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Lead Process Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Northwoodspace

Lead SMT Process Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$100K - $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 ...

Revolution Foods

Process Engineer

Commerce, CA

$115K - $130K/yr

Lead the development of unified processes, SOPs, and best practices across multiple sites to ensure ... Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field * 5 ...

Worley

Senior Process Engineer

Monrovia, CA · On-site

$130K - $191K/yr

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 ...

Revolution Foods

Process Engineer

Commerce, CA · On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

Lead the development of unified processes, SOPs, and best practices across multiple sites to ensure ... Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field * 5 ...

L3HHCM20

$102K - $189K/yr

Material Process Engineer Job Code: 35996 Job Location: On-site at our Canoga Park, CA facility Job ... Lead process validation activities and process capability studies to ensure manufacturing readiness

Danone

Process Engineer

City Of Industry, CA

The Process Engineer is responsible for the equipment improvement, standardization, technical ... Lead and coach process benchmarking & reapplication * Collaborate with Line Leader and line team ...

Applied Materials

Process Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$147K - $202K/yr

As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing ... Lead functional teams or projects, as needed Minimum Qualifications: * Bachelor's degree in a ...

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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 Jun 9, 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, and why are they important?

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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 58% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 8% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,528 per year, or $57 per hour.

Lead SMT Process Engineer

Northwoodspace

Torrance, CA • On-site

$100K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

About Northwood Space:
Northwood is on a mission to build a data highway between earth and space and bring the benefits of space to the masses through innovations in space communications technologies. If you like building quickly and seeing your work deployed in locations around the globe with real impact, we want you at Northwood.
The Role:
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 standards, standing up the PCB assembly area, and building the team required to execute it. You will work cross-functionally with Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Production to ensure our electronics manufacturing capability is robust, scalable, and tightly integrated into overall factory operations and systems.
This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who can move fluidly between process development, factory buildout, equipment selection, production readiness, and team building.
Responsibilities:
  • Develop and own the in-house SMT and PCB assembly manufacturing process from prototype through production
  • Define process standards for board assembly, inspection, rework, traceability, quality control, and workmanship
  • Establish how PCB assembly workflows, quality data, and production tracking integrate with Manufacturo and broader manufacturing systems
  • Lead the design and buildout of the PCB assembly area, including layout, material flow, operator flow, and future production scaling considerations
  • Specify, source, and implement equipment and infrastructure required for PCB assembly, including:
    • SMT line equipment
    • Inspection tools
    • Rework tools
    • ESD/anti-static controls
    • Benches, tooling, fixtures, and storage
    • Power, cooling, compressed air, and other facility needs
  • Develop manufacturing processes for solder paste printing, pick-and-place, reflow, inspection, hand assembly, rework, and repair
  • Create process documentation including work instructions, process flows, training materials, control plans, and acceptance criteria
  • Define quality standards and inspection methodologies for assembled boards
  • Partner with Electrical Engineers to drive DFM/DFT for PCBAs, improving manufacturability, yield, reliability, and testability
  • Identify and resolve process issues, yield losses, and quality escapes through structured root cause analysis and continuous improvement
  • Build and lead the PCB assembly organization, including hiring and developing manufacturing engineers, production supervisors, and technicians
  • Establish training systems and production readiness standards for PCB assembly operators and technicians
  • Drive ramp readiness for new products and ongoing improvements for cost, throughput, and quality

Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field
  • 6+ years of experience in PCB assembly, SMT process engineering, electronics manufacturing, or related manufacturing roles
  • Experience developing and scaling SMT or PCB assembly processes in a production environment
  • Experience with PCB assembly equipment, inspection methods, and rework processes
  • Experience creating manufacturing documentation, standards, and process controls
  • Experience working cross-functionally with design engineering on DFM for electronics assemblies
  • Strong understanding of ESD controls, electronics manufacturing quality requirements, and operator workflow design

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience standing up a new PCB assembly line or manufacturing area from scratch
  • Experience selecting and implementing SMT production equipment and supporting infrastructure
  • Experience integrating manufacturing processes with MES/MRP systems such as Manufacturo
  • Familiarity with IPC standards such as IPC-A-610, J-STD-001, and related electronics manufacturing requirements
  • Experience hiring, training, and leading technicians, supervisors, and manufacturing engineers
  • Strong problem-solving skills with experience in yield improvement, defect reduction, and root cause analysis
  • Comfortable in a fast-paced environment where processes, products, and factory systems are being built in parallel

Ideal Candidate:
  • Hands-on and practical, with the ability to both define strategy and execute on the factory floor
  • Excited by building new manufacturing capability from the ground up
  • Strong technical judgment in process development, tooling, equipment, and quality systems
  • Able to balance speed with rigor in a low-volume, high-complexity manufacturing environment
  • Effective cross-functional communicator who can work closely with EE, manufacturing, and operations teams

Additional Information:
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Northwood Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Northwood Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

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