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Process Engineering Jobs in North Carolina (NOW HIRING)

Position OverviewThe Manager, Process Engineering is responsible for leading the Upstream and Downstream Drug Substance Manufacturing (DSM) Process Engineering team and activities from inoculation ...

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Position Overview The Manager, Process Engineering is responsible for leading the Upstream and Downstream Drug Substance Manufacturing (DSM) Process Engineering team and activities from inoculation ...

Position Overview The Manager, Process Engineering is responsible for leading the Upstream and Downstream Drug Substance Manufacturing (DSM) Process Engineering team and activities from inoculation ...

Process Engineering Specialist

Wilson, NC · On-site

$29.31 - $41.20/hr

Job Summary The Process Engineering Specialist assists Manufacturing and Maintenance with solving problems, improving processes and reducing costs. The Process Engineering Specialist will assist in ...

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Showing results 1-20

Process Engineering information

See North Carolina salary details

$45K

$83.6K

$129.5K

How much do process engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for process engineering in North Carolina is $83,626.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,700.00 and $93,600.00 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 North Carolina? The most popular types of Process Engineering jobs in North Carolina are:
What job categories do people searching Process Engineering jobs in North Carolina look for? The top searched job categories for Process Engineering jobs in North Carolina are:
What cities in North Carolina are hiring for Process Engineering jobs? Cities in North Carolina with the most Process Engineering job openings:
Infographic showing various Process Engineering job openings in North Carolina as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $83,626 per year, or $40.2 per hour.

Process Engineering Manager

Vulcan Elements

Durham, NC

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Vulcan Elements is manufacturing American rare-earth permanent magnets for a secure, resilient future. With a focus on national security and economic resiliency, we serve critical industries such as defense, aerospace, and automotive powering a high-technology future. Vulcan Elements is building a team of ambitious professionals committed to Mission Focus, Technical Excellence and Transparency.
As a Process Engineering Manager you will be the owner's side process engineering expert for a large industrial installation to convert rare earth oxides to metals. You will provide oversight, internal technical review, and project management support for the work product of external engineering firms related to process engineering of molten salt electrolysis. This role will serve as the owner's side technical authority on process documentation for metallization processes, transitioning to process engineering management as the plant is commissioned. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience taking complex, high-temperature, materials-intensive processes from definition through construction and into operation.


Responsibilities

  • Own the process definition for production scale metallization, from raw material through finished quality metal.
  • Manage a team to introduce technology developments out of pilot to the metallization cells.
  • Manage and organize timelines and deliverables with external EPC and ensure smooth interfaces with internal and external organizations.
  • Review / Maintain all core process documentation, including:
  • Process flow diagrams (PFDs)
  • Piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs)
  • Heat and mass balances
  • Equipment lists and design bases
  • Operating philosophies and control narratives
  • Ensure systems meet operational, safety, and environmental performance requirements.

Responsibilities and tasks outlined are not exhaustive and may change as determined by the needs of the business

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree or higher in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, or a related field
  • 8+ years of hands-on experience in industrial process engineering
  • Experience working with external engineering partners or EPCs
  • Demonstrated experience defining and documenting full production-scale processes, setting targets and limits, and optimizing performance
  • Proven ability to develop and own PFDs, P&IDs, and Design bases

Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export-controlled information or facilities.


Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with high-temperature metallurgical or electrochemical plants
  • Direct involvement in permitted industrial facilities
  • Startup, scale-up, or first-of-kind plant experience
  • Familiarity with owner's engineering standards and capital project execution
  • Experience supporting commissioning and early operations
  • Experience supporting change management