Onshoring Is Here. The Hiring Wave Is Still a Decade Out

Since 2025, pharmaceutical companies have invested over $370 billion in building facilities within the United States, spurred by concerns around costly tariffs on imported drugs and supply chain vulnerabilities exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the hiring surge to match these headlines has yet to materialize, and the full workforce impact will unfold gradually over the next decade.

Currently, construction is the primary focus, with skilled trades, project engineers, and project managers in demand. The scientific workforce, including process engineers, quality specialists, and regulatory professionals, is still several years away from being hired. This phased approach highlights the importance of planning ahead as the industry transitions from physical construction to more technical roles.

Companies must understand their position within this timeline and adapt their strategies accordingly. In the interim, contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) are providing a crucial bridge, offering U.S.-based infrastructure, biosafety labs, and scalable capacity to meet current supply chain demands. While automation, AI integration, and "lights-out manufacturing" are expected to drive future workforce demands, the shift from traditional production lines will be gradual, focusing on elevating current workers rather than hiring thousands at once.

Life sciences' stringent regulatory environment adds complexity, as companies must balance automation with maintaining compliance infrastructure. The competition for automation engineers will be fierce, requiring companies to look beyond traditional talent pools and invest in workforce development. Potential delays may arise from cost, policy changes, talent competition, and the timing of plant operations.

Companies that establish strategic partnerships and align their hiring plans with these timelines will be best positioned to capitalize on the opportunities presented by onshoring.