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Research Development Process Engineer Jobs in Fair Oaks, CA

Drinking Water Process Engineer

Rancho Cordova, CA · Hybrid

$84K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Kennedy Jenks is seeking a Drinking Water Process Engineer in California to support treatment ... scope development. * Advance planning, studies, and research: Contribute to feasibility studies ...

Associate Process Engineer

Roseville, CA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Responsibilities: * Assist in the design, development, and optimization of semiconductor ... Collaborate with materials scientists and researchers to develop cutting-edge solutions. * Ensure ...

Associate Process Engineer

Roseville, CA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Responsibilities: * Assist in the design, development, and optimization of semiconductor ... Collaborate with materials scientists and researchers to develop cutting-edge solutions. * Ensure ...

Associate Process Engineer

Roseville, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Responsibilities: * Assist in the design, development, and optimization of semiconductor ... Collaborate with materials scientists and researchers to develop cutting-edge solutions. * Ensure ...

Manufacturing Process Engineer Woodland, CA | Full-Time | On-Site About the Role: We are seeking an ... Lead process development activities from concept through production, including equipment ...

Process Engineer II

West Sacramento, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Process Engineer II is responsible for owning and investigating manufacturing related non ... Additionally, they will support the piloting team in creating small-scale batches that support R&D ...

Process Engineer II

West Sacramento, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Process Engineer II is responsible for owning and investigating manufacturing related non ... Additionally, they will support the piloting team in creating small-scale batches that support R&D ...

Water Treatment Process Engineer

Roseville, CA · On-site

$80K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

GFT is seeking a Water Treatment Process Engineer to join our Water team!This role follows a hybrid ... Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and ...

As a Process Development Engineer at Solidigm you will be responsible for delivering module capability for the next node on the 3D NAND technology roadmap, partnering with the module process ...

Company Description We are seeking a highly skilled Mechanical Engineering professional with strong expertise in simulation and process development to join our team supporting next-generation SSD ...

Process Quality Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$105K - $130K/yr

Full-TimeAbout the RoleAs a Process Quality Engineer, you will ensure that incoming and outgoing ... S. defense technology and rocket propulsion company that has developed an innovative, low-cost ...

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Showing results 1-20

Research Development Process Engineer information

See Fair Oaks, CA salary details

$46.4K

$103.7K

$155.6K

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

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development process engineer in Fair Oaks, CA is $103,698.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,200.00 and $121,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a research development process engineer do?

A Research Development Process Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing processes in research and product development settings. They work to improve efficiency, quality, and scalability of new products or technologies by bridging the gap between research and manufacturing. Their role often involves collaborating with scientists, engineers, and production teams to ensure that innovative concepts can be effectively and safely produced at a larger scale. They also analyze data, troubleshoot problems, and implement improvements to meet regulatory and business requirements.

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

A Research Development Process Engineer requires a solid background in chemical or process engineering, problem-solving abilities, and typically a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with process simulation software (such as Aspen Plus or MATLAB), statistical analysis tools, and industry-specific certifications like Six Sigma are often expected. Strong analytical thinking, teamwork, and effective communication distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure successful innovation, efficient process optimization, and seamless collaboration in research-driven engineering environments.

What are the main challenges research development process engineers face when transitioning projects from R&D to full-scale production?

One of the primary challenges Research Development Process Engineers encounter is ensuring that innovative processes developed in the laboratory can be effectively scaled up for manufacturing without compromising quality or efficiency. This often involves troubleshooting unforeseen issues, optimizing process parameters, and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams such as manufacturing, quality assurance, and supply chain. Navigating regulatory requirements and managing tight project deadlines are also common hurdles. Successful engineers leverage strong problem-solving skills and clear communication to bridge the gap between research concepts and practical, large-scale implementation.

What is the difference between Research Development Process Engineer vs Research Scientist?

AspectResearch Development Process EngineerResearch Scientist
Primary FocusDeveloping and optimizing manufacturing processes and workflowsConducting scientific research to generate new knowledge or products
Work EnvironmentIndustrial labs, manufacturing facilitiesAcademic or industrial research labs
Required CredentialsBachelor’s or Master’s in Engineering, Chemistry, or related fields; certifications in process improvementMaster’s or PhD in Science or Engineering
Industry UsageManufacturing, chemical, pharmaceutical industriesAcademic, R&D departments, biotech, pharmaceuticals

Research Development Process Engineers focus on translating research into scalable manufacturing processes, while Research Scientists primarily conduct experiments to advance scientific knowledge. Both roles require strong technical skills but differ in application and environment.

