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Research And Development Process Engineer Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

Avispa Technology

R&D Technician

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$35/hr

This role serves as a critical link between engineering and production, ensuring manufacturable solutions, accurate measurement systems, and efficient manufacturing processes. R&D Technician ...

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All JobsResearch And Development Process Engineer JobsResearch And Development Process Engineer Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

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 Sep 5, 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.

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.

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 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 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.

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:

Research And Development Process Engineer jobs near you
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.

R&D Roll Coating Engineer - Thin Film Optics

Viavi Solutions

Santa Rosa, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Summary:

VIAVI (NASDAQ: VIAV) is a global provider of network test, monitoring and assurance solutions for telecommunications, cloud, enterprises, first responders, military, aerospace, and railway. VIAVI is also a leader in light management technologies for 3D sensing, anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, government and aerospace applications.
We are the people behind the products that help keep the world connected at home, school, work, at play, and everywhere in between. VIAVI employees are passionate about supporting customer success and we welcome people who bring their best every day to the company - to question, to collaborate and to push for solutions that will delight our customers.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Position Description: R&D Roll Coating Engineer - ThinFilm Optics

Position Summary

The R&D Roll Coating Engineer plays a key role in developing nextgeneration thinfilm optical materials through advanced rolltoroll coating technologies. This role focuses on earlystage formulation evaluation, process development, and prototyping of precision optical films used in cuttingedge optical systems, displays, sensors, and photonic components. The engineer will work handson in the lab and pilot line to develop scalable coating processes, characterize thinfilm performance, and translate experimental findings into robust manufacturing pathways.

Key Responsibilities

R&D Process Development

  • Develop, refine, and validate rolltoroll coating processes for advanced thinfilm optical materials.

  • Design and execute structured experiments (DOE) to explore processmaterial interactions and determine optimal coating conditions for experimental formulations.

  • Conduct feasibility studies to assess new coating chemistries, equipment configurations, and process technologies for future optical product platforms.

ThinFilm Characterization & Analysis

  • Evaluate thinfilm thickness, uniformity, refractive index, optical transmission/absorption, and surface morphology using metrology tools such as profilometry, ellipsometry, AFM, microscopy, and spectrophotometry.

  • Analyze defects and film anomalies and identify root causes through materials, mechanical, or processrelated investigations.

Coating Technology Expertise

  • Develop new coating strategies for multilayer optical stacks, nanostructured films, highprecision functional layers, or specialty surface treatments.

PilotLine Development & ScaleUp

  • Conduct handson trials on pilot rolltoroll equipment to validate newly developed processes.

  • Translate laboratory findings into scalable processes and establish the groundwork for manufacturing transfer.

  • Identify constraints or risks associated with scaleup and propose design or formulation modifications to improve manufacturability.

CrossFunctional Collaboration

  • Work closely with equipment engineering, quality engineering, and manufacturing technology teams to advance new product concepts.

  • Communicate experimental results, insights, and recommendations through technical reports, presentations, and data summaries.

  • Contribute to design reviews, technology roadmaps, and development milestones for emerging optical products.

Documentation & Method Development

  • Develop process documentation, experimental protocols, and earlyphase control strategies for new coatings and formulations.

  • Maintain accurate experimental records, process parameters, lab notebooks, and data sets to support reproducibility and longterm research continuity.

Pre-Requisites / Skills / Experience Requirements:

Qualifications:

Required:

  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Optics, or related technical field.

  • 5-10 years of relevant experience in rolltoroll coating or thinfilm development within R&D or advanced materials environments.

  • Experience performing structured experiments (DOE), data analysis, and rootcause investigations.

  • Proficiency with analytical tools such as Minitab, JMP, or Pythonbased analysis.

  • Must be U.S. Persons as defined by ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. Person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. "Green Card Holder"), Political Asylee, or Refugee.

Preferred:

  • Experience developing thinfilm optical materials, multilayer optical stacks, interference coatings, polarization films, or related technologies.

  • Familiarity with optical metrology and thinfilm characterization techniques.

  • Experience working in cleanroom or contaminationcontrolled environments.

  • Current DOD clearance

If you have what it takes to push boundaries and seize opportunities, apply to join our team today.

VIAVI Solutions is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer - minorities/females/veterans/persons with disabilities.

Job Posting Pay Range:

101,500

to

188,500

Exceptional qualifications, experience and location may impact salary. VIAVI offers a competitive benefits package that includes paid time off, health, life and disability insurance, 401(k), and a bonus program.

Apply