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Process Engineering Manager Jobs in Santa Clara, CA

Job Summary An Optical Process Engineering Manager leads the development, optimization, and scale-up of manufacturing processes for optical components and systems. This role combines technical ...

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The Manager/Sr Manager of Process Engineering will manage a team of opto-mechanical process engineers and be responsible for subassembly (SA) development and assembly build, ensuring quality, for RD ...

The Manager/Sr Manager of Process Engineering will manage a team of opto-mechanical process engineers and be responsible for subassembly (SA) development and assembly build, ensuring quality, for RD ...

The Process Engineering Technician is responsible for analyzing and managing sample flow from experiments on 3D laser powder bed fusion systems in development at Velo3D. Samples will come from a wide ...

The Process Engineering Technician is responsible for analyzing and managing sample flow from experiments on 3D laser powder bed fusion systems in development at Velo3D. Samples will come from a wide ...

The Process Engineering Technician is responsible for analyzing and managing sample flow from experiments on 3D laser powder bed fusion systems in development at Velo3D. Samples will come from a wide ...

Manager, Optical Process Engineering

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$150K - $194K/yr

An Optical Process Engineering Manager leads the development, optimization, and scale-up of manufacturing processes for optical components and systems. This role combines technical expertise in ...

Manager, Optical Process Engineering

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$150K - $194K/yr

An Optical Process Engineering Manager leads the development, optimization, and scale-up of manufacturing processes for optical components and systems. This role combines technical expertise in ...

Manager, Process engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$171K - $236K/yr

Who We Are Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce ... processes in the development and ongoing technical management of the unit's product line Leads ...

Manager, Process engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site +1

$171K - $236K/yr

Who We Are Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce ... processes in the development and ongoing technical management of the unit's product line Leads ...

Senior Process Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$123K - $159K/yr

Under the guidance of our Engineering Manager, you'll be the go-to person for keeping our key products on point with Statistical Process Control. You'll bring your engineering skills to the table to ...

Senior Process Engineer

Fremont, CA

$123K - $159K/yr

Under the guidance of our Engineering Manager, you'll be the go-to person for keeping our key products on point with Statistical Process Control. You'll bring your engineering skills to the table to ...

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Showing results 1-20

Process Engineering Manager information

See Santa Clara, CA salary details

$24.8K

$144.6K

$225K

How much do process engineering manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for process engineering manager in Santa Clara, CA is $144,628.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,000.00 and $171,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a process engineering manager?

To thrive as a Process Engineering Manager, you need a solid background in engineering principles, process optimization, and project management, typically supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering and relevant experience. Familiarity with Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, CAD software, and process simulation tools, as well as certifications like PMP or Six Sigma Black Belt, is often required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help drive continuous improvement and effective team collaboration. These competencies are crucial for enhancing productivity, ensuring quality, and leading successful engineering projects within complex manufacturing environments.

What are some common challenges faced by process engineering managers when leading cross-functional projects?

Process Engineering Managers often encounter challenges such as aligning the priorities of different departments, managing resource constraints, and ensuring clear communication across teams. Navigating varying technical backgrounds and expectations requires strong leadership and problem-solving skills. Building consensus around process improvements and balancing short-term production goals with long-term process optimization are also key aspects of the role. Effective collaboration, adaptability, and proactive stakeholder engagement help overcome these challenges.

What is the difference between Process Engineering Manager vs Process Engineer?

AspectProcess Engineering ManagerProcess Engineer
ResponsibilitiesOversees process development, manages teams, and ensures project successDesigns, tests, and implements manufacturing processes
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, often with experience in managementBachelor's in Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles in manufacturing or chemical plantsHands-on process design and optimization in production settings
Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, chemical, and oil & gas industriesFound across similar industries, focusing on process development

The Process Engineering Manager typically leads teams and manages projects, requiring leadership skills and experience, while the Process Engineer focuses on designing and optimizing processes. Both roles are essential in manufacturing industries and often share educational backgrounds, but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What does a process engineering manager do?

A Process Engineering Manager oversees the design, implementation, and optimization of manufacturing or production processes within an organization. They lead a team of engineers to improve efficiency, quality, and safety in production methods. Their responsibilities include analyzing workflow, implementing process improvements, managing projects, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Process Engineering Managers also collaborate with other departments to support product development and cost reduction initiatives.
What are popular job titles related to Process Engineering Manager jobs in Santa Clara, CA? For Process Engineering Manager jobs in Santa Clara, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Process Engineering Manager jobs in Santa Clara, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Process Engineering Manager jobs in Santa Clara, CA are:
What cities near Santa Clara, CA are hiring for Process Engineering Manager jobs? Cities near Santa Clara, CA with the most Process Engineering Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Process Engineering Manager job openings in Santa Clara, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,628 per year, or $69.5 per hour.

Manager, Optical Process Engineering

black.ai

Milpitas, CA • On-site

$160 - $225/hr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Job Summary

An Optical Process Engineering Manager leads the development, optimization, and scale-up of manufacturing processes for optical components and systems. This role combines technical expertise in optics, materials, and manufacturing with leadership responsibilities to ensure the high-quality, cost-effective production of optical products, including lasers, photonic devices, fiber optics, and sensors.

Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, and improve optical manufacturing processes.
  • Optimize yield, throughput, cycle time, and product quality.
  • Support process transfer from R&D to production.
  • Develop process control methodologies and statistical monitoring systems.
  • Troubleshoot manufacturing issues related to optics, fiber optics alignment, and length matching, or photonics assembly.
  • Lead and mentor a team of process, manufacturing, and optical engineers.
  • Assign project priorities and monitor execution timelines.
  • Foster continuous improvement and technical innovation.
  • Coordinate cross-functional collaboration between R&D, quality, supply chain, and operations teams.
  • Ensure compliance with quality standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Drive root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA).
  • Implement Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
  • Oversee equipment qualification, validation, and maintenance strategies.
  • Manage engineering projects, budgets, schedules, and resource allocation.
  • Support new product introduction (NPI) activities.
  • Work with vendors and suppliers on process capability and equipment integration.
  • Present technical updates and manufacturing metrics to senior leadership.
  • Develop optical fabrication processes such as: Optical alignment and fiber optic education.
Experience / Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in:

  • Optical Engineering
  • Physics
  • Photonics
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Materials Science
  • Related engineering discipline

Experience:

  • 7–12+ years of experience in optical manufacturing or process engineering.
  • 2–5+ years of leadership or people management experience.
  • Experience with high-volume manufacturing and process scale-up.
  • SPC (Statistical Process Control).
  • DOE (Design of Experiments).
  • FMEA.
  • Lean/Six Sigma.
  • Process validation.
  • Experience with metrology and characterization tools.
  • Proficiency in engineering software and data analysis tools.
Preferred Skills
  • Semiconductor or photonics industry experience.
  • Automation and robotics integration knowledge.
  • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
  • Typical Tools & Technologies.
  • Optical metrology systems.
  • Laser alignment equipment.
  • CAD software.
  • MATLAB, Python, JMP, Minitab.
  • MES system.
  • Cleanroom equipment.
Compensation

U.S. Base Pay Range: $160,000—$185,000 USD

Bay Area Pay Range: $200,000—$225,000 USD

PsiQuantum provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. PsiQuantum does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable laws.

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