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Lead Process Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Worley

Senior Process Engineer

Monrovia, CA · On-site

$130K - $191K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Liaison with other discipline Lead engineers on technical issues and engineering matters. * Assisting asset/client Lead Project Engineers in the definition of the Process engineering work in any ...

Worley Alaska

Senior Process Engineer

Monrovia, CA · On-site

$130K - $191K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Liaison with other discipline Lead engineers on technical issues and engineering matters. * Assisting asset/client Lead Project Engineers in the definition of the Process engineering work in any ...

New

Grainger Businesses

Process Engineer Lead

Mira Loma, CA · On-site

$95K - $158K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Position Details The Process Engineer Lead owns the design, development, and execution of complex operational processes aligned with organizational strategy. The role conducts advanced modeling, data ...

Grainger Businesses

Process Engineer Lead

Patterson, CA · On-site

$95K - $158K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Position Details The Process Engineer Lead owns the design, development, and execution of complex operational processes aligned with organizational strategy. The role conducts advanced modeling, data ...

Grainger Businesses

Process Engineer Lead

Patterson, CA · On-site

$95K - $158K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Position Details The Process Engineer Lead owns the design, development, and execution of complex operational processes aligned with organizational strategy. The role conducts advanced modeling, data ...

Grainger Businesses

Process Engineer Lead

Patterson, CA · On-site

$95K - $158K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Position Details The Process Engineer Lead owns the design, development, and execution of complex operational processes aligned with organizational strategy. The role conducts advanced modeling, data ...

Bloom Energy

Staff Process Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$112K - $161K/yr

Lead process validation and optimization for existing and future products in high-volume ... Provide guidance to Shift Engineers and Process Technicians for respective process area and ...

Bloom Energy

Staff Process Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$112K - $161K/yr

Lead process validation and optimization for existing and future products in high-volume ... Provide guidance to Shift Engineers and Process Technicians for respective process area and ...

Hilmar Cheese Company

Process Engineer II

Hilmar, CA

Lead troubleshooting of persistent, complex operational issues, providing win:win solutions that ... Lead Process Engineering components of new product development, experimental equipment and design ...

Talnt

Manufacturing Process Engineer

Woodland, CA

$150K - $160K/yr

Manufacturing Process Engineer Woodland, CA | Full-Time | On-Site About the Role: We are seeking an ... Lead process development activities from concept through production, including equipment ...

Northwoodspace

Lead, SMT Process Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$106K - $138K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

We are seeking a Lead SMT Process Engineer to build and scale our in-house PCB assembly capability. This person will be responsible for developing the full board assembly process, defining assembly ...

Flex

PCBA Process Engineer

Milpitas, CA

$167K - $230K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Lead troubleshooting efforts and implement corrective actions for process-related issues ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering. * Deep expertise in PCBA manufacturing processes, including SMT ...

Flex Ltd.

PCBA Process Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$167K - $230K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Lead troubleshooting efforts and implement corrective actions for process-related issues ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering. * Deep expertise in PCBA manufacturing processes, including SMT ...

Northwoodspace

Lead, SMT Process Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$117K - $175K/yr

We are seeking a Lead SMT Process Engineer to build and scale our in-house PCB assembly capability. This person will be responsible for developing the full board assembly process, defining assembly ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsLead Process Engineer JobsLead Process Engineer Jobs in California

Lead Process Engineer information

See California salary details

$21.7K

$118.5K

$167.8K

How much do lead process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead process engineer in California is $118,528.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,100.00 and $132,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a lead process engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project?

As a Lead Process Engineer, collaboration with cross-functional teams is a key part of the role. You’ll work closely with project managers, mechanical and electrical engineers, safety specialists, and operations staff to ensure process designs meet project goals, safety regulations, and operational requirements. This often involves leading technical meetings, integrating feedback, and aligning process improvements with broader business objectives. Effective communication and stakeholder management are essential, as you’ll serve as the main point of contact between engineering and other departments throughout a project lifecycle.

What does a lead process engineer do?

