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Process Engineer Intern Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Co-op, intern or work experience with professional services, process engineering, and food and beverage firms is a plus * Interest in food safety and sanitary design principles and a desire learn ...

Entry Level Process Engineer

Carlsbad, CA ยท On-site

$78K - $82K/yr

... intern or work experience with professional services, process engineering, and food and beverage firms is a plus Interest in food safety and sanitary design principles and a desire learn about ...

Manufacturing Engineer Intern

Livermore, CA ยท On-site

$19 - $24.50/hr

HOW YOU MAKE AN IMPACT The role of ME Engineer Intern is to partner with other Manufacturing ... Performs product/process analysis for cost reduction, quality improvement, and improved efficiency.

Project Engineer Intern

Livermore, CA ยท On-site

$18.50 - $24.25/hr

As a Project Engineer Intern, you will work closely with our experienced engineers and project ... processing of submittals including verifying accuracy, coordinating with engineers and suppliers ...

Project Engineer Intern

Sacramento, CA ยท On-site

$17.40 - $23.70/hr

Participate in the Change Order process and gain exposure to estimating with tools like Accubid ... Project Engineer Intern typically work in an office environment, although they may occasionally ...

Project Engineer Intern

Escondido, CA ยท On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

As a Project Engineer Intern, you will work closely with our experienced engineers and project ... processing of submittals including verifying accuracy, coordinating with engineers and suppliers ...

Project Engineer Intern

Sacramento, CA ยท On-site

$17.40 - $23.70/hr

Participate in the Change Order process and gain exposure to estimating with tools like Accubid ... Project Engineer Intern typically work in an office environment, although they may occasionally ...

As a Software Engineer Intern, you'll be involved in all aspects of the development process - including design, coding, testing, debugging, and tuning. We find it immensely satisfying to develop ...

Showing results 21-40

Process Engineer Intern information

See California salary details

$13

$21

$29

How much do process engineer intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for process engineer intern in California is $21.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $25.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a process engineer intern?

Process Engineer Interns are students or recent graduates who work temporarily in engineering teams to support the design, optimization, and improvement of manufacturing processes. They typically assist with data collection, process analysis, troubleshooting, and the implementation of new technologies or procedures under the supervision of experienced engineers. This internship provides hands-on experience, helping interns apply classroom knowledge to real-world industrial challenges, and often serves as a pathway to a full-time engineering role.

What do process engineer interns do?

As a Process Engineer Intern, you can anticipate working on a variety of hands-on projects that support process optimization, quality improvement, and efficiency initiatives within manufacturing or production environments. Typical responsibilities may include assisting with data collection and analysis, participating in process mapping, supporting root-cause investigations, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams such as production, quality assurance, and maintenance. Interns often have opportunities to present their findings and contribute to real-world solutions, providing valuable exposure to daily operations and the chance to develop technical and teamwork skills essential for career advancement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a process engineer intern?

To thrive as a Process Engineer Intern, you need a solid grounding in chemical, mechanical, or industrial engineering principles, often backed by enrollment in a relevant bachelor's degree program. Familiarity with process simulation software (such as Aspen Plus or AutoCAD), data analysis tools, and safety regulations is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and attention to detail help interns excel in team environments and tackle process challenges. These skills and qualifications are crucial for optimizing manufacturing processes, ensuring safety, and supporting project goals.

What is the difference between Process Engineer Intern vs Process Engineer?

AspectProcess Engineer InternProcess Engineer
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing a bachelor's degree in engineering or related fieldBachelor's degree in engineering; often a master's is preferred
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often in manufacturing or industrial plantsFull-time professional role in similar environments
Employer & Industry UsageInternship programs in manufacturing, chemical, or industrial companiesEstablished companies in manufacturing, chemical, or process industries
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

The main difference between a Process Engineer Intern and a Process Engineer is experience level and responsibilities. Interns are typically students gaining practical experience, while Process Engineers are full-time professionals responsible for process optimization, design, and troubleshooting. Internships serve as a stepping stone toward a full engineering career, with interns working under supervision, whereas Process Engineers independently manage projects and processes in their industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Process Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Process Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Process Engineer Intern jobs in California?

For Process Engineer Intern jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Process Engineer Intern jobs?

Cities in California with the most Process Engineer Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Process Engineer Intern job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,536 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Entry Level Process Engineer

Carlsbad, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Job Summary
Dennis Group's Process Engineers are key in our projects of designing and building food and beverage processing facilities. Process Engineers work in every aspect of a project - controls, packaging, mechanical, electrical, building system, architecture, etc., from the conceptual stages to design completion, and throughout construction. They provide expertise in flow diagrams, alterations, constraints, piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&ID), layout, install, and commissioning and start-up. Process Engineers enable operational efficiencies for the food and beverage process plants of our clients. Responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:
Responsibilities
  • Develop process design basis and select unit operations
  • Develop operation specifications
  • Coordinate with other project disciplines (engineers, designers, architects, etc.)
  • Prepare process flow and piping and instrumentation diagrams
  • Create process flow diagrams
  • Prepare mass and energy balances
  • Size and specify process and process utility equipment
  • Equipment procurement and bid evaluation
  • Assist project management with the development of project scope, budget and schedule for all process related work
  • Help to coordinate the schedules and work of contractors for process equipment installation
  • Work with clients, vendors, and suppliers to develop cost estimates and proposals
  • Provide client assumptions on supply recommendations
  • Develop process and instrumentation drawings (P&IDs)
  • Oversee process and utility equipment installations
  • Provide onsite construction start-up and commissioning support
  • Research process engineering best practices
  • Supporting talent growth within our organization

Required Education Skills and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Process Engineering.
  • 0-3 years of work experience or schooling developing process designs
  • 0-3 years of work experience or schooling preparing process flow diagrams and P&IDs
  • 0-3 years of work experience or schooling sizing and specifying process and process utility equipment.
  • 0-3 years of work experience or schooling developing project scopes, budgets and process-related work schedules
  • Co-op, intern or work experience with professional services, process engineering, and food and beverage firms is a plus
  • Interest in food safety and sanitary design principles and a desire learn about various food and beverage industry standards, practices, and regulations
  • Proficiency with MS Office, MS Project, and AutoCAD
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills with proven client interaction and experience
  • Must meet Travel Requirement - On-site construction project coordination and management with travel requirements between 30-50% of the year

Physical Requirements
  • Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Must be able to lift-up to 15 pounds at times.

Travel Requirement
  • Up to 50% travel required to visit project site and other offices.

About Us
We plan, design, engineer, and build food plants for major brands across the country and the world. For the past three decades, we've focused exclusively on the food and beverage industry, helping your favorite brands put your favorite foods in the grocery store. Simply put, food isn't one thing we do, it's all we do.
Dennis Group offers competitive compensation packages commensurate with experience. We provide comprehensive employee benefits including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, paid time off including an open vacation policy, as well as bonus, profit-sharing, and retirement plans.
Dennis Group is proud to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.
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.