(Sr.) Process Engineer, MSAT - Upstream

About Aura:

Aura Biosciences is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing precision therapies for solid tumors that aim to preserve organ function. Our lead candidate, bel-sar (AU-011), is currently in late-stage development for primary choroidal melanoma and in early-stage development in other ocular oncology indications and bladder cancer. Aura Biosciences is headquartered in Boston, MA. Our mission is to grow as an innovative global oncology company that positively transforms the lives of patients.
For more information, visit aurabiosciences.com. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @AuraBiosciences and visit us on LinkedIn.

Position Summary:

 Aura Biosciences is seeking a (Sr.) Process Engineer, MSAT – Upstream to support external drug substance manufacturing activities across clinical and commercial programs. This individual will report to the MSAT Lead, External Manufacturing and will play a critical role in tech transfer execution, engineering runs, and process performance oversight at CDMOs.

This role will serve as the technical subject matter expert (SME) for upstream manufacturing operations including cell culture, viral production, harvest, and related unit operations. The candidate will act as Person-in-Plant (PIP) during GMP manufacturing campaigns and will ensure successful execution of engineering, PPQ, and commercial runs.

This is a high-visibility role requiring strong cross-functional leadership, hands-on technical depth, and the ability to operate with urgency in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead and support tech transfer of cell culture and harvest processes to and within external partners, including gap assessments and readiness evaluations.
• Serve as upstream technical SME during engineering runs, GMP campaigns, and PPQ execution.
• Act as Person-in-Plant (PIP) at CDMOs providing front-line technical oversight.
• Drive resolution of manufacturing deviations, investigations, and change controls related to upstream unit operations.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with PD, AD, QA, QC, Supply Chain and Regulatory teams to ensure alignment through tech transfer and lifecycle management.
• Support development and execution of control strategies, risk assessments (FMEA), and continued process verification.
• Review and approve batch records, SOPs, and technical documentation.
• Analyze process performance data using statistical tools to monitor robustness and identify improvement opportunities.
• Support authoring and review of CMC sections related to upstream manufacturing for regulatory filings.
• Contribute to process scalability strategies and manufacturing readiness for commercial launch.

Minimum Requirements:

• B.S. or M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or related Life Sciences discipline.
• 4+ years (Process Engineer) or 6–8+ years (Senior Process Engineer) of relevant industry experience in biologics upstream manufacturing.
• Direct experience with cell culture, bioreactors, viral production systems, transient transfections or biologics fermentation platforms.
• Demonstrated experience working with external CDMOs and supporting GMP manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of cGMP regulations and global regulatory expectations.
• Experience supporting engineering runs and/or PPQ campaigns preferred.
• Ability to interpret and trend process data to support root cause investigations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to travel ~20–30% as required for manufacturing oversight.

Salary & Benefit Information:

Salary Range: $130,000/yr - $185,000/yr

(Placement within the listed range depends on many factors including, but not limited to: geographic location, degree, years of experience, and internal company equity)

Health insurance with FULL premium coverage

401K with company match

Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)

Competitive paid time off (PTO)

Company-paid short & long-term disability insurance and life insurance