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Advanced Process Control Engineer Jobs in California

Your role involves developing new and advanced process formulations, defining equipment hardware to ... In-depth understanding of Statistical Process Control (SPC) and/or Design of Experiments (DOE)

Process Engineer 3

Fremont, CA · On-site

$86K - $192K/yr

Your role involves developing new and advanced process formulations, defining equipment hardware to ... In-depth understanding of Statistical Process Control (SPC) and/or Design of Experiments (DOE)

Process Engineer 4

Fremont, CA · On-site

$104K - $231K/yr

Your role involves developing new and advanced process formulations, defining equipment hardware to ... In-depth understanding of Statistical Process Control (SPC) and/or Design of Experiments (DOE)

Process Engineer 3

Fremont, CA · On-site

$86K - $192K/yr

Your role involves developing new and advanced process formulations, defining equipment hardware to ... In-depth understanding of Statistical Process Control (SPC) and/or Design of Experiments (DOE)

Process Engineer 4

Fremont, CA · On-site

$104K - $231K/yr

Your role involves developing new and advanced process formulations, defining equipment hardware to ... In-depth understanding of Statistical Process Control (SPC) and/or Design of Experiments (DOE)

Process Engineer 3

Fremont, CA · On-site

$86K - $192K/yr

Your role involves developing new and advanced process formulations, defining equipment hardware to ... In-depth understanding of Statistical Process Control (SPC) and/or Design of Experiments (DOE)

Process Engineer 3

Fremont, CA · On-site

$104K - $192K/yr

Your role involves developing new and advanced process formulations, defining equipment hardware to ... In-depth understanding of Statistical Process Control (SPC) and/or Design of Experiments (DOE)

Department Overview New Product Introduction (NPI) Stack Team works on advanced process development ... Proficiency in DOE, statistical analysis, process control using JMP or other software * Strong ...

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Showing results 1-20

Advanced Process Control Engineer information

See California salary details

$51.8K

$97.5K

$145.1K

How much do advanced process control engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for advanced process control engineer in California is $97,465.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,500.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Advanced Process Control Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Advanced Process Control Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical or process engineering, strong analytical skills, and typically a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. Proficiency with distributed control systems (DCS), process simulation software like AspenTech, and experience with control algorithms or programming languages such as MATLAB or Python are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and implementing solutions. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and optimized plant operations, directly impacting production quality and profitability.

What is the difference between Advanced Process Control Engineer vs Process Control Engineer?

AspectAdvanced Process Control EngineerProcess Control Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, certifications in control systemsBachelor's in Engineering, some certifications may apply
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, chemical and oil & gas industriesSimilar environments, often overlapping in manufacturing and processing plants
ResponsibilitiesDesigning and implementing advanced control strategies, optimizing processesMonitoring and maintaining control systems, troubleshooting

The Advanced Process Control Engineer specializes in developing sophisticated control strategies to optimize industrial processes, often working on complex systems. In contrast, the Process Control Engineer focuses on maintaining and troubleshooting existing control systems. Both roles share similar environments and required skills, but the advanced engineer typically handles more complex control algorithms and process optimization projects.

How does an Advanced Process Control Engineer typically collaborate with operations and maintenance teams to implement new control strategies?

Advanced Process Control Engineers work closely with operations and maintenance teams to ensure new control strategies are effectively integrated into daily plant activities. This often involves conducting joint reviews, providing training sessions, and gathering feedback to fine-tune control algorithms. Collaboration is essential during commissioning phases to troubleshoot issues and adjust parameters for optimal performance. Regular communication helps bridge technical gaps, ensuring that both the engineering and operations perspectives are considered for safe and efficient process improvements.

What are Advanced Process Control Engineers?

Advanced Process Control (APC) Engineers are specialized professionals who design, implement, and maintain advanced control systems in industrial processes, such as those used in chemical, oil & gas, or manufacturing plants. Their goal is to optimize production efficiency, improve product quality, and minimize costs by utilizing advanced algorithms, software, and control strategies. They work with various technologies, such as model predictive control, real-time optimization, and data analytics, to enhance process operations. APC Engineers often collaborate with process engineers, operators, and IT specialists to ensure the successful integration of control solutions. Their expertise contributes significantly to the safe, efficient, and sustainable operation of industrial facilities.

What does an advanced process control engineer do?

