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Upstream Manufacturing Associate Jobs in Ashburn, VA

BMA II Upstream

Rockville, MD · On-site

$25.50 - $28.50/hr

High School Diploma/GED, Associates, or Bachelors degree required! * Experience with cGMP or biotech manufacturing is required. * Experience with upstream activities is required. * Experience with ...

The Biomanufacturing Associate II plays an integral role within client's gene therapy manufacturing ... Upstream Activities (e.g., solutions, media aliquot, and buffer preparation and autoclave materials ...

The Biomanufacturing Associate II plays an integral role within client's gene therapy manufacturing ... Upstream Activities (e.g., solutions, media aliquot, and buffer preparation and autoclave materials ...

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Title: BMA Upstream BMA I Pay Rate $25.50 BMA II Pay Rate $28.50 Location: Rockville MD 20850 ... The Biomanufacturing Associate II plays an integral role within CRL's gene therapy manufacturing ...

Upstream Manufacturing Associate information

See Ashburn, VA salary details

$12

$21

$34

How much do upstream manufacturing associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for upstream manufacturing associate in Ashburn, VA is $21.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.73 and $23.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an upstream manufacturing associate?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to be an upstream manufacturing associate?

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 challenges do upstream manufacturing associates face and how can they be 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 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.

What cities near Ashburn, VA are hiring for Upstream Manufacturing Associate jobs?

Cities near Ashburn, VA with the most Upstream Manufacturing Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Upstream Manufacturing Associate job openings in Ashburn, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,321 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

$25.50 - $28.50/hr

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Job description

We are a national staffing firm and are currently seeking an Upstream Biomanufacturing Associate for a prominent client of ours. This position is located in Rockville, MD, 20850. Details of the position are as follows: 
 
Job Description: 
  • Pay: $25.50- 28.50/hr to start!
  • 5-month contract with the possibility of extension or conversion based on budget and performance.
  • Monday- Friday, onsite, 8:00am to 4:30pm.
  • Position will mainly be responsible for performing upstream manufacturing activities including media, buffer, and solution preparation, bioreactor setup, fermentation support, harvesting, and executing batch records in compliance with SOPs, cGMP, and GLP.
  • Responsibilities also include completing GDP-compliant documentation, ensuring data integrity, reporting deviations, operating and maintaining equipment, troubleshooting routine issues, and supporting continuous improvement.
  • Position will also be responsible for following cleanroom and aseptic practices, maintaining safety and PPE compliance, handling biological and hazardous materials, supporting training completion, assisting team members, and performing additional duties as needed.
 
Qualifications: 
  • High School Diploma/GED, Associates, or Bachelors degree required!
  • Experience with cGMP or biotech manufacturing is required.
  • Experience with upstream activities is required.
  • Experience with PPE, aseptic behaviors, and handling biological or chemical materials is preferred.
 
If you are interested in hearing more about the position, please respond to this post with your resume attached.
Please forward this email to any friends or colleagues as we do offer a Referral Bonus for any candidate who is hired and still gainfully employed after 30 days. 
 
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