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Process Development Associate Jobs in Chula Vista, CA

Development Associate - On Site at the Corporate Office, San Diego, CA Who We Are: Founded in 1975 ... Develop and maintain proformas, analytical tools, and data management processes. Project Execution ...

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Process Development Associate information

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$34

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How much do process development associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for process development associate in Chula Vista, CA is $34.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.65 and $42.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Process Development Associate vs Process Engineer?

AspectProcess Development AssociateProcess Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field; often some experience in process developmentBachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering or related; more emphasis on engineering principles
Work EnvironmentLaboratory and pilot plant settings, focused on process research and developmentManufacturing plants, production lines, and process optimization environments
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical, biotech, and chemical industries; entry to mid-level rolesChemical, manufacturing, and process industries; more senior roles in process optimization

The Process Development Associate primarily focuses on developing and optimizing new processes in lab and pilot settings, often working closely with R&D teams. In contrast, the Process Engineer applies engineering principles to scale up processes, improve manufacturing efficiency, and troubleshoot production issues. While both roles require a background in chemical or process engineering, the Process Development Associate is more research-oriented, whereas the Process Engineer emphasizes process implementation and optimization in production environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Process Development Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Process Development Associate, you need a strong background in biochemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field, often supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Experience with laboratory instrumentation, process optimization tools, and familiarity with regulatory standards such as GMP are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills for excelling in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring efficient process design, regulatory compliance, and successful scale-up in manufacturing environments.

What is a Process Development Associate?

A Process Development Associate is a professional who assists in designing, optimizing, and scaling up manufacturing processes, typically in industries such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or chemical engineering. They work closely with scientists and engineers to develop efficient, safe, and cost-effective processes for producing products or materials. Their responsibilities often include conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, troubleshooting process issues, and supporting technology transfer to manufacturing. This role is essential for ensuring that new or improved products can be produced reliably at larger scales. Process Development Associates help bridge the gap between research and full-scale production.

What are the primary challenges faced by a Process Development Associate when scaling up laboratory processes to manufacturing scale?

A Process Development Associate often encounters challenges in translating small-scale laboratory protocols into large-scale manufacturing processes. Variations in equipment, raw material quality, and environmental conditions can impact reproducibility and efficiency. Addressing these issues requires strong troubleshooting skills, attention to detail, and close collaboration with cross-functional teams such as manufacturing, quality assurance, and engineering to ensure smooth technology transfer and consistent product quality.
What are popular job titles related to Process Development Associate jobs in Chula Vista, CA? For Process Development Associate jobs in Chula Vista, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Process Development Associate jobs in Chula Vista, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Process Development Associate jobs in Chula Vista, CA are:
What cities near Chula Vista, CA are hiring for Process Development Associate jobs? Cities near Chula Vista, CA with the most Process Development Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Process Development Associate job openings in Chula Vista, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 57% Full Time, 38% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,625 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Process Development Associate I, Upstream

Abzena Inc.

San Diego, CA • On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

With extensive experience in developing biologics and bioconjugates, we offer a seamless service delivered by fully integrated teams, from early discovery to commercial manufacturing.
Forward-thinking and committed, we find the best solution and use the right technologies to design, develop and manufacture your products to ensure we get vital medicines to patients quickly and safely.
We are dedicated to quality excellence. We are driven to get better treatments to market, efficiently and responsibly by reducing timelines and delivering the highest quality products and services.
We are Abzena. More than a CDMO, we are a responsible and dedicated partner that takes care of your products from concept to patient.
The Associate I performs process development activities in collaboration with other individuals and departments to devise scalable and robust processes on accelerated timelines.
Responsibilities
  • Assists in cell culture production using aseptic techniques and following protocols and procedures. This includes, but is not limited to:
  • Thaw, maintenance, and expansion of cell culture in shake flasks
  • Freeze of Development Cell Banks
  • Inoculation of bioreactors in a rocker and STR at scales of 2 L - 200 L
  • Maintenance of cell culture by determining cell count, metabolite concentrations, pH, and gassing
  • Assists with technical transfer of upstream manufacturing processes from clients and between Process Development and other internal groups like Cell Line Development and MSAT/MFG.
  • Assists in doing scale-up calculations for varying scales of the process - up to cGMP scale.
  • Accurately makes components, media, buffers and other solutions.
  • Assists in the documentation of observations and collecting data for analysis. Participates in data management and the identification of trends in data and the notification of scientists of possible impacts.
  • Conducts activities in support of production schedules and objectives as directed by senior staff.
  • Maintains detailed records to comply with regulatory requirements and assists with in-process testing.
  • Maintains lab organization and cleanliness by regularly stocking supplies, scheduled cleanings, and managing supply inventory.
  • Assembles and autoclaves tubing assemblies.
  • Maintains cleanliness of specific equipment such as incubators, biosafety cabinet, and water baths.
  • Maintains up-to-date knowledge of quantitative and qualitative analytical methods.
  • Represents Process Development and its activities as needed during project team meetings, training, and evaluation of new technologies.
  • As needed, assists with protein production under cGMP standards for clinical trial material.
  • Operates to the highest ethical and moral standards.
  • Complies with Abzena's policies and procedures.
  • Communicates effectively with clients, supervisors, colleagues and staff.
  • Participates effectively as a team player in all aspects of Abzena's business.
  • Adheres to quality standards set by regulations and Abzena policies, procedures, and mission.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
  • Minimum BS degree in biological sciences, biotechnology, biochemistry or related fields.
  • 1-3 years experience in pharmaceutical or biotechnology field preferred.
  • Basic knowledge of mammalian cell cultures and concepts of cell metabolism, protein production, and characterization.
  • Basic knowledge of cell culture process steps including cell banking, thaw and expansion, production (batch-fed and perfusion), and harvest.
  • Skilled in operating ambr250 and STRs (2 L, 50 L, and 200 L); Sartorius STR experience preferred.
  • Knowledge and skill in using equipment for determining cell counts and cell metabolism.
  • Knowledge in single-use technologies.
  • Basic knowledge of quantitative and qualitative analytical methods and interpretation of analytical data.
  • Skilled in data management.
  • Skills in problem-solving and troubleshooting.
  • Ability to follow instructions and to maintain accurate records and notes to write detailed development reports.
  • Practical experience of cGMP manufacturing operations and fluency of regulatory regulations is desired.
  • Comfortable in a fast-paced environment with minimal direction and able to adjust workload based upon changing priorities.
  • Ability to work effectively in a team environment and motivated to work on multiple and various tasks, when required.
  • Skilled with Microsoft Office suite.
  • Ability to safely operate production equipment in accordance with established practices.

$60,000 - $80,000 a year
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Abzena is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, and training.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.