H-1B Visa Process Development Engineer Jobs
Process Development Engineer roles qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations because they require at minimum a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, materials science, or a closely related field. Employers in semiconductor, pharmaceutical, and advanced manufacturing industries file LCAs and H-1B petitions regularly for this occupation, making it one of the more sponsorship-active engineering titles.
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Get Access To All JobsWork Schedule
Standard (Mon-Fri)
Environmental Conditions
Laboratory Setting, Office, Standing for full shift
Job Description
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with annual revenue exceeding $35 billion. Whether our customers are accelerating life sciences research, solving complex analytical challenges, improving patient diagnostics and therapies or increasing efficiency in their laboratories, we are here to support them.
At Viral Vector Services (VVS), a division of Thermo Fisher Scientific, we deliver from process development through commercial supply, we offer the expertise and resources to help clients deliver innovative gene therapies.
Job Title: Scientist I Process Development-Upstream or Downstream
Location/Division Specific Information: US - Massachusetts – Plainville (on-site)
How will you make an impact?
As the Upstream/Downstream Process Development Scientist you will help our clients to deliver lifesaving and life changing therapies to patients in need. You will be supporting planning, executing, and documenting laboratory and tech transfer activities in support of process establishment, pilot, and transfer into cGMP manufacturing. You will also act as a subject matter expert (SME) and support transfer and operation of internally developed and client-transferred processes into the process development and pilot space. You will also be supporting tech transfer out to the cGMP manufacturing space.
Education regiments:
B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biology or related field
General qualifications:
- Demonstrated understanding of experimental design with the ability to independently conduct laboratory experiments.
- Collaborate with the Analytical Development team to develop comprehensive testing plans.
- Participate in client meetings to present results and assist with drafting process development reports.
- Prepare Process Development records, work instructions, and batch records.
- Proficiency in technical writing, adhering to Good Documentation Practices (GDP), with preferred experience in data compilation and interpretation.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to clearly and concisely interpret, summarize, and present scientific data.
- Flexibility in work hours, including availability for weekends and evenings, as the need arises to meet project timelines.
Upstream Process Development Qualifications:
- Practical experience in aseptic techniques, cell culture, single-use bioreactors (SUBs), wave reactors, and harvest/clarification processes is preferred. Familiarity with transfection and infection-based processes for gene therapy production.
Downstream Process Development Qualifications:
- Expertise in various purification techniques, including affinity and anion exchange chromatography, with proficiency in using AKTA chromatography systems and Unicorn software is helpful. Experience with filtration-based unit operations such as tangential flow filtration, sterile filtration, and depth filtration is helpful.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
- Ability to analyze and summarize scientific data.
- Understanding of cGMP and regulatory requirements of biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
- Strong interpersonal and communications skills; written and oral.
- Ability to function in a constantly evolving environment & balance multiple priorities.
- A flexible work schedule is required including Weekend and night as needed to support lab activities.
At Thermo Fisher Scientific, each one of our 70,000 extraordinary minds have a unique story to tell. Join us and contribute to our singular mission—enabling our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer.
Apply today!
Compensation and Benefits
The hourly pay range estimated for this position based in Massachusetts is $28.16–$42.24. This position may also be eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes:
- A choice of national medical and dental plans, and a national vision plan, including health incentive programs.
- Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement.
- At least 120 hours paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, paid parental leave (3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave), accident and life insurance, and short- and long-term disability in accordance with company policy.
- Retirement and savings programs, such as our competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan.
- Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offers eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount.
For more information on our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.thermofisher.com/global/en/total-rewards
Thermo Fisher Scientific is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate since race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.
Work Schedule
Standard (Mon-Fri)
Environmental Conditions
Laboratory Setting, Office, Standing for full shift
Job Description
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with annual revenue exceeding $35 billion. Whether our customers are accelerating life sciences research, solving complex analytical challenges, improving patient diagnostics and therapies or increasing efficiency in their laboratories, we are here to support them.
At Viral Vector Services (VVS), a division of Thermo Fisher Scientific, we deliver from process development through commercial supply, we offer the expertise and resources to help clients deliver innovative gene therapies.
Job Title: Scientist I Process Development-Upstream or Downstream
Location/Division Specific Information: US - Massachusetts – Plainville (on-site)
How will you make an impact?
As the Upstream/Downstream Process Development Scientist you will help our clients to deliver lifesaving and life changing therapies to patients in need. You will be supporting planning, executing, and documenting laboratory and tech transfer activities in support of process establishment, pilot, and transfer into cGMP manufacturing. You will also act as a subject matter expert (SME) and support transfer and operation of internally developed and client-transferred processes into the process development and pilot space. You will also be supporting tech transfer out to the cGMP manufacturing space.
Education regiments:
B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biology or related field
General qualifications:
- Demonstrated understanding of experimental design with the ability to independently conduct laboratory experiments.
- Collaborate with the Analytical Development team to develop comprehensive testing plans.
- Participate in client meetings to present results and assist with drafting process development reports.
- Prepare Process Development records, work instructions, and batch records.
- Proficiency in technical writing, adhering to Good Documentation Practices (GDP), with preferred experience in data compilation and interpretation.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to clearly and concisely interpret, summarize, and present scientific data.
