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Pharmaceutical Process Engineer Jobs in California

Senior Optical Process Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$118K - $153K/yr

Their impact will span energy, pharmaceuticals, finance, agriculture, transportation, materials ... The Senior Optical Process Engineer will be responsible for process development and assembly build ...

Senior Optical Process Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$121K - $156K/yr

Their impact will span energy, pharmaceuticals, finance, agriculture, transportation, materials ... The Senior Optical Process Engineer will be responsible for process development and assembly build ...

Process Engineer -- Upstream / Downstream / Clean Utilities (Consultant) -- Contract Engagement ... pharmaceutical or biotech GMP manufacturing environment. * Hands-on experience in at least one of:

Process Engineer II

West Sacramento, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Process Engineer II is responsible for owning and investigating manufacturing related non ... Experience working in medical device manufacturing, pharmaceutical, or other regulated environment.

Process Engineer II

West Sacramento, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Process Engineer II is responsible for owning and investigating manufacturing related non ... Experience working in medical device manufacturing, pharmaceutical, or other regulated environment.

Process Engineer II

West Sacramento, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Process Engineer II is responsible for owning and investigating manufacturing related non ... Experience working in medical device manufacturing, pharmaceutical, or other regulated environment.

Wafer Fab Process Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$90K - $121K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... pharmaceutical research. We are looking for individuals who thrive on making an impact and want the ... engineering wafer fab processes including plasma etch, thin film deposition, lithography, and wet ...

Wafer Fab Process Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$90K - $121K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... pharmaceutical research. We are looking for individuals who thrive on making an impact and want the ... engineering wafer fab processes including plasma etch, thin film deposition, lithography, and wet ...

... pharmaceutical research. We are looking for individuals who thrive on making an impact and want the excitement of being on a team that wins. Position Summary Process Integration Engineer is a hands ...

... pharmaceutical research. We are looking for individuals who thrive on making an impact and want the excitement of being on a team that wins. Position Summary Process Integration Engineer is a hands ...

Engineer (Mechanical & Process)

San Jose, CA · On-site

$86K - $114K/yr

Engineer, Mechanical / Process About Us At AlfaTech we believe in more than just engineering ... Pharmaceutical, or similar technical market sectors such as Industrial, Healthcare, or Higher ...

Engineer (Mechanical & Process)

San Jose, CA · On-site

$86K - $113K/yr

Engineer, Mechanical / Process About Us At AlfaTech we believe in more than just engineering ... Pharmaceutical, or similar technical market sectors such as Industrial, Healthcare, or Higher ...

Engineer (Mechanical & Process)

San Jose, CA · On-site

$86K - $114K/yr

Engineer, Mechanical / Process About Us At AlfaTech we believe in more than just engineering ... Pharmaceutical, or similar technical market sectors such as Industrial, Healthcare, or Higher ...

Engineer, Mechanical / Process About Us At AlfaTech we believe in more than just engineering ... Pharmaceutical, or similar technical market sectors such as Industrial, Healthcare, or Higher ...

Showing results 41-60

Pharmaceutical Process Engineer information

See California salary details

$30

$34

$38

How much do pharmaceutical process engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Senior Optical Process Engineer

