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Contract Process Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

K2 Space

Senior Solar Process Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$112K - $144K/yr

... in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers - we're mass-producing the ... Getting the process engineering right is not a support function here; it is on the critical path.

K2 Space

Senior Solar Process Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$112K - $144K/yr

... in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers - we're mass-producing the ... Getting the process engineering right is not a support function here; it is on the critical path.

Oura

Senior Molding Process Engineer

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$122K - $158K/yr

We are looking for an experienced Molding Process Engineer to join our US team and lead the ... This role is a global expert position supporting multiple products and contract manufacturers based ...

GeneFab

Senior Process Engineer, MSAT

Alameda, CA · On-site

$117K - $152K/yr

The Senior Process Engineer will translate scientific insight into robust manufacturing processes ... This position is offered as a contract engagement with eligibility for conversion to full-time ...

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All JobsContract Process Engineer JobsContract Process Engineer Jobs in California

Contract Process Engineer information

See California salary details

$48.9K

$90.8K

$140.6K

How much do contract process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract process engineer in California is $90,813.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $101,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Process Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Process Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical or process engineering, experience with process optimization, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with process simulation software (like Aspen HYSYS or CHEMCAD), project management tools, and safety compliance standards is typically expected. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and adaptability are valuable soft skills for managing changing project requirements and collaborating with diverse teams. These skills ensure efficient, safe, and cost-effective process improvements that meet contractual obligations and client expectations.

What are Contract Process Engineers?

Contract Process Engineers are professionals who are hired on a temporary or project-specific basis to design, optimize, and troubleshoot industrial processes within a company. They often work in industries such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, or manufacturing, providing technical expertise to improve production efficiency, safety, and quality. Their responsibilities may include process design, equipment specification, project management, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Because they work on a contract basis, their assignments may vary in length and scope depending on the needs of the employer.

What is the difference between Contract Process Engineer vs Process Engineer?

AspectContract Process EngineerProcess Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, relevant certifications (e.g., Six Sigma)Bachelor's or higher in Engineering, similar certifications
Work EnvironmentContract-based, project-specific, often in industrial or manufacturing settingsFull-time, ongoing roles in manufacturing, chemical, or industrial plants
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by companies hiring temporary or project-based engineersEmployed by companies for continuous process improvement and operations
Search & Comparison IntentCommonly compared for project-based roles and contract workCompared for permanent roles in process optimization

The Contract Process Engineer typically works on temporary, project-specific assignments, focusing on process improvements within a set timeframe. In contrast, the Process Engineer holds a permanent position, overseeing ongoing operations and continuous process optimization. Both roles require similar qualifications but differ mainly in employment type and work scope.

What types of projects or industries do Contract Process Engineers typically work on, and how does this influence their daily responsibilities?

Contract Process Engineers often work on short- to medium-term assignments across industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, oil and gas, and manufacturing. The nature of their projects can range from process optimization and troubleshooting to equipment commissioning and plant upgrades. Depending on the industry and project scope, daily responsibilities may include conducting process simulations, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, preparing technical documentation, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. This variety allows for broad experience, but also requires adaptability and strong communication skills to integrate quickly with new teams and workflows.
What are the most commonly searched types of Process Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Process Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Process Engineer jobs in California? For Contract Process Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Process Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Process Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Contract Process Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Contract Process Engineer job openings:
Contract Process Engineer jobs near you
Production Process Engineer

Production Process Engineer

Coreshell Technologies

San Leandro, CA • On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Coreshell's metallurgical Silicon anode technology delivers high capacity, fast-charging, and superior safety. Our low-cost Silicon-dominant batteries have higher energy density, superior intrinsic thermal safety, and significantly lower cost/kWh compared to current LIBs. Coreshell's Si anode material is lower than the cost of graphite and utilizes the largest abundant critical mineral supply in the US and Europe. We strive to transform the global energy and transportation market by enabling cost effective and secure domestic battery supply.
Core Responsibilities: We are looking for a Production Process Engineer to lead in-house materials production of battery materials and transfer processes to external contract manufacturers. The role sits at the bridge between R&D process recipes and reproducible manufacturing output. You will run the day-to-day pilot operation, lead the production technician team across shifts. The ideal candidate has strong communication skills, hands-on experience in manufacturing and pilot/R&D environments and is comfortable working cross-functionally with internal and external teams, including operators, engineers and scientists.
Key responsibilities:
  • Manage daily operations of a material production line across multiple shifts to meet customer demand and inventory targets.
  • Manage a team of production technicians and work hands-on to provide training, support and troubleshooting to ensure safe and efficient production.
  • Monitor production metrics including throughput yield, quality, downtime and process stability.
  • Lead process improvement initiatives and root cause investigations for process, quality or equipment issues.
  • Collaborate with process development and R&D teams to support scale-up activities and transfer new products and processes into manufacturing.
  • Serve as the technical lead on contract manufacturing relationships. Plan and execute process trial campaigns at CMO sites: define run plans, sampling plans, statistical acceptance criteria, and qualification protocols. This role may require occasional travel to external partner sites.
  • Lead HAZOP, LOPA, and PHA work for material synthesis processes. Own management of change (MOC) on production equipment and recipe changes.
  • Support compliance with Bay Area air permits (BAAQMD), VOC tracking and hazardous waste characterization.

Requirements:
  • B.S. degree or equivalent in Chemical, Materials, or Manufacturing Engineering or related field.
  • 2 - 5 years of experience in a chemical manufacturing environment required. Pilot/prototyping experience preferred.
  • Experience with managing a team required.
  • Experience with specialty chemicals, nanomaterials, or Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients is a plus.
  • Experience working with contract manufacturers is a plus. Direct tech transfer experience between R&D and a CMO, or between two manufacturing sites is preferred.
  • Able to safely handle chemicals and safely work in a laboratory setting.
  • Ability to lift and move equipment, drums, and intermediate bulk containers up to 20 kg (44 lb).

Location & Benefits: San Leandro, CA. Full-time. $100,000-140,000. Salary and equity options dependent on experience. Dental, vision, healthcare and 401(k) benefits are included. Applications will be screened as received. Coreshell Technologies is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, marital status, or any other protected status under California law.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process should notify the recruiting team.

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