Senior Downstream Process Engineer, Fermentation DSP

Debut Biotech; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Debut Biotech is hiring a Staff Process Engineer, Downstream Processing (DSP) to lead strategy, development, and execution of downstream purification for fermentation-derived products. You will guide a team of scientists and engineers from bench to manufacturing scale and manage external CDMO/CMO partnerships through tech transfer and commercial scale-up.

This hands-on leadership role requires deep expertise in downstream unit operations and the ability to translate lab processes into scalable,

Qualifications

• PhD with 6+ years in downstream process development across lab, pilot and manufacturing scales.
• Experience leading technical teams and mentoring scientists and engineers.
• Proven ability to execute technology transfers to CDMO/CMO partners.

Responsibilities

• Direct the development of downstream purification processes from bench to manufacturing scale.
• Provide hands-on technical expertise across downstream unit operations (centrifugation, filtration, distillation, crystallization, chromatography).
• Establish an efficient DSP laboratory for rapid process development and tech transfer.
• Evaluate and manage CDMO/CMO partnerships, RFPs, and site audits.
• Lead technology transfer packages and act as PM for scale-up projects.
• Collaborate with QA, regulatory, and supply chain to meet standards.
• Mentor a team of scientists and engineers and define DSP strategic priorities.

Skills

Downstream processing

Process development

Team leadership

CDMO/CMO management

Tech transfer

Scale-up

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

PhD + 6 years experience

Master’s + 8 years experience

Bachelors + 10 years experience

Job description

Debut Biotech is hiring a Staff Process Engineer, Downstream Processing (DSP) to lead strategy, development, and execution of downstream purification for fermentation-derived products. You will guide a team of scientists and engineers from bench to manufacturing scale and manage external CDMO/CMO partnerships through tech transfer and commercial scale-up.

This hands-on leadership role requires deep expertise in downstream unit operations and the ability to translate lab processes into scalable,