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Principal Process Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Nokia

Principal Manufacturing Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$130K - $241K/yr

The Principal Process Integration Engineer is responsible for ensuring the quality, reliability, and yield of InP-based Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) products. This role plays a key part in ...

Nokia

Principal Manufacturing Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

The Principal Process Integration Engineer is responsible for ensuring the quality, reliability, and yield of InP-based Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) products. This role plays a key part in ...

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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 Jul 11, 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, and why are they important?

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.

More about Principal Process Engineer jobs
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What cities in California are hiring for Principal Process Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Principal Process Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Principal Process Engineer jobs in CA? For Principal Process Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Principal Process Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Process Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $148,117 per year, or $71.2 per hour.

Principal Process Development Engineer

MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings

Morgan Hill, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

MACOM designs and manufactures semiconductor products for Data Center, Telecommunication, and Industrial and Defense applications. Headquartered in Lowell, Massachusetts, MACOM has design centers and sales offices throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. MACOM is certified to the ISO9001 international quality standard and ISO14001 environmental management standard.
MACOM has more than 75 years of application expertise with multiple design centers, Si, GaAs, and InP fabrication, manufacturing, assembly and test, and operational facilities throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. Click here to view our facilities. https://www.macom.com/. In addition, MACOM offers foundry services that represents a key core competency within our business.
MACOM sells and distributes products globally via a sales channel comprised of a direct field sales force, authorized sales representatives, and leading industry distributors. Our sales team is trained across all of our products to give our customers insights into our entire portfolio.
Principal Process Development Engineer
Roles and Responsibilities:
  • Developing Backend Assembly Process and/or Package Developments for RF Power products
  • Participate in technology development projects which may include: defining the specifications, guidelines and developing assembly processes with process recipe development, equipment upgrade and material selection
  • Anticipate and propose solution to mitigate potential issues and limitation of process/material/equipment throughout the development stages.
  • Perform continuous improvement activities of existing assembly processes, equipment and materials for quality improvement and cost saving
  • Design new customized tooling to adopt off the shelf equipment for our high-volume production.
  • Perform verification and qualification activities for new tooling, machine and materials in development projects
  • Work directly with equipment vendors, subcontractors and internal team to qualify, bring up and debug equipment.
  • Creation, regular review and updating of design & equipment process FMEA
  • Technical support on Manufacturing with troubleshooting and providing technical solution
  • Participate in new product introduction with material selection, process developments, and data review, as technical expert
  • Conduct risk assessments and mitigation as well as project reviews and report the results to the executive level on a regular basis
  • Coordinate and support initial mechanical reliability test with failure analysis for root cause finding

Job Qualifications:
  • BS. MS preferably in mechanical, material, industrial Engineering, Material Engineering, Applied Science, or other relevant qualification
  • Minimum 8+ years of relevant experience in the function of package and assembly process development such as die attach, SMT, Lid attach.
  • Must be able to utilize die bond equipment such as Datacon EVO.
  • Possess in depth technical knowledge and hands on experience on semiconductor backend assembly processes for RF Power Packages
  • Hands on experience on engineering methods such as FMEA/DFMEA/PFMEA, SPC, Pareto Analysis, Control Charts, 8D methodology and DoE.
  • Proven experience in project management, document accurately, communicate with intention, report efficiently, pre-empt risk, and drive for the best possible outcome for the customer, for the company, and for the team members
  • Solid experience and technical understanding in semiconductor reliability standards and test methods
  • Experience in materials characterization and analysis, DOE, reliability standards, and FA technique is preferred
  • Experience in low, medium and high-volume manufacturing for high RF Power Products is preferred

EEO:
MACOM is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce. MACOM will not discriminate against any worker or job applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, military service, marital status, or any other category protected under applicable law.
Reasonable Accommodation:
MACOM is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you have a disability and are in need of a reasonable accommodation with respect to any part of the application process, please call +1-978-656-2500 or email HR_Ops@MACOM.com. Provide your name, phone number and the position title and location in which you are interested, and nature of accommodation needed, and we will get back to you. We also work with current employees who request or need reasonable accommodation in order to perform the essential functions of their jobs.
ITAR
Due to ITAR regulations, only candidates who are U.S. Persons (U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents, or individuals granted asylum or refugee status) will be considered for this position.
RSU Eligible
This position is eligible to receive restricted stock unit (RSU) awards and cash bonuses, solely at MACOM's discretion, subject to individual and company performance.
Salary Range
The Salary Range for this position is $117,000 - $171,000. Actual salary offered to candidate will depend on several factors, including but not limited to, work location, relevant candidates' experience, education, and specific knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Benefits: This position offers a comprehensive benefits package including but not limited to:
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Employer-sponsored 401(k) plan.
  • Paid time off.
  • Professional development opportunities.

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