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Senior Process Development Engineer Jobs in California

Abbott

Sr Process Development Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$122K - $158K/yr

As the Sr Process Development Engineer, you will serve as the primary engineering personnel supporting manufacturing operations. The individual performing this role will have strong collaboration ...

Abbott

Sr Process Development Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$122K - $158K/yr

As the Sr Process Development Engineer, you will serve as the primary engineering personnel supporting manufacturing operations. The individual performing this role will have strong collaboration ...

Abbott

Sr Process Development Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$122K - $158K/yr

As the Sr Process Development Engineer, you will serve as the primary engineering personnel supporting manufacturing operations. The individual performing this role will have strong collaboration ...

5AM Ventures

Process Development Engineer

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

In this newly created role, as a Process Development Engineer I, you will work in close collaboration with our Process Development team, and our Senior Process Engineer in particular, to advance our ...

5AM Ventures

Process Development Engineer

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

In this newly created role, as a Process Development Engineer I, you will work in close collaboration with our Process Development team, and our Senior Process Engineer in particular, to advance our ...

Huntsman

Process Development Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

: Process Development Engineer Huntsman is seeking a Process Development Engineer supporting the Advanced Materials Division located in Los Angeles. This position will report to the Process Development ...

SpaceX

Process Development Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$110K - $135K/yr

PROCESS DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER - BUILD RELIABILITY The Process Development Engineer is responsible for developing and improving business processes and systems that enable SpaceX to design, build ...

SpaceX

Process Development Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$110K - $135K/yr

PROCESS DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER - BUILD RELIABILITY The Process Development Engineer is responsible for developing and improving business processes and systems that enable SpaceX to design, build ...

SpaceX

Process Development Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$110K - $135K/yr

PROCESS DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER - BUILD RELIABILITY The Process Development Engineer is responsible for developing and improving business processes and systems that enable SpaceX to design, build ...

Oura

Senior Manufacturing Process Engineer

San Francisco, CA

$122K - $158K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Senior Process Engineer to join our US team and own process development, qualification, and continuous improvement for our current and future hardware products. You will ...

Solidigm

Process Development Engineer

Rancho Cordova, CA · On-site

$139K - $223K/yr

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 ...

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Senior Process Development Engineer information

See California salary details

$74K

$119.5K

$168.3K

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

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior process development engineer in California is $119,530.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,600.00 and $132,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Senior Process Development Engineer do?

A Senior Process Development Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness. They often lead teams in scaling up processes from the laboratory to full production, troubleshoot technical issues, and implement new technologies or methods. Additionally, they collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, quality assurance, and production, to ensure processes meet regulatory and safety standards. Their expertise helps companies maintain competitive advantages and meet production goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Process Development Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Process Development Engineer, you need a strong background in chemical or mechanical engineering, process optimization, and project management, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, process simulation tools (such as Aspen Plus or MATLAB), and Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing certifications is often required. Excellent problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills help you coordinate cross-functional teams and drive continuous improvement. These skills are crucial for developing efficient, scalable processes that meet quality standards and business goals.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Senior Process Development Engineers in specialized industries such as semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace, or pharmaceuticals can reach or exceed a $500,000 annual salary, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, and requires expertise in process optimization, automation tools, and project management.

Can you make $250,000 as an engineer?

Senior Process Development Engineers in high-demand industries or with extensive experience and specialized skills can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $250,000 annually, especially with bonuses and stock options. However, such compensation levels are typically found in senior roles at large companies or in regions with high living costs, and may require advanced certifications and a strong track record of project success.

What are some common challenges a Senior Process Development Engineer may face when scaling up a new process from the lab to full production?

Senior Process Development Engineers often encounter challenges such as maintaining product quality and consistency when transitioning from small-scale laboratory experiments to large-scale manufacturing. This process typically involves troubleshooting equipment limitations, optimizing process parameters, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Effective collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as R&D, manufacturing, and quality assurance, is crucial to address these challenges and achieve a smooth scale-up. Adaptability and problem-solving skills are essential to navigate unexpected issues that may arise during this transition.

What is the difference between Senior Process Development Engineer vs Process Engineer?

AspectSenior Process Development EngineerProcess Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering; experience in process developmentBachelor's degree in Engineering or related field; entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentResearch and development labs, manufacturing facilities, cross-functional teamsManufacturing plants, production lines, process optimization teams
Industry UsagePharmaceuticals, chemicals, biotech, manufacturingManufacturing, chemical processing, consumer goods

The main difference is that Senior Process Development Engineers focus on developing and optimizing new processes, often in R&D settings, while Process Engineers typically oversee existing manufacturing processes to improve efficiency and quality. Senior roles involve more strategic planning and innovation, whereas Process Engineers focus on day-to-day process operations.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior Process Development Engineers in industries such as semiconductor, pharmaceutical, or aerospace often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and advanced certifications. Compensation can vary based on location, company size, and individual expertise, with some roles including bonuses and stock options.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior Process Development Engineers in industries like semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace, or pharmaceuticals can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and advanced certifications. High compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or other incentives, particularly in competitive or high-demand sectors.
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Senior Process Development Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Process Development Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,530 per year, or $57.5 per hour.
Sr Process Development Engineer

Sr Process Development Engineer

Abbott

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$122K - $158K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago

Abbott rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 136 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

154th of 527 rated manufacturers

Job description

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Working at Abbott
At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and your family, be your true self, and live a full life. You'll also have access to:
  • Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of.
  • Employees can qualify for free medical coverage in our Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year.
  • An excellent retirement savings plan with a high employer contribution
  • Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program, and FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor's degree.
  • A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries worldwide and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune.
  • A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as the best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.

