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Senior Process Development Engineer Jobs in California

Senior Process Engineer, MSAT

Alameda, CA ยท On-site

$150 - $185/hr

Senior Process Engineer, MSATGeneFab Alameda, California, United States About this position About ... Collaborate closely with Process Development to evaluate platform candidates, align on scalable ...

Process Development Engineer

Goleta, CA ยท On-site

$91 - $121/hr

As part of process development, hands-on wafer fabrication and characterization of pilot lots is required. This is the right place for a self-directed, goal-oriented, collaborative engineer. The work ...

Sr Process Engineer

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$110K - $142K/yr

Dexcom is hiring for a Senior Process Development Engineer to join our dynamic team in San Diego, CA. In this position within the Global Engineering Organization, you will support process development ...

Principal Process Development Engineer

Murrieta, CA ยท On-site

$100.65 - $178.20/hr

Principal Process Development Engineer Full Time Murrieta, Murrieta, CA, US 3 days ago Requisition ID: 1089 Salary Range: $100,650.00 To $178,200.00 Annually Join Attalon's Aerospace & Defense team ...

Senior Process Engineer

Carlsbad, CA ยท On-site

$106K - $138K/yr

You will lead process development for flip chip assembly and thermo-compression bonding, support 2 ... first Senior Process Engineer focused on advanced packaging initiatives and to shape process ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Sep 6, 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?

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 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 are popular job titles related to Senior Process Development Engineer jobs in California?

For Senior Process Development Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Process Development Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Process Development Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Senior Process Development Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Senior Process Development Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Process Development Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,530 per year, or $57.5 per hour.

Process Development Engineer

KYOCERA SLD LASER INC

Goleta, CA โ€ข On-site

$110 - $130/hr

Other

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Castilian Dr Office - Goleta, CA 93117


Position Type: Full Time


Salary Range: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00 Salary/year


KYOCERA SLD Laser, Inc. (KSLD)is a global leader in the commercialization ofgallium nitride (GaN) based laser light sources. As a wholly owned subsidiary ofKYOCERA Corporation, KSLD combines advanced laser innovation with the strength, scale, and manufacturing excellence of a global technology leader.


KSLD develops and manufactures high performance LaserLightโ„ขsolutions engineered to deliver exceptional brightness, efficiency, and reliability. Our GaN laser technologies enable a wide range of applications, including automotive and mobility, specialty and portable lighting, projection and AR/VR displays, biomedical instrumentation, industrial imaging, and emerging communication technologies such as LiFi. With vertically integrated capabilities and deep technical expertise, KSLD collaborates closely with customers to deliver application specific laser solutions, accelerating development timelines from concept through production. The company operates advanced R&D and manufacturing facilities inSanta Barbara, CAandFremont, CA, supporting both innovation and high volume manufacturing needs.


KSLD isISO 9001 certifiedandIATF 16949 compliantfor automotive applications, and its products meet rigorous UL and IEC safety standards, reflecting a strong commitment to quality, safety, and reliability.


Recognized byFortune magazineโ€™s Best Workplaces in Manufacturing & Productionโ„ข, KSLD fosters an employee centric culture built on collaboration, technical excellence, and continuous innovation. Guided by a mission to engineer the future of light, KSLD develops laser based solutions that power next generation mobility, consumer, specialty lighting, and industrial technologies.


KSLD will continue to pioneer the future of light by developing, manufacturing and marketing innovative laser based products with high efficiency and luminance for mobility, specialty lighting, consumer, and industrial applications.


To learn more about KSLD, visitwww.kyocerasldlaser.comor contact the company atinfo@kyocerasldlaser.comor 18667535273.


QualificationsJob Description
Specific Responsibilities

  • Develop and refine new processes for laser chips and other device manufacturing.

  • Investigate and apply novel techniques for improved device performance, reliability and yield.

  • Develop work instructions and train process technicians on new processes.

  • Help drive development by facilitating rapid-turn short-loop feedback cycles.

  • SPC monitoring and implementation towards continuous improvement of laser products.

  • Specify, procure and bring up new wafer fab capital equipment.

  • Hands-on process implementation and tool optimization โ€“ significant time on the fab floor.

  • Maintain a safe work environment while working with vacuum tools.

  • Support quality programs both sustaining as well as in preparation for major audits or certifications.


Experience and Skills

  • MS (+2 years experience) or PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Mechanical Engineering or other relevant Physical Science.

  • Knowledge of laser device physics and fabrication.

  • Strong handsโ€‘on experience with several of the following processes and tools: ICP, RIE, PECVD, Eโ€‘beam, Sputter, IBD, ellipsometer, lithography, SEM and AFM / profilometers.

  • Develop work instructions and train process technicians on new processes.

  • Help drive development by facilitating rapidโ€‘turn shortโ€‘loop feedback cycles.

  • Ability to work with minimal guidance.

  • Large dataset process analysis experience using software such as JMP, MATLAB, or SQL.

  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

  • Willing to work outside the scope of normal job duties and experience.

  • Perform other duties and projects assigned


The full time base salary range for the position of Process Development Engineer is $110,000 to $130,000 per annum. The range reflects the minimum and maximum possible base salary for new hires for the role, based on the advertised location. Individual pay is determined by several factors including work location, job related skills, experience, and relevant education and training. For more information about the base salary range applicable to the work location, talk to the recruiter.


Kyocera SLD Laser, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws.


The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and requirements of personnel as classified.

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