Upstream Process Engineer

Piper Companies is seeking an Upstream Process Engineer to join a leading organization in the biotechnology manufacturing industry for a long-term contract opportunity in Holly Springs, North Carolina. The Upstream Process Engineer will provide hands-on manufacturing support for upstream bioprocess operations, serving as a subject matter expert for critical production equipment while partnering with cross-functional teams to ensure reliable and efficient manufacturing performance.

Responsibilities for the Upstream Process Engineer include:

• Provide day-to-day technical support for upstream manufacturing operations, ensuring process equipment performs safely, efficiently, and in compliance with operational requirements.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts involving bioprocess equipment, automation systems, and manufacturing processes, including issues related to temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and control systems.
• Manage equipment-related investigations, deviations, and change controls while driving timely resolution of manufacturing challenges.
• Collaborate with Maintenance, Automation, Instrumentation & Controls, and Manufacturing teams to optimize equipment reliability and production performance.
• Serve as equipment owner for media preparation systems and support a broad range of upstream equipment including bioreactors, filtration systems, harvest operations, and scale-up technologies.

Qualifications for the Upstream Process Engineer include:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• 6+ years of process engineering experience within a manufacturing environment, preferably supporting biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or biologics production.
• Hands-on experience supporting stainless steel bioprocess equipment and upstream manufacturing operations.
• Strong troubleshooting background involving process controls, automation systems, HMI interfaces, and equipment performance issues.
• Experience with DeltaV systems and the ability to distinguish process-related concerns from automation-related issues during production support activities.
• Demonstrated experience managing deviations, investigations, change controls, and manufacturing equipment improvement initiatives.

Compensation for the Upstream Process Engineer:

• Pay Rate: $60-$70 per hour
• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), and additional benefits offered in accordance with company policy and applicable law.

This job opens for applications on 8/23/26. Applications for this job will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date.

Keywords: upstream process engineering, bioprocess manufacturing, biotechnology, biologics, chemical engineering, process troubleshooting, DeltaV, automation systems, manufacturing support, bioreactors, media preparation, filtration systems, harvest operations, process controls, dissolved oxygen control, pH control, temperature control, HMI, change control, deviations, investigations, GMP manufacturing, equipment ownership, instrumentation and controls, process optimization, stainless steel equipment, production support, biologics manufacturing, fermentation, process improvement

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