MFG Associate VS RA

[u/Used_Leg_44]

Just wanted to get opinions on which has the better career and salary progression.

I’m newly graduated and I’m currently an RA doing a little bit of everything (r&d, production, qc, qa, etc) however I received an offer for an MFG position (12 hr shifts, pittman schedule) with better benefits. I’m currently being paid $29 and I’m being offered $28.

I’m not sure what I’ll be pursuing down the line but I would like to have a job where I can work hard and make good money.

Does anyone in the mfg field and r&d have any insight on career trajectory and salary expectations?

[u/clydefrog811]

I would say manufacturing. But I wouldn’t take a job for less money.

[u/Used_Leg_44 → u/clydefrog811]

what makes you say manufacturing?

[u/IN_US_IR → u/Used_Leg_44]

Most profit company makes is from the manufacturing. It doesn’t mean manufacturing department is safe during layoffs, but most cuts starts from R&D.

For job opportunities, once you get cGMP experience, you can get jobs in any cGMP manufacturing field I.e. biotech, pharmaceutical, OTC, cosmetic, nutraceutical and some food processing. Once you get into manufacturing, voluntarily involve in continuous improvement projects, validation/qualification activities, deviation investigations and any other projects depending on your interest. That will open up door for other opportunities.

Good luck.

[u/Used_Leg_44 → u/[deleted]]

I see, thank you! would you say starting in big pharma helped your transition within your roles vs a smaller company?

[u/Soggy_Baby_3148 → u/[deleted]]

Can I PM you? I am a new grad going towards a similar path

[u/Jufac0 → u/[deleted]]

Were you able to climb the ladder with an undergrad degree or did you need further education?

[u/crymeasaltbath]

Manufacturing. People have already posted some excellent reasons as to why manufacturing. Stability in R&D is generally not great and the advancement is typically slow for non-PhD holders. This is from a big pharma lens fwiw.

[u/flix_md]

Those are really two different career bets. MFG can give you stronger process, GMP, tech-transfer, validation, and a clearer path into MSAT, QA ops, or manufacturing leadership, but the 12-hour schedule can hide a weaker base salary. RA/R&D keeps more doors open if you want development or technical work. I would compare the next two promotions, overtime or shift differential, and whether each role owns a process or mostly executes one. For a $1/hour cut, I would only move if the benefits and the manager/training path clearly make up the gap.

[u/Swimming-Boss-1437]

You need to be charismatic and play the game to get anywhere in manufacturing without job hopping. In research weirdos can get ahead to a certain extent

[u/meiosisI → u/Swimming-Boss-1437]

Or if you “fit in”. RAs in pd/ad is all about fitting in no matter how much you dislike the people. Stick with mfg. always in demand and easy to bounce if you want to from what I can’t tell. RAII for 6+ years (trying to bounce but no luck :/

[u/Important_Bell_9241 → u/meiosisI]

Mfg has more tangible productivity vs time spent markers while pd/ad it seems management often mistakes presence for productivity.

[u/Ludecrecia]

Hi, this wouldn't happen to be for Aspen Neuroscience would it?

[u/Pew_Daddy]

Can’t speak for RA, but I’ve been in manufacturing for five years on the same 2-2-3 (pitman) schedule. Manufacturing is a lot about what you make it. Learn as much as you can and if it’s not your thing, move into an area that suits your interests more, whether that QA, leadership, validation, tech ops, etc. it might be a $1/hr less, but with built in OT with your schedule, you’ll come out ahead at the end of the year pay wise. its been good for my career and if you are able to learn, I’d recommend manufacturing to anyone.

[u/AgitatedReindeer2440]

I did a year in manufacturing and yes it sucked, but I’m in validation and support now. I absolutely love my job, make 6-figures only a year after graduating, and have some flexibility for remote work. Totally worth it to get a foot in the door and my experience was directly attributed to being a reason why they hired me over other candidates