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Graduate Process Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

GHD

Graduate Water Treatment Process Engineer

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

$78K - $82K/yr

GHD is seeking a Graduate Water Treatment Process Engineer to join our water treatment team based out of our Irvine, CA office, to participate in the design, optimization and troubleshooting of ...

AttoTude

Process Engineer

Berkeley, CA · On-site

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 · On-site

$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 ...

Lam Research Salzburg GmbH

Process Engineer 2

Fremont, CA · On-site

$95 - $140/hr

This is a graduate eligible role. Preferred qualifications * Familiarity with working in a ... Process Engineer, Chemical Research, Chemical Engineer, Engineer, Engineering, Research #J-18808 ...

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LAM RESEARCH Corporation

Process Engineer 3

Fremont, CA · On-site

$98 - $181/hr

The Impact You'll Make As a Process Engineer at Lam, you will operate on cutting-edge technology ... This is a graduate eligible role. Preferred Qualifications * Familiarity with working in a ...

Lam Research

Process Engineer 2

Fremont, CA

$73K - $159K/yr

The impact you'll make As a Process Engineer at Lam, you will operate on cutting-edge technology ... This is a graduate eligible role. Preferred qualifications Familiarity with working in a laboratory ...

Lam Research

Process Engineer 2

Fremont, CA · On-site

The impact you'll make As a Process Engineer at Lam, you will operate on cutting-edge technology ... This is a graduate eligible role. Preferred qualifications Familiarity with working in a laboratory ...

Lam Research Corporation

Process Engineer 2

Fremont, CA · On-site

$73K - $159K/yr

The impact you'll make As a Process Engineer at Lam, you will operate on cutting-edge technology ... This is a graduate eligible role. Preferred qualifications * Familiarity with working in a ...

Sanmina

Sr. Process Engineer - Lithography

San Jose, CA · On-site

$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 ...

AIXTRON SE

Field Process Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$90 - $150/hr

Bachelor- / Master- / Diplom-Arbeiten, befristet Field Process Engineer, MOCVD Open to candidates nationwide (USA). Preferred locations include: * Santa Clara, CA * Greensboro, NC * Sherman, TX * ...

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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 Sep 3, 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 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 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.

Are graduate process engineers in high demand?

Graduate process engineers are in steady demand due to their role in optimizing manufacturing and production processes across industries such as chemicals, energy, and pharmaceuticals. Employers seek candidates with strong technical skills, knowledge of process simulation tools, and relevant internships or certifications, making it a competitive but promising field for new graduates.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,813 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Graduate Water Treatment Process Engineer

GHD Group

Irvine, CA • On-site

$78K - $82K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description


The importance of water to the health of our world can't be overstated.
As the frequency and intensity of floods, droughts and storms increases, the water industry must continue to build resiliency and lead from the front.
Together with our clients, we are thinking and doing things differently to help pre-empt and prepare for what's next. Be a part of this dynamic and committed team of diverse water specialists and drive change for your community.
You'll be able to apply our powerful global network of skills and decades of experience to create positive water outcomes that respect nature and nurture communities.
Who are we looking for?
GHD is seeking a Graduate Water Treatment Process Engineer to join our water treatment team based out of our Irvine, CA office, to participate in the design, optimization and troubleshooting of advanced membrane filtration systems (RO, NF, UF) for municipal and industrial applications, supporting work across GHD's West Region. Our group focuses on water and wastewater treatment, asset management, operations support, and program management for public and private clients. You will use your experience and knowledge and be involved in exciting projects that will offer an opportunity to provide technical solutions.
As a Process Engineer, you will undertake design of membrane water treatment projects and have the opportunity to develop your professional skills as a key member of the team responsible for the delivery of sophisticated and innovative projects.
Our Hybrid Work Model: Be part of the dynamic culture! Our workplace thrives on a hybrid model, combining in-office collaboration and flexibility. Join us in the office three days a week to contribute, connect and excel in our vibrant environment.
Be part of the dynamic culture! Our workplace thrives on a hybrid model, combining in-office collaboration and flexibility. Join us in office, three days a week to contribute, connect and excel in our vibrant environment.
Working with an energetic and high performing team, this position offers a variety of work and will see you involved in:
  • Collaborate with fellow engineers on a wide range of projects.
  • Participate in the planning, design and construction oversight of membrane water treatment related infrastructure projects.
  • Develop technical engineering outputs including reports, Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), mass/energy balance calculations, use design software (e.g. WAVE or EVS) to size membrane elements, pressure vessels, and high-pressure pumps, interpret data to predict scaling, select appropriate pretreatment (e.g., coagulation, media filtration, antiscalant dosing), and define cleaning-in-place (CIP) protocols.
  • Interact with clients, suppliers, and regulators to help create successful concepts
  • Maintaining open communication with project team members and project managers

What you will bring to the Team
Education
  • Understanding of design of advanced membrane filtration systems (such as Reverse Osmosis, Nanofiltration, Ultrafiltration, and Membrane Bioreactors) for municipal and industrial applications.
  • Understanding of water chemistry, membrane fouling mechanisms, normalization software and producing mass/energy balances for membrane separation units.
  • Understanding of membrane materials, module configurations, and pretreatment/post-treatment processes to maximize recovery rates and energy efficiency.
  • Effective time management, handling priorities, and working in a fast-paced environment.
  • Attention to detail and ability to complete diverse assignments.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Environmental, or Process Engineering from an accredited university.
  • 0 to 3 years of experience.
  • EIT preferred with intent to pursue Professional Engineering license.

#LI-AL1
Salary Range: $78,000 - $82,000 based on experience and location.
As a multicultural organization, we encourage individual achievement and recognize the strength of a diverse workforce. GHD is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, genetic information, national origin, sex (including same sex), sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, age, disability or handicap, citizenship status, service member status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

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