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Upstream Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Evotecgroup

Upstream Process Engineer II

Redmond, WA · On-site

Senior Manager, Upstream Process Engineering About Us: At Just-Evotec, we believe that curiosity is the spark that drives innovation and success. As a forward-thinking team, we thrive on challenging ...

Evotec

Upstream Process Engineer II

Redmond, WA · On-site

Senior Manager, Upstream Process Engineering About Us: At Just-Evotec, we believe that curiosity is the spark that drives innovation and success. As a forward-thinking team, we thrive on challenging ...

Evotec

Upstream Process Engineer II

Redmond, WA · On-site

Senior Manager, Upstream Process Engineering About Us: At Just-Evotec, we believe that curiosity is the spark that drives innovation and success. As a forward-thinking team, we thrive on challenging ...

Bestow, Inc

Senior Engineering Manager (Fullstack)

$187K - $234K/yr

Frontend Platform works closely with upstream engineering teams, experience design, and product management to define and prioritize the product roadmap. We are looking for a Senior Engineering ...

Belcan

Manufacturing Engineer

Devens, MA

$100K - $166K/yr

Provide data-driven feedback to improve upstream engineering processes * Maintain production flow, rhythm, and operational stability * Ensure effective shift transitions and team readiness * Verify ...

Affirm

Staff Analytics Engineer, Subledger Platform

Collaborate with upstream engineering teams to define inputs and improve source data quality via contracts and change management. * Coach and develop one Analytics Engineer (Poland) via code review ...

Belcan

Manufacturing Engineer

Devens, MA · On-site

$100K - $166K/yr

Provide data-driven feedback to improve upstream engineering processes * Maintain production flow, rhythm, and operational stability * Ensure effective shift transitions and team readiness * Verify ...

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Upstream Engineering information

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How much do upstream engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for upstream engineering in the United States is $62,977.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $72,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Upstream Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Upstream Engineer, you need a solid background in petroleum engineering, geoscience, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree and industry certifications. Familiarity with reservoir modeling software, drilling technologies, and data analysis tools such as Petrel, Eclipse, or Python is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies are vital for optimizing resource extraction, ensuring operational safety, and maximizing project efficiency in the oil and gas industry.

What are some common challenges faced by upstream engineers when working on oil and gas exploration projects?

Upstream engineers often encounter challenges such as unpredictable geological formations, fluctuating commodity prices, and logistical complexities in remote locations. They must collaborate closely with geologists, drilling teams, and field personnel to adapt to changing conditions and ensure safe, efficient extraction. Managing project timelines while adhering to environmental and safety regulations is also a significant aspect of the role. Overcoming these challenges requires strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and effective communication across multidisciplinary teams.

What is upstream engineering?

Upstream engineering refers to the branch of engineering focused on the exploration and production of oil and natural gas. It involves locating oil and gas reserves, drilling wells, and designing the extraction processes needed to bring these resources to the surface. Upstream engineers work with geologists, drillers, and other professionals to ensure efficient and safe operations. This field is critical to the energy industry and requires expertise in geology, reservoir engineering, and drilling technologies.

What is the difference between Upstream Engineering vs Reservoir Engineering?

AspectUpstream EngineeringReservoir Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Petroleum Engineering or related field; often requires professional engineering licenseBachelor's in Petroleum Engineering, Reservoir Engineering, or Geosciences; often requires similar certifications
Work EnvironmentField operations, drilling sites, and production facilitiesReservoir simulation labs, office-based analysis, and field data interpretation
Industry UsageExploration, drilling, and production of oil and gasReservoir performance analysis and recovery optimization

Upstream Engineering focuses on the exploration, drilling, and production of oil and gas, involving field operations and equipment. Reservoir Engineering specializes in analyzing subsurface reservoirs to maximize hydrocarbon recovery through simulation and modeling. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, their work environments and primary responsibilities differ significantly.

