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Graduate Process Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Pomona College

Graduate Assistant

Claremont, CA · On-site

$22/hr

After training, advise students in their career development process. * Assist with event planning ... The Graduate Assistant will concentrate on Advising/Programming with the opportunity to explore ...

Pomona College

Graduate Assistant

Claremont, CA · On-site

$22/hr

After training, advise students in their career development process. * Assist with event planning ... The Graduate Assistant will concentrate on Advising/Programming with the opportunity to explore ...

L3HHCM20

$73K - $136K/yr

Job Title: Sr. Associate, Quality Process Engineer (Zeiss Calypso CMM Programmer) Job Code: 38035 ... Graduate Degree or equivalent with 0-2 years of prior related quality experience. In lieu of a ...

CX2

Signal Processing Engineer

El Segundo, CA

$140K - $190K/yr

Masters Degree in Electrical, Computer or Systems Engineering or related field with Graduate study emphasis in Signal Processing; OR a Bachelor's Degree in an Engineering discipline with 3-5 years ...

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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 2, 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% 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.
Electrical Engineer, Graduate

Electrical Engineer, Graduate

Curtiss-Wright

Santa Clarita, CA

$65K - $87K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Curtiss-Wright rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

76th of 421 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Engineering Graduate-Onsite Position
We have an opportunity for an Engineering Graduate to join our team in Santa Clarita, CA.
This role is ideal for a recent engineering graduate looking to apply their knowledge in a professional environment while gaining hands-on experience. The Graduate Engineer will work under the guidance of senior engineers, contributing to design, analysis, testing, and problem-solving efforts related to engineering projects.
Location: Santa Clarita CA
Salary Information: $65,700.00 - $87,600.00 per year
Please note that the salary range information provided is a general guideline only, reflecting a position based in California. Criteria such as the candidate's qualifications and relevant experience, the scope of the specific position, as well as market and business considerations will be evaluated when extending an offer.
We Take Care of Our People
Paid Time Off I 401K with Employer Match and Profit Sharing I Health and Wellness Benefits I Learning and Development Opportunities I Referral Program I Competitive Pay I Recognition I Employee Stock Purchase Plan I Inclusive & Supportive Culture
Your Challenge:
  • Assist in the design, development, testing and documentation of engineering solutions that comply with industry standards and company policies.
  • Conduct research and technical analysis to support engineering projects.
  • Utilize engineering software and tools to prepare drawings, schematics, and reports.
  • Support troubleshooting and problem resolution for engineering-related challenges.
  • Participate in project planning, documentation, and quality control processes.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable safety and regulatory requirements.
  • Engage in continuous learning and professional development to stay current with engineering advancements.
  • Identify and apply engineering best practices, showing an understanding of industry requirements.
  • Perform other engineering-related duties as assigned by supervisors.

Who We Are:
Our Values
Environmental, Social and Governance
The Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions facility in Santa Clarita, California is the center of excellence for hardware level system integration and advanced package design.
Integrated Systems in Santa Clarita prides itself on experience, expertise, and low risk solutions. Our primary focus is understanding the technical challenges our customers face and creating partnerships in order to provide a high TRL solution.
For more information visit: Santa Clarita, California | Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions (curtisswrightds.com)
No unsolicited agency submittals please. Agency partners must be invited to participate in a search by our Talent Acquisition Team and have signed terms in place prior to any submittal. Resumes submitted directly to any Curtiss-Wright employee or affiliate will not qualify for fee payment, and therefore become the property of Curtiss-Wright.
Compliance Statement
This position may require exposure to export-controlled information and subject to additional security screening. In the event information provided during the security screening reveals ineligibility to access export-controlled information, any offer of employment may be reconsidered or withdrawn.
Curtiss-Wright is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, age, ancestry, legally protected medical condition, family care status, marital status, religion, veteran status, national origin, or any other legally protected status. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Talent Acquisition.
For US Applicants: EEO is The Law - click here for more information.
If you require accommodation due to a disability at any time during the recruitment and/or assessment process, please contact Talent Acquisition and we will make all reasonable efforts to accommodate your request.

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About Curtiss-Wright

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Curtiss-Wright Actuation Division designs, manufactures and supports electro-mechanical actuation products and systems for use in demanding applications in Aerospace, Defense and Industrial Automation markets. Our market leading solutions help improve the reliability, efficiency and performance of our customers' operations and platforms, as well as reducing their environmental impact with energy efficient electro-mechanical designs and technology. For the Aerospace market, we supply actuation systems for flight control, landing gear, utility and other applications on both commercial and military aircraft. In Ground & Naval Defense markets, we support a wide array of applications ranging from door assist, ramp and hatch actuation, weapons handling systems, radar and launch platform actuation, and robotic (AUV/ROV) actuation. In Industrial Automation, our Exlar® actuators are globally recognized as a leading brand offering high power density, precision and reliability for machine/process applications in automotive, food & beverage, oil & gas, robotics, entertainment and many other industries.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Davidson, NC, US

Year founded

1929

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