Process Engineer

This position's starting pay is: $30.00/hourly.

Position Summary:

This position is located at our organization’s production facility in Vacaville, California. The production facility makes pharmaceutical proteins from mammalian cells using large-scale production techniques.

This temporary contract position provides hands‑on technical support for Process Analytical Technology (PAT) systems deployed on the manufacturing floor at a large-scale biopharmaceutical facility. PAT systems play a critical role in monitoring mammalian cell culture processes by measuring key parameters such as cell density, viability, and metabolite concentrations. Maintaining these systems in a reliable, ready‑to‑use state is essential for ensuring consistent manufacturing performance.

• Performing routine maintenance, calibration checks, and system readiness activities for PAT instruments such as cell counters and metabolic analyzers (e.g., Cedex Bio, Cedex HiRes, Cedex Cobas).
• Supporting manufacturing operations by responding to system‑related issues, troubleshooting instrument performance, and documenting observed problems.
• Assisting in the investigation of unplanned equipment events using structured problem‑solving tools and contributing to root cause assessments.
• Conducting equipment health monitoring and contributing to reliability improvement activities to increase system uptime.
• Executing planned equipment changes, minor upgrades, and configuration updates under the direction of the PAT System Owner.
• Reviewing and interpreting instrument data to identify basic trends or abnormalities.
• Supporting adherence to data integrity principles and helping maintain data consistency within systems such as Smartline Data Cockpit.
• Collaborating with Manufacturing, FLUS, Automation, QA, and vendors to ensure systems are functioning as intended.
• Assisting with documentation updates, tracking of work activities, and preparing technical summaries as needed.
• Working independently to accomplish assigned tasks while keeping stakeholders informed of progress.

• B.S., M.S., or Ph.D in an engineering or analytical/scientific discipline.
• Prior hands‑on experience with analytical systems is required.
• Experience using cell counters and metabolite analyzers (Cedex Bio, Cedex HiRes, Cedex Cobas) in GMP Manufacturing or QC Labs preferred.
• Working knowledge of current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) as applied to biopharmaceutical manufacturing or similar regulated industries.
• General understanding of biotech analytical methods and laboratory practices.
• Experience troubleshooting analytical instruments and interpreting equipment performance data.
• Flexibility in problem solving and work hours to meet business objectives.
• Familiarity with data management systems; experience with Smartline Data Cockpit is highly desirable.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; able to work effectively with operators, engineers, scientists, and external vendors.
• Ability to work independently and manage assigned tasks with limited supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate technical situations, propose solutions, and execute corrective actions.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including documentation, reporting, and stakeholder updates.
• Ability to build productive working relationships with end users and equipment vendors.
• Strategic thinking mindset with the ability to convert system needs into actionable activities.
• Builds productive relationships with partners; focuses on customer needs.

For information on benefits, equal opportunity employment, and location‑specific applicant notices,

At SPECTRAFORCE, we are committed to maintaining a workplace that ensures fair compensation and wage transparency in adherence with all applicable state and local laws.