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Process Development Engineer Jobs in Richmond, VA

Trilon

Land Development Design Engineer

Glen Allen, VA · On-site

RDA is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Land Development Engineer to join our growing team ... Familiarity with local codes, standards, and permitting processes. * Strong analytical and problem ...

Dupont

Tyvek R&D Mechanical Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

Successful R&D Engineers define, lead, and execute technical programs focused on product and ... Lead and execute product and process R&D programs from concept through implementation. * Design and ...

advansix

R&D Engineer / Scientist

Chester, VA · On-site

Nylon Lead R&D Scientist (Polymer Chemistry & Process Technology Focus) Position Summary The Nylon ... Partner with plant, engineering, and production teams to: * Improve conversion efficiency ...

advansix

R&D Engineer / Scientist

Chester, VA · On-site

Nylon Lead R&D Scientist (Polymer Chemistry & Process Technology Focus) Position Summary The Nylon ... Partner with plant, engineering, and production teams to: * Improve conversion efficiency ...

TEMPERPACK

Process Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$82K - $110K/yr

As a Process Engineer you will participate in the full life cycle of novel and innovative ... Collaborate with operations and R&D on product development testing * Ability to manage cross ...

Condair Operations LLC

Process Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

As a Process Engineer, you will be responsible for the application, evaluation, development, project management, commissioning, and system management of manufacturing industrial automation and ...

AdvanSix

R&D Engineer/Scientist

Chesterfield, VA · On-site

Resolve process limitations and variability * Enable reliable and repeatable manufacturing ... Lead cross-functional teams across R&D, Process Engineering, Manufacturing, and Commercial ...

AdvanSix

R&D Engineer / Scientist

Chester, VA · On-site

Resolve process limitations and variability * Enable reliable and repeatable manufacturing ... Lead cross-functional teams across R&D, Process Engineering, Manufacturing, and Commercial ...

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Process Development Engineer information

See Richmond, VA salary details

$41.8K

$93.4K

$140.2K

How much do process development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for process development engineer in Richmond, VA is $93,442.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,000.00 and $109,400.00 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.

More about Process Development Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Process Development Engineer jobs in Richmond, VA?

The most popular types of Process Development Engineer jobs in Richmond, VA are:

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For Process Development Engineer jobs in Richmond, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Process Development Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Process Development Engineer job openings in Richmond, VA 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 $100,558 per year, or $48.3 per hour.

Lead Engineer/Scientist Process Development and Commercialization (Richmond, VA)

Arclin

Richmond, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Arclin rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Lead Engineer / Scientist, Process Development & Commercialization (This is an onsite role in Richmond, Virginia)
Description
The Lead Engineer / Scientist for Process Development & Commercialization will be a member of the Aramid Product and Process Development team. This team is responsible for developing next-generation materials and manufacturing processes for applications in electrical infrastructure, electric vehicles, aerospace, personal protection, and other advanced markets. The team works closely with commercial, manufacturing, and technical partners to transform customer needs into innovative, scalable solutions.
This role is responsible for translating customer and market requirements into commercially viable products and manufacturing processes. The successful candidate will lead projects from concept through pilot trials, process scale-up, qualification, and commercialization. The position requires a combination of strong technical expertise, practical manufacturing experience, and the ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to bring new technologies to market.
Responsibilities
  • Lead the design, development, scale-up, and commercialization of new products and manufacturing processes for engineered materials, including papers, films, nonwovens, laminates, coatings, and related sheet-based structures.
  • Translate customer and market requirements into product concepts, process designs, testing plans, and commercialization strategies.
  • Design, plan, and execute laboratory, pilot-scale, and manufacturing-scale development programs to achieve performance, quality, and business objectives.
  • Partner closely with manufacturing, operations, quality, engineering, and supply chain teams to successfully scale and commercialize new technologies.
  • Develop and execute pilot and plant trial plans, analyze results, and recommend process improvements to achieve target product performance and manufacturability.
  • Evaluate process capabilities, equipment requirements, process modifications, and potential manufacturing investments to support product development objectives.
  • Apply engineering and scientific principles to solve complex technical challenges in laboratory, pilot, and manufacturing environments.
  • Lead multiple development projects simultaneously, establishing clear objectives, timelines, milestones, resource requirements, and risk mitigation plans.
  • Collaborate with global, cross-functional teams including operations, engineering, application development, marketing, and commercial organizations.
  • Work directly with customers and technical stakeholders, as needed, to understand performance requirements and support development activities.
  • Review technical literature, patents, and emerging technologies to identify innovation opportunities and strengthen the product and process development pipeline.
  • Effectively communicate project progress, risks, opportunities, and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Paper Science, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline required. Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) preferred.
  • Minimum of five (5) years of experience leading product development, process development, manufacturing scale-up, or commercialization projects.
  • Demonstrated experience taking products or technologies from concept through pilot trials, manufacturing implementation, and commercialization.
  • Strong technical problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to apply engineering and scientific principles to complex development challenges.
  • Experience working in manufacturing, pilot plant, process development, or production environments.
  • Experience with Design of Experiments (DOE), statistical analysis, process capability analysis, modeling, or other data-driven development methodologies.
  • Proven ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams and drive projects to completion in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills with demonstrated success working across technical, manufacturing, and commercial organizations.
  • Ability to make sound technical decisions with in dynamic operating environments while balancing safety, quality, schedule, and business objectives.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with paper, film, nonwoven, or other engineered sheet-based manufacturing processes strongly preferred.
  • Hands-on experience supporting pilot trials, manufacturing trials, process scale-up, and commercialization efforts.
  • Experience with coating, lamination, polymer processing, formulation development, polymer synthesis, or related materials technologies.
  • Experience in specialty chemicals, advanced materials, filtration media, engineered products, aerospace materials, electrical insulation materials, or related industries.
  • Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, Project Management, Agile, or related continuous improvement certifications.
  • Prior experience with aramid materials is beneficial but not required. Candidates with strong process development and commercialization experience in adjacent industries are encouraged to apply.

• You can find Arclin everywhere. Our technologies make homes and transportation safer, help crops flourish, keep water clean, protect first responders and members of the military, and preserve the purity of essential pharmaceuticals. These vital, everyday products can't fail, and we're here to give the world an extra layer of performance and peace of mind.
With ~4,000 team members across more than 30 global manufacturing facilities, we operate with the scale to make a global impact and the agility to solve complex challenges at the molecular level. Rooted in scientific discovery and innovation, Arclin's materials redefine performance across industries - from Firepoint®'s patented intumescent technology that helps stall flames and save lives to the iconic Kevlar® and Nomex® brands trusted to protect those who serve, strengthen aerospace and industrial systems, and perform where reliability and safety are top of mind.
As we expand our mission-critical materials portfolio and shape the next era of performance technologies, we're looking for people who want to grow, lead, and solve the challenges others can't. Together, we'll advance the innovations that keep the world moving. Because at Arclin, our people are truly Vital Beyond Measure.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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