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Research Development Process Engineer Jobs in Santa Cruz, CA

Santa Cruz Nutritionals

Process Engineer

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$103K - $154K/yr

Perform challenging engineering office work in connection with cost analyses, progress reports, and research or other specialized technical studies. * Implement and validate new processes and ...

Lumilens

Component Process Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

This role focuses on FR4 substrate or PCB from new technology development, process development to ... This position is ideal for an engineer who combines deep Material/Chemistry/Mechanical/Electrical ...

Cooley LLP

Senior Legal Process Engineer

Palo Alto, CA

$122K - $158K/yr

This role partners across multiple domains including Knowledge Management, Software Engineering, and Product Development, bringing strong legal process insight, user-centered design thinking, and ...

Cooley

Senior Legal Process Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$122K - $158K/yr

This role partners across multiple domains including Knowledge Management, Software Engineering, and Product Development, bringing strong legal process insight, user-centered design thinking, and ...

Antora Energy

Senior Process Engineer

San Jose, CA

$121K - $157K/yr

Support the development and selection of industrial mechanical equipment, including pressure ... Experience developing or owning process engineering deliverables such as heat and mass balances ...

Antora Energy

Senior Process Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$121K - $157K/yr

Support the development and selection of industrial mechanical equipment, including pressure ... Experience developing or owning process engineering deliverables such as heat and mass balances ...

Antora Energy

Senior Process Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$121K - $157K/yr

Support the development and selection of industrial mechanical equipment, including pressure ... Experience developing or owning process engineering deliverables such as heat and mass balances ...

Lyten, Inc.

Sr Process Engineer - Formation

San Jose, CA

$128K - $192K/yr

... R&D and test teams to run experiments, resolve process excursions, and troubleshoot formation ... Own process engineering and technology transfer for pilot battery cell formation * Design, build ...

Lyten, Inc.

Sr Process Engineer - Formation

San Jose, CA · On-site

$128K - $192K/yr

... R&D and test teams to run experiments, resolve process excursions, and troubleshoot formation ... Own process engineering and technology transfer for pilot battery cell formation * Design, build ...

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All JobsResearch Development Process Engineer JobsResearch Development Process Engineer Jobs in Santa Cruz, CA

Research Development Process Engineer information

See Santa Cruz, CA salary details

$52.5K

$117.3K

$176.1K

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

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development process engineer in Santa Cruz, CA is $117,327.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,000.00 and $137,400.00 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, and why are they important?

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 Santa Cruz, CA are hiring for Research Development Process Engineer jobs? Cities near Santa Cruz, CA with the most Research Development Process Engineer job openings:
Research Development Process Engineer jobs near you
Research Associate - Process Research & Development 2

Research Associate - Process Research & Development 2

Centrillion Biosciences, Inc.

Palo Alto, CA

Other

Posted 17 hours ago

Job description

Company Description

Centrillion is creating transformative genomic technologies leveraging engineering and biochemistry breakthroughs to accelerate discovery and reveal the real genome that has thus far been obscured by its complexity and the limitations of existing technologies. Our team of scientists and engineers is committed to making a new generation of genomic technologies accessible and affordable for a multitude of previously unapproachable apps. Centrillion is backed by venture capital and strategic investors and is located at Palo Alto, CA, at the innovation center of Silicon Valley and close to Stanford University.

Job Description

Centrillion is seeking a creative, energetic, resourceful chemist or chemical engineer to join a multidisciplinary research team developing new technologies for genomic sequence analysis.
Responsibilities:
* Conduct supervised research to develop new reagents, materials and processes for the development of new manufacturing technologies.
* Organic synthesis
* Carry out instrumental chemical analysis to evaluate performance of components and processes
* Documentation of experimental work; analysis of data; documenting and presenting results
* Preparation of written methods and SOPs
* Calibrating and maintaining analytical instruments, process tools & systems.
* Procurement of components, materials, reagents
* Support R&D and Manufacturing Pilot and QC operations

Qualifications

* BS or MS in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Biochemistry
* knowledge & hands-on experience in organic and polymer chemistry
* Industry R&D experience in one or more of the following areas:
* organic small molecule synthesis
* automated DNA or Peptide Synthesis
* use of instrumentation for chemical and spectroscopic analysis, such as LC, MS, HPLC, NMR, FTIR, UV, Fluorescence, etc.
* basic cleanroom / microfabrication processing technologies
* Demonstrated ability to plan and execute research experiments
* Excellent problem solving skills.
* Excellent written and oral communication skills.
* Excellent interpersonal and interdisciplinary teamwork skills
* She/he will be required to develop additional competencies, and apply practical skills and knowledge to solving a variety of applied scientific and technical problems

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.  Please attach your resume (rather than copy and paste) when you apply to this position. 

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