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Upstream Process Engineer Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Purification Scientist

Boston, MA · On-site

$44 - $46/hr

Collaborate with upstream process, analytical, and manufacturing teams * Maintain laboratory ... Master's degree in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific ...

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Upstream Process Engineer information

See Boston, MA salary details

$53.8K

$100K

$154.8K

How much do upstream process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for upstream process engineer in Boston, MA is $99,968.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,900.00 and $111,900.00 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 in the Upstream Process Engineer position, 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.

What are popular job titles related to Upstream Process Engineer jobs in Boston, MA? For Upstream Process Engineer jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Manager, Upstream Manufacturing

$129K - $156K/yr

Other

Posted 17 days ago


Job description


 Preparedness today, safer tomorrow.

 Emergent is a leading public health company that delivers protective and life-saving solutions to
 communities around the world.  Here, you will join passionate professionals where our culture is informed
 by our values and commitment to protecting and saving lives.

JOB SUMMARY 

The Manager, Manufacturing is responsible for end-to-end leadership and execution of upstream drug substance operations within a CGMP vaccine manufacturing environment. This role ensures equipment and material readiness, media preparation, cell culture, infection processes, and execution oversight while maintaining strict compliance with regulatory requirements. The incumbent will lead a team of manufacturing professionals, drive operational excellence, collaborate with other SMEs, ensure inspection readiness, and deliver safe, compliant, and reliable production in alignment with site objectives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Provide direct leadership and oversight of upstream manufacturing operations including media preparation/transfer, cell culture, infection, harvest, and associated process steps.
  • Ensure full readiness of equipment, materials, and personnel to support production schedules and batch execution.
  • Lead and oversee all aspects of execution on the manufacturing floor, ensuring adherence to batch records, SOPs, and CGMP requirements.
  • Own and manage Quality Management System (QMS) elements including deviations, CAPAs, change controls, and investigations.
  • Ensure all documentation (batch records, logbooks, and supporting records) is accurate, complete, and inspection-ready.
  • Drive compliance with global regulatory requirements (FDA, MFDS, TGA, and other applicable agencies).
    Lead people management responsibilities including hiring, coaching, performance management, and development of direct reports.
  • Establish a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement across upstream operations.
  • Oversee cleaning, decontamination, sterilization, and aseptic practices to maintain a compliant manufacturing environment.
  • Partner cross-functionally with MSAT, Quality, Supply Chain, Engineering, and QA to ensure successful execution and continuous improvement.
  • Drive operational excellence initiatives including cycle time reduction, right-first-time performance, and capacity optimization.
  • Support regulatory inspections and audits, ensuring sustained inspection readiness.

The above statements are intended to describe the nature of work performed by those in this job and are not an exhaustive list of all duties. Nothing in this job description restricts managements right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time which reflects management's assignment of essential functions. 

MINIMUM EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS

Due to the nature of this role and our manufacturing environment, employees are required to meet certain health and safety requirements, including the ability to adhere to the Company's vaccination policies where job-related and consistent with applicable law. We are committed to providing a fair and inclusive hiring process and will evaluate reasonable accommodation requests for medical disabilities, or sincerely held religious beliefs, in accordance with applicable laws.

  • Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Engineering, or a related discipline required (advanced degree preferred).
  • Minimum of 7+ years of experience in biopharmaceutical or vaccine manufacturing, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
  • Strong experience in upstream processing including cell culture and viral systems preferred.
  • Deep knowledge of CGMP regulations, FDA guidelines, and global regulatory expectations.
  • Proven experience managing teams in a regulated manufacturing environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead investigations, implement CAPAs, and manage complex Quality Systems.
  • Strong communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.

CORE COMPETENCIES

  • Operational leadership and execution focus
  • Strategic thinking with strong tactical delivery
  • Quality and compliance mindset
  • People leadership and team development
  • Problem-solving and decision-making under pressure
  • Continuous improvement orientation

U.S. Base Pay Ranges and Benefits Information

The estimated annual base salary as a new hire for this position ranges from $129,000 to $156,000. Individual base pay depends on various factors such as applicant's education, experience, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.  The salary may also be adjusted based on applicant's geographic location.  Certain roles are eligible for additional incentive compensation, including merit increases, annual bonus, [and/or long-term incentives in the form of stock options.]

Additionally, Emergent offers a comprehensive benefits package*.  Information regarding additional benefits can be found here:  https://www.emergentbiosolutions.com/careers/life-at-emergent

(*Eligibility for benefits is governed by the applicable plan documents and policies).

If you are selected for an interview, please feel welcome to speak to a Human Resources Partner about our compensation philosophy and available benefits.

There are physical/mental demands and work environment characteristics that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. This information is available upon request from the candidate.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform all essential functions.

Emergent BioSolutions is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and values the diversity of our workforce.  Emergent does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital status, physical or mental disability, military service or veteran status, genetic information or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Information submitted will be used by Emergent BioSolutions for activities related to your prospective employment. Emergent BioSolutions respects your privacy and any use of the information submitted will be subject to the terms of our Privacy Policy .

Emergent BioSolutions does not accept non-solicited resumes or candidate submittals from search/recruiting agencies not already on Emergent BioSolutions' approved agency list. Unsolicited resumes or candidate information submitted to Emergent BioSolutions by search/recruiting agencies not already on Emergent BioSolutions' approved agency list shall become the property of Emergent BioSolutions and if the candidate is subsequently hired by Emergent BioSolutions, Emergent BioSolutions shall not owe any fee to the submitting agency.