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Advanced Process Control Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Process Controls Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$100K - $140K/yr

... operating Mote's Advanced Testing Center (ATC), where new process innovations and control ... strategies are validated at pilot scale. This role is ideal for a hands-on controls engineer who ...

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Advanced Process Control information

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Advanced Process Control, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Advanced Process Control (APC) often encounter challenges such as integrating new control strategies with legacy systems, managing large volumes of process data, and ensuring that control solutions remain robust in the face of process variability. Addressing these challenges typically involves close collaboration with operations and IT teams, ongoing training in both process engineering and automation technologies, and a proactive approach to troubleshooting and optimization. Staying current with industry best practices and leveraging simulation tools can also help APC engineers deliver effective and reliable control solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Advanced Process Control (APC) 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 experience with control theory, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), and APC software like Aspen DMCplus or Honeywell Profit Controller is commonly required. Excellent problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively with operations and technical teams. These skills are crucial for optimizing plant performance, ensuring process safety, and delivering cost and efficiency improvements.

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

AspectAdvanced Process ControlProcess Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, specialized training in control systemsEngineering degree, often in chemical, mechanical, or industrial engineering
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, process industriesDesign, optimize, and improve manufacturing processes across industries
Employer & IndustryProcess industries like oil & gas, chemicals, pharmaceuticalsManufacturing, process industries, consulting firms

Advanced Process Control specialists focus on implementing control algorithms to optimize industrial processes, while Process Engineers design and improve overall manufacturing systems. Both roles require engineering backgrounds, but their daily tasks and focus areas differ significantly.

What is Advanced Process Control (APC)?

Advanced Process Control (APC) refers to a collection of techniques and technologies used to optimize the performance of industrial processes beyond what is possible with basic process control methods. APC systems use complex algorithms, such as model predictive control and multivariable control, to improve process efficiency, product quality, and safety. They are commonly used in industries like oil and gas, chemicals, and manufacturing to reduce variability, increase throughput, and minimize energy consumption. Implementing APC can lead to significant economic benefits for companies by enabling more precise and consistent control of processes.
What are popular job titles related to Advanced Process Control jobs in California? For Advanced Process Control jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Advanced Process Control jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Advanced Process Control jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Advanced Process Control job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.
Process Engineer 4

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Lam Research rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 427 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 will work with cutting-edge technology, harnessing atomic precision, materials science, and surface engineering to push technical boundaries. Your role involves developing new and advanced process formulations, defining equipment hardware to meet processing requirements, evaluating test data, and coordinating design requirements to ensure compatibility with processing methods. Your expertise and knowledge play a crucial role in our customers' success, making an impact on the next generation of semiconductor breakthroughs.
What you'll do
  • Conduct process engineering research, development, and evaluation in support of Lam's cutting-edge semiconductor equipment and systems.
  • Review and enhance processing techniques and methods used in the manufacture and fabrication of products.
  • Develop and sustain new processes and process improvements to reduce production costs and increase yields.
  • Compile and analyze test data to define next steps in process development and determine appropriate limits and variables for process specifications.
  • Collaborate internally to plan activities, collect data, analyze results, and report on customer demos for existing process applications.
  • Partner cross-functionally and with customers to understand roadmaps, process flows, inflection points, requirements, and business challenges.
  • Contribute to next-generation product development and release activities in support of the semiconductor roadmap.
  • Provide leadership, clear direction, and guidance to process technicians to support execution activities.

Who we're looking for
  • Master's degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or a related field with a minimum of three years of related experience; or a Bachelor's degree with a minimum of five years of related experience; or a PhD with no prior experience required; or equivalent work experience.
  • 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).
  • High proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or other similar scientific computing languages.
  • Working knowledge of statistical analysis and problem-solving methodologies.
  • Experience with statistical tools such as JMP, Minitab, or equivalent software.
  • 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), or Capacitively Coupled Plasma (CCP).
  • Knowledge of material synthesis and material characterization.
  • Experience working in a collaborative, matrixed environment with diverse teams, semiconductor customers, and/or partners.
  • Experience in semiconductor process design, deposition, or etch technologies, including dielectrics, conductors, and metal films.

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: $104,000.00 - $231,000.00.
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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