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Chemical Process Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Substrate

Process Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$150K - $250K/yr

Process Engineer Substrate is addressing one of the most important technological problems facing ... Mechanical, optical, and chemical characterization of thin films using techniques such as ...

Mesh Optical Technologies

Process Engineer

Gardena, CA

$90K - $140K/yr

PROCESS ENGINEER Mesh Optical Technologies was founded on the belief that optical photons will be ... S. or M.S. in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical ...

Mesh Optical Technologies

Process Engineer

Gardena, CA · On-site

$90K - $140K/yr

PROCESS ENGINEER Mesh Optical Technologies was founded on the belief that optical photons will be ... S. or M.S. in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical ...

Stellant Systems

Materials & Process Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$100K - $165K/yr

Materials & Process Engineer Job Location: Torrance, CA Salary: $100,000-$165,000/yr DOE Stellant ... D.) in Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or a closely related ...

Stellant Systems

Materials & Process Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$100K - $165K/yr

Materials & Process Engineer Job Location: Torrance, CA Salary: $100,000-$165,000/yr DOE Stellant ... D.) in Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or a closely related ...

Sierra Circuits inc.

Process Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

The Process Engineer is responsible for learning, understanding, and monitoring all processes in ... Perform chemical lab analysis as assigned by the manager or as needed to verify the chemical ...

Santa Cruz Nutritionals

Process Engineer

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$103K - $154K/yr

Bachelor's degree in mechanical, chemical, or electrical engineering, or related field. * 2 years' experience in manufacturing, process, or continuous improvement engineering, or related field.

AttoTude

Process Engineer

Berkeley, CA · On-site

AttoTude is seeking a hands-on Fabrication Technician or early-career Associate Process Engineer to ... chemical handling, and cleanroom protocols Contribute to continuous improvement of AttoTude ...

Pbf Energy

Process Engineer

Martinez, CA · On-site

$92K - $164K/yr

Process Engineer PBF Energy Inc. (NYSE:PBF) is one of the largest independent refiners in North ... S. in Chemical Engineering * 3 years of experience in a refinery * ONLY CANDIDATES MEETING THE ...

PBF Energy, Inc.

Process Engineer

Martinez, CA · On-site

$92K - $164K/yr

Process Engineer PBF Energy Inc. (NYSE:PBF) is one of the largest independent refiners in North ... S. in Chemical Engineering * 3 years of experience in a refinery * ONLY CANDIDATES MEETING THE ...

Anvil Corporation

Process Engineer

Caspar, CA

JOB SUMMARY The mid-level process engineer position will learn to master the fundamentals of ... Chemical Engineering 3+ years professional experience - Oil & Gas preferred PE preferred but not ...

Brown and Caldwell

Solids Process Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

The Process Engineering role is responsible for solving moderately complex problems. This position ... Lead chemical/physical/biological process evaluations, alternatives analyses, lifecycle cost ...

Ammobia

Chemical R&D Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

Develop analytical and computational models of gas-solid reaction processes , set target ... MS or PhD in Chemical Engineering or similar * Experience managing technicians, interns, or junior ...

Ammobia

Chemical R&D Engineer

San Francisco, CA

$100K - $200K/yr

Develop analytical and computational models of gas-solid reaction processes , set target ... MS or PhD in Chemical Engineering or similar * Experience managing technicians, interns, or junior ...

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All JobsChemical Process Engineer JobsChemical Process Engineer Jobs in California

Chemical Process Engineer information

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How much do chemical process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for chemical process engineer in California is $99,997.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,400.00 and $113,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a chemical process engineer do?

A Chemical Process Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing processes used in the production of chemicals, fuels, pharmaceuticals, food, and other products. They work to improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability in manufacturing plants by analyzing chemical reactions, equipment, and workflows. Chemical Process Engineers often collaborate with other engineers and technicians to troubleshoot problems and implement new technologies in production systems.

What is the difference between Chemical Process Engineer vs Chemical Production Technician?

AspectChemical Process EngineerChemical Production Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in chemical engineering or related fieldAssociate's degree or technical certification in chemical technology
Work EnvironmentDesign, optimize, and oversee chemical processes in labs or plantsOperate and maintain equipment on the production floor
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, petrochemical, pharmaceuticals, and energy sectorsChemical manufacturing plants and processing facilities

The Chemical Process Engineer focuses on designing and improving chemical processes, requiring a degree in engineering. In contrast, the Chemical Production Technician handles daily operations and equipment maintenance, often with technical certifications. Both roles are vital in chemical industries but differ in responsibilities, education, and work scope.

What is a chemical process engineer?

A chemical process engineer’s responsibilities cover designing and developing processes for transforming raw materials into marketable products. You can hold a chemical process engineer job in an industry that processes natural gases, paper, pharmaceuticals, plastic, food, and other products. You will analyze procedures, communicate effectively with team members, apply math, science, and engineering concepts, and conduct experiments and report the results. Many types of chemical engineering careers exist in chemical production and manufacturing, mineral processing, oil exploration, sustainable engineering, and alternative energy fields. However, you can find chemical engineers with diverse duties in jobs in nearly every industry that creates a product.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chemical process engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chemical Process Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical engineering principles, process design, and safety regulations, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with process simulation software (such as Aspen Plus or HYSYS), knowledge of P&ID development, and relevant certifications like Six Sigma are highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork and communication abilities help you excel in this role. These skills ensure that processes are efficient, safe, and cost-effective, supporting both operational excellence and regulatory compliance.

