Process Development Laboratory Engineer

United Pharma; California; On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

United Pharma is seeking a hands-on laboratory technician to support our new process development laboratory in California. You will execute studies, operate and maintain lab equipment, and drive continuous improvement of the lab.

The role focuses on drug product process development, primary container evaluations, and product compatibility studies. You will prepare samples, collect data, document results per GDP, and help draft SOPs while ensuring EH&S and quality compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, or related field.
• 4+ years of hands-on laboratory experience in pharma/biotech is preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and rigorous documentation practices.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Execute experiments per protocols, including sample prep, testing, and data collection.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot lab equipment.
• Support equipment installation, qualification, and calibration checks.
• Record data following GDP standards in notebooks and study files.
• Assist drafting and revising SOPs and work instructions.
• Manage samples, consumables, and chemical inventory.
• Lead continuous improvement: 5S, lab organization, templates, and checklists.
• Ensure compliance with EH&S, quality, and client lab requirements.

Skills

Attention to detail

Documentation habits

Organized

Multitasking

Hands-on lab experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field

Job description

• Client's Process Technologies & Development team is seeking a hands-on laboratory technician to support our new process development laboratory.
• This role executes studies, operates and maintains lab equipment, keeps accurate documentation, and drives continuous improvement of the lab.
• Work supports drug product process development, primary container and container closure evaluations, and product compatibility studies.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute experiments per protocols and procedures, including sample preparation, testing, and data collection.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot lab equipment (e.g., CCI (Container Closure Integrity)/leak detection, headspace analysis, microscopy, filling, filtration, and mixing equipment).
• Support equipment installation, qualification, and routine calibration checks.
• Record data and results following good documentation practices (GDP), including notebooks, equipment logbooks, and study files.
• Support drafting and revision of SOPs, work instructions, and forms.
• Manage samples, consumables, and chemical inventory to keep the lab study-ready.
• Lead continuous improvement: 5S, lab organization, workflow improvements, templates, and checklists.
• Follow all EH&S, quality, and Client lab requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field.
• 4+ years of hands-on laboratory experience (industry or academic).
• Strong attention to detail and documentation habits.
• Organized, reliable, and able to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in pharmaceutical or biotech process development or drug product labs.
• Familiarity with CCI (Container Closure Integrity), extractables/leachables, or fill-finish operations.
• Experience with equipment qualification or new lab startup.