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Design Process Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Process Engineer

Lake Forest, CA ยท On-site

$71K - $80K/yr

Collaborate with design and tooling engineers to evaluate or improve manufacturing fixtures and workflows. * Documentation Mastery: Own and maintain process documentation including SOPs, work ...

Process Engineer

Santa Clara, CA ยท On-site +1

$80K - $155K/yr

We are searching for a Process Engineer to join our engineering team. Position Description Process ... Design, assemble, and operate prototypes to use for iterative design refinement * Generate ...

Process Engineer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site +1

$95K - $120K/yr

Process Engineering scope commonly includes all phases of design development, from conceptual engineering and detailed engineering through startup and plant operations. * Front End Engineering Design ...

Process Engineer

Santa Clara, CA ยท On-site

$80K - $155K/yr

We are searching for a Process Engineer to join our engineering team. Position Description Process ... Design, assemble, and operate prototypes to use for iterative design refinement * Generate ...

Process Engineer

Lake Forest, CA ยท On-site

$71K/yr

Position Description As a Process Engineer at Applied Medical, you'll lead cross-functional ... You'll bridge the gap between design and production, ensuring our processes are compliant ...

Design new systems and processes to deliver Six Sigma process capability levels. Improve existing ... Provide key engineering oversight to manufacturing change management activities through execution ...

Collaborate with design and tooling engineers to evaluate or improve manufacturing fixtures and workflows. * Documentation Mastery: Own and maintain process documentation including SOPs, work ...

We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display ... wide range of complex process engineering experiments for multiple products, within safety ...

Process Engineer

Santa Clara, CA ยท On-site

$124K - $171K/yr

We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display ... wide range of complex process engineering experiments for multiple products, within safety ...

Design, develop, and improve manufacturing processes for new and existing products. * Analyze ... Value Engineering & Cost Optimization * Identify opportunities for cost reduction without ...

Process Engineer

Poway, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $127K/yr

Design, develop, and improve manufacturing processes for new and existing products. * Analyze ... Value Engineering & Cost Optimization * Identify opportunities for cost reduction without ...

Process Engineer

Poway, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $127K/yr

Design, develop, and improve manufacturing processes for new and existing products. * Analyze ... Value Engineering & Cost Optimization * Identify opportunities for cost reduction without ...

Process Engineer

Santa Clara, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $136K/yr

We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display ... As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing ...

We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display ... As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing ...

Process Engineer

Santa Clara, CA ยท On-site

$124K - $171K/yr

We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display ... As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing ...

We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display ... As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing ...

We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display ... As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing ...

We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display ... As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing ...

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Showing results 1-20

Design Process Engineer information

See California salary details

$59.7K

$95.8K

$125.3K

How much do design process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for design process engineer in California is $95,789.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,400.00 and $108,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Design Process Engineer do?

A Design Process Engineer is responsible for developing, evaluating, and improving manufacturing or production processes related to product design. They work at the intersection of engineering and design, ensuring that products are manufacturable, cost-effective, and meet quality standards. Their duties often include analyzing workflow, optimizing design methods, collaborating with design and production teams, and troubleshooting process issues. Design Process Engineers play a key role in bringing new products from concept to reality while improving efficiency and reducing waste.

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

To thrive as a Design Process Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, process optimization, and product design, often supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, process simulation tools, and Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing certifications is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help differentiate top performers in this role. These skills are crucial for improving design efficiency, ensuring product quality, and facilitating cross-functional collaboration in manufacturing environments.

What is the difference between Design Process Engineer vs Manufacturing Engineer?

AspectDesign Process EngineerManufacturing Engineer
Primary FocusDeveloping and optimizing design workflows and processesImplementing manufacturing methods and improving production efficiency
Work EnvironmentDesign teams, R&D labs, product developmentProduction floors, factories, assembly lines
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, Design, or related field; CAD skillsBachelor's in Engineering, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering

While both roles involve engineering principles, the Design Process Engineer focuses on creating and refining design workflows, whereas the Manufacturing Engineer concentrates on manufacturing methods and production processes. Understanding these differences helps professionals choose the right career path or job focus within the industry.

How does a Design Process Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project?

