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Entry Level Process Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Process Engineer information

See California salary details

$48.9K

$90.8K

$140.6K

How much do entry level process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level 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 an Entry Level Process Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Process Engineer, you need a bachelor’s degree in chemical, mechanical, or industrial engineering and a solid understanding of process design and optimization fundamentals. Familiarity with process simulation software (such as Aspen HYSYS or MATLAB) and knowledge of safety and quality standards are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in project environments. These skills ensure efficient process improvements, adherence to safety protocols, and successful collaboration within engineering teams.

What Does an Entry-Level Process Engineer Do?

An entry-level process engineer studies the processes an organization uses for manufacturing. As an entry-level process engineer, you monitor and report on manufacturing process equipment, production methods, and chemical interactions. Your responsibilities include evaluating the safety of manufacturing processes, determining efficiency, and making recommendations on improvements across all areas of manufacturing. Your duties also include troubleshooting problems in the manufacturing process, developing and implementing changes, and ensuring company-wide safety. You collaborate with teams to devise solutions to production challenges and adhere to regulations and production standards.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry level process engineers during their first year on the job?

Entry level process engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to complex technical systems, understanding industry-specific regulations, and learning to communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams. They may also need to quickly grasp company-specific processes and standards while balancing multiple projects under tight deadlines. Seeking mentorship, asking questions, and actively participating in team meetings can help new engineers overcome these hurdles and accelerate their professional growth.

What is the difference between Entry Level Process Engineer vs Process Technician?

AspectEntry Level Process EngineerProcess Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related fieldTechnical diploma or associate degree
Work EnvironmentDesign, analyze, and optimize processes; often involved in project planningOperate and monitor manufacturing equipment; troubleshoot issues
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, chemical, pharmaceutical industriesManufacturing plants, production facilities
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level roles in process optimizationCompared for hands-on operational roles

In summary, Entry Level Process Engineers focus on designing and improving processes with a bachelor's degree, while Process Technicians handle daily operations and troubleshooting with technical diplomas. Both roles are essential in manufacturing industries but differ in responsibilities and educational requirements.

What does an Entry Level Process Engineer do?

An Entry Level Process Engineer assists in designing, implementing, and optimizing processes within manufacturing or production environments. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers to analyze workflows, improve efficiency, ensure safety standards, and troubleshoot production issues. Their responsibilities may also include collecting and interpreting data, preparing technical reports, and supporting quality control measures. This role provides hands-on experience and foundational skills in process engineering, often serving as a starting point for a career in the field.
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 job categories do people searching Entry Level Process Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Process Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Process Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Process Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Process Engineer job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,813 per year, or $43.7 per hour.
Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer - Harness - 1st Shift - Millennium Space Systems

Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer - Harness - 1st Shift - Millennium Space Systems

Boeing

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$76K - $112K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 22 days ago


Boeing rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 585 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 515 rated manufacturers


Job description

Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer - Harness - 1st Shift - Millennium Space Systems

Company:

Millennium Space Systems

Millennium Space Systems, a part of Boeing Defense, Space and Security (BDS), is a fast, agile small satellite company focused on national security space. Our missions have direct impact to global security, like missile warning and Earth observation.

Our team is curious, bold and innovative. We take risks, innovate and explore new techniques and technologies. We influence change because we challenge the status quo. And when we watch our satellites launch, we know each one of us made it happen.

Job Summary:

As an Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer - Harness, you will be responsible for developing, qualifying, and implementing manufacturing processes and procedures to build and test flight and non-flight cable harness assemblies. You will be the manufacturing liaison for engineering and be responsible for reviewing harnessing drawings, writing work instructions, supporting production, and working with engineering to optimize manufacturing. This role requires the ability to work first shift.

This position's internal job code is Manufacturing Engineer. Our team is currently hiring for level 1.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Act as the connector between the design engineering and manufacturing organizations

  • Identify improvement opportunities and execute initiatives to ensure product quality, reduce lead time, decrease labor hours, maintain safe operations, etc.

  • Troubleshoot production issues, identify root causes, and drive implementation of corrective actions for non-conformances

  • Create process plans, standard operating procedures, Bill of Materials (BOM), and rework instructions for all manufacturing items within your ownership

  • Conduct reviews of drawings, standards, and other releasable documents

  • Collaborate with design engineers to ensure manufacturability of wire harnesses and provide feedback on design improvements

  • Work within cross-functional teams including quality engineering, manufacturing operations, and supply chain to bring products from new product introduction (NPI) to full-scale production

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline

  • 0-2+ years working in a harness/cable assembly environment

  • Familiarity with IPC-WHMA-A-620, NASA-STD-8739.4, andIPC J-STD-001

  • Technical problem-solving skills, including root cause analysis complete with sound engineering based corrective actions

  • Experience with MES, MRP, and ERP systems

  • This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S.GovernmentrequiresU.S.Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Security Clearance Post-Start isrequired

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • 2+ years of experience in a harness manufacturing and design (electrical & integration) environment

  • Excellent written, verbal communication, and interpersonal skills

  • Experience in a high-rate manufacturing environment

  • Understanding of electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and harness acceptance testing

  • Writing test scripts, experience with Cirris CH2 and Weetech testers

  • Competency using 3D CAD modeling and PDM software (Solidworks, etc)

  • Exposure to harness design software (Capital, Zuken, etc)

  • Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies

Conflict of Interest:

Successful candidates for this job must satisfy the Company's Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process

Drug Free Workplace:

Millennium Space Systems, a Boeing Company, is a Drug Free Workplace (DFW) where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Total Rewards:

At Millennium Space Systems, a Boeing Company, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

Millennium Space Systems also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Summary pay range:

  • Level 1: $76,500 - 112,500

Millennium is DDTC-registered, ITAR-compliant Company. This position is located at a facility that requires special access. Applicants MUST be U.S. citizens and eligible for a security clearance. Additionally, applicants must be willing to apply for and maintain a security clearance. We encourage all interested candidates to apply for any open position for which they feel they are qualified.

Language Requirements:

Not Applicable

Education:

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent

Relocation:

Relocation assistance is not a negotiable benefit for this position.

Export Control Requirement:

This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.62 is required. "U.S. Person" includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Safety Sensitive:

This is not a Safety Sensitive Position.

Security Clearance:

This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Top Secret Clearance Post-Start is required.

Visa Sponsorship:

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Contingent Upon Award Program

This position is not contingent upon program award

Shift:

Shift 1 (United States of America)

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