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Process Development Engineer Jobs in Rhode Island

Manufacturing Engineer

Cranston, RI · On-site

$71K - $91K/yr

Experience with manufacturing process development, documentation, and continuous improvement methodologies. * Proficiency with programming, and automation. * Ability to read and interpret engineering ...

Partner with Business Development, Engineering, and Operations teams to develop innovative ... Support manufacturing sites with complex automation challenges, process improvements, and equipment ...

Partner with Business Development, Engineering, and Operations teams to develop innovative ... Support manufacturing sites with complex automation challenges, process improvements, and equipment ...

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Showing results 1-20

Process Development Engineer information

See Rhode Island salary details

$44.6K

$99.5K

$149.3K

How much do process development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for process development engineer in Rhode Island is $99,509.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,800.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding managerial or executive positions, or possessing rare expertise and certifications.

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 designs, tests, and optimizes manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness. They analyze production methods, develop new procedures, and often use tools like statistical analysis and process simulation to ensure scalable and reliable operations.

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.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

While most process development engineers earn between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, some senior or specialized engineers in high-demand industries or with extensive experience can earn over $200,000. Earning $500,000 typically requires executive-level roles, such as director or VP of engineering, or highly specialized positions with significant responsibilities and bonuses.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as software engineering, petroleum engineering, and aerospace engineering often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and in high-demand industries. Certain specialized roles, managerial positions, or engineers with advanced certifications and leadership responsibilities can also reach or exceed this salary level.
What are popular job titles related to Process Development Engineer jobs in Rhode Island? For Process Development Engineer jobs in Rhode Island, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Process Development Engineer jobs in Rhode Island look for? The top searched job categories for Process Development Engineer jobs in Rhode Island are:
What are popular job titles related to Process Development Engineer jobs in RI? For Process Development Engineer jobs in RI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Process Development Engineer job openings in Rhode Island as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $99,509 per year, or $47.8 per hour.
Water Treatment Process Engineer

Water Treatment Process Engineer

Apex Companies

Providence, RI • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Our Northeast Division is a well-respected and award-winning group where career development, training, and mentoring co-exist with diverse civil, environmental, water resources, and traffic/transportation projects in a fast-paced and rewarding work environment. 

We are hiring a detail-oriented Drinking Water Treatment Process Engineer to support our water projects in the Northeast. This position can be based in any of our Massachusetts or Rhode Island offices and can work a hybrid schedule. The selected candidate will provide design and engineering support for a variety of water supply and treatment projects, including new groundwater and surface water treatment plants, pump/booster stations, and upgrades to existing facilities.  Our Process Engineers become involved in every part of the process from initial project conceptualization and planning to facility startups and optimization.  

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Prepare technical memoranda, reports, calculations, correspondences, designs, drawings, specifications, permit applications, quantity takeoffs, and cost estimates on less complex projects or discrete tasks on more complex projects under the direct supervision of senior staff. 
  • Assist the Project Manager and other senior staff in complying with assigned project schedules and budgets on less complex projects or discrete tasks on more complex projects by actively reporting on project progress and by identifying additional work outside the contractual Scope of Work. 
  • Work with subconsultants under the direction of the Senior Project Engineer or Project Manager. 
  • May serve as Lead Designer on less complex projects or discrete tasks on more complex projects to produce a complete and coordinated project by meeting and effectively communicating with the project team. 
  • Review calculations, design assumptions, and concepts within discipline to assure quality control. 
  • Provide technical input into proposals on less complex projects, or discrete tasks on more complex projects by developing scope of work, budgets, and schedules by relying on historical information or experience. 
  • Assist in the preparation of technical presentations as well as participate in client meetings and/or technical presentations. 
  • Work effectively and efficiently within established hourly budgets and monitor self-performance. 
  • Develop expertise in pertinent local, state, and federal regulations. 
  • Develop and maintain positive relationships with clients on technical issues by effectively communicating on a frequent and regular basis as directed by the Project Manager. 
  • Lead fieldwork such as reviewing existing facility conditions, conducting laboratory/sampling work, evaluating performance of existing infrastructure, and observing construction and startup activities. 
  • Assist with construction administration by tracking and reviewing submittals, preparing meeting agendas and minutes, reviewing, and compiling daily and weekly construction reports, and tracking construction schedules. Provide updates to a Senior Project Engineer and/or Project Manager. 
  • Develop and maintain positive working relationships with staff and provide on-the-job training and mentoring for entry-level engineers and interns. 
  • Demonstrate advanced skill and proficiency in MS Office, AutoCAD, ArcGIS, and other associated computer-based technical software specific to the discipline.  
  • Develop increasingly effective writing and presentation skills and present data that supports technical decisions and the rationale for making them.

What We're Looking For:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering or a related engineering discipline
  • 3+ years of water treatment design experience 
  • Engineer-in-Training (EIT), PE License or actively pursuing PE registration in a State(s) where Apex does work or ability to obtain same by reciprocity 
  • Valid US Driver's license and clean driving record
  • Ability to effectively communicate/interact within project teams and with clients
  • Ability to direct activities of less experienced staff
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills 
  • CAD proficiency and experience in technical report writing is ideal
  • Experience with 3D drafting/BIM products, such as Plant 3D, Revit, or Navisworks is a plus 
  •  Prior experience working in engineering consulting is strongly preferred 

#LI-JS1

Why you'll love working for us:

  • Company-subsidized medical and dental.
  • Company-paid life, short, and long-term disability.
  • 401k match, tuition assistance, and more.
  • Cross-training and the ability to work on a variety of projects.
  • Performance-based bonuses or other incentives.
  • Working with the best and brightest in the industry.
  • 2,000+ employee national firm with 70+ locations across the US.
Apex Job Title: Engineer 3

Req ID: 11134