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Crystal Growth Process Engineer Jobs in California

Founding Process Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Overview We are a venture-backed deep tech startup commercializing novel InP-based high-power photonic crystal lasers (PCSELs). We're looking for our first Process Engineer who will own the full ...

Position Summary We are seeking an experienced Founding Process Engineer with 5+ years of ... based Photonic Crystal Surface-Emitting Lasers (PCSELs). This role will focus on process ...

The Process Engineer will report to the Head of Commercialization and work closely in a cross ... Proven engineering experience in a growth-oriented business environment, with a track record of ...

Process Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$147K - $202K/yr

We're committed to providing programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth ... As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing ...

Process Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$147K - $202K/yr

We're committed to providing programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth ... As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing ...

Process Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$100K - $136K/yr

We're committed to providing programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth ... As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing ...

Process Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$147K - $202K/yr

We're committed to providing programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth ... As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing ...

Process Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$147K - $202K/yr

We're committed to providing programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth ... As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing ...

We're committed to providing programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth ... As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing ...

Process Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$124K - $171K/yr

We're committed to providing programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth ... As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing ...

We're committed to providing programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth ... wide range of complex process engineering experiments for multiple products, within safety ...

Process Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$124K - $171K/yr

We're committed to providing programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth ... As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing ...

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Showing results 1-20

Crystal Growth Process Engineer information

See California salary details

$48.9K

$90.8K

$140.6K

How much do crystal growth process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for crystal growth 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 is the difference between Crystal Growth Process Engineer vs Materials Scientist?

AspectCrystal Growth Process EngineerMaterials Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related fieldsBachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemistry, or Physics
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, manufacturing facilities, cleanroomsResearch labs, academic institutions, industry R&D
Industry UsageSemiconductor, electronics, optics manufacturingResearch, development, and analysis across various industries
Primary FocusOptimizing crystal growth processes for productionStudying material properties and developing new materials

While both roles involve working with materials and crystals, the Crystal Growth Process Engineer focuses on the practical aspects of growing high-quality crystals for manufacturing, whereas the Materials Scientist emphasizes research and development of new materials and understanding their properties. The roles often overlap in credentials and work environments, but their primary objectives differ.

What are some common challenges faced by Crystal Growth Process Engineers during scale-up from laboratory to production environments?

Crystal Growth Process Engineers often encounter challenges when transitioning crystal growth processes from a controlled laboratory setting to large-scale manufacturing. Maintaining crystal quality and consistency can be difficult due to variables such as temperature gradients, impurities, and equipment limitations that are magnified at scale. Additionally, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams—such as materials scientists, equipment engineers, and quality assurance—is crucial to troubleshoot issues and optimize process parameters for stable, reproducible production. Proactive problem-solving and continuous process monitoring are key to overcoming these hurdles and ensuring reliable output in a production environment.

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

To thrive as a Crystal Growth Process Engineer, you need a strong background in materials science, solid-state physics, and chemical engineering, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree or advanced degree. Familiarity with crystal growth furnaces, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) systems, and analytical tools such as XRD or SEM, as well as knowledge of process control software, is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure the precise development of high-quality crystals and efficient collaboration in research or manufacturing environments.

What does a Crystal Growth Process Engineer do?

A Crystal Growth Process Engineer is responsible for designing, optimizing, and managing processes that produce high-quality crystals used in various industries, such as semiconductors, optics, and materials science. They work with specialized equipment to control factors like temperature, pressure, and chemical composition to ensure the crystals grow with the desired properties. Their duties often include process development, troubleshooting, scaling up production, and collaborating with research and manufacturing teams.
What are popular job titles related to Crystal Growth Process Engineer jobs in California? For Crystal Growth Process Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Crystal Growth Process Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Crystal Growth Process Engineer jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Crystal Growth Process Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,813 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Materials Scientist -- Organic Crystal Growth & Process Engineering

Meta

Pasadena, CA

$154K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Meta rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

137th of 246 rated software companies


Job description

Out team at Meta is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Materials Scientist to join our team in developing advanced materials for our wearables’ technology. You will play a critical role in designing, modeling, and prototyping novel concepts, working closely with cross-functional teams to create innovative solutions. This is an exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology and contribute to the development of next-generation wearables.
Materials Scientist — Organic Crystal Growth & Process Engineering Responsibilities:
  • Develop and optimize processes for creating advanced materials for wearables displays
  • Design, model, and prototype novel concepts for wearables displays
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including scientists, engineers, and researchers
  • Characterize and analyze materials using various techniques, such as SEM, AFM, XRD, and DSC
  • Develop and apply multiphysics simulations to inform process design and scale-up
  • Document experimental methods, results, and process knowledge

Minimum Qualifications:
  • PhD degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Materials Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Organic Physics, Polymer Physics or relevant technical field, and/or equivalent practical experience
  • 3+ years of relevant industry or postdoctoral experience and/or equivalent practical experience
  • Demonstrated experience with material development, characterization, and analysis
  • Familiarity with phase diagram determination, thermal analysis, and solid-state characterization techniques
  • Hands-on laboratory experience with inert-atmosphere techniques and purification methods

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with at least one multiphysics simulation platform (e.g., COMSOL Multiphysics, Ansys Fluent/Mechanical, Siemens FLOEFD/StarCCM+, or equivalent)
  • Experience working in a R&D environment with cross-functional collaboration
  • Demonstrated experience publication record in organic solid-state materials, crystal engineering, or related disciplines
  • Strong publication record in organic solid-state materials, crystal engineering, or related disciplines
  • Experience with CAD tools (e.g., NX, SolidWorks, or equivalent) and rapid prototyping (CNC machining, 3D printing, material selection for fixtures/tooling)
  • Proficiency with molecular characterization techniques such as NMR, GC/MS, and/or LC/MS for purity analysis and structural confirmation
  • Knowledge of defect analysis in molecular crystals (e.g., dislocations, grain boundaries, polymorphism)
  • Experience with organic optoelectronic device fabrication or characterization (OLEDs, OPVs, OFETs)
  • Demonstrated experience with melt growth, zone refining, Bridgman growth, or related crystallization techniques for organic or molecular solids
  • Experience designing or scaling up crystal growth furnaces or custom thermal processing equipment, hardware assembling and/or engineering controls
  • Proficiency with solid-state characterization techniques including at least two of the following: SEM, AFM, XRD, DSC, TGA, or polarized optical microscopy
  • Hands-on laboratory experience with inert-atmosphere techniques (glove box operation) and purification methods (sublimation, recrystallization)
  • Direct experience growing single crystals of organic semiconductors or π-conjugated molecular materials (e.g., acenes, thiophenes, perylenes)
  • Familiarity with phase diagram determination and thermal analysis of organic systems

About Meta:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
$154,000/year to $217,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.

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