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Graduate Process Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

AttoTude

Process Engineer

Berkeley, CA

A recent undergraduate graduate who wants a highly hands-on role that can grow into a process or device engineering position over time. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, safety-conscious, and ...

Sanmina

Process Engineer - Electroplating

San Jose, CA

$100K - $135K/yr

Process Engineer - Electroplating Job Purpose: The PCB industry is experiencing a renaissance with ... A minimum of 5 years working experience in electrochemical processing or a graduate degree with <5 ...

Sanmina

Sr. Process Engineer - Lithography

San Jose, CA

$135K - $150K/yr

Process Engineer - Lithography Job Purpose: The PCB industry is experiencing a renaissance with the ... A minimum of 7 years working experience in photo lithography processing or a graduate degree with ...

L3HHCM20

$122K - $227K/yr

Material Process Engineer Job Code: 40269 Job Location: On-site at our Canoga Park, CA facility Job ... Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related engineering experience. In lieu of a ...

L3HHCM20

$178K/yr

Job Title: Sr. Specialist, Process Manufacturing Engineer Job Code: 38406 Job Location: Onsite at ... Graduate Degree and a minimum of 4 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, a ...

L3HHCM20

$84K - $156K/yr

... Engineer is responsible for ensuring that quality requirements are integrated and captured in ... Graduate Degree and a minimum of 2 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum ...

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All JobsGraduate Process Engineer JobsGraduate Process Engineer Jobs in California

Graduate Process Engineer information

See California salary details

$48.9K

$90.8K

$140.6K

How much do graduate process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate 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 does a Graduate Process Engineer do?

A Graduate Process Engineer assists in designing, analyzing, and optimizing processes within industries such as manufacturing, chemical, or energy. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers to improve efficiency, ensure safety, and reduce costs. Their duties may include data analysis, process simulations, troubleshooting plant operations, and supporting project implementation. This role provides hands-on experience and training, serving as a foundation for a career in process engineering.

What is the difference between Graduate Process Engineer vs Process Engineer?

AspectGraduate Process EngineerProcess Engineer
QualificationsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; entry-levelBachelor's or higher in engineering; typically 1+ years experience
Work EnvironmentTraining programs, supervised tasks, academic projectsOperational plants, project management, process optimization
Employer & IndustryManufacturing, chemical, oil & gas, pharmaceuticalsSame industries, more autonomous roles

The main difference is experience level: Graduate Process Engineers are entry-level, focusing on learning and supporting processes, while Process Engineers have more experience and handle complex process design and optimization tasks.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a Graduate Process Engineer expect during their first year on the job?

As a Graduate Process Engineer, you can expect to work on a variety of tasks such as analyzing process data, assisting with process design and optimization, supporting troubleshooting efforts, and participating in project teams for process improvements or new installations. You’ll often be paired with experienced engineers who provide mentorship while you gradually take on more complex assignments. This role offers exposure to hands-on problem-solving, collaboration with operations and maintenance teams, and opportunities to contribute to safety and efficiency initiatives. The first year is typically focused on learning company processes, building technical skills, and developing a holistic understanding of plant operations.

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

To thrive as a Graduate Process Engineer, you need a solid grounding in chemical or process engineering principles, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with process simulation software (such as Aspen HYSYS or MATLAB), safety protocols, and industry standards is often required. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and attention to detail are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies are essential for optimizing processes, ensuring operational safety, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to achieve project goals.
What are popular job titles related to Graduate Process Engineer jobs in California? For Graduate Process Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Process Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Process Engineer jobs in California are:
Graduate Process Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Process Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,813 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Process Engineer

AttoTude

Berkeley, CA

Other

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

AttoTude is at the forefront of revolutionizing data centers through advanced interconnect technology based on wired THz transceivers.  By adapting the fiber from photonics and advancing today's ASICs to THz, our innovative AttoEngine eliminates networking bottlenecks, enabling high-speed interconnects for AI data centers.

AttoTude is seeking a hands-on Fabrication Technician or early-career Associate Process Engineer to support the development and execution of micro- and nanofabrication processes for our core technology. This role is based in the Berkeley Nanolab and works closely with AttoTude engineers and researchers to fabricate, iterate, and characterize devices in a fast-moving R&D environment.

This position is well-suited for either:

  • An experienced fabrication technician who enjoys executing and improving complex process flows, or
  • A recent undergraduate graduate who wants a highly hands-on role that can grow into a process or device engineering position over time.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, safety-conscious, and excited to work on cutting-edge fabrication challenges in a shared-user cleanroom.

Key Responsibilities

  • Execute micro- and nanofabrication process flows in the Berkeley Nanolab cleanroom
    Operate fabrication equipment including:
  • Photolithography tools (spin coaters, mask aligners, developers)
  • Thin film deposition systems (evaporation, sputtering, PECVD)
  • Dry and wet etching tools (RIE, DRIE, wet etch)
  • Metrology and inspection tools (optical microscopy, profilometry, ellipsometry, SEM)
    Support process development, optimization, and repeatability for AttoTude devices
    Maintain detailed fabrication logs, travelers, and process documentation
    Identify, troubleshoot, and communicate process or tool issues impacting device yield
    Coordinate with Berkeley Nanolab staff on tool access, maintenance, and scheduling
    Follow all Berkeley Nanolab safety, chemical handling, and cleanroom protocols
    Contribute to continuous improvement of AttoTude fabrication workflows

For early-career candidates:
Gradually take on increased ownership of process modules or device steps
Participate in process integration discussions and experimental planning
Learn to analyze yield, variability, and failure modes with guidance from senior engineers

Apply