As a Design Process Engineer, you will frequently work alongside teams such as product design, manufacturing, and quality assurance to ensure seamless integration of design specifications into production processes. This collaboration often involves participating in regular meetings, sharing technical insights, and troubleshooting design-related issues to optimize both product functionality and manufacturability. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as you will serve as a liaison to bridge gaps between design intent and operational execution. This collaborative environment not only enhances project outcomes but also provides valuable learning opportunities from various engineering disciplines.
Infographic showing various Design Process Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 12% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,789 per year, or $46.1 per hour.
Process Engineer

Process Engineer

Applied Medical

Lake Forest, CA โ€ข On-site

$71K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Applied Medical is a new-generation medical device company with a proven business model and commitment to innovation fueled by rapid business growth and expansion. Our company has been developing and manufacturing advanced surgical technologies for over 35 years and has earnedย a strong reputationย for excellence in the healthcare field. Our unique business model, combined with our dedication to delivering the highest quality products, enables team members to contribute to a larger capacity than is possible in typical positions.


Position Description

As a Process Engineer at Applied Medical, youโ€™ll lead cross-functional improvement initiatives that drive consistency, efficiency, and scalability across a wide range of manufacturing systems. From component assembly to process validations and documentation, this role combines hands-on process ownership with strategic collaboration. Youโ€™ll bridge the gap between design and production, ensuring our processes are compliant, optimized, and ready to scale.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Cross-Process Improvement: Analyze, document, and improve existing workflows for component-level manufacturing, including assembly, bonding, testing, and sub-processes beyond plastics.

  • Validation & Compliance: Lead and support equipment and process validations (IQ/OQ/PQ), working with quality and documentation teams to ensure regulatory alignment.

  • Tooling & Fixture Coordination: Collaborate with design and tooling engineers to evaluate or improve manufacturing fixtures and workflows.

  • Documentation Mastery: Own and maintain process documentation including SOPs, work instructions, validation protocols, and technical reports.

  • Project Ownership: Manage validation timelines, trials, and change implementation across multiple teams, including operations, tooling, and quality.

  • Technician Support: Train floor technicians on updated processes, documentation, or new procedures as workflows evolve.


Position Requirements
  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Bioengineering, or a related field
  • More than one year of industry experience in manufacturing, injection molding, or process engineering
  • Exposure to plastics manufacturing, component-level production, or contract manufacturing environments
  • Interest in process planning, optimization, and cross-team coordination
  • Proficiency with CAD software for basic design collaboration and documentation
  • Ability to communicate across departments and work in technician-facing environments
  • Strong analytical and documentation skills for recipe development, SOPs, and technical reporting
  • Project coordination mindset with a focus on execution and follow-through

Preferred
  • Hands-on experience with injection molding systems or plastics process development

  • Familiarity with validation protocols (IQ/OQ/PQ) and regulated manufacturing environments

  • CAD design ability beyond basics with SolidWorks, CATIA, or equivalent

  • Minitab or Excel-based data analysis for performance metrics or capability studies

  • Experience collaborating with cross-functional engineering and quality teams

  • Interest in developing scalable solutions for scrap reduction, cycle time efficiency, and process sustainability

  • Comfort with root-cause analysis, data collection, and continuous improvement techniques

If youโ€™re passionate about bringing order to complex workflows, documenting technical change, and working cross-functionally to refine how products are made, the Process Engineer role offers an exciting opportunity to make scalable impact in medical manufacturing.


Benefits
  • Competitive compensation range: $71,000 - $80,000 / year (California).
  • Comprehensive benefits package.
  • Training and mentorship opportunities.
  • On-campus wellness activities.
  • Education reimbursement program.
  • 401(k) program with discretionary employer match.
  • Generous vacation accrual and paid holiday schedule.

Please note that the compensation range may be adjusted in the future, and bonus and incentive compensation plans may apply.

Our total reward package reflects our commitment to employee growth and well-being, as we invest in your development and offer a range of benefits designed to enhance your career and life.

All compensation and benefits are subject to plan documents and written agreements.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Applied Medical is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), or sexual orientation, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws in the locations where Applied Medical operates.ย 

Qualifications:
  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Bioengineering, or a related field
  • More than one year of industry experience in manufacturing, injection molding, or process engineering
  • Exposure to plastics manufacturing, component-level production, or contract manufacturing environments
  • Interest in process planning, optimization, and cross-team coordination
  • Proficiency with CAD software for basic design collaboration and documentation
  • Ability to communicate across departments and work in technician-facing environments
  • Strong analytical and documentation skills for recipe development, SOPs, and technical reporting
  • Project coordination mindset with a focus on execution and follow-through
Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME