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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 30, 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $90,813 per year, or $43.7 per hour.
Civil Engineer (Entry Level)

Civil Engineer (Entry Level)

Environmental Science Associates

Sacramento, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Environmental Science Associates (ESA) is a 100% employee-owned environmental consulting firm. We plan, design, permit, mitigate, and restore for projects across our communities, infrastructure systems, open spaces, and wildlands. We are 50 years strong in 21 offices across California, the Pacific Northwest, and the Southeastern United States.
ESA seeks a highly motivated entry-level Engineer with 0-3 years' experience to join our team of engineers, hydrologists, geomorphologists, and landscape architects in Sacramento. This position will support a variety of creek, river, floodplain, and wetland projects in the Central Valley, Sacramento/San Joaquin Delta and throughout California. We are looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic team member with a passion for ecosystem restoration and nature-based solutions, and the desire to learn and grow. This is a full-time salary exempt role with hybrid work expectations. Candidates must be able to work in-office/hybrid from the Sacramento office location and be available to travel to other ESA office locations as needed for in-person team collaboration.
Who You Are
  • You have a Bachelor's degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering or a related degree and directly relevant qualifications, and EIT certification or the ability to obtain it within one year.
  • You have education, training, and/or work experience in hydrologic and hydraulic analyses and modeling software (e.g. HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, TUFLOW) and geographic information systems software (ArcGIS).
  • Education, training, and/or work experience in the following is desirable but not required: AutoCAD Civil 3D; preparation of engineering plans, specifications, and cost estimates; river and wetland sciences (such as hydrology, geomorphology, and/or ecology).
  • You are a capable problem solver who can work independently and collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary environment.
  • You are an effective communicator with excellent oral and writing skills who can convey basic technical information clearly and concisely to individuals and small groups.
  • You are a collaborative team member able to use various communication tools to effectively combine in-person and remote teamwork.

What You Will Do for ESA
Support design, analysis, engineering, and drafting for creek, river, floodplain, and wetland restoration, engineering with nature, climate change resilience, flood risk management, and other water resources and civil engineering projects under direct supervision of a senior engineer or hydrologist. Thrive in a fast-paced, challenging environment and be able to balance multiple responsibilities and deadlines, while working on a team or independently. Provided the appropriate direction, resources and support, you will independently solve simple to complex problems.
Primary duties will be to apply hydrologic and hydraulic models, GIS, and other analytical methods and tools to support multi-benefit projects. You will also have the opportunity to assist in the preparation of design plan sets, specifications, cost estimates, figures, and documentation, collect field data, and provide engineering support during project construction.
Please note, as a part of the interview process you may be asked to prepare a presentation and/or provide a writing sample.
What's Special About Our Environmental Hydrology and Design Team in Northern CA
Our EH&D team includes engineers, engineers, hydrologists, geomorphologists and landscape architects. Much of our work is oriented toward the restoration of habitat and ecosystem function, often as part of multi-benefit projects. As a highly-integrated team, we value creative thinking, teamwork, and multi-disciplinary and cross-disciplinary engagement and integration.
To read about some of our exciting projects, check out these links Dutch Slough, Lower Walnut Creek, Heron's Head Park Shoreline Resilience, Tomales Bay Living Shoreline, and Surfers' Point.
What's Special About ESA
Joining ESA means becoming part of a close-knit team of environmental professionals who contribute to outstanding projects, improve environmental stewardship, and advance a more sustainable and resilient future for our communities and wild places.
At ESA, we provide benefits such as medical, dental, and vision insurance (paid at 70% for you AND your family), annual allocations of company share through our ESOP, a 401(k) plan with company match, and paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, to name a few.
We also provide specific programs whether you want to further your technical expertise, sharpen your business acumen, or help lead the next generation of employee-owners. We want to support you in reaching your career goals through tuition reimbursement, professional development bonuses, and attendance at conferences.
ESA has established multiple pay ranges tailored to the economic factors in the geographies in which ESA staff reside. For this position, the range is approximately as listed based on our anticipated hiring locations as noted in the above job details. Actual compensation is determined by several factors including but not limited to an individual's related experience, education, skills, and the city in which the applicant lives.
CA Pay Transparency Clause
$74,000-$92,000 USD
Who We Are
We are a 100% employee-owned environmental consulting firm who values diversity and inclusion and celebrate the differences that make each of us unique. Our culture is built on mutual respect, recognizing that our variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives leads to better solutions, which fosters our continued success for our employee-owners and clients.
In accordance with ESA's duty and responsibility to provide and maintain a safe workplace that is free of known hazards and to minimize the exposure to potential hazards, any employee who works from an ESA office or conducts any other in-person ESA work-related activity is required to submit their proof of vaccination status or have received an approved exemption and accommodation in states which this applies.
If you are an applicant with a disability that requires a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process or are limited in the ability-or unable to use-the online application system and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact our Human Resources Department via email: humanresources@esassoc.com for assistance.
Please include the following in your message so we can promptly address your request:
  • Full name
  • The best method to contact you (phone number and/or email address)
  • Title of Job Position Applied
  • Description of your accommodation request

ESA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. (EOE M/V/F/D)