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Process Development Scientist Jobs in California

Cypress HCM

R&D Scientist

Irvine, CA

$110/hr

R&D Scientist Overview: We are seeking a Senior R&D Scientist to join our startup team and help ... assurance processes * Maintain detailed lab records and notebooks * Support patent/invention ...

Solidigm

Process Development Engineer

Rancho Cordova, CA · On-site

$139K - $223K/yr

As a Process Development Engineer at Solidigm you will be responsible for delivering module ... A Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Material Science Engineering, Physics, or similar ...

Trident Consulting

R&D Scientist

San Diego, CA · On-site

$47 - $50/hr

Support new product development and process scale-up. * Assist with product launch and post-launch activities. * Collaborate with scientists and cross-functional stakeholders. * Contribute ideas ...

SpaceX

Process Development Engineer

Hawthorne, CA

$110K - $135K/yr

Experience with machine learning and other technical data science topics * Experience with version ... Process Development Engineer/Level I: $100,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year Process Development ...

SpaceX

Process Development Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$110K - $135K/yr

PROCESS DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER - BUILD RELIABILITY The Process Development Engineer is responsible ... Experience with machine learning and other technical data science topics * Experience with version ...

SpaceX

Process Development Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$110K - $135K/yr

PROCESS DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER - BUILD RELIABILITY The Process Development Engineer is responsible ... Experience with machine learning and other technical data science topics * Experience with version ...

Periodic Labs

Process Development Engineer

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$250K - $300K/yr

About Periodic Labs We're an AI and physical sciences company building state-of-the-art models to ... About the Role As a Process Development Engineer, you will play a crucial role in designing and ...

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Process Development Scientist information

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How much do process development scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for process development scientist in California is $38.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.98 and $45.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by Process Development Scientists when scaling up from lab experiments to full production?

Process Development Scientists often encounter challenges when transitioning processes from the laboratory to large-scale production. These can include maintaining product quality and consistency, optimizing yields, and ensuring that processes are cost-effective at scale. Addressing equipment differences, process variability, and regulatory compliance are also common hurdles. Collaboration with engineers, manufacturing teams, and quality assurance professionals is essential to successfully navigate these challenges and achieve scalable, robust processes.

Is 40 too late to become a scientist?

Becoming a process development scientist or similar scientific roles is possible at age 40 or older, as many employers value experience, skills, and relevant education over age. Professionals often pursue advanced degrees or certifications in fields like chemistry, biology, or engineering, which can enhance their qualifications regardless of age.

What is the highest paid type of scientist?

Among scientists, petroleum engineers and data scientists tend to have the highest average salaries, often exceeding $100,000 annually. Process Development Scientists typically earn competitive salaries, but they are generally not at the top compared to specialized fields like biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or data science roles in tech companies.

How much does a process scientist make?

A process development scientist typically earns between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced scientists with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries. Salaries often include benefits such as health insurance and bonuses, especially in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries.

What is a Process Development Scientist?

A Process Development Scientist is a professional who designs, develops, and optimizes processes for manufacturing products, typically in industries like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or chemicals. Their work involves scaling up laboratory procedures to full production, improving efficiency, ensuring quality, and meeting regulatory standards. They collaborate with research, engineering, and manufacturing teams to implement new processes or refine existing ones. Process Development Scientists play a critical role in bringing new products from the research phase to commercial production while maintaining safety and compliance.

What does a process development scientist do?

A process development scientist designs, optimizes, and scales up manufacturing processes for products such as pharmaceuticals or chemicals. They analyze data, troubleshoot issues, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure processes meet quality and regulatory standards, often using tools like statistical software and laboratory equipment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Process Development Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Process Development Scientist, you need a background in chemistry, biochemistry, or chemical engineering, supported by at least a bachelor’s (often master’s or PhD) degree and experience in laboratory research. Familiarity with analytical instrumentation (such as HPLC, GC, and mass spectrometry), process modeling software, and relevant regulatory standards is crucial. Strong problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills help drive innovation and coordinate with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure the efficient development and scale-up of robust, safe, and cost-effective processes in pharmaceutical, biotech, or chemical manufacturing environments.
What are popular job titles related to Process Development Scientist jobs in California? For Process Development Scientist jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Process Development Scientist jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Process Development Scientist jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Process Development Scientist jobs? Cities in California with the most Process Development Scientist job openings:
Process Development Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Process Development Scientist job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $79,367 per year, or $38.2 per hour.
Product Development Scientist

Product Development Scientist

Equity Packaging

Emeryville, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Product Development Associate - Food Innovation & Commercialization
Location: Emeryville, CA (Onsite 3-5 days per week)
About the Role
We are seeking a motivated Product Development Associate to support one of the most recognized brands in the nutrition and snack industry. In this role, you will work on the development and improvement of innovative food products, collaborating with experienced product developers and cross-functional teams to bring high-quality products to market.
This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career food scientist or engineer looking to gain hands-on experience with product innovation, commercialization, quality improvement, and manufacturing support.
Key Responsibilities
  • Support new product innovation, renovation, and commercialization projects.
  • Participate in product development activities from concept through execution.
  • Prepare and evaluate benchtop samples to support development initiatives.
  • Assist with ingredient and sample receiving, shipping, and inventory management.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and resolve technical challenges.
  • Investigate product quality issues and implement corrective actions.
  • Support business continuity, cost optimization, and plant performance improvement initiatives.
  • Analyze data, interpret results, and provide recommendations based on technical findings.
  • Develop and maintain process specifications to ensure consistent product quality across manufacturing facilities.
  • Document project findings and communicate technical information effectively.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
  • 1-3 years of experience in product development, food science, manufacturing, R&D, or a related field.
  • Strong technical foundation with a passion for learning and innovation.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively both independently and within a team environment.
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Experience interpreting technical data and translating findings into actionable recommendations.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience within the food, beverage, nutrition, or consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry.
  • Familiarity with manufacturing processes and product commercialization.
  • Experience supporting quality improvement or process optimization initiatives.

What You'll Gain
  • Hands-on experience with a leading nutrition and snack brand.
  • Exposure to innovation, product renovation, and manufacturing support projects.
  • Mentorship from experienced food scientists and product developers.
  • Opportunity to work on products enjoyed by millions of consumers nationwide.
  • Collaborative, fast-paced environment with significant learning and growth opportunities.

Apply