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Principal Process Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Principal Process Engineer information

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$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.

What job categories do people searching Principal Process Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Process Engineer jobs in California are:
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:
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 Materials and Process Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Palmdale, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 26 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: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt 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 a Materials and Process Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position will be located in Palmdale, CA.


This position can be filled at Principal Engineer Material Process or a Sr. Principal Engineer Material Process level.


As a member of the Palmdale M&P team, you will define, develop, implement, and transition new materials, processes, and technology solutions support the assembly line to increase efficiency, reduce cost, and improve quality. The M&P team supports the implementation and streamlining of various production applications including but not limited to composites fabrication, bonding, liquid shim, part/assembly installation, coatings, etc.


The role requires support of developing test plans, standard repairs, and evaluation of performance of materials and processes to verify their efficiency. The selected candidate will be responsible for analyzing, researching, and developing materials and their related application processes for use in engineering design of and/or application in structures, systems and subsystems. The candidate will apply principles of chemistry, physics, and material behavior to investigate material issues and provide solutions. In addition, you will support the production teams to identify and initiate corrective action of problems and deficiencies to ensure F35 contractual obligations (technical, schedule, and cost) are met and product quality is maintained.
The role will require knowledge of integral fuel tank sealing, bonding with various adhesives, application of primer and topcoat, fairing compounds, fastener fillers, composite rework and repair, material review board, manufacturing executions system, manufacturing plan review, requests for information or change from suppliers, and design support. Tools to be utilized for investigations are PDM, JDL, EMAP, Catia, and VAS.
This role involves interfacing with internal and external customers, program offices, engineering disciplines, and executive management. In addition, the role will require the ability to handle multiple projects concurrently in a dynamic/fast-paced work environment. Project Management skills will be utilized to properly scope and execute assigned work and manage project efforts.

Basic Qualifications for Principal Materials and Processes Engineer:

  • Bachelor's Degree in a related STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) discipline with 5 years of relevant engineering experience; OR a Master's Degree in a related STEM discipline with 3 years of relevant engineering experience; OR a PhD in a related STEM discipline with 1 year of relevant engineering experience.

  • Demonstrated experience with material testing and material qualification

  • Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office Suite

  • Ability to obtain and maintain US Government Secret clearance

  • Ability to obtain and maintain clearance and Special Program Access (SAP/SAR)

Basic Qualifications for Senior Principal Materials and Processes Engineer:

  • Bachelor's Degree in a related STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) discipline with 8 years of relevant engineering experience; OR a Master's Degree in a related STEM discipline with 6 years of relevant engineering experience; OR a PhD in a related STEM discipline with 4 years of relevant engineering experience.

  • Demonstrated experience with material testing and material qualification

  • Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office Suite

  • Ability to obtain and maintain US Government Secret clearance

  • Ability to obtain and maintain clearance and Special Program Access (SAP/SAR)

Preferred Qualifications for both levels:

  • Experience with film adhesives, carbon fiber, BMI, sealing aircraft components, primer and topcoat applications, and metallic structures

  • Experience with Supplier Management

  • Experience with low observable material, coating thickness verification, surface preparation, and material reactivation, fairing compounds, and fastener fillers

  • New material integration and interface with production personnel

  • Government and customer interface experience

  • Root cause investigation and corrective action implementation

Primary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $129,300.00 - $193,300.00The 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