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Research Development Process Engineer Jobs in Madison, WI

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Research Development Process Engineer information

See Madison, WI salary details

$45.8K

$102.4K

$153.7K

How much do research development process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development process engineer in Madison, WI is $102,387.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,100.00 and $119,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Research Development Process Engineer do?

A Research Development Process Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing processes in research and product development settings. They work to improve efficiency, quality, and scalability of new products or technologies by bridging the gap between research and manufacturing. Their role often involves collaborating with scientists, engineers, and production teams to ensure that innovative concepts can be effectively and safely produced at a larger scale. They also analyze data, troubleshoot problems, and implement improvements to meet regulatory and business requirements.

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

A Research Development Process Engineer requires a solid background in chemical or process engineering, problem-solving abilities, and typically a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with process simulation software (such as Aspen Plus or MATLAB), statistical analysis tools, and industry-specific certifications like Six Sigma are often expected. Strong analytical thinking, teamwork, and effective communication distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure successful innovation, efficient process optimization, and seamless collaboration in research-driven engineering environments.

What are the main challenges Research Development Process Engineers face when transitioning projects from R&D to full-scale production?

One of the primary challenges Research Development Process Engineers encounter is ensuring that innovative processes developed in the laboratory can be effectively scaled up for manufacturing without compromising quality or efficiency. This often involves troubleshooting unforeseen issues, optimizing process parameters, and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams such as manufacturing, quality assurance, and supply chain. Navigating regulatory requirements and managing tight project deadlines are also common hurdles. Successful engineers leverage strong problem-solving skills and clear communication to bridge the gap between research concepts and practical, large-scale implementation.

What is the difference between Research Development Process Engineer vs Research Scientist?

AspectResearch Development Process EngineerResearch Scientist
Primary FocusDeveloping and optimizing manufacturing processes and workflowsConducting scientific research to generate new knowledge or products
Work EnvironmentIndustrial labs, manufacturing facilitiesAcademic or industrial research labs
Required CredentialsBachelor’s or Master’s in Engineering, Chemistry, or related fields; certifications in process improvementMaster’s or PhD in Science or Engineering
Industry UsageManufacturing, chemical, pharmaceutical industriesAcademic, R&D departments, biotech, pharmaceuticals

Research Development Process Engineers focus on translating research into scalable manufacturing processes, while Research Scientists primarily conduct experiments to advance scientific knowledge. Both roles require strong technical skills but differ in application and environment.

What are popular job titles related to Research Development Process Engineer jobs in Madison, WI? For Research Development Process Engineer jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research Development Process Engineer jobs in Madison, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Research Development Process Engineer jobs in Madison, WI are:
What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Research Development Process Engineer jobs? Cities near Madison, WI with the most Research Development Process Engineer job openings:
Process Engineer - Manufacturing Sciences & Technology

Process Engineer - Manufacturing Sciences & Technology

Catalent Pharma Solutions

Madison, WI

$74K - $98K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Catalent rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 74 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Process Engineer - Manufacturing Sciences & Technology (MS&T), Downstream Technology Transfer

Position Summary:

  • Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, core hours 8am-5pm
  • 100% on-site (Madison, WI)

Catalent, Inc. is a leading global Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO). Located in Madison, WI, this facility features advanced mammalian cell line engineering and biomanufacturing capabilities using single-use systems to support scalable production. This 263,000 sq. ft. Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facility offers integrated formulation and analytical services to address complex development challenges in Biologics.

The Process Engineer for MS&T supports the department which serves as an agile technical services organization supporting process and technology transfer between Process Development (internal and external) and atscale GMP manufacturing. The Technology Transfer groups (Upstream and Downstream) act as the primary technical liaisons, ensuring successful transfer and execution of biologic processes across a range of modalities, including monoclonal antibodies, fusion proteins, enzymes, mRNA, and emerging technologies. Department responsibilities include process modeling, facility fit assessments, initial billofmaterials development, and evaluation of equipment and consumables, as well as authoring and supporting critical manufacturing documentation such as gap assessments, technical reports, product impact assessments, and batch records. MS&T also provides handson process readiness and execution support to enable robust, compliant, and scalable manufacturing operations.

