmaceutical Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pharmaceutical Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 38% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person 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

$90K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 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.