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Pharmaceutical Process Engineer Jobs in California

Actalent

Process Engineer

Irvine, CA

$43 - $53/hr

Process Engineer We are seeking a Process Engineer to support a pharmaceutical manufacturing operation focused on IV bag production. This individual will be responsible for investigating ...

GEA Group

Process Engineer

Patterson, CA

As a Process Engineer, you would be responsible for supporting customers by optimizing GEA ... Ability to work in multiple GEA markets, with the emphasis on the Pharmaceutical and Chemical ...

Oklo

Process Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site +1

$80K - $155K/yr

Experience performing design or modification engineering on process equipment, such as that used in the petroleum, nuclear, petrochemical, or pharmaceutical industries * Broad familiarity with ...

Oklo

Process Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site +1

$80K - $155K/yr

Experience performing design or modification engineering on process equipment, such as that used in the petroleum, nuclear, petrochemical, or pharmaceutical industries * Broad familiarity with ...

PM Group

Process Engineer

Irvine, CA

$100K - $130K/yr

Overview The Process Engineer position is an exciting opportunity to join PM Group's quickly ... Experience within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or regulated manufacturing environments.

Bachem

Process Engineer II

Vista, CA · On-site

Leveraging strong process mapping and analytical skills, this role leads the development and ... Minimum 5 years of experience of pharmaceutical engineering and/or manufacturing * Thorough ...

Bachem AG

Process Engineer II

Vista, CA · On-site

Leveraging strong process mapping and analytical skills, this role leads the development and ... Minimum 5 years of experience of pharmaceutical engineering and/or manufacturing * Thorough ...

PM Group

Process Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Overview The Process Engineer position is an exciting opportunity to join PM Group's quickly ... Experience within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or regulated manufacturing environments.

AMRI

Process Engineer IV

Camarillo, CA · On-site

$119K - $138K/yr

Process Engineer IV - Camarillo, CA Build your future at Curia, where our work has the power to ... pharmaceutical and biotech companies to provide life-saving treatments to patients. At Curia, we ...

New

Syner-G

Staff Process Engineer

Tustin, CA · On-site

Technical Experience * 10-15+ years of experience in MSAT, process engineering, process development, technology transfer, or biologics manufacturing within biotechnology or pharmaceutical ...

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Pharmaceutical Process Engineer information

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How much do pharmaceutical process engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for pharmaceutical process engineer in California is $34.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.74 and $36.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a pharmaceutical process engineer do?

A pharmaceutical process engineer reviews the requirement to produce a pharmaceutical product and develops a process for manufacturing. In this career, your duties vary from employer to employer but usually include tasks such as providing technical specifications for machinery and equipment, working to estimate costs for production, and undertaking a negotiation for the procurement of necessary materials and ingredients. Your responsibilities as a process engineer may include providing analysis of the process to ensure efficiency, safety, and compliance with relevant regulations.

What does a pharmaceutical process engineer do?

A Pharmaceutical Process Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing processes used in the manufacturing of pharmaceutical products. They ensure that production methods are efficient, safe, and compliant with regulatory standards. Their work involves troubleshooting process problems, implementing new technologies, and collaborating with other departments to improve product quality and production efficiency. They play a critical role in scaling up laboratory processes to full-scale manufacturing while maintaining product integrity and safety.

What are some common challenges faced by pharmaceutical process engineers when scaling up production from laboratory to manufacturing scale?

Pharmaceutical Process Engineers often encounter challenges when translating lab-scale processes to full-scale manufacturing, such as maintaining product quality, ensuring process consistency, and meeting strict regulatory requirements. Controlling variables like temperature, pressure, and mixing at a larger scale can introduce unforeseen issues that require innovative problem-solving. Collaboration with cross-functional teams—including quality assurance, validation, and production staff—is essential to address these challenges efficiently. Adaptability and attention to detail are crucial in ensuring a smooth and compliant scale-up process.

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

To thrive as a Pharmaceutical Process Engineer, you need a strong background in chemical or process engineering, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and regulatory compliance, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with process simulation software (such as Aspen Plus), GMP standards, and quality management systems is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for optimizing processes and ensuring product quality. These competencies are vital for developing efficient, safe, and compliant pharmaceutical manufacturing processes that meet industry standards.

What is the difference between Pharmaceutical Process Engineer vs Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technician?

AspectPharmaceutical Process EngineerPharmaceutical Manufacturing Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, chemistry, or related field; often includes certifications in process validationHigh school diploma or associate degree; on-the-job training or technical certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign, optimize, and oversee manufacturing processes in labs or production facilitiesOperate equipment, monitor production lines, and ensure quality in manufacturing settings
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, contract manufacturing organizationsPharmaceutical manufacturing plants, biotech production facilities

The main difference is that Pharmaceutical Process Engineers focus on designing and improving manufacturing processes, requiring higher technical credentials, while Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technicians handle day-to-day production tasks and equipment operation. Both roles are essential in pharmaceutical production but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

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Pharmaceutical Process Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pharmaceutical Process Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,350 per year, or $34.8 per hour.

Process Automation Engineer

EPC STAFF Acquisition and Development, LLC

Thousand Oaks, CA

$100K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Process Automation Engineer

Thousand Oaks, CA

Direct/ Salaried role, $100k-$180k, Full Bene’s, Bonuses, ESOP, ENR top 500

ROLE/ RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design process automation solutions for pharmaceutical process applications via Emerson DeltaV distributed control system

• ISA-88 Batch

• Emerson DeltaV systems integration with process equipment, instruments, and control devices

• DeltaV programming languages (e.g., Function Block Diagrams, Sequential Function Charts).

• Communication protocols (i.e. OPC, Modbus)

• Emerson DeltaV testing

• validation protocols, including IQ/OQ/PQ, and generates documentation per GMP

• client/ server virtualization, managed networks, cybersecurity, domain authentication

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• BS in Electrical or Chemical Engineering or similar w/ 4+ years experience

• Pharmaceutical manufacturing (e.g., FDA, GMP, GAMP)

• Emerson DeltaV programming

• Process instrumentation, control valves, and fieldbus

• No VIA sponsorship