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Upstream Process Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Union Agener

Upstream Process Engineer

Augusta, GA · On-site

... upstream purification processing area.  Actively participate in safety-related activities ... Education :  BA/BS degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering or related field.

Legend Biotech USA, Inc.

RequirementsAdvanced degree (PhD preferred, or MS) in Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering ... 200L/500L) upstream bioreactor processes.Language(s): English. Mandarin is a plus.#Li-JR1#Li ...

ERMCO

Process Engineer

Dyersburg, TN

... on upstream process behavior * Monitor and communicate performance trends, clearly linking ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Electrical, or related ...

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How much do upstream process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for upstream process engineer in the United States is $92,018.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,500.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an upstream process engineer do?

An Upstream Process Engineer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and scaling up processes related to the early stages of biopharmaceutical manufacturing, including cell culture and fermentation. They work on improving yield, ensuring process efficiency, and maintaining regulatory compliance. Their role involves troubleshooting, process design, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to support production.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an upstream process engineer, and why are they important?

Upstream Process Engineers require a solid background in chemical or biochemical engineering, process design, and troubleshooting, often backed by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with simulation software such as Aspen Plus or HYSYS, as well as knowledge of industry standards and certifications like Six Sigma or API, is highly valued. Strong communication, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork skills help these engineers excel when coordinating across multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are crucial to ensure process efficiency, safety, and innovation in large-scale production environments.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an upstream process engineer?

An Upstream Process Engineer typically focuses on designing, optimizing, and monitoring processes related to raw material extraction and initial conversion in industries such as oil & gas, biotechnology, or chemicals. Daily tasks might involve analyzing process data, troubleshooting equipment or process issues, implementing efficiency improvements, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Collaboration is a key part of the role, as you’ll work closely with operations, maintenance, quality assurance, and R&D teams to achieve production targets. Engineers also regularly participate in safety meetings, process audits, and project planning sessions to support continuous improvement. This dynamic environment offers exposure to both hands-on technical work and cross-functional project leadership.

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Upstream Process Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Upstream Process Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 95% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,018 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

Upstream Process Engineer

Union Agener

Augusta, GA • On-site

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Position Description, Functions, Duties and Tasks:
 Provide day-to-day support area manufacturing operations, including resolution of manufacturing deviations and troubleshooting process issues.
 Provide automation technical support to area for automation control system platform.
 Drive safety, quality, efficiency, and cost reduction projects in upstream purification processing area.
 Actively participate in safety-related activities (audits, hazard reviews, etc.) to drive ongoing safety improvement.
 Take overall responsibility for the safe design and safe operation of the equipment within the area.
 Maintain the qualified state of systems supported.
 Interact with Regulatory Agencies during audits and assessments.
 Provide technical ownership of equipment and processes in area of responsibility.
 Establish amp; monitor/trend control systems as tool for verifying and optimizing equipment performance.
 Lead troubleshooting efforts to resolve more difficult process and operational problems.
 Utilize formal problem solving techniques, including Root Cause Analysis, to resolve equipment issues.
 Communicate effectively with others, especially manufacturing team members, customers, engineering specialists, and crafts personnel.
 Evaluate all activities for impact on qualified state of equipment/processes and utilize appropriate tools/processes as necessary (change control, hold, etc.).
 Responsible for system/component classification and maintenance strategy for equipment.
 Implement corrections, corrective actions, and countermeasures arising from CAPAs.
 Participate in Periodic Reviews for systems. Lead or participate in qualification activities (including commissioning activities of new equipment or areas).
 Develop scope for capital projects targeted at both short and longer term needs.
Minimum Qualification (Education, Experience and/or Training, Required Certifications):Education:
 BA/BS degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering or related field.
Experience:
 1-5 years experience in FDA regulated manufacturing operations, preferably with upstream protein purification.
 Understanding and experience with pharmaceutical cGMPs.
 Understanding and experience with production scale unit operations such as Fermentors Centrifuge Hemogenizer, Formulation milling, refold, ultra-filtration, precipitation, and chromatography.
 Understanding and experience with automated processes. Familiarity with PLC Control Systems and/or DCS (i.e. PRoVOX, Wonderware, etc.).
Additional Preferences:
Required Skills:
 Understand and apply pharmaceutical cGMPs to all aspects of work processes.
 Work effectively with other plant functions, including Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Engineering, Validation, Metrology, and Logistics.
 Strong written and oral communication skills. Communicate effectively with all levels of the organization, from plant management to operations specialists.
 Excellent organizational, project, and time management skills. Able to handle change productively and handle other tasks as assigned.
 Experience with Data Historian such as AspenTech Process Explorer or similar system.
Preferred Qualifications:
 Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering or related field.
Other Information:
Other Information:
Physical Demand Requirements:
 Must be able to perform and review work in a manufacturing plant environment. This includes ascending/descending climbing ladders and stairs and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. Incumbent’s duties may involve internal/external work in various climate/weather conditions associated with a manufacturing plant at any time. The incumbent is expected to respond to plant emergencies when required.
What do we offer?
  • Competitive Salary
  • Competitive Benefits Package and Employee Assistance Program
  • 401(k) Plan + Company Match
  • Vacation + End of Year Vacation (Company Sponsored)
  • Growth Opportunities to expand your career

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