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Process Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Process Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$147K - $202K/yr

Who We Are Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce ... As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing ...

Who We Are Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce ... As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing ...

Process Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$147K - $202K/yr

Who We Are Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce ... As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing ...

Process Engineer Level II

Monrovia, CA · On-site

$110K - $162K/yr

Purpose: You will provide process engineering services and leadership projects to Worley' and its customers, including technical support and supervision within the process engineering team.

Senior Process Engineer

Monrovia, CA · On-site

$130K - $191K/yr

We specialize in consulting, engineering, procurement and construction across the project lifecycle ... Senior Process Engineer Worley Group Monrovia, California Summary or Description Worley is hiring a ...

Process Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$100K - $136K/yr

Who We Are Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce ... As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing ...

Who We Are Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce ... As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing ...

Process Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$124K - $171K/yr

Who We Are Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce ... As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing ...

Process Engineer

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$107K - $168K/yr

Position Overview You are responsible for leading site-based process engineering projects and activities that drive continuous improvement, resolve chronic manufacturing issues, introduce new ...

At Eichleay, our Process Engineering team specializes in delivering innovative, safe, and optimized process solutions for complex facilities, including brownfield retrofit/expansion projects and new ...

Process Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$124K - $171K/yr

Who We Are Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce ... As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing ...

At Eichleay, our Process Engineering team specializes in delivering innovative, safe, and optimized process solutions for complex facilities, including brownfield retrofit/expansion projects and new ...

Process Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$124K - $171K/yr

Who We Are Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce ... As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing ...

Process Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$124K - $171K/yr

Who We Are Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce ... As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing ...

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Showing results 1-20

Process Engineering information

See California salary details

$48.9K

$90.8K

$140.6K

How much do process engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for process engineering in California is $90,813.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $101,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is process engineering?

Process engineering is a field of engineering focused on designing, implementing, controlling, and optimizing industrial processes, particularly in manufacturing and chemical production. Process engineers work to develop efficient systems for transforming raw materials into finished products, ensuring safety, quality, and cost-effectiveness. They apply principles from chemistry, physics, and mathematics to solve production problems and improve processes. Process engineering is essential in industries such as oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and energy.

What is the difference between Process Engineering vs Chemical Engineering?

AspectProcess EngineeringChemical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Chemical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering; often certifications like Six SigmaBachelor's or higher in Chemical Engineering; professional engineer (PE) license may be preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, process facilities, industrial settingsResearch labs, chemical plants, design offices
Industry UsageFocuses on optimizing manufacturing processes and production efficiencyDesigns chemical processes, develops new chemicals, and research

Process Engineering primarily concentrates on improving and maintaining manufacturing processes within industrial settings, while Chemical Engineering involves designing chemical processes and developing new chemical products. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often overlap in industry applications, but their core focus areas differ.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior process engineers, petroleum engineers, and certain aerospace engineers can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or working in high-paying industries. These roles often require specialized skills, advanced degrees, and leadership responsibilities.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. High-level roles typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes leadership or managerial responsibilities.

What jobs do process engineers do?

Process engineers design, develop, and optimize manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, safety, and quality. They analyze production systems, troubleshoot issues, and implement improvements using tools like process flow diagrams and statistical analysis. Their work often involves collaboration with production teams and requires knowledge of engineering principles and industry standards.

What are some common challenges faced by process engineers when implementing process improvements in a manufacturing environment?

Process engineers often encounter challenges such as resistance to change from operators and staff, integrating new technologies with legacy systems, and ensuring that improvements do not disrupt ongoing production. Balancing cost-effectiveness with quality and safety standards can also be demanding. Successful process engineers collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, provide clear communication, and use data-driven approaches to overcome these obstacles and drive continuous improvement.

Is process engineering well paid?

Process engineering is generally a well-paying profession, with salaries often above the national average for engineering roles. Compensation varies based on experience, industry, location, and certifications such as Six Sigma or process simulation tools, but it typically offers competitive wages and benefits.

