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Process Development Engineer Jobs in Denver, CO (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary The Senior Process Development Engineer is responsible for leading the development, optimization, and scale-up of manufacturing processes for a wide range of products. Drive process ...

The Senior Process Development Engineer on the process engineering team will contribute to the design and testing of chemical and hydrometallurgical processes across a variety of scales, from bench ...

The Senior Process Development Engineer on the process engineering team will contribute to the design and testing of chemical and hydrometallurgical processes across a variety of scales, from bench ...

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Process Development Engineer information

See Denver, CO salary details

$46.8K

$104.6K

$157K

How much do process development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for process development engineer in Denver, CO is $104,587.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,900.00 and $122,500.00 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 Denver, CO? For Process Development Engineer jobs in Denver, CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Process Development Engineer jobs in Denver, CO look for? The top searched job categories for Process Development Engineer jobs in Denver, CO are:
What cities near Denver, CO are hiring for Process Development Engineer jobs? Cities near Denver, CO with the most Process Development Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Process Development Engineer job openings in Denver, CO as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,587 per year, or $50.3 per hour.
Senior Process Development Engineer

Senior Process Development Engineer

Mesa Labs

Lakewood, CO • On-site

$88K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Are you looking for an opportunity to make a difference? At Mesa Labs we’re passionate about protecting the vulnerable by enabling scientific breakthroughs, ensuring product integrity, increasing patient and worker safety, and improving quality of life around the world.

At Mesa Labs we offer competitive wages, including potential bonus opportunities, equity awards, commission, and a comprehensive benefits package based on the position.

Base Compensation Range: $88,500 - $110,500
*In addition, you qualify for:

  • Annual bonus opportunity of 12% based on company performance
  • Annual equity award of $10,000

Outstanding Benefits and Perks
We are proud to offer a variety of benefits that meet the diverse needs of our employees:

  • Eligible for benefits the first day of the month after you start
  • Tiered Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance options, Health savings (HSA), healthcare & dependent care flexible spending (FSA) accounts
  • Company paid short term and long-term disability (unless covered by a state disability plan)
  • Company paid life insurance and AD&D
  • Flexible Time Off Policy
  • Paid sick leave of 48 hours per calendar year
  • Eligible employees may receive four (4) weeks paid Care Giver leave after 1 year of service or in accordance with state leave laws
  • 401(k) plan that provides a 4% Safe Harbor company match on a 4% employee contribution that begins on Day 1
  • Employee Wellness and Financial Assistance Resources through Cigna and NY Life
  • Nine (9) paid company holidays per year

Our Calibration Solutions portfolio uses the principles of advanced metrology to enable customers to measure and calibrate critical parameters in applications such as Environmental and Process Monitoring, Dialysis, Gas Flow, Air Quality, and Torque Testing.

Job Summary

The Senior Process Development Engineer is responsible for leading the development, optimization, and scale-up of manufacturing processes for a wide range of products. Drive process improvement initiatives, troubleshoot complex issues, and mentor junior engineers while collaborating with cross-functional teams. Leads projects to enhance production efficiency, improve product quality, and reduce costs, while ensuring that processes comply with regulatory standards and industry best practices. The Senior Process Development Engineer will also be involved in strategic decision-making related to process innovation and technology advancement.

