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Upstream Manufacturing Associate Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

Upstream Manufacturing Associate information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$13

$22

$36

How much do upstream manufacturing associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for upstream manufacturing associate in Santa Rosa, CA is $22.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.88 and $25.48 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 Santa Rosa, CA? For Upstream Manufacturing Associate jobs in Santa Rosa, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Upstream Manufacturing Associate jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Upstream Manufacturing Associate jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:
What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Upstream Manufacturing Associate jobs? Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Upstream Manufacturing Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Upstream Manufacturing Associate job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,386 per year, or $22.8 per hour.

Associate, Manufacturing (Day Shift)

BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.

Novato, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


BioMarin Pharmaceutical rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Description
Who We Are
BioMarin's Technical Operations group is responsible for creating our drugs for use in clinical trials and for scaling production of those drugs for the commercial market. These engineers, technicians, scientists and support staff build and maintain BioMarin's cutting-edge manufacturing processes and sites, provide quality assurance and quality control to ensure we meet regulatory standards, and procure the needed goods and services to support manufacturing and coordinating the worldwide movement of our drugs to patients.
SUMMARY
BioMarin's Novato commercial manufacturing operations produce a variety of therapies using perfusion/fermentation based cell culture processes and multiple column purification systems. Under direction of the Supervisor, the Manufacturing Associate will be responsible for job functions that support activities for commercial manufacturing. The Associate is responsible for working on a shift with 6 - 10 peers with responsibilities of preparing large scale solutions (buffers and media), managing raw material inventory, or operating process equipment in Upstream or Downstream areas while supporting daily operations. Additional responsibilities include ensuring compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practice regulations (cGMP), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), product licenses, corporate policies and safety practices. The position will require shift work and potentially including weekends, off hours and holidays.
RESPONSIBILITIES
-Operate large scale bioprocess equipment for the Cell Culture, Purification or Buffer and Media processing
-Perform all aspects of processing with a broad understanding of science, compliance, and technical aspect
-Display competency with process equipment and automated control systems
-Perform cleaning and sterilization of parts and equipment used with manufacturing process
-Knowledge of biotech manufacturing process and equipment including cell culture, depth and tangential flow filtration, column chromatography, protein purification and formulation and/or buffer and media operations.
-Ability to understand, apply, and evaluate basic chemistry, biology and scientific principles as appropriate for the position
-Proficiency with compliance; adherence to standard operating procedures, batch record, good documentation practices and data capturing
EDUCATION
-Bachelor's degree in science related area or engineering or Associate's degree in science related area or Biotech certificate with 2+ years of experience in a biotech manufacturing environment or other regulated industry
WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS
-Consists of strenuous, repetitive work. The following list of physical movements maybe used on a daily basis: bending, reaching, climbing stairs and ladders, kneeling and making numerous equipment connections using hands.
-Independently have the ability to regularly lift, dispense, push and/or pull items with an average weight of 25 pounds.
-May require work around loud equipment.
-The use of personal protective equipment will be required.
-Requires various shift based work and off hours
Shift Details: Thurs-Sat 0600-1900 with alternating Wed.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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