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

To thrive as a Process Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, process optimization, and problem-solving, typically supported by a degree in chemical, mechanical, or industrial engineering. Familiarity with process simulation software (like Aspen Plus or AutoCAD), Six Sigma certification, and experience with quality management systems are often required. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and teamwork are essential soft skills to excel in cross-functional projects and drive continuous improvement. These skills ensure efficient production processes, cost reduction, and consistent product quality within manufacturing or industrial environments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Process Engineering jobs in California? The most popular types of Process Engineering jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Process Engineering jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Process Engineering jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Process Engineering jobs? Cities in California with the most Process Engineering job openings:
Infographic showing various Process Engineering job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,813 per year, or $43.7 per hour.
Process Engineer

Process Engineer

Applied Materials

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$147K - $202K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Applied Materials rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 527 rated manufacturers


Job description

Who We Are
Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display and semiconductor chips - the brains of devices we use every day. As the foundation of the global electronics industry, Applied enables the exciting technologies that literally connect our world - like AI and IoT. If you want to push the boundaries of materials science and engineering to create next generation technology, join us to deliver material innovation that changes the world.
What We Offer
Salary:
$147,000.00 - $202,500.00
Location:
Santa Clara,CA
You'll benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages you to learn, develop, and grow your career as you take on challenges and drive innovative solutions for our customers. We empower our team to push the boundaries of what is possible-while learning every day in a supportive leading global company. Visit our Careers website to learn more.
At Applied Materials, we care about the health and wellbeing of our employees. We're committed to providing programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth and care for you at work, at home, or wherever you may go. Learn more about our benefits.
As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing processes for display and semiconductor manufacturing technologies. You will collect and analyze data, perform hardware characterization, and troubleshoot engineering issues. You'll also measure film properties, generate technical documentation, and engage with customers to resolve concerns. Process Engineers collaborate with vendors and suppliers, and become familiar with implementing new technologies and products. You will experiment, learn, and collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the semiconductor and display industries, partnering with our globally recognized R&D teams on state-of-the-art research and development projects.
Key Responsibilities
Utiilize techniques to characterize hardware, define methods and new technologies and apply them to characterize hardware, and/or perform hardware characterization on significantly complex systems for entire range of products
Manage, develop, plan and execute process engineering projects for entire range of products
Interact with key customers to resolve significantly complex process engineering issues for entire range of products
Develop and implement new technology, products and analytical instrumentation
Train, define and implement new methodologies, define and apply new technologies, and/or troubleshoot, perform Root Cause Analysis, and resolve significantly complex process engineering issues for entire range of products
Generate internal and external documentation for products, presentations and technical reports for integrated products and generate and/or validate process engineering specifications for integrated products
Contributes to market share gains through technology improvement
Functional Knowledge
  • Demonstrates in-depth understanding of concepts, theories and principles in own job family and basic knowledge of other related job families

Business Expertise
  • Applies understanding of the industry and how own area contributes to the achievement of objectives

Leadership
  • Manages a generally homogeneous team; adapts plans and priorities to meet service and/or operational challenges

Problem Solving
  • Identifies and resolves technical, operational and organizational problems

Impact
  • Impacts the level of service and the team's ability to meet quality, volume, and timeliness objectives
  • Guided by policies and resource requirements within business unit, department or sub-function

Interpersonal Skills
  • Guides, influences and persuades others internally in related areas or externally

Position requires understanding of Applied Materials global Standards of Business Conduct and compliance with these standards at all times. This includes demonstrating the highest level of ethical conduct reflecting Applied Materials' core values.
Additional Information
Time Type:
Full time
Employee Type:
Assignee / Regular
Travel:
Yes, 20% of the Time
Relocation Eligible:
Yes
The salary offered to a selected candidate will be based on multiple factors including location, hire grade, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and with consideration of internal equity of our current team members. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, candidates may be eligible for other forms of compensation such as participation in a bonus and a stock award program, as applicable.
For all sales roles, the posted salary range is the Target Total Cash (TTC) range for the role, which is the sum of base salary and target bonus amount at 100% goal achievement.
Applied Materials is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.
In addition, Applied endeavors to make our careers site accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us via e-mail at Accommodations_Program@amat.com, or by calling our HR Direct Help Line at 877-612-7547, option 1, and following the prompts to speak to an HR Advisor. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

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About Applied Materials

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Applied Materials is the global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We're the brain (and the brawn) behind every new technology development--whether it's building semiconductor chips for smartphones and computers, or the underpinnings for robotics, AI and even smart TV display screens. With 27,000 employees in 19 countries, we offer an exciting place to grow and learn alongside some of the best people you'll ever meet. We take deep pride in our Culture of Inclusion, and we celebrate the diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences that help us build stronger, more resilient teams. Join us as we innovate to Make Possible a Better Future!

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1967