1

Upstream Manufacturing Associate Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Trains and mentors junior associates to enhance team capabilities. * Supports scheduling daily activities on the manufacturing floor and serves as a back-up for the supervisor, as needed. * Leads ...

Showing results 21-40

Upstream Manufacturing Associate information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$11

$20

$32

How much do upstream manufacturing associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for upstream manufacturing associate in Raleigh, NC is $20.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $22.64 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 Raleigh, NC are hiring for Upstream Manufacturing Associate jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Upstream Manufacturing Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Upstream Manufacturing Associate job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,131 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Manufacturing Associate II (Nights)

KBI Biopharma, Inc.

Durham, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


KBI Biopharma rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Summary

*Nightshift, 7PM-7AM 2-2-3 rotating schedule

The Manufacturing Associate II (Nights) is responsible for the execution of Upstream or Downstream production activities for early and late-phase Cell Culture programs within a GMP environment. The Manufacturing Associate I/II must follow the instructions depicted in SR's, EPR's, BR's, SOP's and forms. Additionally, must ensure all work is conducted following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Documentation Practices (GDP) and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP); including 'Right the First Time' (RFT). The candidate will maintain a sense of ownership of the production processes, manufacturing environment and facility. They will be exposed to various unit operations including media/buffer preparation, shake flask operations, seed expansion, bioreactor setup and operations, cell culture harvest setup and operations, aseptic technique, chromatography, ultrafiltration, and drug substance filling operations; as well as to analytical tools and general biotechnology auxiliary equipment (pumps, sterile tubing welders and sealers, pH/Conductivity/osmolality meters). Following task execution, the Manufacturing Associate I/II will review the executed production records (SR's, ERP, and BR's) to ensure GxP compliance.

Job Responsibilities

  • Manufacture cell culture products per manufacturing batch records in compliance with quality standards, company policies and current regulations.

  • Perform operations in a cleanroom environment, applying controls to ensure aseptic processing including gowning and cleaning procedures.

  • Document each task involving manufacturing procedures (i.e. SR's, EPR's and BR's) following GDP at the time of execution.

  • Ensure all items are issued and accounted for during the execution of a record (i.e. SR, EPR and BR)

  • Demonstrate and apply understanding of current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and how they apply to specific tasks and responsibilities.

  • Participate and be accountable for room 5S.

  • Utilize and perform maintenance on equipment per applicable SOP.

Minimum Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in a related scientific or engineering discipline with 2-5 years' experience in related GMP manufacturing operations; or high school diploma with 4-6 years' experience in related GMP manufacturing operations.

  • Basic knowledge of cell culture, fermentation or purification unit operations is preferred. Experience in single-use platform technology is preferred.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.

  • Energetic, motivated and dynamic individual.

  • Must be organized and able to focus in a face-paced, multi-tasked environment and maintain operational efficiency and positive demeanor.

Language Ability

Fluent in English language both reading and writing. Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, batch and production records. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of employees of organization.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Math Ability

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret graphs.

Physical Demands

Standing and sitting for long periods of time may be required at times. Lifting, pushing, and pulling may be required for stocking and movement of equipment. The use of ladder may be required when setting up bioreactors.

Computer Skills

MS Office, ERP, EDMS, production equipment software, other

Equipment Use

Examples include Biosafety Cabinets, Incubators, Single Use Bioreactors, Chromatography Columns/Skids, Ultrafiltration Skids, Filling systems, Peristaltic Pumps and Other Single Use pumps, Automated Cell Counters, Blood Gas Analyzers, Metabolite Analyzers, Scales and Balances, pH and Osmolality meters, other lab, production, and office equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The job requires working 12-hour shifts which may include working overnight. The job requires working within a cGMP manufacturing biotechnology facility which requires clean room operations. Clean room operations require donning clean room attire when entering clean room areas and maintaining good personal hygiene. While performing the duties of this job the employee regularly utilizes equipment and materials which include mechanical hazards, chemical hazards, electricity hazards, and tripping and falling hazards. The noise level in the environment is moderate to high.

KBI Biopharma, Inc. is an EEO/AA employer and actively seeks to diversify its work force. Therefore, all qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability or veteran status, are strongly encouraged to apply.

I understand that neither the completion of this application nor any other part of my consideration for employment establishes any obligation for KBI Biopharma, Inc. to hire me. If I am hired, I understand that either KBI Biopharma, Inc. or I can terminate my employment at any time and for any reason, with or without cause and without prior notice. I understand that no representative of KBI Biopharma, Inc. has the authority to make any assurance to the contrary.

I attest with my signature below that I have given to KBI Biopharma, Inc. true and complete information on this application. No requested information has been concealed. I authorize KBI Biopharma, Inc. to contact references provided for employment reference checks. If any information I have provided is untrue, or if I have concealed material information, I understand that this will constitute cause for the denial of employment or immediate dismissal.


What KBI Biopharma employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom