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Graduate Process Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

$73K - $136K/yr

Develops detailed process planning (EPI) for fabrication and inspection in compliance to ... Graduate Degree or equivalent with 0 to 2 years of prior related manufacturing engineering ...

Principal DFT Engineer-San Jose,CA We are hiring for a Principal DFT Engineer with strong Siemens ... Bachelors and 12+ years of related experience; at this level a post-graduate degree is typically ...

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 ...

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

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 4, 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:

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.

MTS Process Integration Engineer

KYOCERA SLD Laser, Inc

Fremont, CA • On-site

$157K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description


KYOCERA SLD Laser, Inc. (KSLD) is a global leader in the commercialization of gallium nitride (GaN) based laser light sources. As a wholly owned subsidiary of KYOCERA Corporation, KSLD combines advanced laser innovation with the strength, scale, and manufacturing excellence of a global technology leader.
KSLD develops and manufactures high performance LaserLight™ solutions engineered to deliver exceptional brightness, efficiency, and reliability. Our GaN laser technologies enable a wide range of applications, including automotive and mobility, specialty and portable lighting, projection and AR/VR displays, biomedical instrumentation, industrial imaging, and emerging communication technologies such as LiFi. With vertically integrated capabilities and deep technical expertise, KSLD collaborates closely with customers to deliver application specific laser solutions, accelerating development timelines from concept through production. The company operates advanced R&D and manufacturing facilities in Santa Barbara, CA and Fremont, CA, supporting both innovation and high volume manufacturing needs.
KSLD is ISO 9001 certified and IATF 16949 compliant for automotive applications, and its products meet rigorous UL and IEC safety standards, reflecting a strong commitment to quality, safety, and reliability.
Recognized by Fortune magazine's Best Workplaces in Manufacturing & Production™, KSLD fosters an employee centric culture built on collaboration, technical excellence, and continuous innovation. Guided by a mission to engineer the future of light, KSLD develops laser based solutions that power next generation mobility, consumer, specialty lighting, and industrial technologies.
KSLD will continue to pioneer the future of light by developing, manufacturing and marketing innovative laser based products with high efficiency and luminance for mobility, specialty lighting, consumer, and industrial applications.
To learn more about KSLD, visit www.kyocerasldlaser.com or contact the company at info@kyocerasldlaser.com or 18667535273.
Experience and Skills
Job Description
The MTS Process Integration Engineer is responsible for driving new product introduction activities including designing, developing, and optimizing processes and products. They work closely with cross-functional teams to drive process improvements and solve technical challenges.
Specific Responsibilities
  • Collaborate with the R&D to translate laser design requirements into manufacturable processes.
  • Develop, design, and optimize manufacturing processes and systems for the production of various products, ensuring adherence to quality standards and specifications.
  • Implement process flow and maintain process control techniques and practices to ensure high yield and uniformity across production batches.
  • Collaborate with Rel/FA engineers to conduct rigorous analysis and characterization of fabricated devices to ensure they meet the specified performance criteria, utilizing tools like SEM, AFM, and optical microscopy.
  • Utilize data analysis and statistical tools for data mining process and devices parameters and implement data-driven solutions for improvement.
  • Document all process developments, modifications, and optimizations for future reference and continuous improvement.
  • Ensure compliance with industry and company quality standards and participate in quality control initiatives.
  • Follow safety guidelines and environmental regulations and contribute to sustainability and safety initiatives.
  • Monitor and manage production costs, identify areas for cost reduction, and work on cost-effective solutions.

Qualifications:
  • Graduate degree in Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, or a related physical science discipline.
  • Minimum of 5 years of direct experience in an optoelectronic company, with a focus on one or more laser categories: high-power multimode lasers, or low-power single-mode lasers, DFBs, photonic integrated circuits (PICs), SOAs.
  • Experiences on diverse grating process methodologies on Gallium Nitride are a big plus, from photolithography, ebeam-lithography, holographic, nanoimprint.
  • Experience with mask design tool (L-Edit, Cadence or Klayout)
  • Experience with several of the following processes and tools for Gallium Nitride processes: ICP, RIE, PECVD, E-beam deposition, lithography , Sputter, ellipsometer, SEM, AFM, profilometers.
  • Strong dataset process analysis using software such as JMP or Python
  • Experience in a quality certified environment, i.e. ISO9001, 5S, 8D, lean six sigma
  • Strong communication and teamwork abilities.

The full-time base salary range for the MTS Process Integration Engineer position is $157,000 to $185,000 per annum. The range reflects the minimum and maximum possible base salary for new hires for the role, based on the advertised location. Individual pay is determined by several factors including work location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education and training. For more information about the base salary range applicable to the work location, talk to the recruiter.
Kyocera SLD Laser, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and requirements of personnel as classified.
Job Benefits
Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k