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Upstream Manufacturing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Naderi Engineering, Inc.

Be Seen First

Manufacturing Associate

Portsmouth, NH · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Upstream Manufacturing Associate - B Night Shift Job ID: 1464 Position: Upstream Manufacturing Associate Shift: B Night Shift - 12-Hour Rotating Schedule Hours: 6:30 PM - 6:30 AM (18:30-06:30 ...

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Stellent IT LLC

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 ...

Lancesoft

Manufacturing Associate Level 1

Portsmouth, NH · On-site

$20 - $27.94/hr

This is an UpStream MFG role, involving sampling, media prep, and Innoculum. Candidates must be able to gown, lift up to 25 pounds infrequently and stand for long periods of time Job Sumary: PLEASE ...

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Upstream Manufacturing information

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How much do upstream manufacturing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 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?

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:
What job categories do people searching Upstream Manufacturing jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Upstream Manufacturing jobs are:
Upstream Manufacturing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Upstream Manufacturing job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,890 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Manager, Upstream Manufacturing

Emergent Biosolutions

Canton, MA • On-site

$129K - $151K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Vision

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Preparedness today, safer tomorrow.
Emergent is a leading public health company that delivers protective and life-saving solutions to
communities around the world. Here, you will join passionate professionals where our culture is informed
by our values and commitment to protecting and saving lives.
JOB SUMMARY
The Manager, Manufacturing is responsible for end-to-end leadership and execution of upstream drug substance operations within a CGMP vaccine manufacturing environment. This role ensures equipment and material readiness, media preparation, cell culture, infection processes, and execution oversight while maintaining strict compliance with regulatory requirements. The incumbent will lead a team of manufacturing professionals, drive operational excellence, collaborate with other SMEs, ensure inspection readiness, and deliver safe, compliant, and reliable production in alignment with site objectives.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Provide direct leadership and oversight of upstream manufacturing operations including media preparation/transfer, cell culture, infection, harvest, and associated process steps.
  • Ensure full readiness of equipment, materials, and personnel to support production schedules and batch execution.
  • Lead and oversee all aspects of execution on the manufacturing floor, ensuring adherence to batch records, SOPs, and CGMP requirements.
  • Own and manage Quality Management System (QMS) elements including deviations, CAPAs, change controls, and investigations.
  • Ensure all documentation (batch records, logbooks, and supporting records) is accurate, complete, and inspection-ready.
  • Drive compliance with global regulatory requirements (FDA, MFDS, TGA, and other applicable agencies).
    Lead people management responsibilities including hiring, coaching, performance management, and development of direct reports.
  • Establish a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement across upstream operations.
  • Oversee cleaning, decontamination, sterilization, and aseptic practices to maintain a compliant manufacturing environment.
  • Partner cross-functionally with MSAT, Quality, Supply Chain, Engineering, and QA to ensure successful execution and continuous improvement.
  • Drive operational excellence initiatives including cycle time reduction, right-first-time performance, and capacity optimization.
  • Support regulatory inspections and audits, ensuring sustained inspection readiness.

The above statements are intended to describe the nature of work performed by those in this job and are not an exhaustive list of all duties. Nothing in this job description restricts managements right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time which reflects management's assignment of essential functions.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS
Due to the nature of this role and our manufacturing environment, employees are required to meet certain health and safety requirements, including the ability to adhere to the Company's vaccination policies where job-related and consistent with applicable law. We are committed to providing a fair and inclusive hiring process and will evaluate reasonable accommodation requests for medical disabilities, or sincerely held religious beliefs, in accordance with applicable laws.
  • Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Engineering, or a related discipline required (advanced degree preferred).
  • Minimum of 7+ years of experience in biopharmaceutical or vaccine manufacturing, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
  • Strong experience in upstream processing including cell culture and viral systems preferred.
  • Deep knowledge of CGMP regulations, FDA guidelines, and global regulatory expectations.
  • Proven experience managing teams in a regulated manufacturing environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead investigations, implement CAPAs, and manage complex Quality Systems.
  • Strong communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.

CORE COMPETENCIES
  • Operational leadership and execution focus
  • Strategic thinking with strong tactical delivery
  • Quality and compliance mindset
  • People leadership and team development
  • Problem-solving and decision-making under pressure
  • Continuous improvement orientation

If the hiring manager expresses an interest in interviewing you for the open position, you must discuss your interest in the open position with your current manager prior to an interview being scheduled.
U.S. Base Pay Ranges and Benefits Information
The estimated annual base salary as a new hire for this position ranges from $129,000 to $151,500. Individual base pay depends on various factors such as applicant's education, experience, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. The salary may also be adjusted based on applicant's geographic location. Certain roles are eligible for additional incentive compensation, including merit increases, annual bonus, [and/or long-term incentives in the form of stock options.]
Additionally, Emergent offers a comprehensive benefits package*. Information regarding additional benefits can be found here: https://www.emergentbiosolutions.com/careers/life-at-emergent
(*Eligibility for benefits is governed by the applicable plan documents and policies).
If you are selected for an interview, please feel welcome to speak to a Human Resources Partner about our compensation philosophy and available benefits.
ABOUT EMERGENT
Emergent prepares those entrusted with protecting their communities against current and future health threats.
Our drive towards this vision informs all of our actions-whether it is our approach to product development, manufacturing, encouraging employee health and wellness or giving back to the community-we strive every day to achieve this shared goal.
WE BELIEVE IN OUR VALUES
  • Lead with Integrity
    • We gain trust and confidence through ethics, quality, and compliance excellence
  • Stand shoulder to shoulder
    • We combine our best thinking and communicate openly to support each other.
  • Own it always
    • We are engaged and accountable for delivering on our commitments.
  • Breakthrough thinking
    • We take smart risks, pursue innovation and challenge ourselves to constantly improve.
  • Compete where it counts
    • We set the right goals and respect each other as we conquer them together.

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