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Technical Operations Scientist Jobs in Riverside, CA

The Staff Scientist is responsible for R&D life cycle management (LCM) activities and projects ... technical operations, technical transfer, or technical assurance positions preferred * Additional ...

Innovation Scientist

Orange, CA · On-site

$115 - $130/hr

Collaborate with formulators, regulatory, and technical operations teams to advance concepts into ... Scientific Storytelling * Develop technical sell sheets, concepts decks, and innovation briefs.

Senior Scientist

Riverside, CA · On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

This role is responsible for applying advanced scientific, analytical, and technical expertise to support C4I systems, ISR capabilities, and data-driven mission operations, including development of ...

Technical Writer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

... operation manuals. Work closely with engineers and scientists at different levels to assist in deploying world changing mechanical/electronic systems. Keep technical documentation on projects ...

Technical Writer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$85 - $110/hr

... operation manuals. Work closely with engineers and scientists at different levels to assist in deploying world changing mechanical/electronic systems. Keep technical documentation on projects ...

Technical Writer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$85 - $110/hr

... operation manuals. * Work closely with engineers and scientists at different levels to assist in deploying world changing mechanical/electronic systems. * Keep technical documentation on projects ...

Technical Writer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

... operation manuals. Work closely with engineers and scientists at different levels to assist in deploying world changing mechanical/electronic systems. Keep technical documentation on projects ...

Technical Writer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$85 - $110/hr

... operation manuals. Work closely with engineers and scientists at different levels to assist in deploying world changing mechanical/electronic systems. Keep technical documentation on projects ...

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Technical Operations Scientist information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$52.7K

$116.2K

$143.4K

How much do technical operations scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for technical operations scientist in Riverside, CA is $116,161.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,600.00 and $142,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a technical operations scientist?

Technical Operations Scientists are professionals who bridge the gap between scientific research and operational processes in industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or manufacturing. They focus on ensuring that scientific procedures are efficiently translated into scalable production systems, maintaining product quality and compliance. Their responsibilities often include troubleshooting process issues, optimizing workflows, supporting technology transfer, and liaising between research, development, and production teams. This role is critical for maintaining seamless operations and supporting continuous improvement in technical environments.

What are some typical challenges technical operations scientists face when transitioning from research-focused roles?

Technical Operations Scientists often encounter challenges when shifting from research to operations, such as adapting to a faster-paced environment with strict timelines and regulatory requirements. Unlike pure research roles, this position emphasizes process optimization, troubleshooting, and cross-functional collaboration with manufacturing, quality assurance, and engineering teams. Success often depends on strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to quickly resolve issues to maintain seamless production. Embracing these new responsibilities can offer valuable career growth and exposure to large-scale product development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a technical operations scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Technical Operations Scientist, you need a strong background in life sciences or engineering, analytical problem-solving abilities, and relevant industry experience, often supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), process validation, and quality control tools is typically required, along with knowledge of regulatory standards such as GMP. Strong communication, attention to detail, and teamwork skills help you collaborate effectively and troubleshoot complex operational issues. These competencies ensure processes run smoothly, products meet quality standards, and regulatory compliance is maintained in a high-stakes technical environment.

What is the difference between Technical Operations Scientist vs Laboratory Scientist?

AspectTechnical Operations ScientistLaboratory Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Life Sciences, Chemistry, or related fields; often requires technical certificationsBachelor's or Master's in Life Sciences, Chemistry, or related fields; certifications vary by specialization
Work EnvironmentManufacturing facilities, biotech companies, or research labs focusing on process optimization and technical supportResearch labs, clinical labs, or academic settings conducting experiments and analyses
Employer & Industry UsageBiotech, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing industries; involved in technical operations and process troubleshootingAcademic, clinical, or research institutions; focused on experimental work and data collection

The Technical Operations Scientist and Laboratory Scientist roles share educational backgrounds and work in scientific environments. However, the Technical Operations Scientist emphasizes process support, technical troubleshooting, and manufacturing operations, while the Laboratory Scientist focuses on experimental research and data analysis. Both roles are essential in biotech and pharma industries but serve different functions within the research and production pipeline.

What are popular job titles related to Technical Operations Scientist jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Technical Operations Scientist jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Technical Operations Scientist jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Technical Operations Scientist jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Technical Operations Scientist jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Technical Operations Scientist job openings:

Infographic showing various Technical Operations Scientist job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,161 per year, or $55.8 per hour.

Sr Director, Technical Operations

Tarsus Pharmaceuticals

Irvine, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

About the Role
  • The Senior Director, Technical Operations provides strategic leadership and oversight of drug product manufacturing and external CDMO operations from late-stage development through commercialization. This role is accountable for defining manufacturing strategy, managing increasing operational complexity, and ensuring reliable supply to support both late phase programs and commercial products.
  • The Sr. Director will lead resolution of critical drug product manufacturing issues, oversee high-risk operations, and ensure readiness for commercial scale, while partnering cross-functionally across Pharmaceutical Sciences, Analytical Development, Supply Chain, Regulatory and Quality.

