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Principal Process Engineer Jobs in New Jersey (NOW HIRING)

Axens North America

Process Engineer I

Princeton, NJ · On-site

$77K - $83K/yr

... Principal Process Engineers. Job Duties/Responsibilities To participate in the development of process books by: * Understanding the flow scheme * Modeling and simulating simple units or parts of the ...

QCi

Senior Principal Engineer, Photonics Design Location: Hoboken, NJ/Cranbury, NJ Division: Technology ... Drive process integration efforts including mask design, fabrication flow development, and ...

Legend Biotech USA, Inc.

Legend Biotech is seeking a Principal Engineer, Lentivirus Downstream Process Development as part of the Technical Development team based in Somerset, NJ.Role OverviewThe Principal Engineer ...

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All JobsPrincipal Process Engineer JobsPrincipal Process Engineer Jobs in New Jersey

Principal Process Engineer information

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$88.3K

$152.4K

$185.3K

How much do principal process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal process engineer in New Jersey is $152,369.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $132,000.00 and $172,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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Principal Process Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Process Engineer job openings in New Jersey as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $152,369 per year, or $73.3 per hour.

Process Engineer I

Axens North America

Princeton, NJ • On-site

$77K - $83K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Job Summary

The Process Engineer I is mainly participating and assisting in the preparation of the deliverables of the Process Design Packages in the frame of Licensing contracts, on the specific tasks described here below and under the supervision of Senior or Principal Process Engineers.

Job Duties/Responsibilities

To participate in the development of process books by:

  • Understanding the flow scheme
  • Modeling and simulating simple units or parts of the flow scheme
  • Developing the PFDs
  • Specifying basic equipment, lines and instruments
  • Writing the process book using similar scheme template
  • Writing the operating instructions using similar template

To possibly participate in other more specific tasks:

  • Assisting in some process studies
  • Assisting on simple technical proposals
  • Assisting in some process studies
  • Using the Methods, Standards, or Procedures documents
  • Knowledgeable and demonstrated ability to comply with Design & Development Procedure

Education

  • Bachelor’s degree in chemical or petroleum engineering required

Work Experience

  • 0-3 years refining /petrochemical industry experience or knowledge
  • Some knowledge in hydrocarbon processing and unit operation fundamentals is required
  • Knowledge of process simulation modelling tools (Pro II and/or ASPEN)
  • Knowledge of fluid dynamics, reactor and reactor chemistry fundamentals

Required SKILLS/ABILITIES:

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and customer service skills.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
  • Analytical and decision making skills
  • Strong work ethics, reliable for work product delivery, self-starter
  • Demonstrated analytical and decision-making skills
  • Highly confident, articulate individual who is a team player and works well with others internally and externally
  • Ability to prioritize tasks, be able to respond to changes in priorities and seek advice when challenges or uncertainty arises
  • Ability to explain complex ideas in a cohesive and clear manner
  • Highly motivated, self-sufficient and enthusiastic individual who has strong desire to lead projects
QHSE REQUIREMENTS

Quality:

  • Take responsibility for the sustainability of Axens and ensuring quality performance
  • Report any and all quality related issues or non-conformities to your manager
  • Maintain awareness, proactively participate and support all Axens policies for quality management
  • Assist in the continual improvement of an effective Integrated Management System complying with the requirements of ISO 9001:2015
  • Assist in achieving Site, Department, Regional and Global Quality Management Program goals and objectives.

Health and Safety:

  • Take responsibility for the health and safety of self and others
  • Report any and all health and safety incidents to your manager
  • Maintain awareness, proactively participate and support all Axens policies and objectives regarding health and safety
  • Assist in the continual improvement of an effective Integrated Management System complying with the requirements of ISO 45001:2018
  • Assist in achieving Site, Departmental, Regional and Global Health and Safety goals and objectives

Environmental:

  • Take responsibility for the sustainability of Axens and protecting the environment
  • Report any and all environmental concerns or incidents to your manager
  • Maintain awareness, proactively participate and support all Axens policies regarding environmental protection
  • Assist in the continual improvement of an effective Integrated Management System complying with the requirements of ISO 14001:2015
  • Assist in achieving Site, Departmental, Regional and Global Environmental Management Program goals and objectives.