The Role:

  • Downstream Tech Transfer Duties: Provide technical support to Manufacturing, leading facility fit, equipment alignment, and technology transfer of biologic processes from Process Development and external clients. Evaluate and recommend process and equipment improvements while supporting technology transfer for both internally and externally developed manufacturing processes.
  • Execute technical work plans and schedules, including data generation and entry, in collaboration with supervisors or senior team members. Perform engineering and process calculations to support development, tech transfer, and GMP manufacturing programs.
  • Draft, author, and review technical documentation, including development reports, technical transfer reports, batch production records, engineering specifications, and summary reports.
  • Conduct parallel technical reviews of laboratory and engineering documentation to ensure accuracy, completeness, and regulatory compliance.
  • Support GMP manufacturing through technical oversight, batch documentation authoring, and close collaboration with Manufacturing teams. Lead or support risk assessments, gap analyses, deviations, change controls, and CAPAs, including root cause analysis and impact assessment.
  • Evaluate existing processes and identify process or equipment improvement opportunities to enhance efficiency, consistency, and operational competitiveness.
  • Compile, analyze, and communicate process and project data, including status reporting, trend analysis, and internal or client-facing presentations.
  • Partner cross-functionally with Process Development, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Supply Chain, Project Management, Facilities, and other stakeholders to enable effective process transfer and sustainment. Support strategic alignment and knowledge sharing across sites, including coordination with Madison and other Catalent Biologics locations.
  • Participate in client meetings, providing technical expertise and program support. Train, mentor, and coach junior staff on laboratory, manufacturing, and engineering principles; serve as a subject matter expert.
  • Other duties as assigned

The Candidate:

  • Must have a minimum of Associate's degree in STEM with 6+ years of related experience. It is preferred to have a Bachelor's and/or Master's with at least 3+ years of related experience.
  • Related experience encompasses mRNA product development experience, mRNA manufacturing, protein therapeutics MFG, and late stage/commercial MFG.
  • Demonstrated experience authoring, revising, and reviewing technical documentation, including reports, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and batch production records, supported by statistical data analysis and reporting.
  • Proven leadership experience managing and mentoring staff, including crossfunctional training, personnel development, and organizational team support.
  • Handson experience investigating, resolving, and closing deviations, OOS events, change controls, and CAPAs in a cGMP-regulated environment.
  • Technical subject matter expertise in upstream (e.g., mammalian cell culture, IVT) and/or downstream biologics manufacturing processes (e.g., filtration, chromatography, TFF, viral filtration), including facility fit, process scaling, and technology transfer across cGMP production scales.
  • Operational engineering experience supporting latephase, PPQ, and commercial programs, including design, onboarding, qualification, operation, and troubleshooting of singleuse systems, consumables, and manufacturing equipment for biologics and molecular therapeutics.
  • Physical requirements: Individual must be able to see, hear, read, and write clear English. Frequent sitting, standing, walking, reading of written documents and use of computer monitor screen, reaching with hands and arms, talking, writing, listening. Occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, bending, carrying, grasping. Frequent lifting and/or moving up to 10 pounds and occasional lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds. Must comply with EHS responsibilities.

Why you should join Catalent:

  • Defined career path and annual performance review and feedback process
  • Diverse, inclusive culture
  • Potential for career growth on an expanding team within an organization dedicated to preserving and bettering lives
  • 152 hours of PTO + 8 paid holidays
  • Generous 401K match
  • Medical, dental and vision benefits
  • Tuition Reimbursement- Let us help you finish your degree or start a new degree!

Catalent offers rewarding opportunities to further your career! Join the global drug development and delivery leader and help us bring over 7,000 life-saving and life-enhancing products to patients around the world. Catalent is an exciting and growing international company where employees work directly with pharma, biopharma and consumer health companies of all sizes to advance new medicines from early development to clinical trials and to the market. Catalent produces more than 70 billion doses per year, and each one will be used by someone who is counting on us. Join us in making a difference.

personal initiative. dynamic pace. meaningful work.

Visit Catalent Careers to explore career opportunities.

Catalent is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and veterans.

If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, you may submit your request by sending an email, and confirming your request for an accommodation and include the job number, title and location to DisabilityAccommodations@catalent.com. This option is reserved for individuals who require accommodation due to a disability. Information received will be processed by a U.S. Catalent employee and then routed to a local recruiter who will provide assistance to ensure appropriate consideration in the application or hiring process.

Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives: Catalent Pharma Solutions (Catalent) is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies and/or search firms for this job posting. Resumes submitted to any Catalent employee by a third party agency and/or search firm without a valid written & signed search agreement, will become the sole property of Catalent. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired for this position as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral. Thank you.

Important Security Notice to U.S. Job Seekers:

Catalent NEVER asks candidates to provide any type of payment, bank details, photocopies of identification, social security number or other highly sensitive personal information during the offer process, and we NEVER do so via email or social media. If you receive any such request, DO NOT respond- it is a fraudulent request. Please forward such requests to spam@catalent.com for us to investigate with local authorities.

California Job Seekers can find our California Job Applicant Notice HERE.


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About Catalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Catalent is an exciting and growing international company where employees work directly with pharma, biopharma and consumer health companies of all sizes to advance new medicines from early development to clinical trials and to the market. Catalent produces more than 70 billion doses per year, and each one will be used by someone who is counting on us. Join us in making a difference.Catalent is committed to the health and safety of its employees, visitors and the customers and patients we serve.

Industry

Pharmaceutical product wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Somerset, NJ, US

Year founded

2007

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