Upstream Frontline Engineering Intern

Location: Vacaville, CA

We are actively recruiting candidates to participate in our 2026 On-site Internship program. This position is 12 weeks in length and will immerse you in the culture and operations of Lonza Vacaville. 

The internship begins in May/June and ends in August. Potential interns must be able to commit to at least 40 hours per week throughout the summer. 

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The Frontline Upstream (FLUS) Engineering group provides technical support for a wide range of analytical instruments used to monitor cell growth, metabolite profiles, and process performance throughout the manufacturing lifecycle. This position offers the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with advanced Process Analytical Technology (PAT) used to support mammalian cell culture and purification operations.

In this position, you will work alongside engineers, scientists, and technical specialists to learn the fundamentals of PAT systems and their application in large scale bioprocessing. You will support day-to-day calibration and maintenance activities, support instrument troubleshooting and repair, assist with system readiness for manufacturing, and contribute onboarding new equipment. This role provides exposure to analytical instrumentation, GMP manufacturing operations, and cross-functional collaboration in a highly regulated environment.

What you will get:

The full-time hourly rate for this position is expected to range between $26 -$38. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including the successful candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, experience, and job-related knowledge.

What you will do:

• Assisting FLUS, Manufacturing, and Instrumentation Specialists in routine operation, readiness checks, and basic maintenance of process analytical instruments such as cell counters, metabolic analyzers, pH meters, osmometers, and Raman systems.  

• Helping monitor system performance and documenting observations or trends under the guidance of the System Owner.  

• Participating in troubleshooting sessions and learning the fundamentals of problem-solving tools used to investigate equipment or system events.  

• Assisting with the execution of small projects related to method optimization, instrument characterization, or data verification.  

• Supporting system uptime by gathering information, updating tracking logs, and assisting with GMP documentation.  

• Supporting the start-up, commissioning, and qualification of new equipment. 

• Transferring the analytical methods, co-authors/owns associated manufacturing SOPs, and training end users on the systems. 

What we are looking for:

• Completion of junior year (typically 90 credits) towards a B.S. degree in a related field 

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (out of 4) required 

• Must currently be enrolled in BS or MS Academic Program

• Possesses a foundational understanding of lab practices and scientific principles with a detail-oriented, inquisitive approach to problem-solving.

• Operate analytical and production equipment in a GMP environment while ensuring full compliance with data integrity standards.

• Gowning to enter classified spaces when needed.   

Work Environment 

This job position involves working in a laboratory setting with potential hazardous chemicals and other laboratory related hazards. All employees must practice safe work habits, including complying with all safety, health, and environmental rules and regulations. 

About Lonza

At Lonza, our people are our greatest strength. With 30+ sites across five continents, our globally connected teams work together every day to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow. Our core values of Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion and Integrity reflect who we are and how we work together. Everyone’s ideas, big or small, have the potential to improve millions of lives, and that’s the kind of work we want you to be part of.

Innovation thrives when people from all backgrounds bring their unique perspectives to the table. At Lonza, we offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you’re ready to help turn our customers’ breakthrough ideas into viable therapies, we look forward to welcoming you on board.

Ready to shape the future of life sciences? Apply now.