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Research And Development Process Engineer Jobs in California

Arbor Energy

R&D Process Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$140K - $155K/yr

Role Overview We're looking for an R&D Process Engineer to bring process engineering rigor to Arbor's fast-paced R&D programs-turning ambitious test plans into operating reality on first-of-a-kind ...

O Positiv

Research & Development Manager

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$135K - $160K/yr

... artwork development process to proof and ensure proper routing and compliance to regulatory ... Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, etc.), Food Science, Pharmaceutical Science or related field ...

Applied Materials

Process Engineer V

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$163K - $224K/yr

As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing ... research and development projects. Position Summary: We are seeking a highly motivated Process ...

Amat

Process Engineer V

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$163K - $224K/yr

As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing ... research and development projects. Position Summary: We are seeking a highly motivated Process ...

O Positiv

Research & Development Manager

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$135K - $160K/yr

... artwork development process to proof and ensure proper routing and compliance to regulatory ... Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, etc.), Food Science, Pharmaceutical Science or related field ...

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Research And Development Process Engineer information

Is research and development process engineer a good career?

A research and development process engineer is a valuable role focused on improving manufacturing processes, developing new products, and applying technical skills such as process optimization and data analysis. It offers opportunities for innovation, technical growth, and often requires collaboration across teams, with job prospects in various industries like manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and technology.

What is the difference between Research And Development Process Engineer vs Manufacturing Engineer?

AspectResearch And Development Process EngineerManufacturing Engineer
Primary FocusDeveloping and optimizing new products and processesImproving and maintaining manufacturing processes
Work EnvironmentLabs, R&D departments, design teamsProduction floors, factories, assembly lines
Required CredentialsBachelor's in engineering, chemistry, or related field; often advanced degreesBachelor's in engineering, manufacturing, or industrial engineering
Industry UsageResearch institutions, product development firms, tech companiesManufacturing plants, industrial companies, OEMs

Research And Development Process Engineers focus on creating and refining new products and processes, often working in labs and design environments. Manufacturing Engineers optimize existing production processes to improve efficiency and quality on the factory floor. While both roles require engineering credentials, their work environments and objectives differ significantly.

How does a research and development process engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during product development?

As a Research and Development Process Engineer, you will frequently collaborate with teams from quality assurance, manufacturing, product design, and marketing. This collaboration ensures that new processes or products are not only innovative but also feasible for large-scale production and meet market needs. Regular meetings, prototype reviews, and process optimization discussions are common, and your role often involves translating technical findings into actionable improvements for other departments. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as your input helps bridge the gap between research concepts and practical, manufacturable solutions.

What does a research and development process engineer do?

A Research and Development (R&D) Process Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing processes used in product manufacturing or service delivery. They work on creating new processes or improving existing ones to increase efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness. R&D Process Engineers often collaborate with other scientists, engineers, and production teams to bring new products from conception to full-scale production while ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Their role is crucial in driving innovation and maintaining a company's competitive edge.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research and development process engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research and Development Process Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical or mechanical engineering, process design, and problem-solving, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, process simulation tools, and Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing certifications is typically required. Standout candidates excel in creativity, collaboration, and effective communication to translate research into scalable solutions. These skills are vital for innovating new processes, improving efficiency, and ensuring successful product development in competitive industries.
What are popular job titles related to Research And Development Process Engineer jobs in California? For Research And Development Process Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research And Development Process Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Research And Development Process Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Research And Development Process Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Research And Development Process Engineer job openings:
Research And Development Process Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research And Development Process Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

R&D Process Engineer

Arbor Energy

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$140K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Role Overview

We're looking for an R&D Process Engineer to bring process engineering rigor to Arbor's fast-paced R&D programs-turning ambitious test plans into operating reality on first-of-a-kind hardware. Our current center of gravity is a high-pressure gasification program operating at conditions never before attempted at any scale, on an aggressive path to commercial operation. You'll own the process side of test stand design, problem-solve at the P&ID and control-scheme level to bring test plans to life, and lead troubleshooting on a challenging fouling-, plugging-, and erosion-prone service. You'll partner closely with senior systems team engineers, gasification engineers, and test engineers, and bring the same rigor to other R&D programs across Arbor as priorities evolve. This is hands-on, high-stakes engineering work on first-of-a-kind technology at the frontier of carbon-negative baseload power.