- Flexibility in work hours, including availability for weekends and evenings, as the need arises to meet project timelines.
Upstream Process Development Qualifications:
- Practical experience in aseptic techniques, cell culture, single-use bioreactors (SUBs), wave reactors, and harvest/clarification processes is preferred. Familiarity with transfection and infection-based processes for gene therapy production.
Downstream Process Development Qualifications:
- Expertise in various purification techniques, including affinity and anion exchange chromatography, with proficiency in using AKTA chromatography systems and Unicorn software is helpful. Experience with filtration-based unit operations such as tangential flow filtration, sterile filtration, and depth filtration is helpful.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
- Ability to analyze and summarize scientific data.
- Understanding of cGMP and regulatory requirements of biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
- Strong interpersonal and communications skills; written and oral.
- Ability to function in a constantly evolving environment & balance multiple priorities.
- A flexible work schedule is required including Weekend and night as needed to support lab activities.
At Thermo Fisher Scientific, each one of our 70,000 extraordinary minds have a unique story to tell. Join us and contribute to our singular mission—enabling our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer.
Apply today!
Compensation and Benefits
The hourly pay range estimated for this position based in Massachusetts is $28.16–$42.24. This position may also be eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes:
- A choice of national medical and dental plans, and a national vision plan, including health incentive programs.
- Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement.
- At least 120 hours paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, paid parental leave (3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave), accident and life insurance, and short- and long-term disability in accordance with company policy.
- Retirement and savings programs, such as our competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan.
- Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offers eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount.
For more information on our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.thermofisher.com/global/en/total-rewards
Thermo Fisher Scientific is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate since race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.
See all 167+ H-1B Visa Process Development Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Process Development Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as a Process Development Engineer
Align your degree to the role
USCIS evaluates whether your specific degree field directly relates to process development engineering. A degree in chemical engineering, materials science, or biomedical engineering strengthens your case. A general engineering degree may trigger an RFE if the connection isn't obvious from your coursework.
Search LCA filings by occupation code
Process Development Engineers typically file under SOC code 17-2041 (Chemical Engineers) or 17-2112 (Industrial Engineers). Use the OFLC Wage Search to identify which employers have certified LCAs for these codes and in which metro areas, before you apply.
Target industries with consistent H-1B filing history
Semiconductor fabs, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and contract development and manufacturing organizations file H-1B petitions for this role regularly. Use Migrate Mate to filter employers by verified H-1B filing history so you're not guessing which companies will sponsor.
Document your process-specific technical skills precisely
USCIS specialty occupation denials often hinge on vague job duty descriptions. Your resume and employer's support letter should name specific unit operations, process equipment, or scale-up methodologies you've worked with, not generic phrases like 'process improvement.'
Clarify the prevailing wage tier before accepting an offer
DOL assigns prevailing wages at four levels for each SOC code and metro area. Ask your employer which level they intend to certify at before signing an offer. A Level I wage on a senior-scope role can complicate the LCA and slow DOL certification.
Confirm your employer's cap-subject filing window
H-1B cap petitions must be filed during the annual registration period, with employment starting no earlier than October 1. If you're approaching an OPT end date, verify your cap-gap coverage with USCIS rules and confirm your employer can commit to the timeline before your status lapses.
H-1B Visa Process Development Engineer: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Process Development Engineer role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes. Process Development Engineer roles qualify because they require at minimum a bachelor's degree in a specific technical field such as chemical engineering, materials science, or biomedical engineering. USCIS evaluates the degree requirement against the actual job duties, so your employer's H-1B petition and LCA need to describe duties that align with your degree field specifically, not just general engineering work.
Which industries sponsor H-1B visas most often for Process Development Engineers?
Semiconductor fabrication, pharmaceutical manufacturing, specialty chemicals, and contract development and manufacturing organizations file LCAs for this title regularly. These industries routinely need engineers who can scale lab processes to production, which justifies the specialty occupation designation. You can browse employers with verified H-1B filing history for this role on Migrate Mate before you apply.
What SOC code does USCIS typically use for Process Development Engineer H-1B petitions?
Most Process Development Engineer petitions file under SOC 17-2041 (Chemical Engineers) or 17-2112 (Industrial Engineers), depending on the employer's primary process focus. The SOC code determines your prevailing wage level in the DOL system. You can cross-reference the occupation's typical duties and requirements in O*NET to confirm which code fits your specific role before your employer files the LCA.
Can I switch employers between H-1B cap years as a Process Development Engineer?
Yes. Once you have an approved H-1B, you can transfer to a new employer through H-1B portability, which allows you to start working for the new employer as soon as they file a transfer petition, without waiting for approval. The new employer still needs to file an LCA and I-129. USCIS requires the new role to also qualify as a specialty occupation, so the job duties must still require a specific degree.
What documentation strengthens an H-1B petition for a Process Development Engineer?
Your employer's support letter should describe specific technical duties, such as process scale-up, yield optimization, or equipment qualification, tied to why a bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required. Your degree transcripts, any publications, patents, or prior H-1B approvals in a related role all strengthen the file. If your degree is from outside the U.S., a credential evaluation aligned to the U.S. equivalency standard is essential.