An advanced process control engineer designs and implements sophisticated control systems to optimize industrial processes, improve efficiency, and ensure safety. They analyze process data, develop control algorithms, and use tools like model predictive control (MPC) to maintain desired operational parameters. Strong knowledge of process engineering, control theory, and automation software is essential for this role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Advanced Process Control Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Advanced Process Control Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Advanced Process Control Engineer jobs in California? For Advanced Process Control Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Advanced Process Control Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Advanced Process Control Engineer jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Advanced Process Control Engineer job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,465 per year, or $46.9 per hour.
Process Engineer 5

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Lam Research rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 416 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

The group you'll be a part of
In the Global Products Group, we are dedicated to excellence in the design and engineering of Lam's etch and deposition products. We drive innovation to ensure our cutting-edge solutions are helping to solve the biggest challenges in the semiconductor industry.
The impact you'll make
As a Process Engineer at Lam, you'll work at the leading edge of semiconductor innovation-applying atomic precision, material science, and surface engineering to solve problems that define what's next. You'll own critical process development from concept to customer-ready performance: creating advanced process formulations, shaping equipment hardware requirements, and turning complex test data into clear technical decisions. Your work will directly influence customer outcomes and help enable the next wave of semiconductor breakthroughs.
You'll be a core contributor within the Etch Product Group, collaborating with experts across engineering, product, and customer teams to deliver measurable gains in capability, yield, and adoption.
What you'll do
  • Lead process engineering research, development, and evaluation for Lam's next-generation semiconductor equipment and systems.
  • Elevate manufacturing and fabrication performance by refining processing techniques, methods, and control strategies.
  • Design and sustain new processes and step-change improvements that reduce cost, increase yield, and improve tool capability.
  • Analyze test data to drive fast, evidence-based iteration-setting process windows, key variables, and specification limits.
  • Partner with internal teams to plan demos, execute experiments, interpret results, and deliver crisp technical readouts for customers.
  • Work cross-functionally-and directly with customers-to understand roadmaps, inflection points, requirements, and the business problems your work will solve.
  • Influence next-generation product development and release by translating process learning into hardware, software, and system-level requirements.
  • Provide technical leadership and day-to-day direction to process technicians to ensure safe, disciplined, high-throughput execution.
  • Drive technology transfer and adoption at customer sites-turning new capabilities into real-world impact.
  • All new hires are expected to be hands-on in the lab as part of their day-to-day responsibilities.

Who we're looking for
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or Physics or related field with 8+ years of experience; or a PhD with 5+ years' experience; or equivalent experience.

Preferred qualifications
  • Familiarity with working in a laboratory and on semiconductor equipment with experience in surface preparation and analytical techniques.
  • In-depth understanding of Statistical Process Control (SPC) and/or Design of Experiments (DOE).
  • Highly proficient in MATLAB, Python, or other similar scientific computing language.
  • Working knowledge of statistical analysis and problem-solving methodologies.
  • Experience with statistical tools (JMP, Minitab, etc.)
  • Background in Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD), Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD), or Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD).
  • Background in Plasma Physics, Reactive Ion Etching (RIE), Atomic Layer Etching (ALE), Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP), Capacitively Coupled Plasma (CCP).
  • Knowledge of Material synthesis and material characterization.
  • Experience working in a collaborative and matrixed environment with diverse teams, semiconductor customers, and/or partners.
  • Experience in semiconductor, process design, deposition, etch dielectrics or conductor, metal films, etc.

Our commitment
We believe it is important for every person to feel valued, included, and empowered to achieve their full potential. By bringing unique individuals and viewpoints together, we achieve extraordinary results.
Lam Research ("Lam" or the "Company") is an equal opportunity employer. Lam is committed to and reaffirms support of equal opportunity in employment and non-discrimination in employment policies, practices and procedures on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, or military and veteran status or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. It is the Company's intention to comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Company policy prohibits unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees.
Lam offers a variety of work location models based on the needs of each role. Our hybrid roles combine the benefits of on-site collaboration with colleagues and the flexibility to work remotely and fall into two categories - On-site Flex and Virtual Flex. 'On-site Flex' you'll work 3+ days per week on-site at a Lam or customer/supplier location, with the opportunity to work remotely for the balance of the week. 'Virtual Flex' you'll work 1-2 days per week on-site at a Lam or customer/supplier location, and remotely the rest of the time.
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Salary
CA San Francisco Bay Area Salary Range for this position: $146,000.00 - $270,000.00.
The above salary range for this position is relevant to applicants that reside or work onsite in the California, San Francisco Bay Area only. Salary offers will depend on factors that include the location you work from, your level, education, training, specific skills, years of experience and comparison to other employees already in this role. Actual salary may vary from salary offered due to numerous factors including but not limited to unpaid time off, unpaid leave, company mandated shutdown, and other relevant factors.
Our Perks and Benefits
At Lam, our people make amazing things possible. That's why we invest in you throughout the phases of your life with a comprehensive set of outstanding benefits.

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About Lam Research

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Lam Research designs and builds products for semiconductor manufacturing, including equipment for thin film deposition, plasma etch, photoresist strip, and wafer cleaning processes.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Fremont, CA, US

Year founded

1980

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