This is an onsite opportunity in our El Segundo, CA office. 

Responsibilities
  • Own the process engineering deliverables for R&D test stand design-design basis, process flow diagrams, heat and material balances, equipment and line sizing, and supporting calculations that take a new test rig from concept to ready-to-run.
  • Apply that rigor first to the gasification program's hardest subsystems-high-pressure oxygen and CO2 control, refractory-lined reactor zones, and syngas analysis, cooling and cleanup.
  • Develop and maintain steady-state and dynamic process models to predict performance, explore design space, and inform test planning across active R&D programs.
  • Translate test campaign objectives, set by gasification and test engineers, into P&IDs, control narratives, instrument specifications, and safe operating envelopes-bringing rigorous process design to ambitious experimental plans.
  • Reduce, analyze, and interpret test data-closing mass and energy balances, reconciling instrumentation, and turning campaign results into design decisions and next-test recommendations on the parts of the system you know best.
  • Lead root-cause investigations on fouling, plugging, erosion, instability, and other off-design behavior in a challenging high-temperature, high-pressure service; drive corrective actions through to verified resolution.
  • Develop operating procedures, run sheets, and startup/shutdown sequences, and participate in process hazard analyses (PHA/HAZOP) as the test program evolves.
Requirements
  • Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Aerospace, or related Engineering field.
  • 5+ years of hands-on process engineering experience, with meaningful time spent in an R&D, pilot plant, or test stand context.
  • Demonstrated experience troubleshooting fouling, plugging, erosion, instability, or off-design behavior on real hardware-able to walk through specific events, diagnostic approaches, and outcomes.
  • Comfort with commercial process simulation tools (Aspen HYSYS, Symmetry, or equivalent), including both steady-state and dynamic simulation.
  • Strong fundamentals in chemical engineering and a broad appreciation of adjacent disciplines (mechanical, instrumentation, controls, materials).
  • Willingness and ability to travel to Arbor's test site in San Bernardino, CA (approximately 20-40%, weighted toward active campaign windows).
  • Highly self-driven, with the ability to identify technical mysteries and pursue them to root cause when operating with loose guidance.
  • Strong ownership mentality and curious, inventive mindset comfortable driving rigorous problem-solving in a small, fast-paced startup environment.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Direct experience with gasification, oxy-combustion, slag-forming combustion, FCC, coker, hydrocracking, refractory-lined reactors, ash- or solids-handling, or other high-temperature, high-pressure, fouling-prone systems.
  • Hands-on operating experience in a pilot plant, test stand, hardware startup, national lab pilot program, or aerospace test cell environment.
  • Programming or scripting proficiency for data reduction and custom analysis (Excel, Python, MATLAB, or similar).
  • Experience with supercritical CO, high-pressure (100+ bar) systems, or power generation.
  • Familiarity with PHA/HAZOP leadership, LOPA, and pressure relief design.
  • Background in startup, R&D, or first-of-a-kind hardware development environments.
Compensation & Benefits
  • Pre-IPO stock options
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance (Arbor covers 90% for employees)
  • Basic life insurance fully covered
  • Health savings account (HSA) with matching
  • Flexible savings account (FSA)
  • Unlimited PTO 
  • 12+ company holidays, including Earth Day! 
  • 401(k)
  • Commuter benefits
  • Annual learning and development stipend
  • And more!

Base Pay: $140,000 - $155,000 USD/year. The salary is subject to the applicant's skills, qualifications, experience, and geographic location.

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