The Opportunity
This position works out of our Santa Clara, CA location in the SH division.
Structural Heart Business Mission: Why We Exist.
Our business purpose is to restore health and improve quality of life by designing and providing device and management solutions for treating structural heart disease.
As the Sr Process Development Engineer, you will serve as the primary engineering personnel supporting manufacturing operations. The individual performing this role will have strong collaboration with the line supervisor, Quality Engineer and operators to address all the opportunities found in the assigned manufacturing line. This role will be accountable on quality, output and yield of the assigned manufacturing line. Will also serve as the engineering management representative in the manufacturing line, executing initiatives and working directly with the DL workforce. This person may also have a role beyond the line support engineering as a sustaining engineer for the department. As a Senior Engineer, this person is one of the most experienced and expected to be subject matter expert in the site products and process.
What You'll Work On
  • Responsible for assigned line output, safety, yield and quality. Responsible for identification of product defects and determination of operational and process related actions to reduce the defects. This may also include equipment trouble-shooting and sub-sequent work order request.
  • Works with line support team (QC supervisor, Mfg. Supervisor, Quality Engineer and Operations) to perform on line issue triage to evaluate issues and determine if non-conformance is present, determine initial bracketing and containment, and generate corrective actions/preventative actions as needed.
  • Responsible for product/process knowledge and understanding of basic cause and effect of line changes. Considered and expert in statistics, product and Engineering process.
  • Responsible for modeling/drafting assemblies; fixtures & tools; Solidworks mid to advance level.
  • Responsible for providing the line with related Engineering fixes, such as tooling (TLTs) and manufacturing aids (from idea definition to implementation). Knowledgeable of procedures related to equipment controls.
  • Support technicians and supervisors in equipment availability issues.
  • Supports Training and Certification Program. Provides additional insight on how to improve trainings and certifications in the best interest of the business.
  • Responsible for determining quality impact of Out-of-Tolerance documents.
  • Responsible for execution of line related change management (material, equipment and process changes). Responsible for CO and CR generation related to moderate to complex changes impacting the manufacturing line.
  • Responsible for continuous improvement projects development and execution, including CAPAs implementations. Responsible for exception subtask execution.
  • Evaluates ideas for continuous improvements.
  • Leads root cause analysis efforts for high complexity manufacturing events, utilizing DMAIC model and A3s. Leads CAPA (Major) investigations with data gathering and analysis as needed. Owns CAPA activities without oversight.
  • Runs studies and validations on the line as needed.
  • Be the ME representative for manufacturing related projects including yield, CIP's, productivity, quality and safety.
  • Responsible for coordination of product builds through the NPI process.
  • Generates all types of changes to the eLHR system.
  • Leads ME support during external and internal audits.
  • Acts as coach and mentor to more inexperienced engineers or technical personnel.
  • Leads statistical analysis for complex events at the site.
  • Can generate qualification and validation protocols and reports with minimal oversight.
  • Owns basic to medium to high complexity CR activities with no oversight.
  • Demonstrates comprehensive understanding of regulations in area of work and where to look for information. Considered SME for most Engineering matters.
  • In conjunction with RA:
    - Understands regulatory implications of proposed changes.
    - Understands what types of changes require filings. Completes documentation to support regulatory filings with oversight.
  • Minimal oversight required for problems or assignments of reasonable difficulty. Makes decision in an efficient manner, even when having limited information.
  • Considers risk mitigation in planning based on lessons learned or from peers. Reviews previous similar projects and activities as part of the decision-making process. Anticipates potential situations that may impact projects timeline and resolves them before they become an issue.
  • Prepares and provides well thought out contribution to meetings. Provides technical guidance to peers that facilitates the progression of the project, group or person.
  • Can present information and collaborates with peers across functions (both internally and externally). Exposure to cross functional mgmt. communications.
  • Leads manufacturing engineering projects of high complexity, including CIPs, CAPA, Validations.
  • May have delegation authority for area manager.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelors Degree (± 16 years) in Engineering related field.
  • Minimum 5 years experience.
  • Basic knowledge of applicable US non-US applicable regulations.
  • Knowledge and proficiency in the application and principles of Manufacturing/Process Engineering.
  • Ability to effectively communicate cross-functionally to assist with resolving Quality/Engineering issues.
  • Catheter assembly experience is required.
  • Process Validations experience is required.
  • Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
  • Ability to interact effectively with all levels of employees.
  • Knowledge of common office applications: Word, PowerPoint, Excel.
  • Knowledge of statistical analysis.
  • 3-D drawing (Solidworks required).

Apply Now
Learn more about our health and wellness benefits, which provide the security to help you and your family live full lives: www.abbottbenefits.com
Follow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that can help you build your future and live your best life. Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to employee diversity.
Connect with us at www.abbott.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott, and on Twitter @AbbottNews.
The base pay for this position is
$90,000.00 - $180,000.00
In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.
JOB FAMILY:
Engineering
DIVISION:
SH Structural Heart
LOCATION:
United States > Santa Clara : Building A - SC
ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS:
WORK SHIFT:
Standard
TRAVEL:
Yes, 10 % of the Time
MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE:
No
SIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES:
Continuous sitting for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day), Continuous standing for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day)
Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities/Women/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans.
EEO is the Law link - English: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_English.pdf
EEO is the Law link - Espanol: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_Spanish.pdf

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