1

Process Chemist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Scientist- Process Chemistry

Pleasanton, CA ยท On-site

$123 - $167/hr

Scientist- Process Chemistry Job type: Full Time ยท Department: Scientific ยท Work type: On-Site ยท USD 123,100-166,500 / year Pleasanton, California, United States About the role: 10x is looking for ...

New

Assistant Chemist / Associate Chemist

Clayton, CA ยท On-site

$26.25 - $34.50/hr

This testing is required for the release of raw materials, in-process materials, and final ... Trains other Chemists in areas of the Chemist's knowledge, experience, and expertise. May ...

Chemist

Vista, CA ยท On-site

$31.07 - $33.01/hr

Perform purification process via chromatography, crystallization and other techniques * Follow ... Bachelor's degree in chemistry or related field (in lieu of degree, will consider 10+ years ...

Chemist

Vista, CA ยท On-site

$31.07 - $33.01/hr

Perform purification process via chromatography, crystallization and other techniques * Follow ... Bachelor's degree in chemistry or related field (in lieu of degree, will consider 10+ years ...

Chemist

Culver City, CA ยท On-site

Chemist Los Angeles, CA Full-Time, On-Site Overview We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical ... Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses on raw materials, in-process samples, and ...

Chemist Los Angeles, CA Full-Time, On-Site Overview We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical ... Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses on raw materials, in-process samples, and ...

Chemist

Culver City, CA ยท On-site

Chemist Los Angeles, CA Full-Time, On-Site Overview We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical ... Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses on raw materials, in-process samples, and ...

Chemist

Culver City, CA ยท On-site

Chemist Los Angeles, CA Full-Time, On-Site Overview We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical ... Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses on raw materials, in-process samples, and ...

SUMMARY The Polymer Development Chemist will be responsible for providing technical expertise in polymer chemistry processes, supporting day-to-day manufacturing operations, and ensuring efficient ...

Analytical Chemist

Sunnyvale, CA ยท On-site

$24 - $29/hr

Analytical Chemist Location: Sunnyvale, CA 94085 Duration: 12 Months Job Type: Temporary Assignment ... Collaborate with R&D, Process Development, and Product Management to support manufacturing ...

Analytical Chemist

Sunnyvale, CA ยท On-site

$24 - $29/hr

Analytical Chemist Location: Sunnyvale, CA 94085 Duration: 12 Months Job Type: Temporary Assignment ... Collaborate with R&D, Process Development, and Product Management to support manufacturing ...

Analytical Chemist

Sunnyvale, CA ยท On-site

$20 - $25/hr

The role involves executing manufacturing protocols, performing polymer chemistry synthesis, supporting production processes, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to improve quality, safety ...

Chemist I

Compton, CA ยท On-site

The Chemist I is responsible for performing quality control analyses of wastewater, used motor oil ... into work processes. * Maintains a clean, safe work environment in the laboratory at all times.

Showing results 21-40

Process Chemist information

See California salary details

$40.5K

$83.7K

$129.3K

How much do process chemist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for process chemist in California is $83,672.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,200.00 and $103,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a process chemist?

Process chemists are specialized scientists who develop, scale up, and optimize chemical processes for manufacturing products, such as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and specialty chemicals. They work to ensure that these processes are efficient, cost-effective, and safe for large-scale production. Process chemists collaborate closely with chemical engineers and production teams to transition laboratory methods to industrial-scale operations, while also addressing environmental and regulatory requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a process chemist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Process Chemist, you need a solid background in chemistry or chemical engineering, typically with a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. Proficiency with laboratory instruments, process simulation software, and familiarity with safety and regulatory standards are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help distinguish successful candidates. These competencies ensure safe, efficient process development and scale-up, which are critical for producing high-quality chemical products.

What are some common challenges faced by process chemists when transferring a chemical process from the lab to full-scale manufacturing?

Process Chemists often encounter challenges when scaling up a reaction from the laboratory to production scale, such as maintaining product quality, ensuring safety, and optimizing yields. Variables like mixing, temperature control, and raw material variability can behave differently at larger volumes, requiring careful adjustment and troubleshooting. Close collaboration with chemical engineers, safety specialists, and production staff is essential to address these issues and ensure a smooth, efficient, and compliant manufacturing process.

