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Senior Process Development Engineer Jobs in Tacoma, WA

Sr. Process Engineer

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$111K - $144K/yr

Candidates should have a natural thirst for knowledge and curiosity to drive personal and professional development. In addition, in order to be a successful Senior Process Engineer, you will:

Sr. Process Engineer

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$133K - $199K/yr

Candidates should have a natural thirst for knowledge and curiosity to drive personal and professional development. In addition, in order to be a successful Senior Process Engineer, you will:

Senior Process Engineer

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$45 - $55/hr

Injection Molding process development, maintenance, and Tooling Design. Implementation and ... Proficiency in the company ERP system (IQMS) as it pertains to the Process Engineer * Able to ...

Our work spans process flow architecture, process development, qualification, yield analysis ... Collaborate with silicon process engineers for process development; define experiments and test ...

Our work spans process flow architecture, process development, qualification, yield analysis ... Collaborate with silicon process engineers for process development; define experiments and test ...

Sr. Process Integration Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site +1

$113K - $160K/yr

Our work spans process flow architecture, process development, qualification, yield analysis ... Collaborate with silicon process engineers for process development; define experiments and test ...

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Senior Process Development Engineer information

See Tacoma, WA salary details

$80.5K

$130.1K

$183.1K

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

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior process development engineer in Tacoma, WA is $130,070.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,700.00 and $144,400.00 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 Tacoma, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Process Development Engineer jobs in Tacoma, WA are:

What cities near Tacoma, WA are hiring for Senior Process Development Engineer jobs?

Cities near Tacoma, WA with the most Senior Process Development Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Process Development Engineer job openings in Tacoma, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,070 per year, or $62.5 per hour.

Sr. Process Engineer

Par Pacific

Tacoma, WA • On-site

$111K - $144K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Par Pacific rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 87 rated oil and gas companies


Job description

About the Job
Job Title: Senior Process Engineer.
The Opportunity:
  • Senior Process Engineer at a Growth-Oriented Energy Company.
  • Enjoy exposure to Senior Management while providing technical engineering support to refining production.
  • Work with a team that includes other engineers specializing in various disciplines to provide process design, process control, and technical support for refinery operations and engineering projects. Areas of support will include crude distillation, hydrotreating, naphtha reforming, isomerization, asphalt blending, sulfur recovery units and refinery utility systems.
  • Expand your skills and experience in a broad role that includes process improvements, capital projects and operational support across all areas of business operations.
  • With a relaxed and results-oriented culture that values work/life balance, we have a high number of long-tenured employees who are flexible at peak times, but overall enjoy reasonable hours.

Reporting to the Process and Controls Supervisor, you will be providing exemplary customer service to our clients. As part of your specific responsibilities, in the following areas, you will:
  • Provide technical support and build/maintain internal partnering relationships with other refinery departments such as Operations, Maintenance, Environmental, Safety, and the Laboratory as well as across Par Pacific's other refinery locations.
  • Perform process design associated with refinery improvements.
  • Provide technical support to refinery operating and maintenance personnel.
  • Perform and/or manage all phases of engineering projects from conceptual studies, process design, cost estimating, detailed engineering, procurement, construction, through startup.
  • Identify and develop refinery improvement projects.
  • Develop economic justification for refinery improvements.
  • Make recommendations for modifications to improve refinery operations.
  • Prepare engineering specifications including instrument specifications, equipment specifications, construction specifications and bid packages.
  • Assist with design and implementation of new distributed control systems (DCSs).
  • Perform process optimization studies.
  • Participate in process hazard analyses.
  • Administer and/or manage assigned refinery engineering/inspection programs.
  • Perform equipment inspections.
  • Solicit and evaluate bids for equipment and construction.
  • Monitor and evaluate process unit performance.
  • Utilize simulation software to identify and debottleneck unit constraints.

The Qualifications:
To meet the basic qualification for this role, you will have legal authorization to work permanently in the United States for any employer without requiring a visa transfer or visa sponsorship. To be a good fit for the Senior Process Engineer opportunity, you will have:
  • High School Diploma or GED required.
  • Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering is required.
  • 5+ years of experience in oil refining is required. Experience in distillation, fluid hydraulics, and heat transfer is required. Experience in catalytic/conversion units is preferred but not required.
  • Strengths in process design/simulation and project management are strongly preferred.
  • The ability to independently evaluate, select and apply standard engineering techniques and procedures.
  • Self-motivation and a strong sense of ownership and follow-through.
  • The ability to achieve goals independently and also contribute as a team player.
  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills.
  • Strong organizational and prioritization abilities.
  • Good oral and written communication skills.

