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Upstream Process Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience in biotech or pharmaceutical process engineering, with a focus on upstream, downstream or cell therapy operations. Key Responsibilities Support the ...

Collaborate closely with upstream process development and strain engineering teams to align on integrated process development strategies. Education and Experience * PhD + 6 years of experience; OR ...

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Upstream Process Engineer information

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$49.5K

$92K

$142.5K

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.

More about Upstream Process Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Upstream Process Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Upstream Process Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Upstream Process Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Upstream Process Engineer jobs include:
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 Development Scientist

Integrated Resources INC

South Plainfield, NJ

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Company Description

A Few Words About Us Integrated Resources, Inc is a premier staffing firm recognized as one of the tri-states most well-respected professional specialty firms. IRI has built its reputation on excellent service and integrity since its inception in 1996. Our mission centers on delivering only the best quality talent, the first time and every time. We provide quality resources in four specialty areas: Information Technology (IT), Clinical Research, Rehabilitation Therapy and Nursing.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:


Design and execute experiments for production of proteins using microbial fermentation processes.


Design, analyze and interpret lab experiments, purification data, in-process trends, productivity and


quality attributes to support upstream process development.


Lead efforts to evaluate different fermentation media, feeds, and feeding strategies to improve


product yield and quality including proper folding of protein


Scale up process developed at research stage to manufacture adequate amounts of protein to support


clinical trials


Author technical documentation including process validation protocols and reports. Evaluate process


robustness, investigate causes of process variances, and take steps to maximize process reproducibility.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications:


Ph.D., MS or BS in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering or related Biological Sciences is required. For a


candidate with a Ph.D. >3 yrs. of industrial experience; candidate with an MS >5 yrs. industrial


experience and for a candidate with a BS, >7 years of industrial experience in developing upstream


microbial fermentation processes for the production of bio-pharmaceuticals is required. Specific


experience in development of microbial expression processes for soluble protein production is


preferred. Experience in development of mammalian cell culture processes for the production of


recombinant proteins is a plus.


Knowledge of protein chemistry and purification techniques and purification process development


experience is preferred.


Basic knowledge of cGMP policies and procedures. Basic knowledge of regulatory requirements of the


pharmaceutical / biotechnology industry.

Additional Information



 


Integrated Resources logo

About Integrated Resources

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Integrated Resources Inc (IRI), based in Edison, NJ, US, is an esteemed player in the staffing solutions industry with a credible presence on their official website irionline.com. Notably, IRI provides a range of professional staffing services including contract, contract-to-hire, and direct hire solutions to a wide spectrum of industries such as healthcare, life sciences, manufacturing, financial, insurance, and others. Since its inception, IRI has been committed to delivering top-talent and optimum solutions to meet its clients' diverse needs.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Edison, NJ, US

Year founded

1996