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Upstream Process Development Jobs in Los Angeles, CA

Worley

Process Engineer Level II

Monrovia, CA · On-site

$110K - $162K/yr

Keep up to date with the latest developments and technical innovations in process engineering. * If ... Experience in refining, petrochemical, or upstream facilities with complex relief systems.

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All JobsUpstream Process Development JobsUpstream Process Development Jobs in Los Angeles, CA

Upstream Process Development information

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How much do upstream process development jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for upstream process development in Los Angeles, CA is $28.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.38 and $30.05 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 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 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 are popular job titles related to Upstream Process Development jobs in Los Angeles, CA?

For Upstream Process Development jobs in Los Angeles, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Upstream Process Development jobs in Los Angeles, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Upstream Process Development jobs in Los Angeles, CA are:

What cities near Los Angeles, CA are hiring for Upstream Process Development jobs?

Cities near Los Angeles, CA with the most Upstream Process Development job openings:

Upstream Process Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Upstream Process Development job openings in Los Angeles, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,425 per year, or $28.6 per hour.

Senior Process Engineer

Visium Resources, Inc.

Thousand Oaks, CA

$109K - $141K/yr

Contractor

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Introduction
Visium Resources has been asked to identify qualified candidates for this Senior Process Engineer position. This position is a direct hire which is expected to be on-site in Thousands Oaks, CA. This role will require work on the design, project execution and commissioning of process systems in the biopharmaceutical industry. The ideal candidate should possess leadership skills to lead teams of intermediate & junior engineers


Responsibilities
Provide technical guidance into the design, project management, commissioning and start-up of equipment and facilities, for upgrades, renovations and expansions of client facilities and processes.
Support project execution from Feasibility through to project completion/handover, including all project stages such as:
o          Feasibility
o          Concept Design, Basic Design, Detailed Design
o          Procurement
o          Construction
o          Project Monitoring/Governance
o          Commissioning & Qualification
Prepare/perform/review process engineering drawings, calculations, whether as part of engineering design or as part of verification of calculations of vendors/client/other consultants, or Junior Engineers. Drawings may include PFDs, P&IDs as well as others. Calculations may include heat exchanger, pump, piping, control valve sizing, heat and mass balances, as well as other engineered calculations. 
Prepare/review technical specifications and data sheets for various equipment, instrumentation, and systems (such as vessel data sheets, etc).
Review technical documentation such as SDS/HDS, layouts, manuals, datasheets.
Manage other engineering design firms, equipment vendors, construction firms, and internal/external stakeholders as required to execute projects.
Integrate safety into the design and execution of all projects (HAZOP reviews, PHSRs, design reviews with EHS representatives).
Prepare/review User Requirements Specifications (URS)
Provide input into Commissioning (FAT, SAT) and Qualification Protocols (IQOQ), as well as support execution of Commissioning & Qualification.
Prepare/review automation sequences, as required for Process Automation, such as Functional Specifications, Valve & Alarm Matrices.
Coordination with other engineering disciplines and other cross-functional departments (automation engineering, facilities engineering, process engineering, validation, project management, operations, quality, safety).
Facilitate project management tools throughout the execution of projects, such as procurement tracking, vendor management, meeting minutes / action lists, risk register log, schedule updates, project updates.
Coordinate meetings with cross-functional departments, to drive project progress, facilitate decisions, provide updates.
Travel may be occasionally required for meetings with the client and equipment fabrication vendors or Factory Acceptance Testing (FATs).
Work may require occasional support over shutdowns or extended hours, specifically during installation and commissioning / validation phases.
Client-management (maintain key Client relationships in support of business development and pursuit of new work), project scheduling/budgeting, coordination of client and resources for effective project delivery, supporting business development (providing technical support to the sales as required for proposals/opportunities), presenting at industry conferences/publishing papers etc.
Visit construction and installation sites.
Supervise contractors during critical installations of process equipment and associated utilities.
Other duties as assigned by client, based on workload and project requirements.

Qualifications

Knowledge of GMP requirements for working in pharma/biotech facilities, with a Basic understanding of SOPs, Validation, Change Controls.
10+ years of experience pharma process engineering experience, with at least 5 years of process engineering experience. 
Excellent written and spoken English is required including the preparation of technical documents in English
Experience in leading teams.
Experience with, and knowledge of some of the typical Biotechnology processes & peripheral systems is required; Upstream Biotech Processes (Fermentation, Bioreactors, Centrifugation, Thawing), Downstream / Purification Biotech Processes (chromatography, TFF, DF, NF-MF), Fill & Finish equipment, Media Preparation, CIP/SIP systems, Buffer Preparation, clean utilities (PW, WFI, CS, PS)
Possess leadership skills, and be able to take initiative to lead projects, involving multiple stakeholders, departments, and varying complexity.
Possess mentorship skills, to coach and develop junior and intermediate employees.
Basic knowledge of AutoCAD is an asset.
Engineering degree, preferably in Chemical, Biochemical, Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.

________________________________________________________________________________________________


Visium Resources is an award-winning employment firm with a mission to match talented individuals with highly successful organizations. At Visium, our company's success is based on your success. When you work with us, you are never 'just a number'. You are our most important asset. Here, you will know us by name through our regular visits to client sites and even occasional luncheons. We will always be there when you need assistance and will always go the extra mile to ensure that you are as successful as possible. Whether you're looking for contract, contract-to-hire or permanent opportunities, we firmly believe there is no employment agency that will work harder for you than Visium.
Visium Resources is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit and business need.

Education:BS/BA DegreeEmployment Type: CONTRACTOR

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