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Director Process Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Apple

Module Process Development Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

S. degree in opto-mechanics, mechatronics, robotics, or mechanical engineering or related, with minimum of 3 years of direct experience in process and equipment development for electrical or optical ...

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$42.4K

$81.5K

$159.9K

How much do director process development jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for director process development in California is $81,516.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,300.00 and $96,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Process Development, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Process Development, you need deep expertise in process engineering, project management, and a strong background in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field, often supported by an advanced degree. Familiarity with process modeling software, statistical analysis tools, and industry-specific quality standards such as GMP or Six Sigma certifications is typically required. Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and cross-functional communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These abilities are essential for driving efficient process innovation, ensuring regulatory compliance, and leading teams toward operational excellence.

How does a Director of Process Development typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive project success?

As a Director of Process Development, you will regularly work alongside R&D, Quality Assurance, Manufacturing, and Regulatory Affairs teams to ensure new processes are scalable, compliant, and align with business goals. This collaboration often involves leading cross-departmental meetings, aligning on project milestones, and troubleshooting process bottlenecks together. Strong communication and leadership skills are crucial, as you’ll be responsible for integrating feedback, managing diverse perspectives, and ensuring that project deliverables are met on time and within budget.

What does a Director of Process Development do?

A Director of Process Development is responsible for overseeing the design, implementation, and optimization of processes within an organization, typically in manufacturing, biotech, or pharmaceutical industries. They lead teams to develop efficient, cost-effective, and scalable processes for producing products or delivering services. This role often involves coordinating cross-functional teams, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. The Director also collaborates with R&D, quality, and production departments to bring new products from concept to commercial scale.

What job pays 400,000 a year without a degree?

A Director of Process Development typically requires advanced technical skills and experience, and such high salaries are usually associated with executive roles that often require a degree. However, some specialized roles in sales, entrepreneurship, or certain trades can reach or exceed this level without formal higher education, especially with proven expertise and industry success.

What is the difference between Director Process Development vs Process Engineer?

AspectDirector Process DevelopmentProcess Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Engineering or related field, often with leadership experienceBachelor's or Master's in Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, team leadership, cross-department collaborationHands-on process design, optimization, and troubleshooting
Industry UsageCommonly used in biotech, pharma, and manufacturing industriesUsed across similar industries for process development and improvement

The main difference is that the Director Process Development oversees strategic process initiatives and manages teams, while the Process Engineer focuses on executing process improvements and technical tasks. The director role involves higher-level planning and leadership, whereas the engineer role is more hands-on and technical.

What are the most commonly searched types of Process Development jobs in California? The most popular types of Process Development jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Director Process Development jobs in California? For Director Process Development jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Director Process Development jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Director Process Development jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Director Process Development jobs? Cities in California with the most Director Process Development job openings:
Director Process Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Process Development job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,516 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

Photolithography Process Development Engineer (49937)

TDK Headway Technologies Inc.

Milpitas, CA • On-site

$121K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

TITLE: PHOTOLITHOGRAPHY PROCESS DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER
FLSA STATUS: EXEMPT
REPORTS TO: DIRECTOR, PHOTOLITHOGRAPY PROCESS DEVELOPMENT ENGINEERING
SUMMARY:
Under the direction of the department Director, the Photolithography Process Development Engineer is responsible for the developing and implementing new photolithography processes for next generation magnetic recording heads, including implementing new photolithography processes which ensure product manufacturability; designs and conducts experiments, analyzes data, and presents findings; research, selects, and qualifies new tools which improve efficiency and yield. This position is located in Milpitas, California.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Develops and implements new photolithography processes for next generation magnetic recording heads
  • Implements new process control schemes or methodologies which ensure product manufacturability
  • Designs and conducts experiments, analyzes data, and develops recommendations for improving performance and yield while reducing scrap
  • Adheres to appropriate timeline for introducing new processes into the manufacturing line
  • Partners with other groups and departments, including process and product engineering to develop and deliver products and programs
  • Oversees the work of the Process Technicians to ensure accurate process execution and efficient wafer disposition
  • Adheres to all safety policies and procedures as required
  • Performs other duties of a similar nature or level*

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Physics, or Electrical Engineering and/or equivalent relevant experience; PhD preferred
  • One to three years of experience working in the magnetic recording head, hard disk drive, or semiconductor industry in Process Development
  • Experience working in a wafer fab manufacturing environment
  • Experience with Statistical Process Control (SPC)
  • Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Applications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Knowledge of semiconductor or HDD industry principles, practices, and techniques
  • Knowledge of wafer fabrication processing techniques, including process development and integration practices
  • Knowledge of TMR and PMR processes and applications
  • Knowledge of wafer manufacturing principles, processes, and equipment
  • Knowledge and ability to use Microsoft Office applications to create spreadsheets, Word documents, and presentations
  • Knowledge and ability to use Statistical Process Control (SPC) to analyze data, create reports, present findings, and recommend appropriate action
  • Able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with all levels of contractors, consultants, employees, and management
  • Able to work productively and collaboratively with all levels of employees and management
  • Able to comply with all safety policies and procedures
  • Demonstrated organizational and time management skills
  • Demonstrated problem-solving and trouble shooting skills
  • Flexible and able to prioritize
  • The annual rate for this full-time position is between $121,000.00-$160,000.00 + bonus target + benefits. Within the range the individual pay may differ depending on additional factors including job responsibilities, job related knowledge, skills, abilities, education, and experience. The annual pay range shown is subject to change and may be modified periodically.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
The Photolithography Process/Manufacturing Engineer works primarily in an office environment from Monday thru Friday. The schedule may be altered from time-to-time to meet business or operational needs; may travel from site-to-site as needed. May also work in a class 100 ESD sensitive wafer fab manufacturing facility; adheres to required safety and dress standards. May be exposed to hazardous chemicals, fumes, or vapors and excessive noise from time-to-time while in the wafer manufacturing facility; stands and walks; performs various fine grasping movements, bends, and twists; operates a computer and enters information using a keyboard, operates a telephone, and other office equipment. May occasionally be required to push, pull, or lift up to 10 pounds.
*Other duties of a similar nature or level are duties that may be required but may not be specifically listed in the job description or posting.
TDK/Headway Technologies, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. Applicants requiring accommodation in order to complete the application process should contact the Headway Human Resources Department.

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