PsiQuantum

Milpitas, CA • On-site

$118K - $153K/yr

Other

Re-posted just now


Job description

PsiQuantum's mission is to build the first useful quantum computers-machines capable of delivering the breakthroughs the field has long promised. Since our founding in 2016, our singular focus has been to build and deploy million-qubit, fault-tolerant quantum systems.
Quantum computers harness the laws of quantum mechanics to solve problems that even the most advanced supercomputers or AI systems will never reach. Their impact will span energy, pharmaceuticals, finance, agriculture, transportation, materials, and other foundational industries.
Our architecture and approach is based on silicon photonics. By leveraging the advanced semiconductor manufacturing industry-including partners like GlobalFoundries-we use the same high-volume processes that already produce billions of chips for telecom and consumer electronics. Photonics offers natural advantages for scale: photons don't feel heat, are immune to electromagnetic interference, and integrate with existing cryogenic cooling and standard fiber-optic infrastructure.
In 2024, PsiQuantum announced government-funded projects to support the build-out of our first utility-scale quantum computers in Brisbane, Australia, and Chicago, Illinois. These initiatives reflect a growing recognition that quantum computing will be strategically and economically defining-and that now is the time to scale.
PsiQuantum also develops the algorithms and software needed to make these systems commercially valuable. Our application, software, and industry teams work directly with leading Fortune 500 companies-including Lockheed Martin, Mercedes-Benz, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Mitsubishi Chemical-to prepare quantum solutions for real-world impact.
Quantum computing is not an extension of classical computing. It represents a fundamental shift-and a path to mastering challenges that cannot be solved any other way. The potential is enormous, and we have a clear path to make it real.
Come join us.
Job Summary:
The Senior Optical Process Engineer will be responsible for process development and assembly build with quality for R&D and volume system integration and deployment at PsiQuantum. This role requires engineering disciplines in packaging, processing, and associated qualifications, a strong "can-do" attitude in a fast-paced environment, problem-solving, and excellent communication with teams across multiple disciplines
Responsibilities:
  • By working with the sub-assembly design and packaging engineering team, develop assembly process flows and build sub-assemblies for quantum computer (QC) subsystems with electronics and silicon photonics chips on PCBAs for both cryogenic and room-temperature vacuum systems.
  • By working with a cross-functional team and suppliers, finalize the design and assembly process flow using DFM, DFQ, and FMEA tools to meet design targets and requirements set by the sub-system team.
  • Deliver and verify equipment, tooling, and fixtures from suppliers with the support of the supply chain. Complete process development and buy-off, including process capability analysis and a report.
  • Release the assembly process document, work instructions, and control plans in the systems with change controls; train, audit, and release the processes and controls to the operations team for volume assembly builds.
  • Develop in-house processes with the Operations team and manage contractor manufacturing for external processes, and be responsible for process technical support.

Experience/Qualifications:
Preferred Skills & Experience:
  • Experienced in data processing tools such as Python, MATLAB, and JMP.
  • Experience working within opto-mechanical process teams with a proven track record to bring a product to volume (e.g., in semiconductor, datacom, telecom, optical communication industry).
  • Familiarity with back-end semiconductor assembly processes, testing methodologies, and equipment, including die attach, wire-bonding, and AOI.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage short deadlines and to follow a disciplined work process. Able to work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to build relationships with multiple groups with strong communication skills to provide process perspective input during product development.
  • A lead by example person, lead from the front attitude when all hands-on-deck situations arise, get involved in day-to-day tasks to assure peak performance and safe work environment for everyone.
  • Provide guidance and training to technicians to enable R&D prototype line.
  • Good team worker, brings in a positive attitude, and is always ready to help others.

Qualifications:
  • Master's degree or higher in an applicable engineering discipline, such as Process Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or Applied Physics.
  • 5+ years of experience applying engineering principles to solve complex opto-mechanical assembly process problems.
  • Exposure to photonics sub-assembly with experience in semiconductor packaging and inspection equipment, processes, and material systems (die attach, wire bonding, optical coupling, flip chip, underfill, etc.).
  • Familiar with key opto-mechanical packaging and assembly equipment, piece-part supplier base, and the quality system.
  • Experience in design, analysis, and assembly of subsystems; built NPI pilot line, transferred process to operation, and supported manufacturing; supplier and contract manufacturing management experience is a plus
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills; Self-starter.
  • Demonstrated strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to provide technical leadership in ambiguous situations.

PsiQuantum provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. PsiQuantum does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable laws.
Note: PsiQuantum will only reach out to you using an official PsiQuantum email address and will never ask you for bank account information as part of the interview process. Please report any suspicious activity to
We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from employment agencies.