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Research And Development Process Engineer Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

Sr Staff R&D Engineer

Nicasio, CA ยท On-site

$206K - $276K/yr

Job Posting Title: Sr Staff R&D Engineer Req ID: 10127968 The Skywalker Sound Development Group is ... Fluency in audio signal processing fundamentals and the integration of DSP into ML pipelines.

Principal R&D Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA ยท On-site

$145 - $167.50/hr

Overview Join our innovative, mission-driven R&D team as a Staff R&D Engineer at Endologix! WHO WE ... Process FMEA. * Manage complex projects across multiple disciplines, defining scope, setting ...

Join our innovative, mission-driven R&D team as a Staff R&D Engineer at Endologix! WHO WE ARE ... Process FMEA. * Manage complex projects across multiple disciplines, defining scope, setting ...

Overview Join our innovative, mission-driven R&D team as a Staff R&D Engineer at Endologix! WHO WE ... Process FMEA. * Manage complex projects across multiple disciplines, defining scope, setting ...

Overview Join our innovative, mission-driven R&D team as a Staff R&D Engineer at Endologix! WHO WE ... Process FMEA. * Manage complex projects across multiple disciplines, defining scope, setting ...

Sr . R&D Engineer

Novato, CA

$122K - $168K/yr

ABB Talent Pool - R&D Engineer / R&D Senior Engineer / R&D Team Lead / Associate Principal engineer / Principal Engineer) Your role and responsibilities In this role, you will have the opportunity to ...

Showing results 41-60

Research And Development Process Engineer information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$49.7K

$111.1K

$166.7K

How much do research and development process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for research and development process engineer in Santa Rosa, CA is $111,095.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,000.00 and $130,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Santa Rosa, CA? For Research And Development Process Engineer jobs in Santa Rosa, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Research And Development Process Engineer jobs? Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Research And Development Process Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Research And Development Process Engineer job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,095 per year, or $53.4 per hour.

Staff Optical Coating Process Engineer

II-VI Incorporated

Santa Rosa, CA โ€ข On-site

$141K - $182K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

  • Have in-depth knowledge of reactive magnetron sputtering processes and their relationship to thin-film growth processes sufficient to understand their effects on optical, structural and mechanical properties of multilayer thin films.
  • Have sufficient analytical knowledge of automated thin film vacuum sputter deposition chamber operation to support Process change decisions regarding; Programmable Logic Controllers, Agility HMI automation, process control interfaces, process control setup, laser monitoring, Manufacturing execution system and database interface.ย 
  • Have in depth knowledge and experience with vacuum equipment including, pumps, valves, feedthroughs, Mass flow valves, pressure gauges, magnetron cathodes, heaters and heat control systems.
  • Understand Optical thin-film design theory and how to use Optical thin-film design codes for characterizing manufacturing errors.ย Working knowledge of basic design building blocks, effective indices and the various applications of symmetric design components.
  • Analytical knowledge of automated Optical monitoring systems used for accurate layer thickness control of coatings with as many as 400 layers and synchronous control of deposition process.
  • Ability to interpret and analyze data from radiometric fiber optic measurement system utilizing grin lenses and tunable laser sources.ย 
  • Working together with engineers in a team environment where project actions are interdependent upon multiple team members where shared ideas may be accepted or challenged in an effort to achieve the best outcome for all.
  • Responsible for daily decisions on process, product and equipment problems and their impact on production costs and on-time delivery commitments.
  • Develop new tools and processes for manufacturing new products and integrate them into the manufacturing systems.
  • Interact closely with the Manufacturing team to monitor and clarify procedures.
  • Support Planning and Manufacturing to optimize product flow, throughput and on-time delivery goals.
  • Perform continuous process improvement and development of tools to assist engineering and manufacturing in evaluation of processes, diagnosis of equipment failures, product and business.ย Support decisions using measurable statistics.
  • Maintain and optimize predictive tools to maximize run yields and minimize downtime.
  • Perform product qualifications for new products or for specified process changes
  • Write or modify work instructions for tasks associated with coating processes, measurement instrumentation and software tool utilized by technicians.
  • Participate in major development efforts driven by Management and work together with Senior engineers to identify how to best support the effort
  • Communicate well with outside vendors and customers, fostering good working relationships.

Education & Experience

  • BS degree or higher in Engineering, Physics or related field
  • 5 years of professional optical coating process engineering in manufacturing.

Skills

  • In depth knowledge of reactive magnetron sputter deposition processes, thin film growth processes and their interrelationships
  • In depth knowledge of thin film design theory, thin film design code development and product application.
  • General knowledge of statistical software packages, interpretation of statistics and an ability to clearly communicate statistical results to others.
  • Experience Decreasing/Eliminating process variations using problem solving methodologies to; understand root causes, confirm hypotheses, implement resolutions, and optimize improvement
  • General knowledge optical thin film metrology for telecommunication filtersย 
  • Familiarity with Matlab/Visual Basic/Labview/Python codes for equipment control and data analysis and proficient in one of these languages.
  • Have proficient general computer skills. Some examples are; experience with commercial thin film software, and other programs, Word, Excel,ย power point etc.
  • Experience TFCALC preferred.

Working Conditions

  • Shift and 'on-call'ย workย may be required, particularly whereย manufacturing/productionย equipment is in continual 24-hour operation.

Physical Requirements

  • Able to lift and move up to 25lbs without assistancesย 

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.

Quality and Environmental Responsibilities

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

Cultureย Commitment

Ensure adherence to company's values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:

Integrity - Create an Environment of Trust

Collaboration - Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

Accountability - Own the Process and the Outcome

Respect - Recognize the Value in Everyone

Enthusiasm - Find a Sense of Purpose in Work


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Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.


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If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com.


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Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!
Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.