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Junior Process Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing ... Serve as a resource for junior colleagues; lead project teams, as needed Minimum Qualifications:

Process Engineer III

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$124K - $171K/yr

As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing ... Serve as a resource for junior colleagues; lead project teams, as needed Minimum Qualifications:

Process Engineer Level II

Monrovia, CA · On-site

$110K - $162K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

If required, assist, and support junior personnel within the process engineering team. * Communicate effectively with the process engineering team and project stakeholders, including the Customer.

Process Engineer Level II

Monrovia, CA · On-site

$110K - $162K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

If required, assist, and support junior personnel within the process engineering team. * Communicate effectively with the process engineering team and project stakeholders, including the Customer.

New

Process Engineer V

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$163K - $224K/yr

... junior engineers and contribute to capability building within the applications group Required ... process development and/or semiconductor process integration - Strong expertise in DOE and ...

The Process Engineer III is responsible for leading the design for a defined scope of a project ... Provides mentorship to junior discipline and design staff. * Leads project system design ...

The Process Engineer III is responsible for leading the design for a defined scope of a project ... Provides mentorship to junior discipline and design staff. * Leads project system design ...

The Process Engineer III is responsible for leading the design for a defined scope of a project ... Provides mentorship to junior discipline and design staff. * Leads project system design ...

The Process Engineer IV serves as a senior technical leader within the Process discipline ... They lead and coordinate the work of junior and senior engineers and designers, collaborate closely ...

The Process Engineer IV serves as a senior technical leader within the Process discipline ... They lead and coordinate the work of junior and senior engineers and designers, collaborate closely ...

Process Engineer V

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$163K - $224K/yr

As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing ... junior managers to ensure strategic execution Leads market share improvement efforts Functional ...

As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing ... junior managers to ensure strategic execution Leads market share improvement efforts Functional ...

As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing ... Serve as a technical mentor to junior engineers and contribute to knowledge-sharing across the team

Mentor and foster the growth of junior engineers as a technical lead within the team. Track key performance indicators for developed processes, including yield, purity, scalability, and cost.

Process Engineer III

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$124K - $171K/yr

As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing ... Serve as a technical mentor to junior engineers and contribute to knowledge-sharing across the team

Process Engineer 4

Fremont, CA · On-site

$104K - $231K/yr

Key Responsibilities As a Process Engineer at Lam, you will operate on cutting-edge technology ... Mentor and guide junior engineers and technicians. * Collaborate across diverse teams in a matrixed ...

Showing results 41-60

Junior Process Engineer information

See California salary details

$33.1K

$70.9K

$108.1K

How much do junior process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior process engineer in California is $70,859.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,900.00 and $79,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical challenges faced by a junior process engineer during their first year on the job?

As a Junior Process Engineer, you may encounter challenges such as adapting to complex manufacturing processes, learning to use specialized software, and understanding industry-specific regulations. It often takes time to become proficient in troubleshooting process issues and collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams like production, quality, and maintenance. With guidance from senior engineers and hands-on experience, you will gradually build confidence and technical expertise, which are key to advancing in this field.

What is the difference between Junior Process Engineer vs Process Technician?

AspectJunior Process EngineerProcess Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related fieldTechnical diploma or associate degree, relevant certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign, analysis, process improvement projectsOperating, maintaining, troubleshooting manufacturing equipment
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, chemical, pharmaceutical industriesProduction plants, manufacturing facilities

Junior Process Engineers focus on process design and optimization, often requiring an engineering degree, while Process Technicians handle equipment operation and maintenance with technical diplomas. Both roles are vital in manufacturing settings, but they differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What does a junior process engineer do?

A Junior Process Engineer assists in designing, implementing, and optimizing industrial processes within manufacturing or production environments. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers to analyze workflows, troubleshoot problems, and contribute to process improvements to increase efficiency, safety, and product quality. Tasks may include collecting and analyzing data, preparing process documentation, and supporting project teams with technical input. This role often serves as a stepping stone to more advanced engineering positions, allowing individuals to gain hands-on experience and develop their technical skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior process engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Junior Process Engineer, you generally need a bachelor’s degree in chemical, mechanical, or industrial engineering along with solid analytical and problem-solving skills. Familiarity with process simulation software (such as Aspen HYSYS or AutoCAD), data analysis tools, and basic knowledge of industry safety standards are typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability help junior engineers effectively collaborate and learn from senior colleagues. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring efficient process optimization, compliance, and professional growth within engineering teams.

What are the most commonly searched types of Process Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Process Engineer jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Junior Process Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Junior Process Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Junior Process Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Junior Process Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Junior Process Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,859 per year, or $34.1 per hour.

Process Engineer III

Amat

Santa Clara, CA

$124K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Who We Are

Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display and semiconductor chips - the brains of devices we use every day. As the foundation of the global electronics industry, Applied enables the exciting technologies that literally connect our world - like AI and IoT. If you want to push the boundaries of materials science and engineering to create next generation technology, join us to deliver material innovation that changes the world.

What We Offer

Salary:

$124,000.00 - $171,000.00

Location:

Santa Clara,CA

You'll benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages you to learn, develop, and grow your career as you take on challenges and drive innovative solutions for our customers. We empower our team to push the boundaries of what is possible-while learning every day in a supportive leading global company. Visit our Careers website to learn more.

At Applied Materials, we care about the health and wellbeing of our employees. We're committed to providing programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth and care for you at work, at home, or wherever you may go. Learn more about our benefits.

As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing processes for display and semiconductor manufacturing technologies. You will collect and analyze data, perform hardware characterization, and troubleshoot engineering issues. You'll also measure film properties, generate technical documentation, and engage with customers to resolve concerns. Process Engineers collaborate with vendors and suppliers, and become familiar with implementing new technologies and products. You will experiment, learn, and collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the semiconductor and display industries, partnering with our globally recognized R&D teams on state-of-the-art research and development projects.

Role Responsibilities:

  • Design, collect data, analyze, and compile reports on difficult process engineering experiments

  • Perform hardware characterization on a variety of difficult systems

  • Troubleshoot complex problems, perform Root Cause Analysis, and resolve a variety of difficult process engineering issues

  • Measure film properties and interpret data

  • Generate internal documentation for products, presentations, and technical reports

  • Communicate and engage with customers to resolve complex process engineering issues or concerns, under limited supervision

  • Identify, select, and partner with vendors and suppliers

  • Implement new technology, products, and analytical instrumentation

  • Serve as a resource for junior colleagues; lead project teams, as needed


Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in a related field

  • 4-7 years of related experience

  • Demonstrates conceptual and practical expertise in complex problem solving

Additional Information

Time Type:

Full time

Employee Type:

Assignee / Regular

Travel:

No

Relocation Eligible:

Yes

The salary offered to a selected candidate will be based on multiple factors including location, hire grade, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and with consideration of internal equity of our current team members. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, candidates may be eligible for other forms of compensation such as participation in a bonus and a stock award program, as applicable.

For all sales roles, the posted salary range is the Target Total Cash (TTC) range for the role, which is the sum of base salary and target bonus amount at 100% goal achievement.

Applied Materials is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

In addition, Applied endeavors to make our careers site accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us via e-mail at Accommodations_Program@amat.com, or by calling our HR Direct Help Line at 877-612-7547, option 1, and following the prompts to speak to an HR Advisor. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.