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

Electra

Staff Process Development Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

The Staff Process Development Engineer will provide technical leadership for the development, design, and scale-up of chemical and hydrometallurgical processes across a range of scales, from bench ...

Cascade Bio

Process Development Scientist

Denver, CO · On-site

Process Development Scientist Location: Denver, CO (on-site) Type: Full-time Cascade Biocatalysts ... Interface with protein engineering efforts, translating process bottlenecks into enzyme engineering ...

Cascade Bio

Process Development Scientist

Denver, CO

$110K - $150K/yr

Process Development Scientist Location: Denver, CO (on-site) Type: Full-time Cascade Biocatalysts ... Interface with protein engineering efforts, translating process bottlenecks into enzyme engineering ...

STAQ Pharma Inc

Process Engineer III

Denver, CO · On-site

The Process Engineer III serves as a senior technical resource within Manufacturing Science ... Lead complex process development, optimization, scale-up, technology transfer, new product ...

TriMas Corporation

Process Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$100K - $107K/yr

Engineering Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled Main Duties ... In this role, you'll lead process development for new and existing products using scientific ...

TriMas Corporation

Process Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

In this role, you'll lead process development for new and existing products using scientific ... You'll work alongside engineering, production, quality, tooling, and customers to develop robust ...

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All JobsProcess Development Engineer JobsProcess Development Engineer Jobs in Denver, CO

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 Sep 2, 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 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?

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 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.

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Process Development Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Process Development Engineer job openings in Denver, CO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,587 per year, or $50.3 per hour.

Staff Process Development Engineer

Electra

Boulder, CO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Who we are:  

Electra is reinventing ironmaking from the ground up with a breakthrough electrochemical technology that produces high purity clean iron and critical co-minerals. With two operating pilots in Boulder and a new demonstration facility underway in Jefferson County, we're on track to reach commercial scale by the end of the decade. Backed by over $300 million and strategic partnerships with global leaders across mining, steel, and big tech, momentum is on our side.  Recognized by Fast Company as a Most Innovative Company and a Next Big Thing in Tech, and named one of TIME's 100 Climate Leaders, we're building a company shaping the future of industry. If you're looking to make an impact and join a team that's driven, focused, and scaling, we want to hear from you.

What you will do:  

The Staff Process Development Engineer will provide technical leadership for the development, design, and scale-up of chemical and hydrometallurgical processes across a range of scales, from bench-scale proof-of-concept through Electra's pilot and demonstration facilities. This role will serve as a senior technical resource within process engineering, driving complex development efforts, shaping technical approaches, and partnering across engineering teams to support sound technical decisions as Electra advances toward commercial-scale operations.

Responsibilities include:

  • Provide technical leadership for complex process development and scale-up projects from laboratory through pilot and demonstration scale 
  • Design and guide development of chemical process systems, including mass and energy balances, P&IDs, equipment specifications, fabrication, and commissioning 
  • Develop technical approaches for process development and scale-up using engineering principles, modeling, and experimental data 
  • Lead process safety activities, including HAZOPs, FMEAs, and other hazard reviews 
  • Partner across mechanical, electrical, controls, and other engineering disciplines to define requirements and support technical decisions 
  • Analyze complex experimental and process data and translate findings into recommendations that guide engineering and business decisions 
  • Lead commissioning, troubleshooting, and optimization of equipment and process systems to improve safety, reliability, and performance 
  • Advance process development and engineering practices through documentation, practical standards, and knowledge sharing 
  • Serve as a trusted technical resource and mentor, providing guidance on complex process engineering challenges 
  • Maintain a safe working environment and lead safety assessments for new equipment, processes, and operations 
  • Read, understand, and comply with all workplace health and safety policies, safe work practices, and company policies and procedures 
  • Perform other duties as assigned 

What we need you to bring to the team:   

  • Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, mining/metallurgical engineering, chemistry, or a related field 
  • 12+ years of relevant industry experience; OR 8+ years with a Master's degree; OR 5+ years with a PhD; or equivalent experience (excludes internships, co-ops and other school projects) 
  • Deep experience in process design, including mass and energy balances, reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, separations, and fluid flow  
  • Demonstrated ability to provide technical leadership on complex process engineering projects and serve as a trusted subject-matter resource  
  • Proven ability to influence technical decisions and collaborate effectively across engineering disciplines and functions without relying on formal authority  
  • Demonstrated success implementing safety measures for gas- and liquid-processing systems and leading process safety reviews  
  • Expert proficiency with process simulation software and the ability to use models to inform experimental design, predict outcomes, and guide process development and scale-up  
  • Strong ability to analyze complex experimental data, recognize meaningful patterns, develop technical recommendations, and communicate results clearly to both technical and non-technical teams  
  • Solid experience in analytical chemistry and applying it to troubleshoot complex experimental issues, evaluate alternatives, and determine appropriate technical approaches  
  • Strong understanding of fluid power systems, including pumps, valves, and heat-exchange equipment, and how they integrate into larger mechanical and process systems  
  • Hands-on experience using power tools and basic fabrication methods to build or modify custom equipment supporting testing, development, and process improvement  
  • Experience coordinating with external vendors, providing technical guidance, tracking progress, and ensuring contracted work meets quality, schedule, and project objectives  
  • Demonstrated ability to improve engineering practices, share knowledge, and contribute to the technical development of others  
  • Proficient in, or able to quickly pick up, Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneDrive, and SharePoint to create clear documentation and support project needs 

Compensation:   

  • The anticipated starting pay range for this position is $135,000-$185,000.Compensation will vary based on experience and qualifications, with offers determined by skills, experience, and overall alignment with the role. The top of the salary range is usually reserved for candidates with highly specialized expertise and extensive relevant experience.

At Electra, We Invest in Your Future 

At Electra, we invest in the well-being, financial security, and long-term success of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support you and your family-both at work and at home. 

We are proud to offer: 

  • 100% Employer-Paid Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance - Full premium coverage for full-time employees, spouses/domestic partners, and dependents at no cost to you  
  • Equity - Share in Electra's success through company equity  
  • 401(k) with 5% Employer Match - Immediately 100% vested, so every employer contribution is yours once you're eligible  
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) - Employer contributions of $1,800 for individuals and $3,600 for families  
  • Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays - Time to rest, recharge, and focus on what matters most  
  • 12 Weeks of 100% Paid Parental Leave - Supporting your family during life's biggest moments  
  • 100% Employer-Paid Life Insurance & AD&D - Coverage equal to 2x your annual salary  
  • 100% Employer-Paid Disability Insurance - Income protection when you need it most  
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) - Pre-tax savings for eligible healthcare and dependent care expenses  
  • Supplemental Accident & Critical Illness Insurance - Additional financial protection for unexpected events  
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) - Confidential mental health, financial, and wellness resources available to you and your family 

If you need an accommodation during the application or interview process, reach out to us at careers@electra.earth We're here to help.

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