1

Process Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking to talk to experienced professionals who have a passion for process design, PFD/P&ID development, and multi-discipline project execution. Positions will require the ability to support ...

We are seeking to talk to experienced professionals who have a passion for process design, PFD/P&ID development, and multi-discipline project execution. Positions will require the ability to support ...

PROCESS ENGINEER Position Summary and Objective Design and implementation of process equipment strategies, coordinating process activities with other discipline engineers within the company. Need to ...

PROCESS ENGINEER Position Summary and Objective Design and implementation of process equipment strategies, coordinating process activities with other discipline engineers within the company. Need to ...

Process Excellence Manager

Sunnyvale, CA ยท On-site +1

$171K - $229K/yr

Process Mapping & Design Lead end-to-end analysis and documentation of core Fleet Ops workflows. Define AS-IS processes, identify gaps, and establish TO-BE standards using BPMN or equivalent notation.

This role will be responsible for the process design of surface infrastructure inclusive of all air, water, fuel and reagent utilities services, and overview of mining bulk handling and process plant ...

New

Ensure project design aligns with the project's business objectives. * Lead the Commissioning, Qualification, and Validation (CQV) process within asset / capital investment projects to ensure ...

JOB SUMMARY The mid-level process engineer position will learn to master the fundamentals of process design and develop a thorough understanding of how a project is developed. The position will ...

Process design verification and optimization * Whatif and scenario analysis * Operator training simulators (OTS) * Control System Checkout * Digital Twins * Performance analysis and troubleshooting ...

Process Engineer

Poway, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $127K/yr

Design, develop, and improve manufacturing processes for new and existing products. * Analyze production performance, cycle times, yield, and throughput; recommend process and layout improvements.

Process Engineer

Poway, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $127K/yr

Design, develop, and improve manufacturing processes for new and existing products. * Analyze production performance, cycle times, yield, and throughput; recommend process and layout improvements.

next page

Showing results 1-20

Process Design information

See California salary details

$59.7K

$95.8K

$125.3K

How much do process design jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for process design in California is $95,789.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,400.00 and $108,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is process design?

Process design is the planning and structuring of the steps, workflows, and resources needed to transform inputs into finished products or services in the most efficient way possible. It involves analyzing existing processes, identifying areas for improvement, and creating detailed plans for new or optimized processes. Process designers work to ensure that operations are cost-effective, safe, and meet quality standards. This role is crucial in industries like manufacturing, engineering, and service delivery, where efficient processes can significantly impact productivity and profitability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Process Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Process Design Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical or mechanical engineering, strong analytical skills, and experience in process optimization. Familiarity with process simulation software (such as Aspen HYSYS or AutoCAD) and industry certifications like Six Sigma are commonly required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure efficient, safe, and cost-effective process designs that meet organizational and regulatory standards.

What is the difference between Process Design vs Process Improvement?

AspectProcess DesignProcess Improvement
FocusCreating or developing new processes from scratch or redesigning existing onesOptimizing and enhancing existing processes for better efficiency
SkillsProcess mapping, workflow analysis, creativity, project managementData analysis, problem-solving, Lean/Six Sigma methodologies
Work EnvironmentProject-based, often in the planning or development phaseOperational, ongoing efforts within existing workflows
CertificationsProcess mapping, project management certificationsLean, Six Sigma, Kaizen certifications

While Process Design focuses on creating and structuring new processes, Process Improvement aims to refine and enhance current workflows. Both roles are essential for operational excellence but differ in scope and approach.

What are the most common challenges faced by professionals in Process Design roles, and how can they be addressed?

One of the most common challenges in Process Design roles is balancing efficiency improvements with operational feasibility and compliance requirements. Professionals often need to collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, such as operations, quality assurance, and engineering, to ensure that proposed process changes are practical and align with industry standards. Additionally, adapting to rapidly evolving technologies and integrating new tools can present hurdles. Staying proactive through continuous learning, clear communication, and iterative feedback greatly helps in overcoming these challenges and achieving successful process improvements.
Infographic showing various Process Design job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,789 per year, or $46.1 per hour.

Senior Process Mechanical Engineer

Consolidated Water Group,

Fountain Valley, CA โ€ข On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description


Senior Process Mechanical Engineer โ€“ Wastewater Treatment

Location: Fountain Valley, CA (on-site)
Travel: Up to 20โ€“25%

Overview

The Senior Process Mechanical Engineer leads process design for wastewater treatment and advanced water reclamation systems from concept through detailed engineering. This role translates process simulations into practical, constructible designs, including hydraulic profiles, process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), equipment selection, and facility layouts.

This position requires expertise in biological treatment systems and advanced membrane technologies and plays a key role in delivering high-performance, sustainable water infrastructure solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Process Engineering & Design

  • Lead process design from conceptual phase through Issued for Construction (IFC).

  • Perform process simulations using tools such as BioWin or equivalent.

  • Design biological treatment systems including MBR, MBBR, SBR, IFAS, MLE, Bardenpho, and oxidation ditch processes.

  • Develop hydraulic profiles, PFDs, and P&IDs.

  • Conduct process calculations, mass balances, and system performance evaluations.

Advanced Treatment Systems

  • Design and integrate advanced treatment technologies including MF/UF, NF, RO, and AOP.

  • Develop treatment trains for water reuse and advanced reclamation.

  • Perform membrane sizing, recovery analysis, and fouling evaluations.

Equipment & Facility Design

  • Lead equipment sizing and selection (pumps, blowers, reactors, membrane systems, chemical dosing systems).

  • Develop and review plant layouts and general arrangement drawings.

  • Ensure efficient process flow, constructability, and maintainability.

Project Delivery

  • Manage deliverables through all phases (Conceptual, 30%, 60%, 90%, IFC).

  • Ensure designs meet schedule, budget, and quality requirements.

  • Lead design reviews and support commissioning and startup activities.

Multidisciplinary Coordination

  • Coordinate with mechanical, civil, structural, electrical, instrumentation, and CAD teams.

  • Provide input on controls, automation, and system integration.

  • Resolve design conflicts and ensure coordinated deliverables.

Technical Leadership

  • Mentor junior engineers and review technical work products.

  • Contribute to engineering standards and best practices.

  • Serve as a subject matter expert in wastewater treatment and water reuse systems.

Business Development Support

  • Support technical proposals, design narratives, and preliminary cost inputs.

  • Participate in client meetings and technical presentations.

  • Assist in evaluating project feasibility and technical risks.

Qualifications

Required Experience

  • 10โ€“15 years of experience in wastewater treatment and water reclamation design.

  • Experience with process modeling and simulation (BioWin preferred).

  • Extensive experience in biological treatment systems (ASP/BNR, MBR, MBBR, SBR, IFAS, MLE, Bardenpho) and advanced treatment technologies (MF/UF, NF, RO, AOP).

  • Proven ability to deliver projects from concept through IFC.

  • Strong knowledge of applicable standards (AWWA, ASME, ANSI, WEF).

  • Experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams.

Education & Certifications

  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in Chemical, Environmental, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering (or related field).

  • Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred (California strongly preferred).

  • Additional training in process modeling software is a plus.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements
  • Combination of office and field work environments.

  • Ability to travel up to 20โ€“25% for site visits and client meetings.

  • Ability to occasionally lift up to 30 lbs.

  • Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required in field environments.