A Lead Process Engineer is responsible for overseeing the design, implementation, optimization, and management of industrial processes within a manufacturing or production facility. They lead teams of engineers and technicians, ensuring that processes run efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively while meeting quality and regulatory standards. Their duties often include process improvement, troubleshooting, project management, and collaborating with other departments to support operational goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead process engineer?

To thrive as a Lead Process Engineer, you need a strong background in chemical or process engineering, experience with process design and optimization, and typically a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with process simulation software (such as Aspen HYSYS or CHEMCAD), project management tools, and industry certifications like PE or Six Sigma is highly valuable. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing teams and collaborating across departments. These competencies ensure efficient process operations, high safety standards, and successful project delivery in complex industrial environments.

What is the difference between Lead Process Engineer vs Process Engineer?

AspectLead Process EngineerProcess Engineer
ResponsibilitiesOversees process design, optimization, and team coordinationDevelops and implements process improvements under supervision
QualificationsBachelor's degree in engineering, experience in process design, leadership skillsBachelor's degree in engineering, technical knowledge, entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentProject teams, manufacturing plants, engineering departmentsManufacturing facilities, engineering teams, project sites

In summary, the Lead Process Engineer typically has more leadership responsibilities, overseeing projects and teams, while the Process Engineer focuses on executing process improvements and technical tasks. Both roles require engineering credentials and industry experience, but the Lead Process Engineer often requires additional leadership skills and experience.

What are popular job titles related to Lead Process Engineer jobs in California?

For Lead Process Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Lead Process Engineer jobs in CA?

For Lead Process Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Lead Process Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Process Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,528 per year, or $57 per hour.

Process Engineer - Workgroup Lead

Anvil Corporation

Caspar, CA

$114K - $148K/yr

Other

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Job Description: JOB SUMMARY
A lead process engineer position will apply mastery of process design while leading and supporting other process engineers. The position will be tasked with providing updates and communicating project progress to other discipline leads and project leaders. Tasks will be, but not necessarily limited to, the following:
Using project controls effectively, which are Tracking, Reporting, Estimate building, and EHTC.
Leading a team of process engineers
Positively influencing clients
Facilitating P&ID validations and PHA/HAZOPs
Manage action items lists
The position will be responsible for meeting with specific Anvil program managers to provide discipline and project updates, deal with personnel issues with the process department manager, and be the primary point of contact for the program’s process department.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
Work directly with clients and front-line operations staff at operating plants to identify optimization and engineering opportunities, then further develop into projects
Assist with marketing Anvil and providing business development support for our refinery business
Assist in developing process engineering scope of work and project design basis with clients
Interact with Anvil project teams to develop and support projects
Participate in meetings with the client and project team to establish project objectives and to coordinate and/or resolve design problems
Review detailed project design for technical accuracy, compliance and feasibility to governing codes and client requirements
Assign staff to various projects
Coordinate and communicate with the Resource Manager for staffing/development/training needs
Responsible for using Company software tools to report on work status, forecasting, and schedule for projects with process scope
Mentor and develop junior engineers

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Additional operations and design experience is desired in utilities, pipeline, and product terminals
Must be familiar with multiple refinery process operations, troubleshooting, and small project execution
Must have a general knowledge of company, client, and industry codes, specifications, and standards
Must have detailed understanding of typical refinery project front end loading and detailed design phase engineering
Must have strong written and verbal communication skills, working with internal project discipline and external engineering and operations staff. Must be comfortable making contact with new clients
Supervisory/leadership experience
Ability to estimate, schedule, and develop project scope
Must be familiar with multiple refinery process operations, troubleshooting, and small project execution
Proficient with computerized project management and reporting tools
Ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced work environment with multiple priorities and deadlines
Capable of some travel and remote site assignments.
Applicants must be able to obtain a TWIC card.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering
8-25 years professional experience – oil & gas preferred
PE preferred but not required

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Able to sit/stand for long periods of time.
Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time
Field trips to job sites (local and/or remote) will be required, so applicant must be open to travel and remote site assignments

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