Lead Process Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary
We are seeking a Lead Process Engineer for a direct hire opportunity in Temecula, CA, supporting high-precision manufacturing for aerospace, defense, and commercial applications. This role is ideal for an engineering professional with a strong background in materials science, metallurgy, manufacturing engineering, or chemical engineering who enjoys solving complex process challenges and improving production performance.
The Lead Process Engineer will develop, optimize, validate, and sustain manufacturing processes used in precision optical components, coatings, and assemblies. This is a highly collaborative environment with strong cross-functional teamwork across Manufacturing, Quality, Production, and Engineering. The role offers the opportunity to influence process strategy, improve yields, support advanced manufacturing technologies, and provide technical leadership in a stable, quality-focused operation.
This is a strong opportunity for someone who values supportive leadership, technical challenge, process ownership, and the ability to make a measurable impact on product quality, manufacturing efficiency, and operational reliability.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, implement, validate, and continuously improve manufacturing processes for precision optical components, coatings, and assemblies.
- Analyze production data, process trends, and manufacturing metrics to identify opportunities for yield improvement, cost reduction, and throughput gains.
- Support vacuum coating, electroforming, plating, machining, finishing, and related operations through process optimization and troubleshooting.
- Lead root cause analysis for process deviations, nonconformances, and quality issues, including support for CAPA and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Create and maintain SOPs, work instructions, process flow diagrams, control plans, manufacturing specifications, and technical reports.
- Partner with Manufacturing, Quality, Production, Engineering, suppliers, and customers to resolve technical issues and ensure process consistency and product conformity.
Compensation and Benefits
- Salary range: $110,000 to $140,000 per year.
- Job type: Direct hire.
- Location: Temecula, CA.
Equal Opportunity Employer / Disabled / Protected Veterans
The Know Your Rights poster is available here:
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12.pdf
The pay transparency policy is available here:
https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ofccp/pdf/pay-transp_%20English_formattedESQA508c.pdf
For temporary assignments lasting 13 weeks or longer, AllSTEM Connections is pleased to offer major medical, dental, vision, 401k and any statutory sick pay where required.
We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact your staffing representative who will reach out to our HR team.
AllSTEM Connections participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations as required by law. Learn more about the E-Verify program.
https://e-verify.uscis.gov/web/media/resourcesContents/E-Verify_Participation_Poster_ES.pdf
We also consider for employment qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements, including, if applicable, the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. Pursuant to applicable state and municipal Fair Chance Laws and Ordinances, we will consider for employment-qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, including, if applicable, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. For Los Angeles, CA applicants: Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
Additional Skills
Required Qualifications and Skills
- Lead process development, validation, capability studies, and qualification activities for new and existing manufacturing processes.
- Drive process improvement projects focused on yield, quality, throughput, cost reduction, and manufacturing reliability.
- Support new product introduction activities to ensure designs are manufacturable, scalable, and cost-effective.
- Provide technical guidance and training to manufacturing personnel on process requirements, specifications, and best practices.
- Bachelor's degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering discipline required.
- 5 to 7 years of process engineering, manufacturing engineering, or related engineering experience in a precision manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of metallurgy, materials science, surface treatments, and manufacturing process interactions.
- Experience with process development, process validation, yield improvement, root cause analysis, and corrective action activities.
- Knowledge of SPC, process capability analysis, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Ability to analyze manufacturing data and make data-driven process improvement recommendations.
- Working knowledge of engineering drawings, GD&T, manufacturing specifications, and technical documentation.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and CAD software such as SolidWorks or equivalent systems.
- Strong project management, organizational, problem-solving, and technical communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively in manufacturing floor, laboratory, cleanroom, and office environments while following safety and PPE requirements.
Preferred Qualifications
- Metallurgical Engineering or Materials Engineering degree strongly preferred.
- Experience supporting optical manufacturing, aerospace, defense, vacuum coating, electroforming, plating, thin-film deposition, or related precision manufacturing processes preferred.
- Advanced coursework or hands-on experience in vacuum coating, thin-film deposition, electroforming, plating technologies, materials characterization, or precision manufacturing is highly desirable.
- CEF Certification is a plus.
- Experience evaluating and implementing new manufacturing technologies, equipment, materials, and process controls preferred.
AllSTEM Representative Contact Info
Account Executive:
Madelyn
Branch Phone:
(909) 244-1777
Location:
Houston, TX