Sr. Downstream Processing Technician

Actalent
Saint Louis, MO

Job Title: Downstream Processing Technician III
Job Description

The Downstream Processing Technician III plays a key role in large-scale biologics and pharmaceutical manufacturing by executing downstream processing activities in a cGMP-regulated cleanroom environment. This position focuses on precise execution of manufacturing batch records, work instructions, and SOPs with a strong emphasis on “right the first time” performance. The role involves working on biologic products, such as large-scale protein production used in pharmaceutical therapies, while collaborating closely with a team of scientific and manufacturing professionals to maintain high quality, safety, and compliance standards.

Responsibilities

  • Execute manufacturing batch records, work instructions, and SOPs with a proactive focus on accurate, “right the first time” completion.
  • Assist with batch record reconciliation to ensure complete, accurate, and compliant documentation.
  • Support all department functions, including maintaining manufacturing suites, supplies, equipment, logbooks, and data in accordance with site SOPs and policies.
  • Document all activities in compliance with cGMP requirements, including performing daily record reviews and updating tasks and databases.
  • Complete document reviews and revisions as needed to support continuous improvement and compliance.
  • Actively provide feedback on processes, documentation, and procedures to enhance quality and efficiency.
  • Participate in and, when needed, lead shift exchanges, one-on-one discussions, and meetings to facilitate effective communication and smooth handoffs between shifts.
  • Attend meetings and lean activities as required to support changing area needs and operational improvements.
  • Support quality investigations by answering questions, providing feedback, and offering suggestions for process and system improvements.
  • Practice and promote safe work habits, strictly adhering to all safety procedures and guidelines.
  • Critically evaluate processes with foresight, anticipating potential issues and thinking ahead to prevent deviations.
  • Prioritize tasks effectively by interpreting production schedules and completing work according to operational timelines and priorities.
  • Maintain cleanroom and aseptic standards at all times, including proper gowning and aseptic technique during downstream processing activities.
  • Contribute to the success of large-scale biological and chemistry pharmaceutical operations that produce biologics, such as proteins used in therapies for conditions including autoimmune diseases.
Essential Skills
  • Bachelor’s degree (BS) in a STEM-related field.
  • Minimum of 2 years of work experience in manufacturing, operations, production, laboratory setting, or a related field.
  • Ability to execute detailed manufacturing batch records, work instructions, and SOPs accurately and consistently.
  • Strong attention to detail with a proactive mindset focused on “right the first time” execution.
  • Ability to document work clearly and completely to meet cGMP requirements.
  • Capability to perform daily record reviews and manage tasks and data in relevant databases.
  • Strong communication skills to participate in and support shift exchanges, meetings, and collaborative activities.
  • Ability to support quality investigations by providing clear feedback and process insight.
  • Commitment to safe work practices and adherence to safety procedures and guidelines.
  • Ability to prioritize work effectively based on production schedules and operational needs.
  • Physical ability to lift a minimum of 25 lbs independently.
  • Physical ability to stand for approximately 80% of a 12-hour shift.
  • Ability to meet cleanroom gowning requirements, including wearing full gowning suits, gloves, hair and beard nets, face covers, and safety glasses.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in a science-related discipline with exposure to aseptic technique, chemistry, HPLC, pharmaceutical processes, or chromatography is highly beneficial.
  • Experience in a cGMP-regulated environment is preferred.
  • Four-year STEM degree combined with experience in cGMP operations is preferred.
  • At least 6 months of experience in a GMP-regulated environment and aseptic technique is preferred.
  • Knowledge of cGMP practices, aseptic techniques, or chemical concepts is preferred.
  • Subject matter expertise in downstream processing steps is preferred.
  • Experience working in cleanroom or aseptic suites is advantageous.
  • Familiarity with biologics manufacturing, including large-scale protein production for pharmaceutical applications, is a plus.
  • Ability to critically evaluate and improve processes, offering suggestions for increased efficiency and quality.
  • Comfort working with chromatography and related downstream processing technologies is beneficial.
Work Environment

This role is based in a cleanroom and aseptic suite environment that supports large-scale biologics and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Team members work in controlled areas that require strict adherence to gowning and aseptic procedures. You must be willing and able to wear full cleanroom gowning, including a bodysuit, gloves, hair and beard nets, face covers, and safety glasses, as well as Tyvek garments and Nitrile and/or Latex gloves. To maintain cleanroom integrity, items such as makeup, jewelry, nail polish, cologne or perfume, and scented lotions or hair care products are not permitted in the controlled environment. The position follows rotating 12-hour shifts, with both day (6:45 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.) and night (6:45 p.m. to 6:45 a.m.) options, working 7 days over a 2-week period. A typical rotation includes working Monday–Tuesday, off Wednesday–Thursday, and working Friday–Sunday in one week, followed by off Monday–Tuesday, working Wednesday–Thursday, and off Friday–Sunday in the next week. The work involves standing for up to 80% of the shift and occasionally lifting at least 25 lbs independently. The environment is highly collaborative and process-driven, with a strong focus on safety, quality, and continuous improvement in support of advanced biological and chemical pharmaceutical operations.

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 $28.00 - $32.20/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 Apr 16, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

  • Hiring diverse talent
  • Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
  • Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
  • Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.

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