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Graduate Process Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

nLIGHT

Sr. Process Engineer

Camas, WA

Post-Graduate Degree in engineering (Optical, Electrical, Physics, Mechanical, Chemical) and 10+ ... Extensive experience in process or product development, covering technology areas such as lasers ...

nLIGHT

Sr. Process Engineer

Camas, WA · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Post-Graduate Degree in engineering (Optical, Electrical, Physics, Mechanical, Chemical) and 10+ ... Extensive experience in process or product development, covering technology areas such as lasers ...

Semiserve

Process Control Engineer

Pasadena, TX · On-site

This role is ideal for a recent graduate with a degree in Chemical Engineering who is eager to launch a long-term career in process engineering within the polymers or petrochemical industry. The ...

nLIGHT

Sr. Process Engineer

Camas, WA

$100K - $125K/yr

Post-Graduate Degree in engineering (Optical, Electrical, Physics, Mechanical, Chemical) and 10+ ... Extensive experience in process or product development, covering technology areas such as lasers ...

Materion

Process Engineer I

Elmore, OH

Graduate degrees a plus. * A minimum of 3 years process engineering experience preferred. The selection of the person to be hired for this position is contingent on the candidate having export ...

Materion Corporation

Process Engineer I

Elmore, OH · On-site

Graduate degrees a plus. * A minimum of 3 years process engineering experience preferred. The selection of the person to be hired for this position is contingent on the candidate having export ...

L3HHCM20

Lead Material & Process Engineer

Culpeper, VA · On-site

$99K - $129K/yr

Job Title: Lead, Material & Process Engineering Job Code: 37741 Job Location: Culpeper, VA Job ... Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum ...

Howmet Aerospace

Process Engineer - IGT

Hampton, VA · On-site

Job Summary As a Process Engineer you will be responsible all the metallurgical/materials ... New or expected graduate with a Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university in ...

Domtar

Process Engineer, Entry

Bennettsville, SC · On-site

Recent graduate with BS in Pulp and Paper (Paper Science) or Chemical Engineering * High degree of ... process that could include interviews, an employment background check, a pre-employment drug and ...

Domtar

Process Engineer, Entry

Bennettsville, SC

Recent graduate with BS in Pulp and Paper (Paper Science) or Chemical Engineering * High degree of ... process that could include interviews, an employment background check, a pre-employment drug and ...

L3HHCM20

Lead, Ceramics Process Engineer

Wilmington, MA · On-site

$116K - $216K/yr

Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum ... process engineering. * Ability to obtain a secret or top-secret clearance. Preferred Additional ...

Howmet

Process Engineer - IGT

Hampton, VA · On-site

Job Summary As a Process Engineer you will be responsible all the metallurgical/materials ... New or expected graduate with a Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university in ...

pca

Chemical Process Engineer Counce Mill

Counce, TN · On-site

Process Engineer Responsibilities include: Entry level engineering graduate. Responsible for providing process optimization and engineering support for the mill which will include but not limited to ...

L3HHCM20

$102K - $189K/yr

Material Process Engineer Job Code: 35996 Job Location: On-site at our Canoga Park, CA facility Job ... Graduate Degree and a minimum of 4 years of prior related engineering experience. In lieu of a ...

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All JobsGraduate Process Engineer Jobs

Graduate Process Engineer information

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$49.5K

$92K

$142.5K

How much do graduate process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate process engineer in the United States is $92,018.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,500.00 and $103,000.00 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.
More about Graduate Process Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Graduate Process Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Graduate Process Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Graduate Process Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Graduate Process Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Process Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Process Engineer jobs are:
Graduate Process Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Process Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Locum Tenens, 74% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,018 per year, or $44.2 per hour.
Sr. Process Engineer

Sr. Process Engineer

nLIGHT

Camas, WA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Who We Are
At nLIGHT, we are constantly on the cutting-edge of laser technology in a massively growing market. We are a leading provider of high-power semiconductors and fiber lasers for industrial, microfabrication, and aerospace & defense applications, to name a few. Our lasers are changing not only the way things are made, but also changing the things that can be made.
Headquartered in Camas, Washington, nLIGHT is a publicly listed company (NASDAQ: LASR).
 
