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

USA Rare Earth, LLC

R&D Engineer

Wheat Ridge, CO · On-site

$105K - $120K/yr

We have also developed the United States' first rare earth and critical minerals processing ... The R&D Engineer supports the development and scale-up of rare earth processing technologies ...

Lunar Outpost

Business Development Engineer

Arvada, CO · On-site

Evaluate and recommend improvements to business development processes and related areas to make future success more likely * Perform end-to-end engineering work for small research and development ...

Agilent

Process Engineer

Frederick, CO · On-site

$67K - $105K/yr

Responsible for engineering, operations, and maintenance requirements for large scale process ... Lead for development of new processes and unit operations. Responsible for process modeling and ...

Agilent

Process Engineer

Frederick, CO · On-site

$67K - $105K/yr

Responsible for engineering, operations, and maintenance requirements for large scale process ... Lead for development of new processes and unit operations. Responsible for process modeling and ...

Maxar

Software Development Engineer

Westminster, CO · On-site +1

$82K - $109K/yr

Vantor is seeking a Software Development Engineer to join our Accuracy & Quality team. We are ... The ideal candidate is eager to learn and develop technologies related to image processing, remote ...

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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 Jul 17, 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.
More about Process Development Engineer jobs
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:
Process Development Engineer jobs near you
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.
Principal Manufacturing Process Engineer

Principal Manufacturing Process Engineer

Formfactor

Boulder, CO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

FormFactor rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Forming Our Future together

FormFactor, Inc. (NASDAQ: FORM), is a leading provider of essential test and measurement technologies along the full semiconductor product life cycle - from characterization, modeling, reliability, and design de-bug, to qualification and production test. Semiconductor companies rely upon FormFactor's products and services to accelerate profitability by optimizing device performance and advancing yield knowledge. The company serves customers through its network of facilities in Asia, Europe, and North America.

Rooted in our core values - Focus on the Customer, Ownership & Accountability, Respectfully & Effectively Communicate, and Motivate & Develop People - we foster an environment where diverse perspectives are not only welcomed but celebrated. Everyone can make an impact here. Whether it's improving products, supporting customers, or positively influencing peers and the community, the contributions of our people matter.

Shift:

The regular hours for this position are day shift.

Job Description:

We are seeking a Principal Manufacturing Process Engineer to join our Boulder Operations team supporting the manufacturing of our Quantum Cryogenic product portfolio. This role independently owns complex manufacturing process development, design transfer, and technical risk reduction across cryogenic and semiconductor test product lines.

Drawing on deep process engineering expertise, this position converts R&D and prototype knowledge into controlled, scalable manufacturing processes. The role provides technical guidance to junior engineers and leads cross-functional problem solving that directly impacts production quality, repeatability, and schedule. This engineer serves as a recognized technical authority within Manufacturing Engineering and contributes to advancing overall manufacturing readiness and process maturity.

Key Responsibilities:

Process Development & Design Transfer

  • Lead complex process development and design transfer activities, converting R&D and prototype builds into validated, production-ready manufacturing processes.

  • Define and execute process validation plans, readiness gate deliverables, and SOP development.

  • Establish manufacturing methods for technically complex assemblies where processes are not yet fully defined.

Process Ownership & Execution

  • Own assigned manufacturing process areas with minimal oversight, including process definition, tooling/fixture requirements, documentation, and validation.

  • Ensure processes are controlled, repeatable, and scalable across product lines.

Problem Solving & Root Cause Analysis

  • Independently solve manufacturing challenges of diverse scope and moderate-to-high complexity.

  • Lead structured root cause investigations using methodologies such as 8D, 5 Whys, and Fishbone/Ishikawa diagrams.

  • Drive corrective and preventive actions for recurring or complex process issues.

Data Analysis & Continuous Improvement

  • Analyze manufacturing, quality, and yield data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.

  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean/6S/PDCA methodologies.

  • Establish and track KPIs; deliver measurable improvements in First-pass yield, Defect reduction, Cycle time, and Rework rates.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & DFM

  • Conduct Design for Manufacturability (DFM) reviews with Product Engineering.

  • Provide structured feedback on process risk, assembly complexity, and production feasibility.

  • Represent Manufacturing Engineering in design reviews and technical forums.

Risk Identification & Mitigation

  • Identify and communicate manufacturing risks impacting quality, repeatability, or schedule.

  • Partner cross-functionally to proactively develop and implement mitigation strategies.

Documentation & Standards

  • Develop and maintain comprehensive manufacturing documentation, including Process flow maps, Work instructions and travelers, and Process qualification records.

  • Establish and standardize best practices across product lines.

Leadership & Technical Guidance

  • Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior engineers.

  • Promote best practices in process engineering, documentation, and manufacturing standards.

Work Environment:

  • Combination of office and laboratory/manufacturing floor environment.

  • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs as needed.

  • Use of standard office and lab equipment (computers, test setups, tools).

  • Travel: Up to 15%.

Skills:

Continuous Improvement, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Cryogenic Systems, Data Analysis, Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Engineering Change Order (ECO), Geometric Dimensioning And Tolerancing (GD&T), Manufacturing Process Design, Manufacturing Process Engineering, Manufacturing Process Validation, New Product Introduction (NPI), Process Development (PD), Process Failure Mode Effects Analysis (PFMEA), Process Flow Documentation, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Semiconductor Manufacturing, Writing Work Instructions

Education & Experience:

Minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 3 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD without experience; or equivalent work| Required

Pay Range:

$94,100.00 - $123,480.00

Pay Range Explained:

This role in Boulder, Colorado pays between $94,100.00 and $123,480.00 per year, depending on your experience, skills, and background. Pay may vary in other locations. We offer a full benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, a 401(k) with company match, employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), and paid time off. You'll also be eligible for quarterly profit-sharing bonuses and flexible spending or savings accounts.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

FormFactor is an equal opportunity employer. FormFactor complies with all national, state, and local laws that seek to promote equal opportunities for any applicant or employee without regard to age, race, color, gender, gender identity/expression, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, disability, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, military service, or any other legally protected characteristics. These protections apply to all aspects of employment, including but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, training, promotions, and compensation.

For roles that are designated as remote-eligible, employees cannot be located in:AL, AK, AR, DE, GA, HI, IL, IA, KY, LA, ME, MD, MS, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, ND, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, WV, WI, WY. This list is continuously evolving and being updated, please check back with us if the state you live in is on the exclusion list. A role is remote-eligible only when it is listed as "Remote" in the job location.

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