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Upstream Manufacturing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CQV Lead, Upstream

Holly Springs, NC · On-site

$88K - $116K/yr

... Manufacturing This leadership role will be responsible for ensuring end-to-end CQV delivery for upstream systems including single-use bioreactors, large-scale stainless steel bioreactors, and ...

GMP Technician I, Upstream

Columbus, OH

$18.25 - $24.50/hr

Whether you're scaling AAV manufacturing, collaborating on cutting-edge therapies, or supporting ... Execute upstream manufacturing operations, including but not limited to cell culture expansion ...

GMP Technician I, Upstream

Columbus, OH · On-site

$18.25 - $24.50/hr

Whether you're scaling AAV manufacturing, collaborating on cutting-edge therapies, or supporting ... Execute upstream manufacturing operations, including but not limited to cell culture expansion ...

GMP Technician I, Upstream

Columbus, OH

$18.25 - $24.50/hr

Whether you're scaling AAV manufacturing, collaborating on cutting-edge therapies, or supporting ... Execute upstream manufacturing operations, including but not limited to cell culture expansion ...

Drive improvements across upstream manufacturing and downstream packaging * Support line trials, startup activities, and project engineering (FAT/SAT) What we're looking for: * 7-10+ years in FDA ...

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Upstream Manufacturing information

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How much do upstream manufacturing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for upstream manufacturing in the United States is $24.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is upstream manufacturing?

Upstream manufacturing refers to the initial stages of the production process in industries like biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, where raw materials such as cells, bacteria, or yeast are cultivated to produce a desired product. This stage typically includes activities like cell culture, fermentation, and media preparation. The goal is to optimize the growth and productivity of the biological system to ensure efficient production before moving to downstream processing, which involves purification and formulation of the final product.

What are some common challenges faced in upstream manufacturing, and how are they typically addressed by teams?

In upstream manufacturing, one of the main challenges is maintaining consistent cell culture conditions to optimize yield and product quality. Teams often face issues such as contamination, variability in raw materials, and equipment malfunctions. To address these challenges, upstream teams implement rigorous standard operating procedures (SOPs), utilize real-time monitoring systems, and collaborate closely with quality assurance and process engineering teams. Regular team meetings and cross-functional communication are key to quickly identifying and solving problems, ensuring smooth production runs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Upstream Manufacturing, and why are they important?

To thrive in Upstream Manufacturing, you need a solid understanding of bioprocessing, cell culture techniques, and process engineering, often supported by a degree in biotechnology, chemical engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with bioreactors, process control systems, and cGMP regulations is typically required, along with certifications like Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing being advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for excelling in this field. These capabilities ensure efficient production, product quality, and compliance with industry standards in a highly regulated environment.

What is the difference between Upstream Manufacturing vs Downstream Manufacturing?

AspectUpstream ManufacturingDownstream Manufacturing
FocusRaw material extraction and initial processingFinal product assembly and packaging
Work EnvironmentFactories, extraction sitesAssembly lines, packaging facilities
CredentialsTechnical certifications, safety trainingQuality control, packaging certifications
Industry UsageOil & gas, chemicals, miningPharmaceuticals, food production, consumer goods

Upstream Manufacturing involves the extraction and initial processing of raw materials, while Downstream Manufacturing focuses on transforming these materials into finished products. Both roles are essential in the supply chain but differ in their processes, environments, and required skills.

More about Upstream Manufacturing jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Upstream Manufacturing jobs? The most popular types of Upstream Manufacturing jobs are:
What states have the most Upstream Manufacturing jobs? States with the most job openings for Upstream Manufacturing jobs include:
Infographic showing various Upstream Manufacturing job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 33% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,890 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Upstream Manufacturing Scientist

Kashiv BioSciences, LLC

Piscataway, NJ

Other

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Description

Position Summary


The Upstream Manufacturing Scientist is responsible for executing mammalian cell culture processes and producing recombinant proteins for a wide range of mammalian based biosimilars. The candidate will be responsible for executing cell culture batches from 50 L to 1000 L volumes engineering and clinical batches in a cGMP environment. This position requires technical expertise in bioreactor operations, cell biology and knowledge of initiating batch records, protocols, investigations and other technical documents.


Work in a team environment to execute batches and can work independently with minimum supervision.


Essential Duties & Responsibilities


Work with a collaborative team of manufacturing associates and engineers to execute upstream batches.

Perform cell culture and bioreactor operations at multiple scales.

Ensure that engineering and clinical batches are executed in a timely manner.

Establishes operating equipment specifications and improves manufacturing techniques.

Uses programs to collect and evaluate operating data to conduct on- line adjustments to products, instruments or equipment.

Ability to interpret and provide instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Should follow GMP instructions in the manufacturing area and take the lead to follow environmental health and safety policies.

Review executed manufacturing and packaging batch records, executed and associated supporting documents.

Coordinate the conduction of investigations and corrections for issues found during the batch execution process.

Performs other functions as required or assigned.

Complies with all company policies and standards.

Requirements

Education and Experience


Requires a Bachelor or Master' degree in chemical, biological or biochemical sciences and a minimum of 3+ years of related experience in the biopharmaceutical industry.

Expertise in independently conducting and directing the design, execution, analysis, and documentation of all states of process development.

Strong fundamental knowledge and subject matter expertise to execute engineering and clinical batches.

Previous experience working in GMP and aseptic manufacturing environment.

Experience working with single use manufacturing consumables such as bags, tube sets, columns and process manifolds.


Specialized Knowledge and Skills


Ability to work with other team members and independently - good interpersonal skills.

Good communication skills: verbal and written, good computer and organization skills, detail oriented.

Basic computer skills, including knowledge of Word, Excel and spread sheet.

Knowledgeable in GMP batch manufacturing and packaging documentation; audit and review.

Knowledgeable in cleaning verification/validation.