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Processing Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Junior Signal Processing Engineer

Chula Vista, CA · On-site

$69K - $125K/yr

Leidos currently has an opening for a Junior Signal Processing Engineer to support EW programs in Arlington, VA or San Diego, CA. As part of our team, you will focus on improving the robustness and ...

Lockheed Martin

F-22 Data Processing Engineer

Edwards, CA · On-site

$115K - $139K/yr

We are Lockheed Martin Flight Test Data Processing Engineers are responsible for pre-mission setup of the onboard data system recording systems, Real-time control room file setup, post-mission data ...

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All JobsProcessing Engineer JobsProcessing Engineer Jobs in California

Processing Engineer information

See California salary details

$59.2K

$86.6K

$116.5K

How much do processing engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 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 engineers make 200,000 a year?

Processing engineers, especially those with extensive experience, advanced skills, and working in high-demand industries such as semiconductor manufacturing or aerospace, can earn salaries of $200,000 or more annually. Senior-level engineers with specialized expertise, certifications, and leadership roles are more likely to reach this compensation level.

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 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 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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Processing engineers typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common among executive-level professionals or specialized roles in industries like finance or technology. Highly experienced engineers in senior management or executive positions, such as CTOs or VP of Engineering, may reach or exceed this salary level, especially with bonuses and stock options.

What does a processing engineer do?

A processing engineer designs, develops, and optimizes manufacturing processes for materials or products, ensuring efficiency, quality, and safety. They often work with equipment, control systems, and process simulations, requiring knowledge of engineering principles and technical skills. Their role involves troubleshooting, process improvement, and maintaining compliance with industry standards.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding managerial or executive positions, or possessing rare technical expertise and certifications.

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.
More about Processing Engineer jobs
What cities in California are hiring for Processing Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Processing Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Processing Engineer jobs in CA? For Processing Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Processing Engineer jobs near you
Lead Process Engineer

Lead Process Engineer

Arcturus Technologies inc

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$111K - $144K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Lead Process Engineer
Los Angeles, CA (in-person)
About Arcturus
Arcturus is creating a new wire technology stack that uses carbon nanomaterials to overcome the materials limitations of metals where performance breaks down, at real operating temperatures. Our technology is designed to significantly improve the performance of electric motors for drones and robotics, heat sinks, and ultimately the entire energy grid. At its core, Arcturus is developing a new class of carbon nanomaterial-infused metal matrix composites for high-performance conductor applications.
Why you should join us
This is a ground-floor opportunity to help build something that has never been done before.
You would join as a founding engineer and become Arcturus' first processing engineer, with the chance to define the company's strategy from the beginning. As the founding process engineer, you'll work directly with the founder/CEO to shape the technical direction of the company, translate scientific insight into real product performance, and help build a category-defining materials platform from scratch.
Purpose
We are seeking a Lead Processing Engineer who can own the end-to-end process flow that turns early prototypes into reliable, repeatable, and scalable conductor products. This is a hands-on leadership role spanning feedstock preparation, build recipes, carbon infusion or growth steps, post-processing, QA controls, documentation, and pilot readiness.
The role
This role reports directly to the CEO
End-to-end process ownership
  • Own Arcturus' R&D-to-pilot process flow, from feedstock handling and preparation through LPBF/DED processing, carbon infusion or growth steps, post-processing, finishing, inspection, and sample release
  • Translate early technical learnings into repeatable process recipes, standard work, process flow diagrams, and controlled operating procedures
  • Define critical process parameters and critical quality attributes across each step of the conductor manufacturing flow
  • Establish pragmatic process controls that preserve electrical conductivity, thermal performance, mechanical integrity, and nanomaterial stability
  • Partner with additive manufacturing and nanomaterials leads to ensure each process step is technically sound, measurable, and scalable

Process development and optimization
  • Build and run a disciplined design of experiments (DOE) cadence to expand process windows, improve repeatability, increase yield, and reduce cycle time
  • Develop process maps that connect feedstock, atmosphere, laser parameters, thermal history, growth or infusion conditions, and post-processing to final material performance
  • Identify bottlenecks, failure modes, and sources of variation, then drive practical solutions that improve consistency and throughput
  • Use data analysis, structured root-cause methods, and hands-on experimentation to troubleshoot failed builds, inconsistent samples, or missed performance targets
  • Help decide when a process is ready to move from exploratory R&D to controlled development and eventually pilot production

Quality, documentation, and pilot readiness
  • Build startup-appropriate quality systems, including control plans, lot tracking, travelers, acceptance criteria, test plans, and traceable build records
  • Write and maintain process specifications, work instructions, checklists, and documentation that technicians and engineers can actually use
  • Define sample release criteria for internal testing, third-party validation, customer demos, and pilot programs
  • Support process qualification plans for conductor materials, printed parts, and wire forms as Arcturus moves toward external validation
  • Track process health metrics such as yield, repeatability, build success rate, cycle time, material usage, and throughput

Cross-functional leadership
  • Partner closely with nanomaterials, additive manufacturing, characterization, mechanical, and product engineering to tie process variables to conductivity, thermal performance, mechanical properties, and reliability
  • Own process-facing vendor and partner relationships, including equipment suppliers, metrology providers, external test labs, and validation partners
  • Help translate characterization results into material specs, process windows, acceptance criteria, and clear technical decisions
  • Hire and lead process engineers, technicians, and operators as the team scales
  • Contribute to invention disclosures, patent strategy, and internal technical documentation with a high bar for rigor and clarity

Basic qualifications
  • BS, MS, or PhD in materials science, metallurgical engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, physics, or a related field
  • 8+ years of hands-on process engineering, manufacturing engineering, materials processing, or advanced process development experience
  • Deep experience developing and scaling complex manufacturing processes in a hardware, materials, or advanced manufacturing environment
  • Strong understanding of process-structure-property relationships in metals, metal matrix composites, or other high-performance material systems
  • Experience using DOE, statistical analysis, process controls, and structured root-cause methods to improve yield, repeatability, and performance
  • Strong scientific and technical writing skills, including clear documentation of process development, test plans, specifications, and invention disclosures

Preferred qualifications
  • Experience with LPBF, DED, laser processing, welding, CVD/LCVD/LACVD, high-temperature gas processes, or related advanced manufacturing methods
  • Experience with aluminum, copper, conductor materials, or metal matrix composites
  • Direct experience with carbon nanomaterial-metal composites, covetics, graphene, carbon nanotubes, or carbon-metal interface engineering
  • Experience building process controls for new materials, new equipment, or first-of-its-kind manufacturing workflows
  • Familiarity with conductor, cable, automotive, aerospace, energy, or utility qualification pathways
  • Experience working in a startup or fast-paced R&D-to-manufacturing environment

What we offer
  • Competitive cash compensation and meaningful equity
  • Scientific ownership with direct product impact
  • The chance to define the playbook for nanomaterial-enhanced conductors
  • Relocation support for candidates moving from outside the Los Angeles area
  • Visa sponsorship for highly qualified candidates (H-1B transfers, F-1, or STEM OTP)

Apply