Sr. Downstream Processing Technician

Sr. Downstream Processing Technician

Job Description

The Downstream Processing Technician plays a key role in large-scale biological and chemistry pharmaceutical operations, supporting the manufacture of biologics such as proteins used in therapies for autoimmune and other diseases. In this position, you execute manufacturing batch records, work instructions, and standard operating procedures with a strong focus on accuracy and compliance. You help ensure that all downstream processing activities meet strict cGMP standards while collaborating with a team of scientific and manufacturing professionals in a cleanroom environment.

Responsibilities

• Execute manufacturing batch records, work instructions, and standard operating procedures with a proactive focus on 'right the first time' execution.
• Assist with batch record reconciliation to ensure documentation is accurate, complete, and compliant with cGMP requirements.
• Support all department functions by maintaining suites, supplies, equipment, logbooks, and data in accordance with site SOPs and policies.
• Document all activities to meet cGMP requirements, including daily record reviews, task tracking, and database updates.
• Perform document reviews and revisions to maintain current and accurate procedures and records.
• Actively provide feedback on processes, documentation, and workflow to support continuous improvement.
• Participate and, when needed, lead shift exchanges, one-on-one discussions, and team meetings to facilitate communication and address area needs and changes.
• Engage in lean activities and other improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and quality in downstream processing.
• Support quality investigations by answering questions, providing detailed feedback, and suggesting process improvements.
• Practice and promote safe work habits, strictly adhering to safety procedures and guidelines in cleanroom and laboratory environments.
• Critically evaluate processes with foresight, identifying potential issues and thinking ahead to prevent deviations.
• Interpret production schedules, prioritize tasks effectively, and complete work according to established timelines.
• Apply aseptic techniques and cleanroom practices during downstream processing operations.
• Handle and operate laboratory and downstream processing equipment used in chromatography and related pharmaceutical processes, as applicable.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in manufacturing, operations, and laboratory settings to ensure smooth execution of downstream activities.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree (BS) in a STEM-related field is required.
• Minimum of 2 years of work experience in manufacturing, operations, production, laboratory, or a related technical setting.
• Ability to execute manufacturing batch records, work instructions, and SOPs with high attention to detail and accuracy.
• Familiarity with cGMP requirements and the ability to document activities in compliance with regulatory standards.
• Experience working in cleanroom or aseptic suites and willingness to follow strict aseptic techniques.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to maintain suites, supplies, equipment, logbooks, and data according to SOPs.
• Ability to interpret production schedules and prioritize tasks to meet operational timelines.
• Capacity to participate in and contribute to meetings, shift exchanges, and team communications.
• Commitment to safe work practices and adherence to safety procedures and guidelines.
• Physical ability to lift a minimum of 25 pounds independently.
• Physical ability to stand for approximately 80% of the shift.
• Ability to meet cleanroom gowning requirements, including wearing full gowning suits and appropriate protective equipment.

Work Environment

This role is based in cleanroom and aseptic suites where strict gowning and contamination control procedures apply. You work in a controlled environment that supports large-scale biological and chemistry pharmaceutical operations, contributing to the production of biologics used in therapeutic products. You must be willing to wear a full gowning suit, including bodysuit, gloves, hair and beard nets, face covers, and safety glasses. Cleanroom gowning requirements include wearing Tyvek suits and Nitrile and/or Latex gloves. Certain personal items such as makeup, jewelry, nail polish, cologne or perfume, and scented lotions or hair care products are not permitted in the cleanroom environment. The training schedule runs Monday through Friday for approximately 4-6 weeks, typically from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. After training, you work a second shift from 1:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on a rotating two-week schedule: Week 1 (off Sunday, work Monday-Wednesday, off Thursday-Friday, work Saturday) and Week 2 (work Sunday, off Monday-Tuesday, work Wednesday-Friday, off Saturday). The environment emphasizes safety, regulatory compliance, teamwork, and continuous improvement, offering a strong entry point into large-scale biologics and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Saint Louis, MO.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.80 - $30.80/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Saint Louis,MO.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 30, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.