What cities near Fair Oaks, CA are hiring for Research Development Process Engineer jobs?

Cities near Fair Oaks, CA with the most Research Development Process Engineer job openings:

Drinking Water Process Engineer

Kennedy Jenks

Rancho Cordova, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Founded in 1919, KJ has always looked to the future. With a talented team of professionals and a culture of continuous improvement, we deliver exceptional engineering, environmental consulting, and construction management services, with a focus on innovation and sustainability. Using advanced analytics, technology, and tools, KJ improves designs, reduces risk, and finds better ways to deliver projects from planning through construction. KJ is at the forefront of developing sustainable solutions for clients, including green infrastructure design, strategies to reduce energy use and environmental impacts, award-winning water reuse projects, and efficient construction management practices that ensure quality, safety, and on-time delivery. We are known for our dedication to industry-leading client service and tailored solutions.
Kennedy Jenks is seeking a Drinking Water Process Engineer in California to support treatment, reuse, and advanced purification projects for clients across local and national markets.
In this role, you will apply technical knowledge to complex water challenges, support project delivery, and collaborate with experienced engineers and multidisciplinary teams.
You'll help evaluate treatment approaches, prepare technical deliverables, support facility planning, and advance sustainable water solutions for Kennedy Jenks clients.
What You'll Do
As a Drinking Water Process Engineer, you'll support technical analysis, project delivery, client coordination, and process improvement.
  • Evaluate treatment approaches: Assess municipal drinking water treatment, water reuse, and advanced purification processes, including evaluation, selection, engineering studies, and operations optimization.
  • Support pursuits and delivery: Partner with project teams and client service managers during pursuits, interviews, technical discussions, and project execution, including contributions to treatment process innovations, technical approaches, and scope development.
  • Advance planning, studies, and research: Contribute to feasibility studies, facility planning, pilot testing, and related technical evaluations, and collaborate with the Applied Research Group on water quality and treatment research.
  • Support municipal and industrial treatment work: Collaborate with municipal and private sector water treatment staff on projects related to water quality, industrial water treatment, and treatment process improvement.
  • Prepare technical deliverables: Develop basis of design reports, preliminary and detailed engineering drawings, specifications, process flow diagrams, and process instrumentation diagrams.
  • Improve facility performance: Identify opportunities to enhance treatment operations, efficiency, and reliability at existing facilities.
  • Collaborate and mentor: Work with senior engineers on technical solutions and provide guidance to less experienced staff.

What Makes This Role Different
  • Meaningful impact: Contribute to projects that help communities deliver safe, reliable, and sustainable water solutions.
  • Varied experience: Work on local and national projects that expose you to a range of treatment challenges, client needs, and technical solutions.
  • Opportunities to grow: Build your technical depth, take on increasing responsibility, and collaborate with experienced engineers who support your development.

What You Bring
  • Relevant experience: Background in drinking water treatment engineering, including process design, system optimization, or operational evaluation.
  • Functional expertise: Knowledge of municipal treatment, reuse, advanced purification, process evaluation, and engineering studies.
  • Stakeholder communication: Ability to communicate clearly with clients, project managers, client service managers, and multidisciplinary teams.
  • Industry engagement: Active participation in water-focused professional organizations, with the ability to submit abstracts and confidently present technical material at regional and national conferences.
  • Analytical thinking and problem-solving: Ability to evaluate alternatives and develop practical engineering recommendations.
  • Technical documentation: Experience preparing basis of design reports, engineering drawings, specifications, process flow diagrams, and process instrumentation diagrams.
  • Writing and collaboration: Strong writing, analytical thinking, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
  • Work style: Collaborative, curious, and growth-oriented, with a willingness to mentor others.

Qualifications
  • Education: BS or MS in Civil, Environmental, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
  • Experience: 5+ years of experience in drinking water treatment engineering.
  • Certifications or licenses: Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Professional Engineer (PE) license in California; PE preferred or ability to obtain.

Kennedy Jenks supports a healthy work-life balance and utilizes a hybrid model of home and office work, with a minimum of two days per week in the office. This approach empowers our people to thrive, collaborate, and do their best work.
Salary range for this position is expected to be between $84,000 and $169,000, and may vary based upon education, experience, qualifications, licensure/certifications, and geographic location.
Benefits summary: Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance; a health savings account; a 401(k); bonus programs; tuition reimbursement; employee ownership opportunity; professional registration support; business travel assistance; competitive paid time off and holidays; an employee assistance program; and additional programs that support your wellbeing and professional growth.
#LI-Hybrid
Kennedy Jenks is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, disability, citizenship status, genetics, protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law.