About the Role
A key leader within the Process Engineering team, the successful candidate will require a strong combination of technical acumen in a laser diode / optics / systems engineering related field, leadership / situational awareness, and a drive to deliver successful outcomes in a faced paced environment. They will coordinate effectively with a wide range of cross functional groups to deliver capable processes leveraging a vertically integrated manufacturing environment. This is a full-time onsite position, working at our Camas location.
Your Responsibilities: 
  • Early engagement with design teams on new system architecture / designs to ensure manufacturability in production 
  • Utilizing Systems Engineering techniques, ensure efficient integration of optical, mechanical, and electrical components to deliver high yielding production processes
  • Leads and executes process development and improvement projects from conception to completion 
  • Supports transition of new products from prototype to volume production utilizing Lean practices, DFSS, and DFM 
  • Supports manufacturing of released processes and products including documenting work instructions and critical processes, and support training of personnel 
  • Evaluation, procurement, and qualification of new manufacturing equipment and tools 
  • Identification of recent external advancements in appropriate technical fields and qualifies these into production as capable processes 
  • Directs daily activities of Engineers and Engineering Technicians 
  • Summarize and present results in internal and external forums.  Prepare written reports and technical documents 
  • Partner with operations and equipment engineering support to resolve manufacturing challenges in order to meet output and yield requirements 
  • Supports manufacturing and engineering both at Camas site and overseas high volume production 
Your Qualifications & Experience: 
  • Post-Graduate Degree in engineering (Optical, Electrical, Physics, Mechanical, Chemical) and 10+ years of industrial experience in closely related technologies, or equivalent combination of education (Bachelors Degree) and exceptional industrial experience 
  • Extensive experience in process or product development, covering technology areas such as lasers, opto-mechanical integration or complex power electronics 
  • Systems Engineering skills with strong expertise in process and quality control methods and a detailed understanding of statistical process control techniques and process capability 
  • Experience with setting up early prototyping and testing and new product lines and transitioning early products into volume production 
  • Strong record of problem solving through structured methodologies and implementing and sustaining robust processes and systems 
  • Situational leadership skills and ability to work with cross functional & multi-site teams effectively. Ability to drive consensus and deliver results in a faced paced environment 
  • Hands-on working experience with optical fibers, lasers, optics, electronics and precision mechanical systems and required tools.  
  • Experience with assembly processes including use of tools, complex test equipment, adhesives, electrical power and cooling systems highly desired 
  • Working knowledge of manufacturing financial metrics and understanding of key drivers of cost 
  • Demonstrated ability to coach and mentor team members supporting their career development.  
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, energetic and self-starter 
  • Proven success in leading teams and solving complex technical problems 
  • Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and commitments 
  • Outstanding communication skills – both written and verbal 
  • Leadership experience in a high volume manufacturing environment, including managing engineering teams 
Preferred Qualifications 
  • ASQ Six Sigma Black Belt  
  • Master's and/or PhD  
  • Knowledge and understanding of optical fibers, fiber assemblies and termination, optics, test margins, laser diodes and a variety of metrology/characterization/failure analysis techniques. 
  • Experience with JMP, SQL, LabView, MATLAB, PowerBI, etc.
  • 10+ years of recent experience in process or product development of lasers, electronics, systems engineering and yield improvements or related discipline. 
  
nLIGHT is proud to offer comprehensive COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: 
Starting salary level is based on qualifications: 
  • Senior Process Engineer: $100,000 - $125,000 annually 
Other Compensation and Benefits  
  • Target Cash Bonus of 6% of earned wages 
  • Eligible for Restricted Stock Unit grants   
  • 4 weeks of Paid Time Off per year  
  • 10 paid Holidays  
  • Eligible for health benefits on the 1st day of the month after your start date  
  • Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits, including prescription and orthodontia with employee-paid premiums as low as $40.00 per pay period  
  • Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts   
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan   
  • 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting   
  • Company paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and Life & AD&D Insurance  
  • Employee Assistance Program  
  • Aflac Supplemental Insurance  
  • Paid Bereavement Leave and Jury Duty  
  • Tuition Assistance Program  
  • Pet Insurance  
nLIGHT is subject to US Export Control regulations. To qualify for this position, you must be a US Person (that is, a US citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual granted asylum or refugee status).  
Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or age. For more information about our commitment to equal employment opportunity, please see this government poster: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (360) 566-4460 or HR@nlight.net. 
E-Verify Participation: 
nLIGHT participates in the E-Verify program. This employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.  
  
For more information, please review the following notices:  
  • E-Verify Participation Poster  
  • Right to Work Poster  
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