Duties/Responsibilities

  • Process Design and Development:
    • Lead the design, optimization, and scaling of manufacturing processes, from initial concept through full-scale production.
    • Develop and refine process flow diagrams (PFDs), process and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and equipment specifications.
    • Work with R&D and product development teams to translate product specifications and requirements into robust, scalable manufacturing processes.
    • Spearhead the integration of new technologies, equipment, and automation solutions into existing manufacturing processes.
  • Process Optimization and Continuous Improvement:
    • Lead process improvement projects focused on enhancing yield, throughput, cycle time, and resource utilization.
    • Use advanced statistical tools and methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma, DOE, FMEA, SPC) to identify inefficiencies, optimize process parameters, and solve complex manufacturing problems.
    • Apply Lean Manufacturing principles to streamline processes, reduce waste, and improve cost-efficiency.
    • Manage process benchmarking, performance tracking, and post-project evaluation to measure the impact of process improvements.
  • Troubleshooting and Technical Leadership:
    • Lead the troubleshooting and resolution of complex process-related issues during production and testing.
    • Provide expert technical support to operations teams, guiding them through complex process challenges and ensuring timely resolution.
    • Drive root cause analysis for non-conformances, process deviations, and product quality issues, implementing corrective actions and preventive measures.
    • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (quality, production, supply chain, etc.) to identify and resolve process bottlenecks or inefficiencies that impact production schedules.
  • Project Leadership and Cross-Functional Collaboration:
    • Manage and lead cross-functional project teams to implement new manufacturing processes, product transitions, and process improvements.
    • Act as the technical leader in the development and execution of process development projects, ensuring alignment with business objectives and timelines.
    • Work closely with the production, quality, regulatory, and engineering teams to ensure that process designs meet safety, quality, compliance, and cost objectives.
    • Develop and maintain strong relationships with external vendors, suppliers, and technology partners to support process development and procurement.
  • Scale-Up and Manufacturing Transition:
    • Oversee the scale-up of new processes from laboratory or pilot-scale to full-scale manufacturing, ensuring process robustness and scalability.
    • Coordinate process validation activities to ensure compliance with industry regulations (e.g., GMP, FDA, ISO) during process transfers.
    • Lead technology transfer and process optimization initiatives to ensure smooth transitions from R&D to production while meeting cost, performance, and quality targets.
  • Mentorship and Team Development:
    • Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers, supporting their professional development and growth within the organization.
    • Lead training sessions for the engineering and production teams on new process technologies, methodologies, and best practices.
    • Foster a culture of innovation, continuous learning, and collaboration within the process development team.
  • Documentation and Reporting:
    • Prepare detailed technical reports, project plans, and presentations for senior management, summarizing project progress, challenges, and results.
    • Ensure all process documentation is maintained in accordance with company standards, regulatory requirements, and quality systems (e.g., ISO, GMP).
    • Lead the creation of process-related documentation for audits, regulatory submissions, and technical reviews.
  • Strategic Input and Process Innovation:
    • Contribute to the strategic direction of the process development function, identifying new opportunities for process innovation, cost savings, and technology advancement.
    • Drive the adoption of new process technologies, tools, and automation techniques to support the company’s long-term manufacturing goals.
    • Evaluate emerging industry trends and technological advancements, recommending their integration into the company’s manufacturing processes

Experience/Education

  • Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in process development, manufacturing engineering, or a related field, with a demonstrated ability to lead process improvement initiatives and projects.

Knowledge and Skillsets Required

  • Advanced knowledge of process engineering principles (e.g., thermodynamics, material science, fluid dynamics, heat transfer).
  • Expertise in process optimization tools and techniques, including Six Sigma, Design of Experiments (DOE), Statistical Process Control (SPC), and Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA).
  • Familiarity with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, COMSOL) and data analysis tools (e.g., Minitab, MATLAB) is a plus.
  • Strong understanding of regulatory requirements (e.g., GMP, FDA, ISO) and experience ensuring compliance in process development and manufacturing.
  • Strong leadership skills with a proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex projects.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex technical concepts to senior management and external stakeholders.
  • Ability to influence decision-making and drive results through technical expertise and collaboration.

Physical Demands:

  • Sitting: Often for extended periods at desks or meetings.
  • Standing or walking: Occasionally for meetings or office tasks.
  • Using computers: Typing and using office equipment.
  • Lifting: Light, less than 10 pounds.
  • Repetitive motions

Environmental Conditions:

  • Workspace: Climate control (air conditioning or heating) to ensure comfort.
  • Lighting: Adjustable lighting to reduce eye strain.
  • Noise Levels: The noise level is moderate, with occasional interruptions from phone calls and conversations.

Mesa Labs is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Mesa Labs prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment against applicants or employees based on age, race, sex, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, disability, military status, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law.  Please note that Mesa Labs conducts criminal background checks upon offer acceptance.