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Process Development Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Apple

Module Process Development Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$181K - $318K/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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Process Development Engineer information

See California salary details

$44.9K

$100.3K

$150.5K

How much do process development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 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 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 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 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
Infographic showing various Process Development Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,281 per year, or $48.2 per hour.

Assembly Process Development Engineer

MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings

Morgan Hill, CA

Other

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Assembly Process Development Engineer 

Job Description: 

Looking for a self-motivated and experienced individual to join photodetector and receiver product and process development team.  This individual will develop, qualify and maintain assembly processes for semiconductor optical components and fiber coupled packaged products.

Roles and Responsibilities: 

  • Develop assembly process for photodetector die.  Examples include die attach, eutectic solder die bonding and wire bonding.
  • Develop assembly processes for fiber coupled modules which contain electronic ICs, optical semiconductor components (photodiodes, lasers), and passive components.
  • Perform failure analysis to determine root cause for failures.
  • Characterize and optimize through the use of DOEs and SPC processes that meet performance, reliability and Cpk requirements.
  • Qualification of processes and designs to GR-468 and similar applicable standards.
  • Identify, specify and prove-in process equipment and tool sets required for component and package assembly operations.
  • Document processes.
  • Ensure that processes developed maintain acceptable performance, yields and costs.
  • Assist customers who are designing in MACOM photodetector components.
  • Identify technology and process opportunities that would be improvements over currently used processes.
  • Note : this is a non-exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities.  Other tasks will be assigned during the course of your employment.

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