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Process Development Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Semtech

Process Development Engineer

Alhambra, CA · On-site

$73K - $110K/yr

The Process Development Engineer - InP Wafer Fab position is responsible for development, optimization, and manufacturing support of deposition and etch process modules used in the fabrication of ...

Teledyne

Process Development Engineer

Mountain View, CA · Hybrid

$72K - $96K/yr

... development, oceanographic research, deepwater oil and gas exploration and production, medical ... Provide process engineering support for thin-film hybrid assembly and MIC processes * Support ...

Stryker

Process Development Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$102K - $171K/yr

Lead development of manufacturing processes at external suppliers for new product introduction ... Develop and coordinate manufacturing industrialization plans, including engineering builds ...

Dexcom

Process Development Engineer 1

San Diego, CA · On-site

Dexcom is hiring for a Process Development Engineer I to join our dynamic team in San Diego, CA. In this role within the Global Engineering organization, you will support the development and ...

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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 Aug 6, 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?

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 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
What are the most commonly searched types of Process Development Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Process Development Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Process Development Engineer jobs in California? For Process Development Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Process Development Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Process Development Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Process Development Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Process Development Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Process Development Engineer jobs in CA? For Process Development Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Process Development Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Process Development Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. 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.

Process Development Engineer

Semtech

Alhambra, CA • On-site

$73K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Location: Alhambra, CA (Onsite)
Position Summary: The Process Development Engineer - InP Wafer Fab position is responsible for development, optimization, and manufacturing support of deposition and etch process modules used in the fabrication of Indium Phosphide (InP)-based photonic devices, including DFB lasers, Semiconductor Optical Amplifiers (SOAs), and Gain Chip (GC) products. This role provides technical ownership of PECVD deposition processes and dry/wet etch technologies, serving as the primary process expert for dielectric films and plasma etch systems within the wafer fabrication facility. The position focuses on profile control, uniformity, yield improvement, manufacturing stability, and tool performance to enable robust and scalable production.
Responsibilities:
Deposition and Etch Process Development & Ownership (35%):
  • Develop, qualify, and maintain PECVD dielectric deposition processes for InP-based device structures

  • Develop and optimize dry etch (ICP-RIE/RIE) and wet etch processes for InP and related material systems

  • Own PECVD and ICP-RIE/RIE tools, including recipe control, chamber conditioning, and process stability

  • Define and maintain process windows, control limits, and equipment qualification requirements

Tool Ownership, Control, and Manufacturing Stability (25%) :
  • Coordinate preventive maintenance and tool performance monitoring

  • Drive process uniformity, film thickness control, etch profile control, and critical dimension (CD) performance

  • Monitor tool health and respond to excursions impacting yield or reliability

  • Support capacity scaling, equipment qualifications, and tool transfers

Failure Analysis and Root-Cause Resolution (20%):
  • Lead and coordinate failure analysis (FA) activities using structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 8D, Six Sigma)

  • Identify defect mechanisms and process-induced failure modes through cross-functional investigation

  • Leverage FA techniques such as optical inspection, SEM, FIB, SIMS, and electrical analysis (directly or via partners)

  • Ensure corrective and preventive actions are implemented and verified for effectiveness

Yield Improvement, Excursion Response, and Root-Cause Analysis (20%):
  • Lead defect reduction and yield improvement initiatives related to deposition and etch processes

  • Perform structured root-cause investigations using data analysis, DOE, and failure analysis inputs

  • Analyze inline and electrical test data to identify trends, drifts, and emerging risks

  • Implement corrective and preventive actions and verify long-term effectiveness

New Product Introduction and Technology Support (10%):
  • Support new product introduction (NPI), process transfers, and technology scaling efforts

  • Evaluate process risks associated with new materials, designs, and device structures

  • Interface with photo, metallization, device, and manufacturing teams to resolve integration issues

Documentation, Process Control, and Manufacturing Support (10%)
  • Author and maintain SOPs, process specifications, travelers, and control plans

  • Define and maintain SPC metrics and control strategies for deposition and etch processes

  • Provide hands-on manufacturing and on-call support as required

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field

  • Minimum of 3+ years of experience in semiconductor deposition and/or etch process engineering

  • Hands-on experience with PECVD systems and ICP-RIE/RIE etch tools

  • Strong hands-on understanding of InP-based or III-V compound semiconductor wafer fabrication processes

  • Strong understanding of plasma processes, etch chemistries, and thin-film properties

  • Demonstrated experience with profile control, uniformity improvement, and SPC

  • Strong data analysis and problem-solving skills

  • Ability to drive technical ownership in a manufacturing environment

  • Preferred experience with InP or III-V compound semiconductor devices

  • Familiarity with DFB lasers, SOAs, gain chips, or photonic device manufacturing preferred

  • Experience supporting high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environments preferred

The intent of this job description is to describe the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically included in this description.
All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
A reasonable estimate of the pay range for this position is $73,000 - $110,000. There are several factors taken into consideration in determining base salary, including but not limited to: job-related qualifications, skills, education and experience, as well as job location and the value of other elements of an employee's total compensation package.
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