What is the difference between Process Chemist vs Analytical Chemist?

AspectProcess ChemistAnalytical Chemist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry or Chemical EngineeringBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry or related field
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, production facilitiesLaboratories, research settings
Industry UsagePharmaceuticals, chemicals, manufacturingPharmaceuticals, environmental testing, quality control
Job FocusOptimizing production processes, scale-up, process improvementsAnalyzing samples, testing, method development

While both roles require a chemistry background, a Process Chemist focuses on manufacturing processes and scaling production, whereas an Analytical Chemist specializes in testing and analyzing samples to ensure quality and compliance. The roles often overlap in industries like pharmaceuticals and chemicals but differ in daily tasks and focus areas.

How much do process chemists make in the US?

Process chemists in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $90,000, with experienced professionals and those working in specialized industries earning higher. Salaries can vary based on education, experience, location, and the complexity of processes they manage.

What cities in California are hiring for Process Chemist jobs?

Cities in California with the most Process Chemist job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Process Chemist jobs in CA?

For Process Chemist jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Process Chemist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,672 per year, or $40.2 per hour.

Director, CMC Process Chemistry

Initial Therapeutics, Inc.

South San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

$206 - $254/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

IDEAYA's Non-Solicitation Policy strictly prohibits agencies and recruiters from any contact and communication with IDEAYA employees, managers, and leaders to submit unsolicited candidate resumes and/or to solicit business partnerships. Submission of unsolicited candidate resumes by agencies or recruiters with or without a contract in place with IDEAYA Biosciences Inc. will not create any implied obligation. Failure to comply with this policy will result in disqualification from current and future business opportunities with IDEAYA Biosciences. All recruiting and talent agency decisions are strictly managed by the internal IDEAYA Human Resources function. All communication by external agencies and recruiters must be directed to humanresources@ideayabio.com.

Location: South San Francisco, CA.

Job Summary

About IDEAYA Biosciences: IDEAYA is a precision medicine oncology company committed to the discovery, development, and commercialization of transformative therapies for cancer. Our approach integrates expertise in small-molecule drug discovery, structural biology and bioinformatics with robust internal capabilities in identifying and validating translational biomarkers to develop tailored, potentially first-in-class targeted therapies aligned to the genetic drivers of disease. We have built a deep pipeline of product candidates focused on synthetic lethality and antibody-drug conjugates, or ADCs, for molecularly defined solid tumor indications. Our mission is to bring forth the next wave of precision oncology therapies that are more selective, more effective, and deeply personalized with the goal of altering the course of disease and improving clinical outcomes for patients with cancer.

When you're at IDEAYA, you will be in the midst of brilliant minds working on precision medicine therapies to help cancer patients. We are passionate and committed about being on the forefront of oncology medicine, which means we all have a high internal drive that is at the very core of every person at IDEAYA. We are inquisitive, ask deep questions, and are data-driven innovators who like to collaborate and use team work to move science forward. For more information, please see www.ideayabio.com.

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Director, Process Chemistry to join our multidisciplinary team based in South San Francisco. This role requires the candidate to work collaboratively with the related cross-functional teams to support our drug discovery pipeline. The successful candidate will be responsible for but not limited to those responsibilities listed below.

This position is based in our South San Francisco headquarter offices and is required to be onsite four days per week per our company policy.

Reporting to: Senior Director, Head of Process Chemistry.