More about Upstream Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Upstream Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Upstream Engineering job openings:
What states have the most Upstream Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Upstream Engineering jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Upstream Engineering jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Upstream Engineering jobs are:
Upstream Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Upstream Engineering job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,977 per year, or $30.3 per hour.
Engineer, Biopharma Upstream Process/Equipment Support (JP13874)

Engineer, Biopharma Upstream Process/Equipment Support (JP13874)

3 Key Consulting

Thousand Oaks, CA • On-site

$38 - $42/hr

Other

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Job Title:Engineer, Biopharma Upstream Process/Equipment Support (JP13874)
Location:Thousand Oaks, Ca 91320
Employment Type:Contract
Pay Rate:$38.00 - $42.00/hour W2 with benefits
Business Unit:AMA Pilot Plant
Duration:12 months with likely extensions and/or conversion to permanent
Posting Date:03/28/25
Notes:Candidate will be required to be on site 3-4 days a week and may work remotely 1-2 days a week (activities permitting).
Must have biotech background/experience, plus must have cell culture/purification experience.
3 Key Consulting is hiring! We are looking for an engineer for a consulting engagement with our direct client, a leading global biopharmaceutical company.
Job Description:
The ideal candidate for the upstream engineer role is an early-career professional with a bachelor's degree and 2 years of industry experience, or a recent master's graduate, preferably in chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, or biology. They must have hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture (not fermentation), bioreactors, and upstream cell culture equipment, along with a strong biotech industry background. The candidate should be comfortable analyzing manufacturing data and presenting findings to cross-functional teams, including directors and large groups of manufacturing staff (20+). Strong communication and presentation skills are essential. While familiarity with downstream/purification processes is a plus, it is not required. Candidates must be able to work onsite 3-4 days per week in Thousand Oaks. Red flags include a pure chemistry background without relevant lab experience and weak communication abilities.
Seeking a Process Development Engineer to join the Drug Substance Technology Engineering team at our Thousand Oaks facility. Providing process engineering support for human therapeutic products in clinical development through commercial production, our mission is to translate developmental processes to commercial reality for patients through scientific expertise and engineering innovation.
The Engineer will apply cell culture and/or purification process engineering knowledge in support of technology transfer and clinical/commercial drug substance manufacturing in an innovative manufacturing suite using single-use technology. Will partner with manufacturing, quality, analytical, and bench scientists to support a highly dynamic manufacturing facility.
Job Responsibilities:
Under guidance of senior staff, the Engineer performs the following:
  • Transfer cell culture and/or purification drug substance processes and perform process improvements from the laboratory into the manufacturing facility
  • Provide technical support for successful scale-up, transfer of process technology, and for clinical and/or commercial manufacturing operation
  • Offer process validation support for late-stage commercial processes
  • Provide routine process monitoring and troubleshooting
  • Execute data trending and statistical process analysis
  • Support technical direction for process related deviations, CAPAs and change controls
  • Identify and support process related operational excellence opportunities
  • Represent process development and collaborates with other functions such as Manufacturing, Quality, and Regulatory
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor degree Chemical or Biochemical Engineering and 2 years of experience GMP Environment
  • 1+ years of Process Engineering experience preferably related to scale-up principles and commercial cGMP manufacturing facilities
  • Background in biologics tech transfer into commercial facilities
  • Cell culture and/or Purification process knowledge:
  • Knowledge of purification processes/ equipment; scale up factors from chromatography, UF/DF, process deviations, raw materials to growth and quality attributes
  • Knowledge of cell culture processes/ equipment; scale up factors from, mass oxygen transfer capabilities impact of metabolism, process deviations, raw materials to growth and quality attributes
  • Strong capability of analysis, troubleshooting and problem solving
  • Ability to develop and follow detailed protocols
  • Independently motivated with ability to multi-task and work in teams
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with technical writing and presentation experience

Top Must Have Skills:
  • Specifically looking for upstream experience
  • Strong communication - must be comfortable speaking to a group of 20+ manufacturing associates in presentation (data reviews/etc.)
  • GMP experience highly preferred (Looking for GMP background/ someone who has dealt with FDA/ inspectors/ auditors)

Day to Day Responsibilities:
Ensure preventative maintenance is performed on equipment
Coordinate and organize project work
Support continuous improvement projects
Red Flags:
  • Education purely in chemistry without relevant biology/engineering experience
  • Experience only in downstream/purification without upstream relevance
  • Lack of communication skills
  • Inability to summarize technical data
  • Candidates not comfortable with onsite needs
  • Pure chemistry background without relevant bio/eng lab experience
    Weak presentation abilities
Interview process:
Phone screen followed by in-person or video panel interviews.
We invite qualified candidates to send your resume to recruiting@3keyconsulting.com. If you decide that you're not interested in pursuing this particular position, please feel free to take a look at the other positions on our website www.3keyconsulting.com/careers. You are also welcome to share this opportunity with anyone you think might be interested in applying for this role.

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