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Process Development Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Apple

Module Process Development Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$181.10K - $318.40K/yr

Apple is looking for a highly motivated process development engineer to join Display Technologies Organization, Panel Process and Optics (PPO) Engineering team, to work on optical module process ...

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$44.9K

$100.3K

$150.5K

How much do process development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for process development engineer in California is $100,281.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,400.00 and $117,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Process Development Engineer?

A process development engineer designs and plans production systems to be cost-effective, safe, and meet quality requirements for their industry. These professionals often work as part of a quality assurance team or a production management department for industrial companies, such as manufacturing or mining businesses. As a process development engineer, your job duties include reviewing the company's current production processes and designing modifications to the current system or creating new systems to increase productivity. Once you have installed or implemented the system, you make sure to test and troubleshoot it to ensure they run properly.

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

To thrive as a Process Development Engineer, you need a solid foundation in engineering principles, process optimization, and problem-solving, typically supported by a degree in chemical, mechanical, or industrial engineering. Familiarity with process simulation software (such as Aspen Plus or MATLAB), Six Sigma methodologies, and relevant industry certifications is often required. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and teamwork skills help you excel in cross-functional projects and drive continuous improvement. These skills and qualities are crucial for designing efficient processes, ensuring product quality, and supporting organizational competitiveness.

What are some common challenges faced by Process Development Engineers when scaling up from laboratory to production environments?

One of the main challenges Process Development Engineers encounter is ensuring that processes which work efficiently at a laboratory scale can be reliably and safely replicated in full-scale manufacturing. Differences in equipment size, process dynamics, and raw material variability can lead to unforeseen issues such as inconsistent product quality or unexpected safety hazards. Effective communication and collaboration with both R&D and production teams are essential to troubleshoot problems and optimize process parameters. Engineers often need to adapt quickly, apply problem-solving skills, and implement robust validation protocols to ensure successful scale-up.

What does a Process Development Engineer do?

A Process Development Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness. They often work in industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, or electronics, collaborating with cross-functional teams to scale up processes from the lab to full production. Their role includes troubleshooting process issues, implementing new technologies, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. By constantly refining processes, they help companies maintain competitive advantages and meet production goals.

What is the difference between Process Development Engineer vs Manufacturing Engineer?

AspectProcess Development EngineerManufacturing Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning and optimizing manufacturing processes for new productsOverseeing and improving existing manufacturing processes
Work EnvironmentR&D labs, pilot plants, early-stage productionProduction floors, plant operations
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in engineering, experience in process designBachelor's or higher in engineering, experience in manufacturing
Industry UsagePharmaceuticals, electronics, chemicals, biotechAutomotive, consumer goods, electronics, industrial manufacturing

While both roles involve process optimization, Process Development Engineers focus on creating and refining new manufacturing processes, often in early development stages. Manufacturing Engineers typically work on maintaining and improving existing production processes to ensure efficiency and quality in ongoing operations.

More about Process Development Engineer jobs
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What cities in California are hiring for Process Development Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Process Development Engineer job openings:
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Process Development Engineer jobs near you
Principal Process Development Engineer

Principal Process Development Engineer

Bloom Energy

Fremont, CA

$155.80K - $224.20K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Bloom Energy rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 415 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Our team at Bloom Energy embraces the unprecedented opportunity to change the way companies utilize energy. Our technology empowers businesses and communities to responsibly take charge of their energy. Our energy platform has three key value propositions: resiliency, sustainability, and predictability. We provide infrastructure that is flexible for the evolving net zero ecosystem. We have deployed more than 30,000 fuel cell modules since our first commercial shipments in 2009, sending energy platforms to data centers, hospitals, manufacturing facilities, biotechnology facilities, major retail stores, financial institutions, telecom facilities, utilities, and other critical infrastructure customers around the world.

Our mission is to make clean, reliable energy affordable globally. We never stop striving to improve our technology, to expand and improve our company performance, and to develop and support the many talented employees that serve our mission!

We are looking for a Principal Process Development Engineer to join our team in one of today's most exciting technologies. This role will report to the Director, Advanced Manufacturing and will be based in Fremont, CA. This is a fully on-site, in office role.

We are seeking a highly skilled Equipment Process Engineer to contribute to the design, development, and delivery of proprietary equipment critical to our company's success. This role requires a proven track record in equipment and process development, and integration within R&D and manufacturing environments.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead the new process development, test, and launch of proprietary equipment.
  • Collaborate with process and design teams to define process specifications.
  • Lead overall process design to streamline new equipment development and capacity expansion.
  • Oversee equipment build and test processes.
  • Ensure process capability throughout development and implementation.
  • Collaborate with remote engineering teams and suppliers.

Qualifications

  • BSc or advanced degree in applied science or related or related engineering field.
  • 10+ years of experience in equipment and process development, and integration for R&D and manufacturing.
  • Proven experience in leading equipment development projects.
  • Experience with equipment suppliers management and process stabilization.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Ability to travel up to 5-10%.
  • Experience in high-volume thin ceramics, solar, and battery manufacturing is a plus

For more information visit: www.bloomenergy.com and view a video on What Powers Us!

Bloom Energy is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. We are committed to compliance with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities. All qualified applicants, will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability. Bloom Energy makes reasonable accommodations, consistent with applicable laws, for the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified applicant or employee with a disability, who can perform the essential job functions, unless undue hardship would result.

Bloom Energy is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The total compensation for this position includes standard company benefits and is based on various factors including, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience.

Salary Ranges:$155,800.00 - $224,200.00

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