Job Description What youโ€™ll do:
  • Lead Process Chemistry efforts in facilitating drug substance (DS) development by managing multiple CDMOs across all stages of drug development (pre-clinical, Phase I โ€“ III, and commercial). This position will be responsible for traditional small molecule and ADC payload/linkers programs.
  • Author and review technical development reports, batch records, campaign reports, change controls, corrective and preventative actions, deviations, and investigations.
  • Author and review necessary technical sections in IND/IMPD/NDA supporting global CMC regulatory submissions and remain current on Health Authority guidance and expectations.
  • Represent DS/CMC and participate in cross functional project teams and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and enact quick problem solving to ensure on-time supply of DS to support PK/PD, efficacy, DRF and pilot toxicology studies, IND-enabling activities, and clinical trials across a portfolio of programs.
  • Collaborate closely in cross-functional teams including but not limited to Medicinal Chemistry, DMPK, Analytical Chemistry, Formulation, Toxicology, Quality, Project Management, CMC Regulatory, Development Sciences, and Clinical Pharmacology to achieve project goals.
  • Proactively communicate with and work closely with other functions to align DS and CMC strategies to achieve and maintain aggressive timelines to ensure goals are met.
  • Lead the evaluation, selection, and management of CDMOs to perform DS development, and GMP manufacture.
  • Oversee technology transfer activities at CDMOs to ensure successful manufacturing and provide technical expertise in troubleshooting and resolving issues as necessary.
Requirements:
  • Ph.D. in Chemistry with a minimum of 8 years or a M.Sc. with a minimum of 12 years of development experience and demonstrated ability in leading cross-functional groups. Late phase and commercial experience are a plus.
  • Track record of success in delivering timely execution of DS and CMC activities ranging from preclinical, IND-enabling and NDA material supplies and commercialization. Experience in the manufacture of ADC payload/linkers is desired.
  • Strong understanding of Quality systems including SOPs, manufacturing batch record review, batch release and disposition, Good Documentation Practices, cGMP data traceability, Deviations, and Change Management.
  • Established knowledge and application of current industry standards and regulatory authority guidance and expectations, including ICH, FDA, and EMA guidelines.
  • Experience managing global CDMOs, both dedicated FTE teams and FFS projects.
  • Exceptional problem-solving skills and ability to quickly adapt and shift focus as needed.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for internal and external collaborations.
  • Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced dynamic environment while demonstrating a calm and positive attitude and a superior work ethic.
  • Able to travel domestically and internationally to oversee DS development and manufacturing at CDMOs.

All employees are expected to act with integrity and in full compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and IDEAYA policies, including IDEAYAโ€™s Code of Conduct.

Employees must demonstrate good judgement and ethical behavior in all business activities, maintain patient and product safety as a top priority, and report any suspected violations of law or Company policy through appropriate channels.

Total Rewards

Along with our inspiring mission, and highly collaborative and inclusive environment, IDEAYA offers a competitive total rewards package that reflects our pay-for-performance philosophy where employees are eligible to be considered for merit-based salary increases, company discretionary short-term incentive plan participation, and company discretionary stock option awards (based on board approval).

Our comprehensive benefits package includes, but is not limited to, medical/dental/vision coverage (100% company paid for employees and 90% company paid for dependents), 401k, ESPP, and wellness programs.

  • medical/dental/vision coverage (100% company paid for employees and 90% company paid for dependents)
  • 401k
  • ESPP
  • wellness programs

The expected salary range for the roleof Director, CMC Process Chemistry is $206,000 - $254,000. The final salary offered to a successful candidate will depend on several factors that may include but are not limited to the office location where this open position is located, the final candidatesโ€™ experience within their profession, experience in the disease areas we are striving to make an impact in as a company, length of time within the industry, educational background, and performance during the interview process.

The Company complies with all laws respecting equal employment opportunities and does not discriminate against applicants with regard to any protected characteristic as defined by federal, state, and local law. This position requires you to work onsite in the office at the Companyโ€™s facilities for training & meetings, with work-from-home flexibility, and the Company requires that all employees working in its facilities be fully vaccinated (except as required by applicable law). Therefore, this position requires you to be fully vaccinated from COVID-19, subject to reasonable accommodations for medical or religious reasons, and/or as otherwise required by applicable law. The Company considers you fully vaccinated once 14 days have passed since you received either the second dose in a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine series or a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine must have been FDA approved, have emergency use authorization from the FDA, or, for persons fully vaccinated outside of the U.S., be listed for emergency use by the World Health Organization.

IDEAYA is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with applicable law, IDEAYA does not discriminate in hiring or otherwise in employment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. EOE/AA/Vets.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please get in touch with us at hr@ideayabio.com.

#J-18808-Ljbffr