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Principal Process Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Vantive

Principal Engineer

Plymouth, MN · On-site

This role serves as a Principal Engineer and technical workstream leader within the Solutions ... Identify and mitigate process-related risks, including variability, scalability, and ...

Vantive

Principal Engineer

Plymouth, MN · On-site

This role serves as a Principal Engineer and technical workstream leader within the Solutions ... Identify and mitigate process-related risks, including variability, scalability, and ...

HDR

Engineering Principal

Saint Louis Park, MN · On-site

This isn't just a job, it's a chance to lead innovation, engineer impact, and build a legacy of ... Project Succe Engineering Principals understand the building design process in the market sectors ...

HDR

Engineering Principal

Saint Louis Park, MN

This isn't just a job, it's a chance to lead innovation, engineer impact, and build a legacy of ... Project Success Engineering Principals understand the building design process in the market sectors ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsPrincipal Process Engineer JobsPrincipal Process Engineer Jobs in Minnesota

Principal Process Engineer information

See Minnesota salary details

$85.2K

$147K

$178.7K

How much do principal process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal process engineer in Minnesota is $146,992.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,300.00 and $166,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. Principal Process Engineers in industries like oil and gas or chemical manufacturing may also reach this level with significant expertise and project management responsibilities.

What engineers make $500,000?

Principal Process Engineers in industries such as oil and gas, chemical manufacturing, or aerospace can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership responsibilities. High compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, particularly in large corporations or executive-level roles.

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 professional responsible for designing, optimizing, and overseeing manufacturing or chemical processes within an organization. They often lead process improvement projects, utilize engineering tools like process simulation software, and require extensive technical expertise and experience in their field.

How much does a principal process engineer make in the US?

A principal process engineer in the US typically earns between $110,000 and $160,000 annually, with the median around $135,000. Compensation varies based on experience, industry, location, and company size, and often includes benefits such as bonuses and stock options.

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 Minnesota are hiring for Principal Process Engineer jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Principal Process Engineer job openings:
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Principal Process Engineer jobs near you
Process & Defect Engineer

Process & Defect Engineer

Polar Semiconductor

Bloomington, MN

$111K - $154K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Role Summary

The Senior Staff / Principal Process & Defect Engineeris responsible fordriving defect reduction, process development, and cross-functional project execution across wafer fabrication operations. This role owns defect strategy, excursion response, and process improvement initiatives, while partnering with integration, equipment, and operations teams to improve yield, stability, and manufacturability.

Defect Engineering & Yield Ownership

  • Own defect performance across assigned process areas (FEOL/BEOL integration loops)
  • Lead defect excursion response, lot disposition (MRB / ICAR support), and root cause analysis
  • Drive defect reduction strategy using Pareto, correlation, and signature mapping
  • Define monitoring strategies (KLA / inspection layers) and OCAP triggers

Process Development & Optimization

  • Design and execute DOE experiments and split lot analysis
  • Optimizeinspection strategies, recipes, and tool conditions
  • Develop Best Known Methods (BKM)
  • Support new process introduction and evaluate defect risks

Cross-Functional Project Leadership

  • Lead multi-discipline yield and defect reduction projects
  • Coordinate across process, equipment, operations, and defect teams
  • Drive project execution, timelines, and technical deliverables
  • Present findings and recommendations to leadership

Defect Metrology & Tool Strategy

  • Own defect inspection tools (KLA, SEM)
  • Develop inspection recipes and sensitivity optimization
  • Ensure tool matching and data consistency
  • Translate defect signatures into process actions

Manufacturing Support & Continuous Improvement

  • Supportfaboperations and escalation response
  • Improve communication andpassdownstructure
  • Standardize defect workflows and documentation
  • Identifyimprovements for cycle time and efficiency

Qualifications

Required:

  • Bachelor's or higher in:

    • Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or related field

  • 8+ years (Senior) or 12+ years (Principal) in:

    • Semiconductor manufacturing

    • Defect engineering, yield, or process integration

  • Strong background in:

    • Defect inspection (KLA, SEM review)

    • Data analysis (JMP, Python, SQL, or equivalent)

    • DOE and statistical analysis

Preferred:

  • Experience with:

    • Cross-functional fab leadership

    • Project/program management

    • new product development(NPD) learning cycles

  • Knowledge of:

    • SPC systems

    • Yield modeling and defect classification systems

*Please note that this position may require U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency status in the future depending on federal requirements*

What We Offer

Salary: The estimated base salary range for the position is $111,000-$154,000. The pay offered is based on many factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, job-related experience, skills and level of the position.

Benefits & Other Eligible Compensation: Includes health, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, 401(k) plan with company match, paid time off, annual bonus, and tuition reimbursement.

Polar Semiconductor is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.

About Minneapolis/St. Paul Area

Our offices and manufacturing facility are located in Bloomington, Minnesota, a suburb of Minneapolis. Living in the Minneapolis / Saint Paul area offers a strong sense of community, a vibrant arts and music scene, and abundant outdoor activities year-round. The city boasts a lower cost of living than many major metros, excellent parks and lakes, and a well-educated workforce with diverse job opportunities. Its distinct seasons bring variety, from colorful autumns to lively summers filled with festivals and waterfront activities.

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