Manager, Upstream Pilot Plant (Biotechnology)

Location: San Diego, California, United States; full-time, in-person presence required

Salary: $124,000–$161,000 annual

Company

hirify.global is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on transforming the lives of patients with serious and rare diseases.

What you will do

• Execute upstream processes including cell culture expansion, bench-, pilot-, and production-scale bioreactor operations, and media and buffer preparation.
• Operate and maintain wave or rocking platforms, stirred-tank bioreactors, incubators, and automated control systems.
• Prepare and sterilize cell culture consumables while maintaining aseptic technique.
• Prepare, review, and maintain batch records, SOPs, logbooks, material specifications, technology transfer documents, and campaign reports.
• Support cGMP/GDP compliance, facility readiness, inspections, quality systems, ERP tracking, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide upstream process expertise, own assigned deliverables, and support manufacturing investigations and deviation resolution.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemical Engineering, or Biochemistry.
• At least 5 years of experience in upstream process development or manufacturing support in bioprocessing.
• Hands-on experience with mammalian or microbial cell culture, seed train expansion, bioreactor operations, and media or buffer preparation.
• Knowledge and application of current Good Manufacturing Practices and Good Documentation Practices.
• Experience collaborating cross-functionally and supporting investigations, root cause analysis, and deviation resolution in biologics production.
• Familiarity with quality systems, ERP platforms, and electronic documentation systems.

Nice to have

• Experience conducting manufacturing investigations in biologics or cell culture-based production.

Culture & Benefits

• Purpose-driven environment focused on patients with serious and rare diseases.
• Medical, dental, vision, and mental health coverage, plus annual wellbeing reimbursement and EAP access.
• Paid time off, fertility and family-forming benefits, caregiver support, and flexible schedules with purposeful in-person collaboration.
• 401(k) match, annual equity awards, ESPP participation, and company-paid life and disability insurance.
• Learning programs, mentorship, employee resource groups, service programs, and recognition opportunities.