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Materials Process Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

You're the in-factory materials and process specialist, and your responsibilities will include ... As a Process Engineer II, your responsibilities will also include: * Quickly addressing production ...

You're the in-factory materials and process specialist, and your responsibilities will include ... As a Process Engineer II, your responsibilities will also include: * Quickly addressing production ...

Process Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$147K - $202K/yr

Who We Are Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce ... As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing ...

Process Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$147K - $202K/yr

Who We Are Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce ... As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing ...

Process Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$100K - $136K/yr

Who We Are Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce ... As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing ...

Tempo is seeking a hands-on Materials Process Technician to support materials development, testing ... Set up and monitor experiments under engineer guidance * Follow test procedures and escalate issues ...

Process Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$100K - $136K/yr

Who We Are Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce ... As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing ...

Process Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$100K - $136K/yr

Who We Are Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce ... As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing ...

Process Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$124K - $171K/yr

Who We Are Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce ... As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing ...

Process Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$124K - $171K/yr

Who We Are Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce ... As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing ...

Process Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$124K - $171K/yr

Who We Are Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce ... As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing ...

Process Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$124K - $171K/yr

Who We Are Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce ... As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing ...

Process Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$124K - $171K/yr

Who We Are Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce ... Manage process and hardware conditions at deposition chambers in cleanroom within cleanroom and ...

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Materials Process Engineer information

See California salary details

$48.9K

$90.8K

$140.6K

How much do materials process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for materials process engineer in California is $90,813.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $101,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Materials Process Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Materials Process Engineer, you need a solid background in materials science or engineering, problem-solving abilities, and practical experience with manufacturing processes, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with CAD software, process simulation tools, statistical analysis programs, and certifications such as Six Sigma are highly valuable. Strong communication, project management, and teamwork skills help Materials Process Engineers excel in collaborative, fast-paced environments. These competencies are critical to optimizing production quality, driving process improvements, and ensuring safety and efficiency in manufacturing operations.

What is a Materials Process Engineer job?

A Materials Process Engineer develops, optimizes, and improves manufacturing processes involving materials such as metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites. They work to enhance material properties, ensure product quality, and increase production efficiency. Their responsibilities often include process design, troubleshooting, testing, and collaborating with other engineering teams to meet performance and cost requirements.

What kinds of projects and daily responsibilities can I expect as a Materials Process Engineer?

As a Materials Process Engineer, you can expect to work on projects that involve developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting production processes for a variety of materials, such as metals, polymers, ceramics, or composites. Your daily tasks may include analyzing process data, conducting experiments, collaborating with production and quality teams, and implementing improvements to enhance product quality and efficiency. You might also be responsible for overseeing new material trials, documenting process changes, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and safety regulations. The role offers a dynamic mix of hands-on problem solving and teamwork, making each day unique and engaging.

What are popular job titles related to Materials Process Engineer jobs in California? For Materials Process Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Materials Process Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Materials Process Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Materials Process Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Materials Process Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Materials Process Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 41% Full Time, 48% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 9% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,813 per year, or $43.7 per hour.
Materials & Process Engineer - Level 2 or Level 3

Materials & Process Engineer - Level 2 or Level 3

Northrop Grumman Corporation

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 338 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

106th of 518 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: None
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Space Sector has an opening for a Materials & Process Engineer - Level 2 or Level 3 to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position will be located in San Diego, California.
This position can be filled at a level 2 or level 3.
Learn more about Mission Enabling Products at our website: https://www.northropgrumman.com/space/spacecraft-components/
As the Materials & Process Engineer you will analyze, research, design and develop materials and their related fabrication and application processes to develop and optimize materials for use in engineering design of and/or application in structures, systems and subsystems. You will apply principles of chemistry, physics, and material behavior to develop metallic, non-metallic, and composite material and processing specifications, fabrication, and assembly processes. You will develop, analyze, and apply material properties and design allowables, processing processes and engineering specifications. Material analyses may include failure analysis of components, systems and subsystems, life predictions, and definition and requirement specifications. May review and approve subcontractor material processing procedures.
Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Review of down-flowed engineering process requirements to ensure applicability to part type.
  • Documentation and implementation, including training, of any new processes introduced. Implementation and monitoring of SPC methodologies into manufacturing.
  • Establishment of 'lessons learned' evaluation of projects and implementation of such lessons into future programs. Development and refinement of manufacturing tools.
  • Support for Cause and Corrective Action (C/CA) activities.
  • Design of Experiments (DOE) activities for manufacturing efficiency and quality improvement. Validation and qualification of new equipment.
  • Review and approval of engineering documentation including Manufacturing Work Instructions, Drawings, Specifications.
  • Creation and updates to material and process specifications.
  • Creation and administration of material test programs.
  • Support and troubleshooting of manufacturing shop floor activities.

Basic Qualifications for Level 2:
  • Bachelor of Science (BS) in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline with 2 years of engineering experience; OR Master of Science (MS) in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline
  • Working knowledge of high-performance carbon/epoxy and carbon/cyanate resin system, core materials.
  • Hands on working experience with composites manufacturing processes, including hand lay-up and vacuum bagging.
  • Knowledge of surface treatments / coatings etc.
  • Knowledge of adhesive bonding processes
  • Candidate must have the ability and willingness to obtain and maintain a DoD clearances within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company.
  • US Citizenship

Basic Qualifications for Level 3:
  • Bachelor of Science (BS) in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline with 5 years of engineering experience; OR Master of Science (MS) in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline with 2 years of engineering experience; or PhD in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline
  • Working knowledge of high-performance carbon/epoxy and carbon/cyanate resin system, core materials.
  • Hands on working experience with composites manufacturing processes, including hand lay-up and vacuum bagging.
  • Knowledge of surface treatments / coatings etc.
  • Knowledge of adhesive bonding processes
  • Candidate must have the ability and willingness to obtain and maintain a DoD clearances within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company.
  • US Citizenship

Preferred Qualifications:
  • BS or MS in Material Science and Engineering
  • Knowledge of adhesive bonding processes
  • Prior experience in an aerospace or space hardware manufacturing or development environment.
  • Demonstrated analytical approach to problem solving and data analysis.
  • Familiarity with analytical material test methods such as FTIR, DSC, DMA.

Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:
https://www.northropgrumman.com/space
Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.
Northrop Grumman Total Rewards
Primary Level Salary Range: $83,400.00 - $125,200.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939