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Upstream Manufacturing Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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How much do upstream manufacturing associate jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for upstream manufacturing associate in the United States is $20.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $23.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Upstream Manufacturing Associate, you need a solid background in biology or biochemistry, familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and typically a bachelor's degree in a scientific field. Experience with bioreactor operation, aseptic techniques, and process control systems such as DeltaV is often required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure the consistent production of high-quality biological products and compliance with industry regulations in a fast-paced environment.

What are some common challenges faced by Upstream Manufacturing Associates, and how can they be successfully managed?

Upstream Manufacturing Associates often encounter challenges such as maintaining sterility in bioprocessing environments, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and adapting to rapidly changing production schedules. Successfully managing these challenges requires strict adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs), strong attention to detail, and effective communication with cross-functional teams like quality assurance and process engineering. Proactively seeking feedback, participating in ongoing training, and staying organized can help associates stay ahead of potential issues and contribute positively to team goals.

What are Upstream Manufacturing Associates?

Upstream Manufacturing Associates are professionals who work in the early stages of biopharmaceutical production, primarily focusing on cell culture and fermentation processes. They are responsible for preparing and maintaining bioreactors, monitoring cell growth, and ensuring optimal conditions for producing biological products such as proteins or vaccines. Their role is crucial in setting the foundation for downstream purification and final product manufacturing. Upstream Manufacturing Associates often work in cleanroom environments and follow strict safety and quality protocols.

What is the difference between Upstream Manufacturing Associate vs Downstream Manufacturing Associate?

AspectUpstream Manufacturing AssociateDownstream Manufacturing Associate
Primary ResponsibilitiesBioreactor operation, cell culture, media preparationPurification, filtration, packaging of products
Work EnvironmentCleanroom, laboratory, manufacturing floorCleanroom, laboratory, manufacturing floor
Required SkillsBioprocessing, sterile techniques, equipment handlingFiltration, chromatography, aseptic processing
CertificationsGMP training, sterile technique certificationGMP training, sterile technique certification

Both roles are essential in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, with upstream associates focusing on the early stages of production like cell culture, and downstream associates handling product purification and finishing. They often work in similar environments and require comparable certifications, but their specific tasks differ within the manufacturing process.

More about Upstream Manufacturing Associate jobs
What cities are hiring for Upstream Manufacturing Associate jobs? Cities with the most Upstream Manufacturing Associate job openings:
What states have the most Upstream Manufacturing Associate jobs? States with the most job openings for Upstream Manufacturing Associate jobs include:
Infographic showing various Upstream Manufacturing Associate job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 8% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,341 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Upstream Manufacturing Associate III

Rentschler

Milford, MA โ€ข On-site

$36/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 13 hours ago


Job description

Advancing medicine to save lives. Together.

Thanks to many decades of experience and our passion for what we do, we make an essential contribution to the global availability of biopharmaceuticals, especially for patients with rare and serious diseases.

Rentschler Biopharma SE is a leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) focused exclusively on client projects. We offer customized full-service solutions for bioprocess development and the production of complex biopharmaceuticals. As a German family-owned company with an international footprint and global reach, we combine experts, expertise and years of experience to develop best-in-class solutions -together with our clients.

Rentschler Biopharma hasapproximately1,400 employees and is headquartered in Laupheim, Germany,with asite in Milford, MA, USA. In 2024, we joined the United Nations Global Compact, underlining our commitment to sustainability.

As an independent family-owned company, we live by the motto: Many hands, many minds - ONE TEAM! Open, respectful cooperation characterizes our working environment, where quality awareness, diligence and responsibility are our top priorities. With all the diversity of our talents in the Rentschler team, we pursue one vision together: advancing medicine to save lives.

This position is focused on biologics manufacturing, which includes processing in upstream (cell culture) and downstream (purification). Operators are expected to perform these processes while strictly adhering to cGMP, environmental health and safety guidelines and any other related regulations which apply.

This role will follow an overnight Pitman schedule, 6pm-6:30am.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Perform operations of the following (may be applicable to commercial scale product, development studies, clinical scale or validation activities).
    • Operate manufacturing process equipment to perform various manufacturing production steps
    • Knowledge on initiating new revisions for procedures
    • Proficient operating inside of a BSC, sampling, and performing with aseptic techniques
    • Monitor and record batch parameters, including computer data entry. Complete relevant paperwork following GDP/GMP guidelines
    • Troubleshoot process problems and respond to alarms. Provide information for unplanned events, including entering data into event management software
    • Order, receive and distribute supplies into production area as needed
  • Demonstrate procedures as a part of training sessions for other team members; may schedule
    • department or process activities which could involve coworkers. Participate in (and may lead, as requested) team meetings and facilitate multidepartment discussions
  • Convey information to external stake holders (auditors, global colleagues, etc.). Provide support for groups that support manufacturing
  • Participate on Continuous Improvement Teams
  • May perform other duties as assigned. (During Production Processing these activities may increase)
    • Manufacturing operations tasks requires operator to regularly remain on feet for shift
    • Pushing buffer containers ranging from 50L to 200L
    • Sitting for periods of 2 to 3 hours
    • Demonstrated knowledge of CGMP manufacturing
    • Knowledge of laboratory and pharmaceutical production equipment including but not limited to: autoclaves, process tanks, chromatography skids and columns, analytical equipment
    • Proficiency in a variety of mathematical disciplines and able to work with both the metric and USA standards of measurement, and military time
    • Able to read and follow detailed written instructions and have good verbal/written communication skills
    • Able to write legibly and grammatically correct entries on records. Must be able to author technical procedures and create forms
    • Familiar with standard troubleshooting approaches (problem statement, root cause analysis, corrections, etc.)
    • Good computer skills, knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel
    • Good interpersonal skills and be able to work effectively and efficiently in a team environment
    • Ability to meet schedule required; this position may include shift, weekend, holiday work and overtime at times, as dictated by the 365-day per year production schedule
    • Ability to work in a clean room environment and comply with hygiene standards and use of special garments
    • Additionally, personal protective equipment must be worn due to safety requirements
  • Such additional responsibilities as the Company may also assign

Qualifications

  • With high school diploma: Normally requires 7+ years of related experience required or an associate degree in Life Sciences/Engineering field. Biotech Certificate preferred
  • With Bachelor's degree: Normally requires 4+ years of related experience
  • Good with Microsoft Office - Outlook, Word, Excel

Working Conditions

  • Normal office working conditions: computer, phone, files, fax, copier
  • Personal Protective Equipment must be worn as required
  • May require lifting amounts of 25 lbs
  • Manufacturing operations tasks requires operator to regularly remain on feet for shift

Physical Requirements

  • PPE as required
  • May require lifting amounts of 25 lbs
  • Manufacturing operations tasks requires operator to regularly remain on feet for shift

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Base Pay Range
$36/hr - $46/hr
Disclosure Statement
Rentschler Biopharma, Inc is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The base pay range listed for this position is the anticipated annual base salary range the organization reasonably, and in good faith, expects to pay for this position at this time. Actual compensation is determined based on several factors that may include seniority, education, training, relevant experience, relevant certifications, geography of work location, job responsibilities, or other application factors permissible by law. The annual base salary is just one component of our Total Rewards package, which also includes our annual discretionary bonus program, medical insurance, our generous 401K program, plus a host of other benefits to aligned to support our employees' personal and professional wellness. The salary pay range is subject to change and may be modified at any time.