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Senior Process Development Engineer Jobs in Madison, WI

Mastermold LLC

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.

Mastermold LLC

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.

Placon Corporation

Process Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

A hands-on technical role where your engineering expertise truly matters ... Opportunities to grow your skills in new product development, process control, and capital ...

Placon Corporation

Process Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Process Engineer We're looking for a dependable Process Engineer who will be located in our Madison ... Opportunities to grow your skills in new product development, process control, and capital ...

Placon Corporation

Process Engineer

Madison, WI

$70K - $85K/yr

A handson technical role where your engineering expertise truly matters ... Opportunities to grow your skills in new product development, process control, and capital ...

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All JobsSenior Process Development Engineer JobsSenior Process Development Engineer Jobs in Madison, WI

Senior Process Development Engineer information

See Madison, WI salary details

$75.6K

$122.1K

$171.8K

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

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior process development engineer in Madison, WI is $122,058.00, 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, 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 Madison, WI as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $122,058 per year, or $58.7 per hour.
Paint Process Engineer

Paint Process Engineer

Mastermold LLC

Johnson Creek, WI • On-site

$90K - $108K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description


We’re looking for Paint Process Engineers to own, stabilize, and improve our paint and coating processes. This role is less about “babysitting the line” and more about building robust processes that run right the first time, every time.

You’ll define standards, dial in parameters, reduce defects, and lead continuous improvement so production, quality, and maintenance have a repeatable, capable process to work with.


What You’ll Do

Process Engineering & Standardization

  • Develop, document, and maintain paint process standards (parameters, recipes, and work instructions) for existing and new products.

  • Define and optimize: gun settings, atomizing air, film build targets, flash/bake times, oven profiles, line speeds, and booth balance.

  • Build and maintain control plans, standardized work, and process check sheets for paint operations.

  • Use data (SPC, Pareto, capability studies) to identify variation and tighten up the process.

Defect Reduction & Root Cause Analysis

  • Lead structured problem-solving for paint defects (runs, sags, orange peel, dry spray, fisheyes, adhesion issues, color shifts, etc.).

  • Perform root cause analysis using tools like 5-Why, Fishbone, PDCA, and implement permanent corrective actions.

  • Partner with Quality to monitor scrap, rework, and first-pass yield, and drive projects to reduce defects.

Launches, Trials & Process Changes

  • Lead process development for new colors, coatings, or products—from lab trials to full production.

  • Plan and run process trials and DOE to evaluate new materials, equipment, and parameter changes.

  • Support PPAPs and customer approvals by preparing data, documentation, and sample runs as needed.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Work closely with Production, Maintenance, Engineering, and Quality to ensure the paint process is understood, stable, and repeatable.

  • Train supervisors, leads, and operators on proper application techniques, defect recognition, and process controls.

  • Collaborate with Maintenance/Engineering on equipment upgrades, nozzle/robot changes, and oven/booth improvements.

Safety & Compliance

  • Ensure paint processes meet safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.

  • Support safe storage, handling, and usage of paints, solvents, and chemicals used in the process.


What You Bring

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering
    OR equivalent hands-on experience in paint/coatings process engineering.

  • Direct experience with industrial painting or coating operations (automotive, heavy truck, agriculture, metal finishing, composites, etc.).

  • Strong process engineering mindset: comfortable with data, parameters, standardized work, and root cause analysis.

  • Ability to operate on the production floor, communicate with operators, and present clearly to leadership.

  • Proficiency with Excel and basic data analysis for reporting and process monitoring.

Preferred

  • Experience with powder coating, liquid paint, or gel coat systems, including pretreatment and curing ovens.

  • Familiarity with DFT measurement, gloss/color measurement, adhesion testing, and cure verification.

  • Experience with robotic application equipment and/or automated paint lines.

  • Exposure to Lean, Six Sigma, PFMEA, control plans, and CI projects in a manufacturing environment.


What We Offer

  • Competitive salary and performance-based bonus opportunity.

  • Comprehensive benefits package ([health/dental/vision/401(k)/etc.]).

  • Paid time off and holidays.

  • Opportunities for growth into senior process engineering, project engineering, or leadership roles.

  • A visible impact: you’ll see your process changes show up directly as better quality, less scrap, and smoother production.