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Senior Process Development Engineer Jobs in Sunnyvale, CA

As the Process Development Engineer II, you will serve as the primary engineering personnel supporting manufacturing operations. The individual performing this role will have strong collaboration ...

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As the Process Development Engineer II, you will serve as the primary engineering personnel supporting manufacturing operations. The individual performing this role will have strong collaboration ...

New

Senior Process Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

The Senior Process Engineer will perform IC Assembly process development and improvement directly resulting in increased efficiency and quality on the production floor . This will be achieved through ...

Senior Process Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

The Senior Process Engineer will perform IC Assembly process development and improvement directly resulting in increased efficiency and quality on the production floor . This will be achieved through ...

Sr. Process Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$140 - $210/hr

In this role, you will drive process development for novel III-V etching, coating, and related ... Senior-level experience in semiconductor process engineering, process development, or process ...

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Showing results 21-40

Senior Process Development Engineer information

See Sunnyvale, CA salary details

$88K

$142.1K

$200.1K

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

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior process development engineer in Sunnyvale, CA is $142,148.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,100.00 and $157,900.00 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 Sunnyvale, CA?

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

What job categories do people searching Senior Process Development Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Process Development Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA are:

What cities near Sunnyvale, CA are hiring for Senior Process Development Engineer jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Senior Process Development Engineer job openings in Sunnyvale, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,148 per year, or $68.3 per hour.

Process Development Engineer (20073)

Veeco

San Jose, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Veeco rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 496 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

About Veeco
You probably don't realize it, but what we do at Veeco touches the lives of every person, every day. It's a bold statement, but it's true. From the smartphones in our pockets that access the world's collective knowledge, to the cloud-based services where all that information lives, to high-speed wireless communication and computing power needed to drive artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, gaming and so much more, our technology is all around us. 
 

We design, develop, manufacture, and service highly complex, cutting-edge machines used by our customers to create the essential devices that drive the digital age, connect the world, and improve the human experience. Along with the world's leading technology companies, many of which are household names, we help solve their most difficult material science challenges, enabling technologies for a more connected, sustainable, and convenient world.
 

We're looking for material difference-makers to join our growing team. Interested? Learn more at www.veeco.com/careers.

Overview:
Veeco serves its world-class global customer base through its dedicated sales and service organization strategically located throughout Asia, Europe, and North America. Veeco continues to grow and is looking for a Process Development Engineer for its San Jose, CA location.    

Responsibilities:

  • Lead process and application development using Veeco's unique ion beam deposition and etch technologies.
  • Manage the development of advanced thin film processes intersecting with customers' current and future requirements. Own the design of experiments, execution, and data analysis.
  • Develop and maintain best-known methods (BKMs) for process control, process development, and continuous improvement.  Drive adoption of BKMs and new applications.
  • Engage with customers as the technical expert, help Marketing and Sales establish strong technical partnerships with key accounts.
  • Work with Sales and Marketing to define process specifications for Veeco tools to meet customer needs.
  • Develop new upgrades and hardware in coordination with Engineering for Veeco's unique deposition and etch technologies.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of related experience or a Master's degree and 3+ years of experience or a PhD in Physics, Materials Science or a related field is required. Must have process development experience and expertise with vacuum thin film technology. Expertise with thin film characterization techniques such as four-point probe, stress measurements, ellipsometry, absorption/transmission spectroscopy, XRD/XRR, depth profilers, etc., is required. Experience with thin film for metals is highly desired.

 
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

  • Self-directed and possesses excellent interpersonal/communication skills
  • Collaborative attitude and comfortable with change and ambiguity
  • Semiconductor device knowledge and module process, process integration experience in logic and/or memory fabrication
  • Background in metal and semiconductor thin film technologies preferred
  • Must be able to travel up to 25% both domestic and international


Salary and Benefits

The expected salary range for this position is $115,000 - $145,000, plus a bonus opportunity. We will consider your location, experience, and other job-related factors when determining your pay. If your salary requirements exceed the advertised range and you remain interested in Veeco, we encourage you to apply or email your resume to recruiting@veeco.com.


Other benefits include:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
  • 401(k) with Company Match
  • Holiday, Vacation, and Sick Time
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Life and Accident Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Identity Theft Remediation
  • Emergency Travel Assistance


Veeco is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected characteristics. Veeco is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.


Notice to Applicants:
All communication about open positions and hiring will come from someone with a @veeco.com email address. You will always have multiple interviews and meet several team members (in-person or virtually) before we present an offer. We may also check references or conduct a background investigation as part of the offer process. We will never ask you for money for any reason, especially to send equipment or for pre-employment training. If you have any questions or concerns, or if someone has reached out to you and you think it might be a scam, please get in touch with us at recruiting@veeco.com.


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