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Processing Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Image Processing Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$113.60K - $151.40K/yr

The Video Signal Processing and Algorithms (VSP&A) team is seeking to hire a Senior Image Processing Engineer to solve problems and implement solutions related to infrared image and video quality and ...

Senior Image Processing Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$113.60K - $151.40K/yr

The Video Signal Processing and Algorithms (VSP&A) team is seeking to hire a Senior Image Processing Engineer to solve problems and implement solutions related to infrared image and video quality and ...

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Processing Engineer information

See California salary details

$59.2K

$86.6K

$116.5K

How much do processing engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for processing engineer in California is $86,590.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,100.00 and $105,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Processing Engineer?

A processing engineer provides development insight and support to technicians. As a processing engineer, you may work alone or in a team to identify problems and solve manufacturing or equipment issues. Processing engineers train staff on equipment use and improve procedures for manufacturing. Qualifications to become a processing engineer include a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field and experience in the manufacturing industry.

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

A Processing Engineer needs a solid background in chemical, mechanical, or process engineering, often requiring a relevant degree and experience in process design or optimization. Familiarity with process simulation software such as Aspen HYSYS or MATLAB, and knowledge of industrial standards and safety certifications like Six Sigma or OSHA are typical. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help Processing Engineers collaborate with cross-functional teams and troubleshoot complex systems. These competencies are crucial for ensuring efficient, safe, and cost-effective production processes in manufacturing or industrial environments.

What are some common challenges Processing Engineers face when optimizing manufacturing processes?

Processing Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing efficiency improvements with maintaining product quality, troubleshooting unexpected production issues, and adapting processes to new materials or technologies. They must work closely with cross-functional teams, including quality assurance and maintenance, to identify bottlenecks and implement solutions. Staying current with industry best practices and continuous improvement methodologies is essential for success in this role.

What does a Processing Engineer do?

A Processing Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing processes used in manufacturing or production environments. They analyze current workflows, identify inefficiencies, and develop solutions to improve productivity, quality, and safety. Processing Engineers often work closely with other engineering teams and production staff to ensure that processes meet technical specifications and regulatory standards. Their work is essential in industries such as chemicals, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and electronics.

What is the difference between Processing Engineer vs Manufacturing Engineer?

AspectProcessing EngineerManufacturing Engineer
Primary FocusOptimizing manufacturing processes and equipmentDesigning and improving manufacturing systems and workflows
Work EnvironmentFactories, production lines, process labsFactories, production facilities, plant floor
Common CertificationsSix Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, Process Engineering certificationsSix Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, Manufacturing Technology certifications
Industry UsageElectronics, chemical, semiconductor, automotiveAutomotive, aerospace, consumer goods, industrial equipment

Processing Engineers focus on refining and optimizing manufacturing processes and equipment, ensuring efficiency and quality. Manufacturing Engineers design and improve overall manufacturing systems and workflows to enhance production. While both roles work closely in manufacturing settings, Processing Engineers are more process-specific, whereas Manufacturing Engineers oversee broader system improvements.

What cities in California are hiring for Processing Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Processing Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Processing Engineer job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,590 per year, or $41.6 per hour.
Senior Signal Processing Engineer, Space

Senior Signal Processing Engineer, Space

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA

Other

Posted 24 days ago


Anduril rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

ABOUT THE TEAM

Anduril's Space team is dedicated to expanding our AI-powered capabilities into the final frontier, enhancing Space Domain Awareness, Space Control, and Command and Control for U.S. military and allied partners. We're developing fully integrated hardware and software systems, including Lattice for Space Missions and modular payloads, to address growing threats in space and ensure our Guardians maintain a decisive advantage in this contested war-fighting domain.

ABOUT THE JOB

We are looking for a Senior Signal Processing Engineer to join our rapidly growing team in Costa Mesa, CA. In this role, you will be responsible for leading the development discrimination algorithms that separate threats from non-threats, decoys, and debris using EO/IR sensor data for space and missile defense missions. You will design signal processing pipelines including detection, feature extraction, image processing, and develop advanced decision logic to enhance classification performance. This will require deep expertise in signal processing for EO/IR sensors, classification algorithms, detection theory, and proficiency in algorithm development. If you are someone who loves the challenge of extracting signal from noise, thrives on building algorithms that work in contested and degraded environments, and wants to see your work protecting forces against emerging threats in space, then this role is for you.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Lead the development of discrimination algorithms for EO/IR sensors that classify and distinguish threats from decoys, debris, and clutter in real-time operational environments
  • Design and implement signal processing pipelines including detection algorithms, feature extraction, image processing, and measurement generation from sensor data
  • Develop and integrate advanced decision logic to enhance classification performance and adapt to evolving threat environments
  • Analyze and optimize algorithms for EO/IR sensor phenomenology including noise characteristics, SNR considerations, resolution limits, and environmental effects
  • Build physics-based models and conduct modeling and simulation including Monte Carlo analysis, recorded sensor playback, and hardware-in-the-loop testing to validate discrimination performance
  • Develop analysis tools to characterize discrimination algorithm performance under challenging conditions such as countermeasures, clutter, and degraded sensing environments
  • Collaborate with software engineers to transition discrimination algorithms from prototypes to production code optimized for operational deployment
  • Mentor engineers and provide technical leadership on signal processing approaches and best practices
  • Engage with customers and stakeholders to understand mission needs, present discrimination solutions, and demonstrate system performance
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Currently possesses and is able to maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or a related technical field
  • 8+ years of experience designing, implementing, and testing signal processing algorithms for EO/IR sensors or similar sensing modalities in aerospace or defense systems
  • Proven expertise in EO/IR sensor phenomenology including noise characteristics, detection theory, SNR analysis, resolution limits, and environmental effects
  • Strong proficiency with signal processing techniques including detection algorithms, filtering, and measurement generation from sensor data
  • Proficiency in algorithm development and coding with demonstrated experience transitioning algorithms to production environments
  • Experience with modeling, simulation, and testing workflows including physics-based modeling, Monte Carlo analysis, or hardware-in-the-loop environments
  • Demonstrated technical leadership experience with ability to mentor engineers and drive technical direction
  • Ability to work collaboratively with software engineers, systems engineers, and test teams to integrate algorithms into operational systems
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or related technical field
  • Experience with space or missile defense systems, threat discrimination, or intercept systems
  • Proven expertise developing advanced decision logic or adaptive algorithms for classification workflows
  • Demonstrated experience with pattern recognition, computer vision, or image processing for defense applications
  • Experience handling discrimination challenges including countermeasures, spoofing, and contested/degraded sensing environments
  • Background in fire control systems, guidance/navigation/control (GNC) integration, or kill vehicle systems
  • Experience with radar systems, RF signal processing, or multi-modal sensor fusion
  • Demonstrated experience working within systems engineering processes including requirements management, trade studies, and verification/validation
  • Experience with MBSE tools (Cameo, Rhapsody, DOORS) or systems engineering toolchains

Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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