1

Upstream Manufacturing Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Portsmouth, NH, (On-site) As a Manufacturing Associate III at our Portsmouth site, you will play a key role in upstream production of therapeutic proteins that support patients worldwide. You will ...

Portsmouth, NH, (On-site) As a Manufacturing Associate III at our Portsmouth site, you will play a key role in upstream production of therapeutic proteins that support patients worldwide. You will ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Upstream Manufacturing Associate information

See salary details

$12

$20

$33

How much do upstream manufacturing associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 21, 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 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.
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:
What job categories do people searching Upstream Manufacturing Associate jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Upstream Manufacturing Associate jobs are:
Infographic showing various Upstream Manufacturing Associate job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 13% Temporary, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,341 per year, or $20.8 per hour.
Manufacturing Associate - Biologics

Manufacturing Associate - Biologics

Peregrine Team

Irvine, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted yesterday


Job description

Peregrine Team is hiring a Manufacturing Associate to support biologics production in a GMP-regulated environment. This is a hands-on role working in a cleanroom setting, supporting both upstream and downstream manufacturing processes.
Key Responsibilities
  • Operate bioprocess equipment including bioreactors and filtration systems
  • Prepare media, buffers, and reagents for production runs
  • Execute batch records and maintain accurate documentation
  • Follow strict aseptic and GMP protocols
  • Support cleaning, sterilization, and equipment maintenance

Qualifications
  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, or related field preferred
  • 0-2+ years of experience in manufacturing or lab environment
  • Familiarity with GMP or cleanroom environments is a plus
  • Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn

Peregrine Team logo

About Peregrine Team

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our Vision I started Peregrine Team with superior customer service and quality in mind. Going back to the basics. My team exists to challenge the lazy, idle and often sloppy recruiting and staffing teams out there. We see agency after agency spending less time with the people, not caring about what individuals are looking for when making a career move. Sourcing top talent is not easy in the current environment, but listening and caring about others will create trust, lasting partnerships and overall success. Whether you are looking for a job or looking for talent, we can help manage the process. We are a team of hunters, able to find and hire quality experienced professionals for any organization. We primarily specialize in placement of professionals in the Healthcare & Life Science space, but will take on any challenge. We simply do things differently.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Orange County, CA, US

Year founded

2021

Social media