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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 ...

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Upstream Manufacturing Associate information

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How much do upstream manufacturing associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 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 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 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Upstream Manufacturing Associate jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Upstream Manufacturing Associate jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Upstream Manufacturing Associate jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Upstream Manufacturing Associate jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,131 per year, or $20.3 per hour.
Upstream Supervisor (Biologics) - Day Shift

Upstream Supervisor (Biologics) - Day Shift

Fujifilm

Holly Springs, NC • On-site

Other

Re-posted 12 days ago


Fujifilm rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 67 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 527 rated manufacturers


Job description

Position Overview
As an upstream supervisor, you'll lead and inspire a team of manufacturing associates, supporting the start up of a new large scale cell culture facility. The Upstream area includes: An inoculum lab, two seed reactor trains (each with 4 reactors of increasing size), four 20,000L production reactors, a harvest suite, media preparation, and parts prep area.
You and your team will work a 2-2-3, 12 hour shift schedule to support the ongoing activities in these areas.
You'll start out leading a team in project phase supporting commissioning and qualification efforts in addition to helping prepare the facility to be operational ready. It's an exciting opportunity to help build out processes and procedures in preparation of the first GMP run later this year.
*Relocation Assistance Available*
Company Overview
FUJIFILM Biotechnologies is building the future of bioproduction in Holly Springs, North Carolina. By end of 2025, we'll open North America's largest end-to-end CDMO biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility, offering drug substance production, fill-finish, and packaging under one roof.
We're looking for passionate, mission-driven people to help us realize this exciting vision and deliver the next vaccine, cure, or therapy. We offer a dynamic work environment and we're proud to cultivate a culture that will fuel your purpose, energy, and drive-what we call Genki. Ready to shape the future of medicine? Let's transform healthcare together!
Holly Springs, North Carolina, combines small-town warmth with proximity to Raleigh's thriving tech scene, making it the perfect blend of community and opportunity.
Fujifilm is globally headquartered in Tokyo with over 70,000 employees across four key business segments of healthcare, electronics, business innovation, and imaging. We are guided and united by our Group Purpose of "giving our world more smiles." Visit: https://www.fujifilm.com/us/en/about/region/careers
Job Description
What You'll Do
Project Phase (Through Q3 2025)
  • Supports various commissioning and qualification activities
  • Lead and support your team in operational readiness tasks as required, such as: document review/approval, team onboarding, and materials management
  • Responsible for building and executing a training plan for your team to prepare for the first GMP batches later this year
  • Mentoring and developing team members
  • Administers company policies, such as, but not limited to: travel & expense, time reporting, and time off that directly impact employees
  • Collaborate and coordinate cross functionally with various support groups as needed in support of start up activities

Operations Phase (Starting Q3 2025)
  • Provides on-the-floor leadership for a shift team of up to 7-10 manufacturing associates
  • Coordinates the execution of the manufacturing schedule through daily shift assignments, lead daily huddles, and manages escalations
  • Fosters an inclusive, people-first culture with regular communication, conducting 1:1s focusing on the development and success of your team
  • Maintains a safe and cGMP compliant environment by ensuring direct reports have correct and up-to-date training, performing gemba walks, and having a safety and quality mindset culture within your team
  • Supports manufacturing investigations and continuous improvement projects
  • Coordinates with other functional areas for additional activities requiring access to the manufacturing space and equipment, such as but not limited to: maintenance, calibration activities and the use of manufacturing equipment
  • Administers company policies, such as but not limited to: time reporting, time off, shift policies, and inclement weather that directly impact manufacturing employees

Basic Requirements
  • High School Diploma or GED with 8 years of experience from a similar role in large pharma/biotech operations or projects

Preferred Requirements
  • BA/BS Degree in Life Sciences with 4+ years of experience from a similar role in large pharma/biotech operations or projects OR
  • Associates Degree in Life Sciences and 6+ years of experience from a similar role in large pharma/biotech operations or projects OR
  • Military Experience of equivalence
  • Experience in manufacturing of biological products, familiar with GMP/GLP requirements
  • Previous experience leading, supervising or managing others

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
  • Will work in an environment which may necessitate respiratory protection
  • May work in Mechanical/Production spaces that may require hearing protection and enrollment in a hearting conservation program
  • Ability to discern audible cues

WORKING ENVIRONMENT
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
  • Ability to ascend or descend ladders, scaffolding, ramps, etc.
  • Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time
  • Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time
  • Ability to conduct activities using repetitive motions that include wrist, hands and/or fingers.
  • Ability to conduct work that includes moving objects up to 10 lbs.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
  • Will work in heights greater than 4 feet

To all agencies: Please, no phone calls or emails to any employee of FUJIFILM about this requisition. All resumes submitted by search firms/employment agencies to any employee at FUJIFILM via-email, the internet or in any form and/or method will be deemed the sole property of FUJIFILM, unless such search firms/employment agencies were engaged by FUJIFILM for this requisition and a valid agreement with FUJIFILM is in place. In the event a candidate who was submitted outside of the FUJIFILM agency engagement process is hired, no fee or payment of any kind will be paid.
EEO Information
Fujifilm is committed to providing equal opportunities in hiring, promotion and advancement, compensation, benefits, and training regardless of nationality, age, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, political creed, ideology, national, or social origin, disability, veteran status, etc.
ADA Information
If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to our HR Department (FDBN_PNC@fujifilm.com).

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About Fujifilm

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

With each Industry we enter, We’ve learned to Leverage and Adapt our knowledge, Expertise and rRsources to make the World a better place. When it comes to Innovating for a Healthier World and a more sustainable society, we’ll NEVER STOP. Fujifilm will contribute to the social challenges by creating new value in a wide range of business domains through innovation in Products, Services, and Technological Development. We launched our Healthcare Business with X-ray film in 1936. And now, We are developing our business in areas of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment as a Comprehensive Healthcare Company. We will never stop Innovating for a Healthier World.

Industry

Chemical manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Minato-ku, Tokyo, JP

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