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Upstream Process Development Jobs in Germantown, MD

In this role, you will translate client and process development information into cGMP processes and act as a subject matter expert for biologic upstream and downstream processes. You will work hands ...

Process Engineer -- Upstream / Downstream / Clean Utilities (Consultant) -- Contract Engagement ... Join a team where your contributions matter, your development is prioritized, and your success is ...

Principal Engineer

Beltsville, MD · On-site

$110 - $170/hr

As part of the Cell Engineering group, you will contribute to the development and optimization of a ... Partner with process/cell engineers to understand upstream process needs and downstream ...

Physical Therapist

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$1.7K - $2.2K/wk

Continue learning and growing through Upstream's education and development programs Qualifications ... Specific details will be provided during the hiring process. Upstream Rehabilitation is an Equal ...

Physical Therapist

Fulton, MD · On-site

$1.6K - $2.1K/wk

Continue learning and growing through Upstream's education and development programs Qualifications ... Specific details will be provided during the hiring process. Upstream Rehabilitation is an Equal ...

Principal Engineer

Beltsville, MD · On-site

$174K - $191K/yr

... towards the development and optimization of first-of-its-kind prototyping line for ION's solid ... to understand upstream process needs and downstream implications of equipment design ...

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Upstream Process Development information

See Germantown, MD salary details

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$26

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How much do upstream process development jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for upstream process development in Germantown, MD is $26.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.80 and $28.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in upstream process development?

Success in Upstream Process Development requires a strong background in biology, biochemistry, or chemical engineering, often with an advanced degree and experience in cell culture or fermentation techniques. Familiarity with bioreactors, process control systems, and analytical instrumentation, as well as knowledge of cGMP regulations, is essential. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are important soft skills for optimizing processes and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams. These competencies ensure efficient development of scalable production processes, maintaining product quality and regulatory compliance.

What are some common challenges faced in upstream process development and how do teams typically address them?

One of the main challenges in upstream process development is optimizing cell culture conditions to consistently achieve high yields and product quality. Teams often encounter variability in biological systems and must troubleshoot issues such as contamination, scale-up inconsistencies, or nutrient limitations. Collaboration with analytical, downstream, and quality teams is essential to identify root causes and implement solutions. Regular data review meetings, cross-functional problem-solving, and continuous process improvement are standard practices to ensure robust upstream processes.

What is the difference between Upstream Process Development vs Downstream Process Development?

AspectUpstream Process DevelopmentDownstream Process Development
FocusDevelopment of cell culture, fermentation, and bioreactor processesPurification, filtration, and formulation of bioproducts
Skills & CredentialsBioprocess engineering, molecular biology, biochemistryBioprocessing, chromatography, analytical chemistry
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, bioreactors, pilot plantsPurification facilities, labs, quality control
Industry UsageBiotech, pharmaceutical manufacturingBiotech, pharmaceutical manufacturing

Upstream Process Development focuses on creating and optimizing cell culture and fermentation processes to produce bioproducts. In contrast, Downstream Process Development involves purifying and finishing these products. Both roles are essential in biopharmaceutical manufacturing and require similar scientific backgrounds, but they specialize in different stages of bioprocessing.

What are common upstream process development jobs?

Common upstream process development jobs include roles such as upstream process scientist, process engineer, and bioprocess development specialist. These positions focus on optimizing cell culture, fermentation, and bioreactor processes to improve product yield and quality, often requiring knowledge of bioreactor operation, cell biology, and process scale-up. Skills in laboratory techniques, process modeling, and regulatory compliance are also important in these roles.

What is an upstream process development job?

An upstream process development job involves designing, optimizing, and scaling the early stages of biopharmaceutical production, such as cell culture and fermentation processes. Professionals in this role typically work with bioreactors, laboratory equipment, and process analytical tools to improve yield and quality of biological products. Strong knowledge of microbiology, biochemistry, and process engineering is essential, along with adherence to regulatory standards.

What are popular job titles related to Upstream Process Development jobs in Germantown, MD?

For Upstream Process Development jobs in Germantown, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Upstream Process Development jobs in Germantown, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Upstream Process Development jobs in Germantown, MD are:

What cities near Germantown, MD are hiring for Upstream Process Development jobs?

Cities near Germantown, MD with the most Upstream Process Development job openings:

Infographic showing various Upstream Process Development job openings in Germantown, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 88% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,730 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Catalent rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

60th of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Engineer II, MS&TAbout Site

Our FDA-licensed, state-of-the-art CGMP manufacturing facility for Gene Therapies is located on the Harmans/BWI campus. The campus, featuring two manufacturing facilities is located 5 miles from the Baltimore Washington International (BWI) airport and 13 miles from our Baltimore location. The campus is close to Washington, DC's I-270 Technology Corridor, top universities, and government agencies.

The Harmans/BWI-1 EMA and FDA approved facility, at approximately 200,000 sq. ft., houses 10 CGMP manufacturing suites, fill/finish, central services, testing labs, and a warehouse.

