Bioprocess Development Engineer

About the role

We are seeking a Bioprocess Development Engineer to join our growing Bioprocess R&D team. In this role, you will work hands-on with advanced bioreactor systems and diverse cell types, supporting the development of scalable manufacturing processes for emerging therapies.

Responsibilities

• Client & Technical Leadership:
  • Serve as the technical area lead for assigned client programs, building trusted relationships with client program teams, CMC leads, and executive stakeholders.
  • Support recurring client program reviews, and ad hoc communications with clarity, professionalism, and scientific depth.
  • Proactively manage client expectations, scope changes, and program risks through structured change control and issue escalation processes.
  • Translate client strategic objectives into actionable internal program plans and deliverables.
• Hands-On Laboratory & Technical Execution:
  • Actively work at the bench to directly support process development and analytical activities alongside scientists and technicians.
  • Execute or co-execute laboratory experiments, including small-scale process runs and analytical testing, in support of client program timelines.
  • Provide technical troubleshooting and root cause analysis for laboratory deviations and unexpected experimental outcomes.
  • Participate in tech transfer activities including hands-on execution of engineering runs, comparability studies, and process characterization experiments.
  • Author and review laboratory notebooks, experimental protocols, batch records, and development reports with first-hand knowledge of the work performed.
  • Adhere to all laboratory safety protocols, lab documentation practices, and EHS requirements while working in manufacturing and lab environments.
  • Champion continuous improvement initiatives within the PMO including process standardization, template development, and lessons learned capture.
  • Contribute to scientific publications including abstract, scientific papers, application notes, poster or oral presentations at conferences, and webinars to current and potential customers.
• Internal New Product Development & Improvement Efforts:
  • Support internal new product development and improvement efforts by providing biological performance data using PBS products.
  • Collaborate with other departments for cross-functional projects.
  • Contribute to the development of junior program managers and coordinators through mentoring and knowledge sharing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or related field (advanced degree preferred).
• Minimum 5 years experience in biopharmaceutical or life sciences industry, with at least 3 years specifically in Advanced therapy manufacturing e.g. iPSC derived therapies, CAR-T, NK cells.
• Additional experience in areas such as technology transfer, process development, or manufacturing sciences within a CDMO or pharmaceutical/biotech company is a plus.
• Knowledge of bioreactors and process control, and cell characterization methodology such as cell counting, metabolic analysis, etc.
• Excellent organizational skills to assist in developing detailed experimental plans.
• Strong oral and written communication skills including generation and presentation of accurate and timely progress reports.
• Excellent collaboration skills to execute large-scale bioreactor runs in coordination with other operators.
• Proximity to Ventura County and flexible schedule to allow for weekend work on experiments as needed.

Pay

Salary Range: $83,000 – $114,000 (based on experience)