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Principal Process Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Worley

Senior Principal Process Engineer

Monrovia, CA · On-site

$177K - $261K/yr

Worley is seeking a Senior Principal Process Engineer for the Monrovia, CA office location. In a lead position you will apply advanced engineering techniques and analysis and may serve as a technical ...

Baxter

Principal Process Engineer

Round Lake, IL · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

Automation engineer that supports process and automation improvements in a manufacturing site. Resources will collaborate with Manufacturing, Operational Excellence, and Quality to drive improved ...

Leonardo DRS

Principal Process Engineer

Dallas, TX · On-site

... engineering experience * May require advanced degree or certifications * Specialties may include production, industrial, welding, tooling, testing, processing, and robotics U.S. Citizenship required.

Leonardo DRS

Principal Process Engineer

Dallas, TX

... engineering experience * May require advanced degree or certifications * Specialties may include production, industrial, welding, tooling, testing, processing, and robotics U.S. Citizenship required.

Adtran

Principal Process Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Once you've had a chance to explore our current open positions, apply to the ones you feel suit you best and keep track of both your progress in the selection process, and new postings that might ...

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All JobsPrincipal Process Engineer Jobs

Principal Process Engineer information

See salary details

$87K

$150.1K

$182.5K

How much do principal process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal process engineer in the United States is $150,082.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $130,000.00 and $169,500.00 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
What cities are hiring for Principal Process Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Principal Process Engineer job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Principal Process Engineer jobs? The top employers for Principal Process Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Principal Process Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Principal Process Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Principal Process Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Process Engineer jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Principal Process Engineer jobs? For Principal Process Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Principal Process Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Process Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 88% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $150,082 per year, or $72.2 per hour.
Senior Principal Process Engineer

Senior Principal Process Engineer

Worley

Monrovia, CA • On-site

$177K - $261K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Worley rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

124th of 355 rated engineering

Job description

Building on our past. Ready for the future
Worley is a global professional services company of energy, chemicals and resources experts headquartered in Australia.
Right now, we're bridging two worlds as we accelerate to more sustainable energy sources, while helping our customers provide the energy, chemicals and resources that society needs now.
We partner with our customers to deliver projects and create value over the life of their portfolio of assets. We solve complex problems by finding integrated data-centric solutions from the first stages of consulting and engineering to installation and commissioning, to the last stages of decommissioning and remediation. Join us and help drive innovation and sustainability in our projects.
Purpose:
Worley is seeking a Senior Principal Process Engineer for the Monrovia, CA office location. In a lead position you will apply advanced engineering techniques and analysis and may serve as a technical consultant in an area of specialty. You may provide discipline supervision for one larger or one or more smaller projects.
Responsibilities:
  • Generation, review, and approval of the Process deliverables: H&MB, PFD's, P&IDs, equipment specifications, hydraulics calculation, contingency analysis & process instrument data in their assigned area.
  • Conducting Process studies as needed.
  • Mentoring junior Process Engineers.
  • Reviewing requisitions, technical bid evaluations and providing support to other disciplines.
  • Proactively resolving any discrepancies between Worley and its Customer's requirements.
  • Manage process engineering services that meet Worley', its customers' and applicable statutory and regulatory specifications, on time and within budget.
  • Manage process engineering project requirements.
  • Manage process engineering services such as:
    • Participate in relevant meetings, prepare progress reports and comply with required checking procedures.
    • Ensure the project scope is clear and that changes comply with project change management processes.
    • Provide advice during procurement, construction and commissioning activities. For example, oversee requisitions, technical bid evaluations and purchase order preparation.
    • Act as the process engineering Lead on specific projects.
  • If responsible for a team:
    • Outline project requirements including actively promoting workshare, where appropriate, assign tasks and supervise progress; and
    • Ensure the required services meet Worley, its customers and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, on time and within budget.
  • Proactively resolve any discrepancies between Worley and its Customer's requirements.
  • Keep up to date with the latest developments and technical innovations in process engineering.
  • If required, assist and support junior personnel within the process engineering team.
  • Communicate effectively with the process engineering team and project stakeholders, including the Customer.
  • Identify issues and problems, develop appropriate solutions, and ask for assistance when required.

What you will bring
Technical/Industry Experience and Qualifications Requirements:
  • Experience leading and managing medium/large process teams.
  • Excellent front-end design capability with expertise in conceptual design and process simulation.
  • Excellent technical and practical engineering skills and ability to consistently deliver quality, accurate and timely work to Worley and its clients.
  • Excellent knowledge of the fundamental requirements of process engineering, and the basic requirements of other engineering fields.
  • Excellent knowledge of applicable local and international standards and statutory and regulatory specifications.
  • Competent use of relevant software such as MS Office Suite and process engineering specific software.
  • Extensive technical and practical experience in process engineering in the same or similar industry including experience in working in multi-disciplinary projects and teams.
  • Excellent technical and practical engineering skills and ability to consistently deliver quality, accurate and timely work to Worley and its clients.
  • Excellent knowledge of the fundamental requirements of the process engineering, and the basic requirements of other engineering fields.
  • Excellent knowledge of applicable local and international standards and statutory and regulatory specifications.
  • Competent use of relevant software such as MS Office Suite and process engineering specific software.
  • Extensive technical and practical experience in process engineering in the same or similar industry including experience in working in multi-disciplinary projects and teams.
  • Refinery experience.
  • Oil and Gas experience.
  • Saudi Aramco experience.
  • Experience leading and managing medium/large process teams.
  • Typically, 15 years plus process industry experience.

Additional Information:
  • This position is in California.
  • Salary Range $177,521-$261,062.

Los Angeles
We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance." #LI-AC1
Education - Qualifications, Accreditation, Training:
Required:
  • A recognized and relevant engineering degree or relevant postgraduate qualifications in engineering; management, project management or supervisory qualifications or equivalent.

Preferred:
  • Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) status.

Moving forward together
We want our people to be energized and empowered to drive sustainable impact. So, our focus is on a values-inspired culture that unlocks brilliance through belonging, connection and innovation.
We're building a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace. Creating a space where everyone feels they belong, can be themselves, and are heard.
And we're not just talking about it; we're doing it. We're reskilling our people, leveraging transferable skills, and supporting the transition of our workforce to become experts in today's low carbon energy infrastructure and technology.
Whatever your ambition, there's a path for you here. And there's no barrier to your potential career success. Join us to broaden your horizons, explore diverse opportunities, and be part of delivering sustainable change.
We're committed to building a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace where everyone feels they belong, can bring themselves, and are heard. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law.
Our policy is to conduct background checks for all candidates who accept an offer of employment with us.
Please note: No agency representation or submissions will be recognized for this vacancy.

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