What are some typical challenges a chemical process engineer faces when optimizing plant operations?

Chemical Process Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing production efficiency with safety and environmental regulations, troubleshooting unexpected equipment malfunctions, and integrating new technologies into existing systems. They must collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including operators, maintenance staff, and quality control, to implement process improvements. Staying adaptable and proactive in problem-solving is key to overcoming these challenges while maintaining smooth and cost-effective operations.
More about Chemical Process Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Chemical Process Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Chemical Process Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Chemical Process Engineer jobs in California? For Chemical Process Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Chemical Process Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Chemical Process Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Chemical Process Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Chemical Process Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Chemical Process Engineer jobs in CA? For Chemical Process Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Chemical Process Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chemical Process Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,997 per year, or $48.1 per hour.

Process Engineer II

Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc.

Hilmar, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

At Hilmar Cheese Company we improve lives around the world through wholesome dairy products. Since our founding in 1984, Hilmar Cheese Company has been committed to innovation and sustainability. Our state-of-the art production facilities convert an abundance of locally sourced high-quality milk into a variety of nutritious cheeses, whey protein and lactose. The Cheese and Ingredients that we produce create a wide variety of retail and food service products from sliced and shredded cheeses, to protein supplements and infant formula. We are a trusted partner to premier food and beverage brands in more than fifty countries helping bring their vision into reality.
Throughout our decades of success and growth we have remained committed to our mission and values and these principles unite our people and guide all that we do.
A Typical Day
The Process Engineer II is responsible for supporting the Company's strategic objectives through development of the optimum, most cost-effective process technologies used to manufacture Hilmar's products to enhance profitability, market position, and growth. This position will provide Process Engineering support on all aspects of the manufacturing process: maximizing productivity, reducing operating costs, and improving process sustainability through energy and water usage reduction. The work includes troubleshooting problems in existing processes, finding optimization opportunities that improve process capability, evaluating new technologies to determine their applicability, cost, and benefits to Hilmar, and designing new and/or improved processing lines. The Process Engineer II will focus on a specific manufacturing site and/or business area, provide support to other sites on discrete projects, as well as develop specialties based on business needs and accumulated work experience.
Job Responsibilities
  • Be a critical contributor to manufacturing site Process Improvement teams to deliver industry leading products and processes that help drive the business forward in its quest for operational excellence.
  • Spends time in production plants, identifying operational pain points and reviewing performance data to find opportunities to improve yield, quality, and throughput.
  • Lead troubleshooting of persistent, complex operational issues, providing win:win solutions that balance multiple KPIs and optimize total cost of ownership. Implement these in a manner that makes it easier for the business to execute and deliver value successfully and sustainably.
  • Works with appropriate cross-functional teams such as Operations, FSQA, Training, Maintenance, Engineering, or Operational Technology to implement changes.
  • Develop and implement process control strategies aimed at improving results and reducing process variability. Collaborate with Controls Engineers to test, debug, and deploy control programs effectively.
  • Lead Process Engineering components of new product development, experimental equipment and design, and plant trials. Utilize insights gained to guide final process design and commercialization.
  • Partnering with Project Engineering and cross-functional teams on capital projects, provide design decisions in new Process design. Develop P&IDs, perform mass balances, and develop functional descriptions. Ensure project design aligns with the project's business objectives.
  • Lead the Commissioning, Qualification, and Validation (CQV) process within asset / capital investment projects to ensure successful execution, on-time startup, and delivery of business objectives.
  • Effectively document learnings and best practices; provide technical training to business stakeholders.
  • Stay up to date on latest available technologies, industry direction, and trends to continuously improve HCC's technology portfolio. Manage Hilmar's trade secrets and competitive advantage appropriately.
  • This role supports a primary manufacturing site, but may require 20 - 40% travel depending on business need and project activity.

What You Will Need
  • B.S. in Chemical or Biochemical Engineering, or other Engineering field plus 2 years' manufacturing experience, or M.S. in Chemical or Biochemical Engineering, or other Engineering field plus 1 year manufacturing experience.
  • Ability to complete energy and mass balances
  • Ability to collect and analyze production data using statistical techniques
  • Ability to effectively summarize and present technical information to a variety of audiences
  • Experience with writing functional descriptions of physical processes
  • Ability to develop operational models of plant processes
  • MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint at intermediate level

What Will Put You Ahead
  • B.S. in Chemical or Biochemical Engineering, or other Engineering field plus 4 years' manufacturing experience, or M.S. in Chemical or Biochemical Engineering, or other Engineering field plus 3 years' manufacturing experience
  • Knowledge of unit operations commonly found in the food industry and waste-water treatment
  • Experience with clean-in-place (CIP) system design and operational principles
  • Certification or direct experience with Problem Solving methodologies (ex: Root Cause Analysis)
  • Knowledge of CQV (Commissioning, Qualification, Validation) criteria development and implementation
  • Experience with statistical analysis or process simulation software
  • Leadership and teambuilding skills

Physical Demands & Work Environment
The work is primarily performed in an office environment and the physical demands are characteristic of a mostly sedentary role. Specific details of the essential functions of the position are available in the Job Safety Analysis, made available on request.
Food safety is a companywide responsibility and each employee must know their role in the manufacture and distribution of safe, wholesome, and high quality products.
This description is a general statement and does not include other duties as assigned
Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer/EEO. We participate in E-Verify.
English Information | Spanish Information
Salary Range: USD ($75,539.00 - $113,309.00) ANN
The final compensation offered within this range will depend on factors including the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

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