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Upstream Process Development Jobs in San Jose, CA

Senior Process Engineer, MSAT

Alameda, CA · On-site

$117K - $152K/yr

Lead the GMP implementation of internal platform processes for cell and gene therapy modalities, including upstream and downstream unit operations. * Collaborate closely with Process Development to ...

Senior Process Engineer, MSAT

Alameda, CA · On-site

$150 - $185/hr

Lead the GMP implementation of internal platform processes for cell and gene therapy modalities, including upstream and downstream unit operations. * Collaborate closely with Process Development to ...

Packaging and Assembly lead

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

Lead process integration check to ensure the upstream process will not affect the downstream ... development and yield improvement is important. * Experience with FMEA, failure analysis, and 8D ...

Support new product development projects and novel commercial strategies of core technology. Work ... Johnson & Johnson is committed to providing an interview process that is inclusive of our ...

Lead the integrated CMC strategy from developability and candidate selection through cell line development, upstream and downstream process development, analytical development and characterization ...

Head of CMC

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$300 - $380/hr

Lead the integrated CMC strategy from developability and candidate selection through cell line development, upstream and downstream process development, analytical development and characterization ...

Head of CMC

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$277K - $416K/yr

Lead the integrated CMC strategy from developability and candidate selection through cell line development, upstream and downstream process development, analytical development and characterization ...

Showing results 21-40

Upstream Process Development information

See San Jose, CA salary details

$22

$31

$43

How much do upstream process development jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for upstream process development in San Jose, CA is $31.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.60 and $32.69 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 San Jose, CA?

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

What cities near San Jose, CA are hiring for Upstream Process Development jobs?

Cities near San Jose, CA with the most Upstream Process Development job openings:

Infographic showing various Upstream Process Development job openings in San Jose, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $64,636 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

Principal Scientist, Commercial & Late-Stage Cell Culture Process Development

Denali Therapeutics

South San Francisco, CA • On-site

$159 - $207/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

## Principal Scientist, Commercial & Late-Stage Cell Culture Process DevelopmentApplylocations: South San Franciscotime type: Full timeposted on: Posted 2 Days Agojob requisition id: R-1619Neurodegenerative diseases are one of the largest medical challenges of our time. Denali Therapeutics is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing breakthrough therapies for neurodegenerative diseases through our deep commitment to degeneration biology and principles of translational medicine. Denali is founded on the collaboration of leading scientists, industry experts, and investors who share the vision that scientific discovery energetically applied to translational medicine is the key to delivering effective therapies to patients.We invite you to consider an opportunity with Denali to help achieve our goal of delivering meaningful therapeutics to patients.This position is responsible for driving upstream technical activities for commercial and late-stage process development for Denali’s commercial and near-commercial biologics portfolio.**Key Accountabilities/ Core Job Responsibilities:*** Serve as upstream cell culture technical lead for commercial manufacturing including continued process verification, investigations, deviation support, and cross-site alignment.* Support lifecycle management activities for commercial products, including process improvements, tech transfer validation activities, local and cross-site change management, regulatory filing updates (CBE, PAS, Ex-US expansion), and responses to health authority questions.* Drive technical continuity and alignment across CDMO and internal manufacturing sites by ensuring process understanding, lessons learned and ensuringtechnical decisions are consistently captured and applied.* Design, oversee, and interpret small-scale process development studies that inform large-scale manufacturing decisions, support root-cause investigations, and enable lifecycle improvements.* Build and maintain technical risk assessments (e.g., FMEA) and process history files to support robust commercial manufacturing and future late-stage programs.* Support the incoming late-stage process development pipeline and commercial programs by applying best practices, platform knowledge, and prior manufacturing experience while contributing to standardization of lifecycle management practices.**Qualifications/Skills:*** Typically requires a PhD in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering or related scientific discipline, plus 10+ years of related work experience.* Strong experience with commercial process support and technology transfers, upstream cell culture characterization, and process validation.* Experience managing post-approval changes as a technical SME in collaboration with manufacturingsite, regulatory, supply chain and quality.* Experience reviewing batch records, supporting deviation investigations and assessing process performance during manufacturing campaigns.* Proven track record of representing bioprocess functions in cross-functional teams and working effectively with CDMOs.* Broad experience in process characterization, design of experiments and analytics.* Experience developing upstream cell culture processes to support early or late-stage clinical production.* In-depth understanding of CHO-based fed-batch processes, scale-up/scale-down principles and statistical tools.* Excellent critical thinking, scientific problem-solving and communication skills* Familiarity with BLA authoring and post-approval regulatory support is preferredSalary Range: $159,000.00 to $207,000.00 . Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience. Denali offers a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k, healthcare coverage, ESPP and a broad range of other benefits. Learn more at https://www.denalitherapeutics.com/careersThis compensation and benefits information is based on Denali’s good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.Denali is committed to its core company value of unity by creating a diverse and inclusive environment. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, basis of disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class. #J-18808-Ljbffr