The Harmans/BWI-2 facility, at approximately 145,000 sq. ft., is under development and will house 8 CGMP manufacturing suites and cold storage warehousing.

Both facilities support Phase 3 through commercial manufacturing of advanced therapeutic products including AAV and other viral vector-based therapies and vaccines.

Position Summary

We have an opportunity for an Engineer II, MS&T to join our team and support GMP manufacturing operations as a project leader for clinical drug substance and drug product transfers. In this role, you will translate client and process development information into cGMP processes and act as a subject matter expert for biologic upstream and downstream processes. You will work hands-on in a cleanroom and collaborate in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment. This position offers the chance to make a real impact on delivering advanced therapies to patients in need.

Shift: Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm
Location: Harmans, MD - BWI
100% Onsite

The Role
  • Partner with GMP manufacturing and Process Development teams as MS&T project lead and subject matter expert in areas such as cell culture, purification, and fill & finish processes.
  • Serve as team leader for process and product investigations and author investigation reports.
  • Lead MS&T technology transfer projects from Catalent Process Development and external clients into GMP manufacturing.
  • Author technology transfer documents, Master Production Records, and Standard Operating Procedures to support GMP manufacturing projects.
  • Work closely with Program Management to ensure MS&T project milestones are achieved, attending recurring and ad hoc meetings as required.
  • Collect and trend process data for client and internal review.
  • Assist with training GMP Manufacturing staff on client processes.
  • Evaluate and recommend equipment and disposable systems for client projects.
  • Perform facility fit assessments, process modeling, and Continued Process Verification statistical analysis.
The CandidateMinimum Requirements
  • Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Life Sciences or related field with 3-6 years of experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, or Master of Science in these fields with 2+ years of experience.
  • Knowledge and expertise relevant to protein and virus manufacturing in a cGMP environment.
  • Experience in one or more of the following manufacturing areas: cell and/or microbial culture, protein purification, and fill/finish.
  • Experience with process modeling software such as SuperPro, JMP, MatLab, or Aspen is a plus.
  • Experience in a Contract Manufacturing Organization environment or similar client-customer based work environment is a plus.
  • On-site presence required, as the role involves time on the manufacturing floor and cross-functional collaboration.
Pay

The anticipated salary range for this position in MD is $100,000 - $120,000 Plus Bonus. The final salary offered to a successful candidate may vary, and will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to: the type and length of experience within the job, type and length of experience within the industry, skillset, education, business needs, etc. Catalent is a multi-state employer, and this salary range may not reflect positions that work in other states.

Why You Should Join Catalent
  • Defined career path and annual performance review and feedback process.
  • Diverse, inclusive culture.
  • Potential for career growth on an expanding team within an organization dedicated to preserving and bettering lives.
  • Competitive paid time off plus 8 paid holidays.
  • Community engagement and green initiatives.
  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits effective day one of employment.
  • Tuition reimbursement.

Catalent offers rewarding opportunities to further your career! Join the global drug development and delivery leader and help us bring over 7,000 life-saving and life-enhancing products to patients around the world. Catalent is an exciting and growing international company where employees work directly with pharma, biopharma and consumer health companies of all sizes to advance new medicines from early development to clinical trials and to the market. Catalent produces more than 70 billion doses per year, and each one will be used by someone who is counting on us. Join us in making a difference.

personal initiative. dynamic pace. meaningful work.

Visit Catalent Careers to explore career opportunities.

Catalent is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and veterans.

If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, you may submit your request by sending an email, and confirming your request for an accommodation and include the job number, title and location to DisabilityAccommodations@catalent.com. This option is reserved for individuals who require accommodation due to a disability. Information received will be processed by a U.S. Catalent employee and then routed to a local recruiter who will provide assistance to ensure appropriate consideration in the application or hiring process.

Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives: Catalent Pharma Solutions (Catalent) is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies and/or search firms for this job posting. Resumes submitted to any Catalent employee by a third party agency and/or search firm without a valid written & signed search agreement, will become the sole property of Catalent. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired for this position as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral. Thank you.

Important Security Notice to U.S. Job Seekers:

Catalent NEVER asks candidates to provide any type of payment, bank details, photocopies of identification, social security number or other highly sensitive personal information during the offer process, and we NEVER do so via email or social media. If you receive any such request, DO NOT respond- it is a fraudulent request. Please forward such requests to spam@catalent.com for us to investigate with local authorities.

California Job Seekers can find our California Job Applicant Notice HERE.


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About Catalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Catalent is an exciting and growing international company where employees work directly with pharma, biopharma and consumer health companies of all sizes to advance new medicines from early development to clinical trials and to the market. Catalent produces more than 70 billion doses per year, and each one will be used by someone who is counting on us. Join us in making a difference.Catalent is committed to the health and safety of its employees, visitors and the customers and patients we serve.

Industry

Pharmaceutical product wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Somerset, NJ, US

Year founded

2007

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