Note: This description is intended to give you a general overview of the position and is not an exhaustive listing of duties and responsibilities.
About Us:
At Par Pacific, we own and operate market-leading energy and infrastructure businesses in logistically complex markets. We have built a team of oil and gas industry veterans and subject matter experts to lead our organization with an entrepreneurial spirit and a collaborative, problem solving approach. We bring our diverse strengths and motivation to complex markets where we seek out diamonds in the rough. As a nimble, growing organization, we actively pursue new opportunities with corporate financing know-how, respond to local market demands, and adapt to changing external environments.
More Good Reasons to work for Par:
Unique Culture:
  • There is nothing ordinary about Par Pacific -- a niche player in the energy space that operates in logistically complex markets. And there's certainly nothing ordinary about Par Pacific people. We are driven, hardworking, entrepreneur-minded professionals that love to win. If that describes you, you'll fit right in.

Location, Location, Location:
  • Because Par Pacific is located in some of the most beautiful places throughout the country, our employees get to make these places their home and enrich their lives. The refinery where you'll work is in the Port of Tacoma, Washington nestled against Commencement Bay and the South Puget Sound with sweeping views of Mt. Rainier.

Opportunistic Growth Strategy:
  • At Par Pacific, we look for operations with strong fundamentals and great employees who can move a business forward. Our management team has deep experience in the energy industry, as well as in leading mergers, acquisitions, and integrations of newly acquired companies.

Excellent Compensation:
  • In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a strong comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance; a robust allotment of paid time off; a 401(k) with company match; retirement savings plans; educational reimbursement; and more. Employees can also purchase pure gasoline at street prices.

Hiring Range:
$133,105- $199,658 per year.
Benefits:
Full-time employees (and their families) are offered medical (with prescription), dental, vision, voluntary critical illness, accident, life/AD&D insurance, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Account. Employees can enroll in our company's 401k plan and are able to purchase company stock at discounted prices. Salaried employees are eligible for Unlimited Paid Time Off and have twelve paid holidays throughout the calendar year.
Other Compensation:
Employee is eligible for an annual incentive program targeted as 15% of annual pay based upon both company financial performance and individual performance to goals.
Keys to Success:
We are looking for a highly motivated, self-starter with a positive attitude. Candidates should have a natural thirst for knowledge and curiosity to drive personal and professional development. In addition, in order to be a successful Senior Process Engineer, you will:
  • Effectively combine your process engineering expertise with solid project management skills.
  • Remain flexible as priorities change but keep a sharp eye on deadlines and responsibilities.
  • Keep a calm head in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
  • Combine analytical skills and creativity in solving problems.
  • Ability to drive change and help others adopt improvements. Your role and the company will continue to evolve, so you'll need to be adaptable.
  • Bring an action orientation and a strong work ethic.

Our Headquarters:
Par Pacific Holdings, Inc., based in Houston, Texas, owns, manages and maintains interests in energy and infrastructure businesses. We are a growing energy company focused on renewable and conventional fuels in the Western United States. Par Pacific also owns 46% of Laramie Energy, LLC, a natural gas production company with operations and assets concentrated in Western Colorado. Our common stock is publicly traded on the NYSE under the trading symbol "PARR".
Our Refineries and Logistics Operations:
We own and operate refineries in Hawaii, Montana, Washington, and Wyoming, with total operating throughput capacity of over 218 Mbpd. Par Pacific owns and operates one of the largest energy networks in Hawaii with 94,000 bpd of operating refining capacity, a logistics system supplying the major islands of the state and 90 retail locations. In the Pacific Northwest and the Rockies, Par Pacific owns and operates 124,000 bpd of combined refining capacity, related multimodal logistics systems.
Our Retail Operations:
We own and operate 90 retail locations in Hawaii under the Hele and 76 brands and 33 retail locations in Washington and Idaho under the nomnom brand.
Par Pacific is an equal opportunity employer:
Par Pacific prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status,genetic information or any other status protected by applicable law.
Note: Par Pacific will not accept calls from third-party recruiters. All candidates are required to apply through this web posting.

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