Demo

Engineer I/II (Upstream Process Development)

R&D Partners
San Carlos, CA Contractor
POSTED ON 4/14/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/9/2026

We are seeking a talented and experienced Engineer I/II to join the Upstream Process Development group. This is an exciting opportunity to join an outstanding team pursuing bacterial fermentation development. This is a 12-month contract based in San Carlos, California.


Responsibilities

  • Lead operational activities related to bioreactor set-up, monitoring, harvest, and maintenance.
  • Develop, test, and implement recipe scripting for fed-batch fermentation feeding controls.
  • Provide engineering support for design, implementation, and qualification of scale-down models.
  • Author SOPs (standard operating procedure), process flow diagrams and batch records.
  • Analyze and present fermentation data at internal project meetings.
  • Participate in upstream database management and documentation in electronic notebooks.


Qualifications

  • BS in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline with 8 years, MS with 4 years, or PhD with 0-2 years of relevant Pharma/Biotech industry experience.
  • Hands-on experience with fermentation and/or primary recovery unit operations.
  • Hands-on experience operating and maintaining bioreactors, including Ambr® 250, at laboratory scale.
  • Experience with pilot scale fermentation and recovery equipment is a plus.
  • Skillful in analyzing and presenting data for process improvements, troubleshooting, and optimization.
  • An exceptional team player who works seamlessly with others, speaks up, and remains focused on achieving the best results to achieve company goals.
  • Strong organizational and planning skills.
  • Good understanding in fundamentals of bioreactor design, operation and controls.
  • Strong knowledge of aseptic techniques.
  • Mechanical and technical knowledge of primary recovery unit operations such as homogenization, centrifugation, and depth filtration, is a plus.
  • Understanding of fermentation scale up and development of scale down models.
  • Familiarity with DoE (Design of Experiments) principles and software.
  • Familiarity with regulatory requirements of biotherapeutics. Late-stage process characterization experience is a plus.


Salary

  • $128,690-$143,520



Why Choose R&D Partners?

As an employee, you have access to a comprehensive benefits package including:

  • Medical insurance – PPO, HMO & HSA
  • Dental & Vision insurance
  • 401k plan
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Long-term disability
  • Weekly payroll
  • Expense reimbursement
  • Online timecard approval


R&D Partners is a global functional service provider and strategic staffing resource specializing in scientific, clinical research & engineering. We provide job opportunities within major pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies.


R&D Partners is an equal-opportunity employer.

Salary : $128,690 - $143,520

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