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Senior Process Development Engineer Jobs in Madison, WI

Paint Process Engineer

Johnson Creek, WI · On-site

$90K - $108K/yr

Lead process development for new colors, coatings, or products--from lab trials to full production ... Opportunities for growth into senior process engineering, project engineering, or leadership roles.

Paint Process Engineer

Johnson Creek, WI · On-site

$90K - $108K/yr

Lead process development for new colors, coatings, or products--from lab trials to full production ... Opportunities for growth into senior process engineering, project engineering, or leadership roles.

You will drive process performance through process development and design, data-driven ... Desire to grow toward a Senior Engineer role by leading complex cross-functional projects from ...

You will drive process performance through process development and design, data-driven ... Desire to grow toward a Senior Engineer role by leading complex cross-functional projects from ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Process Development Engineer information

See Madison, WI salary details

$75.6K

$122K

$171.8K

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

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior process development engineer in Madison, WI is $122,040.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,800.00 and $135,500.00 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 job categories do people searching Senior Process Development Engineer jobs in Madison, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Process Development Engineer jobs in Madison, WI are:
Infographic showing various Senior Process Development Engineer job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,040 per year, or $58.7 per hour.

Process Development Engineer

Scientific Protein Laboratories

Waunakee, WI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

JOB SUMMARY

Join our team at Scientific Protein Laboratories (SPL), a world leader in biosourced pharmaceuticals, located just outside of Madison, Wisconsin in Waunakee! SPL is an innovative biopharmaceutical leader with unique products and services supporting the pharmaceutical industry globally. For over 40 years, SPL specializes in the development and cGMP compliant manufacturing of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). SPL has an exciting opportunity to join the team as a Process Development Engineer.

The Process Development Engineer provides technical and engineering expertise to support SPL's process development and manufacturing activities. This role is responsible for the development, scale- up, optimization, and technology transfer of manufacturing processes from the laboratory and pilot scale development through commercial GMP manufacturing. The Process Development Engineer performs Engineering analyses to develop robust manufacturing processes and process specifications that meet product quality, performance, and regulatory requirements. This position provides technical expertise on manufacturing technologies, process design, equipment selection, materials, and process capabilities and applies sound engineering principles to solve technical challenges and recommend effective process solutions.

Responsibilities include:

  • Lead the scale-up and technology transfer of new product manufacturing processes from laboratory and pilot-scale development to commercial manufacturing.
  • Implement, and optimize commercial manufacturing processes to ensure product quality, process robustness, and operational efficiency.
  • Identify process equipment and operating parameters for new manufacturing processes. Collaborate with Engineering and external equipment vendors to evaluate and implement manufacturing technologies.
  • Prepare process flow diagrams (PFDs), mass balances, process analyses, expected yield calculations, and manufacturing instructions.
  • Design, coordinate, and execute engineering batches to support process development, process optimization, and technology transfer activities.
  • Prepare technical reports, development protocols, SOPs, equipment operating instructions, and other engineering and manufacturing documentation.
  • Analyze manufacturing and production data to identify trends, improve process performance, maximize yields, and proactively prevent manufacturing issues.
  • Provide technical support for manufacturing operations, including troubleshooting, deviation investigations, root cause analysis, and implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
  • Support the qualification and validation of manufacturing equipment and processes, including IQ, OQ, and PQ activities.
  • Train Operations personnel on new manufacturing processes, process improvements, and equipment.
  • Participate as a technical representative on cross-functional project teams supporting internal initiatives and customer programs.
  • Serve as a technical interface with CDMO clients by supporting process development, technology transfer, and project execution activities.
  • Ensure all activities are conducted in compliance with cGMP requirements, company procedures, and applicable regulatory standards.

Job Requirements and Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or related engineering disciple.
  • Minimum of 3 years of relevant industrial experience, 5+ years of process development experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology or CDMO environments is preferred.
  • Hands-on experience with process design, process development, scale-up, technology transfer, and manufacturing equipment.
  • Strong knowledge of process engineering principles and engineering methods used in pharmaceutical or biotechnology manufacturing.
  • Experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing, biologics, or related research and development environments is preferred.
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, technical writing, and communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

WHY JOIN SPL?

Our employees are our success! We recruit motivated people, recognize their contributions, and support their development to reach their full potential.

Perks include: competitive compensation; excellent benefits package - including Medical, Dental and Vision on Day 1; Life and AD&D Insurance, and Short and Long-term Disability; Health and Flexible Saving Account options; Employee Assistance Program, generous vacation; paid Holidays; 401k; advancement opportunities; team-oriented environment; community involvement; company events and more!

SPL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, creed, disability, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and any other status protected by applicable local, state or federal law.