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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

$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 · On-site

: 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

$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 ...

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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Showing results 1-20

All JobsSenior Process Development Engineer JobsSenior Process Development Engineer Jobs in California

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 Jun 17, 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.

Do R&D engineers make good money?

Senior Process Development Engineers typically earn competitive salaries that reflect their specialized skills in process optimization, research, and development. Compensation varies by industry, location, and experience, but they generally earn above-average wages compared to many other engineering roles. Advanced knowledge of tools like statistical analysis and process modeling can also influence earning potential.

Is 40 too late to be an engineer?

Age is not a barrier to becoming a senior process development engineer or any engineering role. Many engineers start or transition into the field later in life, and success depends on skills, experience, and continuous learning, such as gaining relevant certifications or technical expertise. Employers value diverse backgrounds and practical knowledge regardless of age.

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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior Process Development Engineers in specialized industries such as semiconductor manufacturing or pharmaceuticals can earn $500,000 or more annually, 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 industry certifications.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior Process Development Engineers in specialized industries such as semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace, or pharmaceuticals can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and relevant certifications. High compensation often reflects leadership roles, complex project management, or working in high-demand sectors with competitive salaries.
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Senior Process Development Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Process Development Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,530 per year, or $57.5 per hour.

Senior Process Development Engineer

Approach Venture

Los Angeles, CA • Hybrid

$150K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Senior Process Engineer – Help Pioneer the Future of Optical Computing Hardware!

Gardena, CA | Onsite


Opportunity Summary

A well-funded stealth startup is developing breakthrough optical computing hardware designed to surpass the limitations of traditional electronics. Backed by experienced founders and early-stage investors, the team is combining advanced photonics, packaging, and manufacturing under one roof. We’re looking for a Senior Process Engineer to lead key development efforts in wafer and die-level packaging. This role is hands-on, highly technical, and central to launching our first product.


About Us

We’re an ambitious group of engineers, scientists, and builders focused on optical computing innovation. Our startup combines experience from previous frontier tech ventures with a shared mission to redefine how light is used in computational systems. With early funding secured, we're building both the hardware and the factory floor to scale it, developing vertically integrated systems that blend photonics, electronics, and manufacturing into a cohesive, next-generation computing platform.


Job Duties

  • Develop and own process recipes for wafer-level and die-level packaging techniques, including eutectic bonding, flip-chip attachment, underfill, and protective coatings
  • Achieve high-yield bonding (>99.9%) and ensure thermal reliability through 20,000+ cycles
  • Analyze failure mechanisms using X-ray, SAM, SEM/TEM, shear testing, and other methods, feeding results back into process and design improvements
  • Lead the transition of R&D processes into repeatable, high-volume production workflows using SPC and tool selection methodologies
  • Serve as technical lead for corrective actions stemming from root cause analysis and field data
  • Collaborate across design, electrical, and mechanical engineering teams to fine-tune packaging architecture
  • Support hiring efforts and mentor junior engineers to grow internal manufacturing capabilities


Qualifications

  • MS or PhD in Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field
  • 3+ years of hands-on experience in semiconductor process development or advanced packaging
  • Proven track record developing and qualifying bonding processes such as eutectic, flip-chip, or hybrid methods
  • Strong command of statistical quality control practices and continuous improvement strategies
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced lab and production environment, including extended hours when needed


Preferred Experience

  • Background in nanofabrication techniques (e-beam lithography, dry etch, PECVD, CMP)
  • Experience integrating photonic components such as SiPh or InP into electronic packages
  • Prior work with optoelectronic device packaging or hybrid integration


Why Join Us

  • High-impact opportunity at the forefront of photonics and next-gen computing
  • Seed-funded startup with ambitious growth plans and hands-on technical leadership
  • Early-stage equity and long-term incentive plans
  • Flexible work culture and strong support for innovation
  • Relocation assistance to Southern California
  • Comprehensive health coverage: medical, dental, and vision
  • Paid parental leave, flexible vacation policy, and company holidays


Compensation Details

$120,000 - $200,000 plus equity




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