Production Chemist - Torrance

About the role

Production Chemist (I, II, and III) – Full‑Time position located in Torrance, CA. PolyPeptide is seeking chemists to support the manufacture of high‑quality Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) in a cGMP‑regulated environment. These roles are critical to delivering safe, effective, and on‑time pharmaceutical products to patients worldwide, offering a clear growth path, hands‑on manufacturing experience, and work with advanced peptide synthesis and purification technologies. At PolyPeptide Laboratories, you’ll do meaningful, hands‑on work that directly supports life‑changing pharmaceutical therapies. We offer a collaborative, safety‑first manufacturing environment with clear growth paths, advanced technologies, and the opportunity to develop your expertise alongside experienced scientists who care about quality and doing things the right way. Your work here won’t just advance your career; it will help deliver medicines that truly make a difference.

Responsibilities

• Execute batch production records (BPRs) accurately and in compliance with SOPs and GxP requirements
• Operate and monitor chemical processes including reactors, drying systems, purification HPLCs, and lyophilization
• Perform in‑process controls (IPCs) and interpret analytical results (e.g., HPLC, ninhydrin tests)
• Ensure proper material handling, inventory management, and ERP documentation following ALCOA+ principles
• Maintain high standards of safety, cleanliness, PPE usage, and 5S practices
• Communicate effectively with cross‑functional teams including QA, QC, Maintenance, Engineering, and Supply Chain
• Work in a hands‑on manufacturing environment with hazardous materials; ability to wear respirators and required PPE; regular standing, walking, and lifting up to 25 lb

Level‑Based Scope & Growth

• Production Chemist I – Entry‑level to early‑career role with hands‑on manufacturing responsibility; works under general supervision following established procedures; focused on execution, learning cGMP operations, and building technical expertise; ideal for candidates new to peptide manufacturing or regulated production environments.
• Production Chemist II – Experienced individual contributor with increasing autonomy; troubleshoots process deviations, supports investigations, and assists with CAPAs and quality documentation; trains and mentors Chemist I team members; participates in process improvements, tech transfers, and scale‑up activities.
• Production Chemist III – Senior‑level chemist and technical leader; acts as a subject matter expert (SME) for processes and equipment; makes operational “go/no‑go” decisions with Quality and leadership; leads troubleshooting, process optimization, and mentoring of Chemist I & II staff; supports production planning, forecasting, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Education – Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline or equivalent; High School Diploma with significant GMP manufacturing experience may be considered (Chemist I).
• Experience –
  • Chemist I: 0–2 years of relevant experience (peptide manufacturing preferred)
  • Chemist II: 3+ years of relevant experience in a regulated environment
  • Chemist III: 5+ years of relevant experience with demonstrated leadership and technical expertise

Skills

• Peptide synthesis and purification (HPLC)
• cGMP documentation and compliance
• Safe handling of hazardous chemicals and reagents
• Strong communication, teamwork, and time management
• Problem‑solving and continuous improvement mindset

Pay

• Production Chemist I: $28‑$33/hr
• Production Chemist II: $33‑$37/hr
• Production Chemist III: $37‑$45/hr