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Senior Process Development Engineer Jobs in La Jolla, CA

Actalent

Senior Process Engineer

Carlsbad, CA

$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 ...

Actalent

Senior Process Engineer

Carlsbad, CA

$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 ...

Dexcom

Process Development Engineer 2

San Diego, CA · On-site

You will join Dexcom's Product Development organization, where we drive innovation in continuous glucose monitoring through advanced materials, process engineering, and device design. This role sits ...

Dexcom

Process Development Engineer 2

San Diego, CA

You will join Dexcom's Product Development organization, where we drive innovation in continuous glucose monitoring through advanced materials, process engineering, and device design. This role sits ...

Illumina, Inc.

Sr Engineer - Process Development

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $142K/yr

The estimated base salary range for the Sr Engineer - Process Development role based in the United States of America is: $98,400 - $147,600. Should the level or location of the role change during the ...

Illumina, Inc.

Sr Engineer - Process Development

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $142K/yr

The estimated base salary range for the Sr Engineer - Process Development role based in the United States of America is: $98,400 - $147,600. Should the level or location of the role change during the ...

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All JobsProcess Development Engineer JobsSenior Process Development Engineer JobsSenior Process Development Engineer Jobs in La Jolla, CA

Senior Process Development Engineer information

See La Jolla, CA salary details

$78.6K

$127K

$178.8K

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

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior process development engineer in La Jolla, CA is $126,983.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,000.00 and $141,000.00 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 cities near La Jolla, CA are hiring for Senior Process Development Engineer jobs?

Cities near La Jolla, CA with the most Senior Process Development Engineer job openings:

Senior Process Development Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Process Development Engineer job openings in La Jolla, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,983 per year, or $61 per hour.

Senior Process Engineer, Assay Development

San Diego Stealth Startup

San Diego, CA

$131K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Location: San Diego, CA

Job Type: Full-Time

Compensation: $131,000 - $140,000

Position Overview

We are seeking a Senior Process Engineer to drive the development, automation, and productionalization of clinical next-generation sequencing (NGS) assays. This is a hands-on individual contributor role focused on translating bench-developed chemistry into robust, automated, audit-ready workflows that are ready for clinical lab deployment.

The Senior Process Engineer will work in close partnership with assay development scientists, automation engineers, quality/regulatory specialists, and laboratory operations to design and qualify automated methods for library preparation, nucleic acid extraction, and sample quantitation and normalization. The role requires a builder's mindset, comfort with ambiguity, and the discipline to apply rigorous engineering practices in an early-stage environment where the process roadmap is still being defined.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop, optimize, and qualify automated workflows for NGS library preparation.
  • Partner with assay development scientists to transfer bench-developed chemistry onto automation platforms, identifying and resolving robustness, scaling, and operability issues.
  • Apply DOE, SPC, and other statistical tools to characterize process performance, define operating windows, and establish in-process and release specifications.
  • Contribute to reagent and consumable manufacturing and qualification activities, including QC method development and lot release strategy.
  • Execute equipment qualification activities (IQ/OQ/PQ) for automation and ancillary instrumentation in partnership with engineering and lab operations.
  • Support development and maintenance of process documentation, including process maps, equipment lists, and bills of materials, in alignment with design control expectations.
  • Participate in tech transfer of NGS assays to the clinical laboratory, supporting validation activities and resolving process issues that surface during scale-up and deployment.
  • Partner cross-functionally with chemistry, automation, software, quality, and lab operations to drive sustainable process improvements.

Qualifications

  • BS/MS in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field.
  • 6+ years of experience in process engineering or process development within clinical diagnostics, NGS, biotech, or other regulated laboratory environments.
  • Hands-on experience developing and optimizing automated laboratory workflows, including direct protocol development on liquid handling platforms.
  • Demonstrated experience supporting clinical or near-clinical NGS assays, including library preparation, nucleic acid extraction, methylation conversion, or sample QC workflows.
  • Prior experience supporting LDT and/or FDA-regulated IVD assay development. Working knowledge of design controls and regulated development frameworks (ISO 13485, IVD or LDT context), with experience operating in a quality-driven environment.
  • Practical fluency in data-driven process development methods — DOE, statistical process control, Gage R&R, root cause analysis.
  • Ability to operate independently across multiple workstreams in an early-stage environment where requirements evolve.
  • Comfort operating in a stealth-stage, resource-constrained environment where processes are being built from the ground up.

Why Join Us

  • Influence the foundational technologies and strategies of a company poised to shape the future of clinical genomics and healthcare.
  • Work in a dynamic, collaborative environment where innovation and scientific rigor are deeply valued.
  • Join a seasoned and multidisciplinary team tackling high-impact problems at the intersection of science and engineering.
  • Competitive compensation and equity package, comprehensive benefits, and flexibility to support work-life integration.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We thrive on diversity and collaboration.