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Principal Process Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Nokia

Principal PIC Process Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$160K - $263K/yr

As a Principal PIC Process Development Engineer , you will be a senior individual contributor within Nokia's Optical Components organization, responsible for the development, optimization, and ...

Nokia

Principal PIC Process Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

As a Principal PIC Process Development Engineer , you will be a senior individual contributor within Nokia's Optical Components organization, responsible for the development, optimization, and ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsPrincipal Process Engineer JobsPrincipal Process Engineer Jobs in California

Principal Process Engineer information

See California salary details

$85.9K

$148.1K

$180.1K

How much do principal process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal process engineer in California is $148,117.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $128,300.00 and $167,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal process engineer?

To thrive as a Principal Process Engineer, you need deep expertise in chemical or process engineering, advanced problem-solving skills, and typically a relevant engineering degree with substantial industry experience. Familiarity with process simulation software (such as Aspen HYSYS or CHEMCAD), Six Sigma or Lean certifications, and knowledge of regulatory standards are important technical assets. Leadership, effective communication, and project management skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies ensure efficient process design, regulatory compliance, and successful cross-functional collaboration on complex engineering projects.

What is the difference between Principal Process Engineer vs Process Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Process EngineerProcess Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Chemical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering; extensive experienceBachelor's degree in Engineering; entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentLead projects, oversee process design, and mentor teams in manufacturing or chemical plantsAssist in process design, troubleshooting, and optimization under supervision
Industry UsageCommon in large manufacturing, chemical, and oil & gas companiesFound across various industries including manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and energy

The Principal Process Engineer typically holds advanced credentials and leads complex projects, focusing on strategic process improvements. In contrast, the Process Engineer is more involved in supporting and executing process tasks. Both roles are essential in process industries, but the Principal Process Engineer operates at a higher level of responsibility and expertise.

What is a principal process engineer?

A Principal Process Engineer is a senior-level engineering professional responsible for designing, optimizing, and overseeing industrial processes within a company. They lead complex projects, provide technical guidance to engineering teams, and ensure that processes meet safety, quality, and efficiency standards. Principal Process Engineers often collaborate with other departments to implement process improvements and solve technical challenges. Their expertise is crucial in industries such as chemical, manufacturing, oil and gas, and pharmaceuticals.

How does a principal process engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during large-scale projects?

A Principal Process Engineer often acts as a key liaison between engineering, operations, project management, and quality assurance teams. They lead process design reviews, facilitate technical discussions, and ensure that project deliverables align with organizational goals and regulatory standards. Effective communication and coordination are essential, as they guide multidisciplinary teams through troubleshooting, optimization, and implementation phases. This collaborative role ensures that process improvements are feasible, cost-effective, and sustainable across the project lifecycle.

What is a principal process engineer?

A principal process engineer works with a team to analyze the efficiency of company processes and identify potential improvements. In this career, you usually work in a large production or manufacturing facility. You must have excellent technical, organizational, and analytical skills. Your job duties include helping management in the development of schedules, budgets, or guidelines for your department, overseeing other engineers, collaborating to support process solutions, and creating simulations, diagrams, and project plans. You also use engineering computer software to design process plans and review data to calculate constant improvements. Qualifications for a career as a principal process engineer include a bachelor's degree in engineering.

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Principal Process Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Process Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $148,117 per year, or $71.2 per hour.

Principal/Sr Principal Material Process Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Santa Rosa, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 360 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 536 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
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 Aeronautics Systems has an opening for an Principal Engineer Material Process / Sr Principal Engineer Material Process to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals under one of NGs Small Business Units, Sonoma Photonics, Inc. This role will be located onsite in Santa Rosa, CA.
The Material Process Engineer role blends hands-on work with deposition equipment and desk-based design/analysis activities. The incumbent will receive technical guidance from senior engineers, program managers, and supervisory staff while contributing independently to product development and program delivery.
Essential Functions:
  • Perform coating designs, tolerancing, analysis and process engineering for projects related to multiple technologies.
  • Apply, as well as design and develop new techniques and coatings to meet product needs.
  • Individually contribute to product development or program completion.
  • Run and debug deposition chambers.
  • Organize scheduling and testing of programs.
  • Ability to manage small projects and present technical content.
  • Devise and implement methods and procedures for inspecting, testing, and evaluating the precision and accuracy of products and production equipment.
  • Design and analyze inspection and testing processes, mechanisms, and equipment; conduct quality-assurance tests; and perform statistical analysis to assess cost and determine responsibility for products or materials that do not meet required standards and specifications.
  • Work will be conducted in both an office and lab/manufacturing environment with possible exposure to chemicals.
  • Utilize required PPE (respirators, gloves, gowns, goggles, chemical fume hoods) and adhere to hazardous-material handling protocols.

We offer flexible work arrangements, 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off, phenomenal learning opportunities, and exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. We are looking for self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented people to help us grow our services and become even better at what we do.
This requisition may be filled at either an Principal Engineer Material Process (Level 3)/ Sr Principal Engineer Material Process (Level 4) based on the qualifications below.
Basic Qualifications:
Principal Engineer Material Process :
  • Bachelor's of Science degree in STEM discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) and 5 years professional experience.
  • Related experience could include but not limited to manufacturing, thin-film process engineering, RF/microwave modeling, process engineering, project engineering/management.
  • Experience in Microsoft Office including Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
  • Ability to work safely in environments where chemicals are present and to follow all required PPE and hazardous-material protocols.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret level DOD security clearance (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite) as well as Special Access Program (SAP) within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs.

Sr Principal Engineer Material Process :
  • Bachelor's of Science Degree in STEM discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) and 9 years of related professional/military engineering experience OR Master's Degree in STEM and 0 years of engineering experience
  • Related experience could include but not limited to manufacturing, thin-film process engineering, RF/microwave modeling, process engineering, project engineering/management.
  • Experience in Microsoft Office including Word, PowerPoint and Excel
  • Ability to work safely in environments where chemicals are present and to follow all required PPE and hazardous-material protocols.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret level DOD security clearance (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite) as well as Special Access Program (SAP) within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience in Project Management or leading teams.
  • Hands-on experience with thin-film processes and thin-film modeling tools (e.g., TFCalc, OptiLayer, etc.).
  • Working knowledge of statistical methods and data-analysis techniques (e.g., DOE, SPC, regression analysis).
  • Familiarity with thin-film materials and characterization techniques (ellipsometry, profilometry, spectrophotometry, etc.).
  • Experience modeling complex systems (e.g. RF/microwave modeling).
  • Strong written and oral communication skills; ability to clearly present concepts, findings, and recommendations to multidisciplinary teams.
  • Excellent organizational and time-management abilities; proven track record of meeting project milestones.
  • Strong background in electromagnetics, especially as it relates to photonic or coating applications.
  • Active Secret DoD Security clearance/Program access

What We Offer:
At Northrop Grumman, we are on the cutting edge of innovation -- building the next generation of sophisticated aircraft to protect our country. Our diverse portfolio of programs means there are endless paths to cultivate your career. We are well-known for our inclusive, family environment, phenomenal learning opportunities, and exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers. We also offer exceptional benefits/healthcare, and a great 401K matching program.
Primary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00
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

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