Let's talk about some of the key responsibilities of the role:
  • Define and lead end-to-end drug product manufacturing strategy from late phase clinical through commercial stages. Ensure scalability of processes, supply chain, and CMO network to support commercialization growth. Anticipate and manage increasing operational complexity across programs, manufacturing sites and partnerships.
  • Provide senior oversight of CDMO relationships, including performance management, capacity planning, and long-term partnership strategy. Establish governance models and develop relationships to ensure accountability, transparency, and execution across external partners. Lead selection, onboarding, and strategic management of CMOs for development and commercial supply.
  • Lead resolution of critical manufacturing issues, including deviations, investigations, and high-risk events. Serve as escalation point for complex technical and operational challenges. Develop and implement proactive risk mitigation strategies to ensure continuity of supply.
  • Partner cross-functionally with Pharmaceutical Sciences, Analytical Development, Supply Chain, Regulatory and Quality to align CMC strategy and execution. Provide leadership in integrating development, manufacturing, capacity planning and supply planning activities. Influence cross-functional decision-making at the program and organizational level.
  • Lead multiple CMC programs, ensuring alignment with regulatory, technical, and corporate strategy. Oversee manufacturing execution at CMOs, including batch strategy, documentation, and compliance. Ensure readiness and contribution to CMC regulatory submissions and inspections.
  • Establishes clear ownership and accountability for manufacturing strategy and execution. Enables reliable and scalable supply to support clinical and commercial programs. Reduces operational risk through proactive issue management and decision-making. Serves as a key leader in advancing the organization's transition to commercial-stage operations.
  • Manage Person-in-Plant coverage to provide adequate oversight for manufacturing activities. Develop and manage budget for CMC programs. Collaborate with Finance to address budget variance.

Factors for Success:
  • B.S. /M.S./Ph.D. in one of the relevant Engineering or Science fields
  • Strong understanding of technical/scientific challenges as those apply to the production processes used in the manufacture of Sterile products and the subsequent packaging of those products.
  • 15+ years of progressive responsibility in Technical Operations and/or manufacturing support in pharmaceutical manufacturing. (Doctorate degrees require a minimum of 10 years total experience.)
  • Preferable experience in all the following areas: Sterile ophthalmic dosage forms, Solid Oral Dose and Packaging and Topical Dermal formulations.
  • Must have strong understanding of project management systems and tools, strong business and financial skills.
  • Established track record with evidence of excellent people management experience, problem solving, collaborative, leadership and communication skills.
  • Strategic Leadership - Translates corporate vision and strategy into departmental goals and objectives; adjusts plans and tactics to meet changing departmental priorities and circumstances; utilizes market data.
  • Successful candidate will be high-energy, possess a learning orientation and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong communication and change management skills required, in addition to ability to build strong relationships both vertically and horizontally.
  • Proven ability to escalate difficult issues and make tough decisions.
  • Tarsus Competencies:
    • Empowering Others - Fosters empowerment by aligning authority with accountability, developing leaders' decision-making capability, and creating systems that support performance and growth.
    • Emotional Intelligence - Foster trust and psychological safety, navigating complex interpersonal dynamics with compassion and accountability, and adapting leadership style to support others while maintaining composure under pressure.
    • Grows Capacity - Builds organizational capacity by developing talent systems, coaching cultures, and strategic partnerships that grow leadership strength and prepare the next generation of leaders.
    • Business Acumen - Demonstrates strong business acumen by anticipating market dynamics and using financial and strategic insight to guide investments, manage risk, and align priorities with long-term organizational value.
    • Innovative Mindset and Action - Demonstrates an innovative mindset by championing new ideas, investing in enabling systems and partnerships, and translating innovation into sustainable growth and organizational resilience.

A Few Other Details Worth Mentioning:
  • The position will be based in our beautiful Irvine office, complete with onsite gym, pool, snacks, drinks, and occasional catered meals. We provide a hybrid work environment. Remote work is an option for the right candidate.
  • We are passionate about our culture! Our Tarsans live our values of commitment to patients, empowerment to champion innovation, and teamwork to amplify impact!
  • This position reports directly to our Vice-President of Manufacturing Operations and Supply Chain
  • Some travel may be required - up to 30%

At Tarsus, we understand the importance of attracting and retaining top talent. The expected base pay range for this position is $255,000 - $357,000 plus bonus, stock equity, and comprehensive benefits. The base pay range reflects the target range for this position, but individual pay will be determined by additional factors such as job-related skills, experience and relevant education or training. Our benefits include health, dental and vision insurance benefits to ensure your well-being. We believe in work-life balance and offer generous paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and personal days. For more details regarding Tarsus benefits, please visit: https://eb.alliant.com/26tarsusbenefitssnapshot.
#LI-Remote
Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.