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Senior Process Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Process Engineer

Hayward, CA ยท On-site

$119K - $154K/yr

The Senior Process Engineer will design and conduct experiments for prototyping and characterizing new separator formulations and architectures, and collaborate with the Cell Engineering and Advanced ...

Senior Process Engineer

Corona, CA ยท On-site

$107K - $138K/yr

The Senior Process Engineer will be assigned to support all functions of the manufacturing areas. * Drive process improvements including technology, reducing scrap, and new concepts made real and ...

Senior Process Engineer

Corona, CA ยท Hybrid

$107K - $138K/yr

The Senior Process Engineer will be assigned to support all functions of the manufacturing areas. * Drive process improvements including technology, reducing scrap, and new concepts made real and ...

Avantor is seeking a Sr. Process Engineer to work with business leaders on select projects and productivity process improvements that align with business goals and strategies. The Sr. Process ...

Sr. Process Engineer

Carpinteria, CA ยท On-site

$77K - $124K/yr

Avantor is seeking a Sr. Process Engineer to work with business leaders on select projects and productivity process improvements that align with business goals and strategies. The Sr. Process ...

Sr. Process Engineer

Bakersfield, CA ยท On-site

$77K - $124K/yr

Avantor is seeking a Sr. Process Engineer to work with business leaders on select projects and productivity process improvements that align with business goals and strategies. The Sr. Process ...

Sr. Process Engineer

Carpinteria, CA ยท On-site

$77K - $124K/yr

Avantor is seeking a Sr. Process Engineer to work with business leaders on select projects and productivity process improvements that align with business goals and strategies. The Sr. Process ...

Senior Process Engineer

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Sr. Process Engineer Reports To: Process Engineering Supervisor Summary: Perform functions to research, develop, document, qualify, and implement production processes for standard and custom packaged ...

Senior Process Engineer

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Sr. Process Engineer Reports To: Process Engineering Supervisor Summary: Perform functions to research, develop, document, qualify, and implement production processes for standard and custom packaged ...

Avantor is seeking a Sr. Process Engineer to work with business leaders on select projects and productivity process improvements that align with business goals and strategies. The Sr. Process ...

Senior Process Engineer

Torrance, CA ยท On-site

$108K - $140K/yr

The Role Valar Atomics is seeking an experienced Senior Process Engineer to lead the design, development, testing, and operation of helium systems supporting next-generation high-temperature gas ...

Senior Process Engineer

Torrance, CA ยท On-site

$108K - $140K/yr

The Role Valar Atomics is seeking an experienced Senior Process Engineer to lead the design, development, testing, and operation of helium systems supporting next-generation high-temperature gas ...

Senior Process Engineer, MSAT

Alameda, CA ยท On-site

$150 - $185/hr

Senior Process Engineer, MSATGeneFab Alameda, California, United States About this position About GeneFab GeneFab is a contract manufacturing and synthetic biology biofoundry focused on cell and gene ...

Senior Process Engineer

Fremont, CA ยท On-site

$113K - $147K/yr

Senior Process Engineer Location: Fremont, Ca Responsibilities include but are not limited to: * Apply principles of engineering, thermal or fluid sciences, mathematics, or statistics to develop ...

Sr. Process Engineer

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$150 - $210/hr

Role Overview Mariana Minerals is looking for a highly motivated Sr. Process Engineer to join our San Francisco Pilot Plant team. You will lead the design, deployment, and operation of first-of-its ...

Sr. Process Engineer

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Role Overview Mariana Minerals is looking for a highly motivated Sr. Process Engineer to join our San Francisco Pilot Plant team. You will lead the design, deployment, and operation of first-of-its ...

Showing results 21-40

Senior Process Engineer information

See California salary details

$74K

$119.5K

$168.3K

How much do senior process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior process engineer in California is $119,530.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,600.00 and $132,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior process engineer do?

A Senior Process Engineer is responsible for designing, optimizing, and overseeing processes within manufacturing or production environments. They analyze workflows, troubleshoot issues, and implement improvements to increase efficiency, safety, and product quality. Senior Process Engineers often lead projects, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure operational excellence. Their expertise is vital in industries like chemicals, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, and food processing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior process engineer?

To thrive as a Senior Process Engineer, you need a strong background in chemical or process engineering, problem-solving skills, and typically a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field. Expertise in process simulation software (such as Aspen Plus or HYSYS), Six Sigma or Lean certifications, and familiarity with process control systems are highly valued. Outstanding analytical abilities, leadership, and effective communication set top performers apart in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for optimizing processes, ensuring safety and compliance, and leading teams to achieve operational excellence.

What are some common challenges senior process engineers face when working on cross-functional teams?

Senior Process Engineers often collaborate with professionals from various departments, such as operations, quality, and maintenance. A common challenge is aligning diverse priorities and communication styles to achieve shared project goals. Successfully managing these differences requires strong interpersonal and project management skills, as well as the ability to translate technical concepts for non-engineering colleagues. Regular meetings and clear documentation can help ensure everyone stays informed and engaged throughout the process.

What is the difference between Senior Process Engineer vs Process Engineer?

AspectSenior Process EngineerProcess Engineer
QualificationsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, often with 5+ years experienceBachelor's degree in Engineering or related field, typically 1-3 years experience
ResponsibilitiesLeading process improvements, mentoring, project managementSupporting process development, data analysis, assisting senior staff
Work EnvironmentDesign teams, manufacturing plants, R&D departmentsManufacturing facilities, engineering teams, operational support

Senior Process Engineers typically have more experience, leadership duties, and oversee complex projects, while Process Engineers focus on supporting process development and implementation. Both roles are essential in manufacturing and engineering industries, but the senior role involves greater responsibility and strategic planning.

How much does a senior process engineer earn?

A senior process engineer typically earns between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. They often have specialized skills in process optimization, project management, and may hold certifications like Six Sigma or PE licensure.

What are the most commonly searched types of Process Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Process Engineer jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Process Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Process Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Senior Process Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Senior Process Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Process Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,530 per year, or $57.5 per hour.

Sr. Process Engineer

Blue Current

Hayward, CA โ€ข On-site

$119K - $154K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

About Blue Current
Blue Current (the "Company") is the industry leader in the development of silicon solid state batteries. Free of flammable liquid electrolytes, Blue Current's fully dry, inherently safe batteries significantly reduce risks to human and environmental health while providing a higher-performance alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries. Blue Current's silicon-based platform is highly adaptable, enabling a cost-effective solution for both the mobility and stationary storage markets. Blue Current's team works out of its state-of-the-art headquarters and pilot line facility in Hayward, California. To learn more about Blue Current, Inc., visit http://bluecurrent.com.
Position Summary
Blue Current is seeking a hands-on Senior Process Engineer for developing formulation and coating processes for next generation separators used in Blue Current's solid-state batteries. The ideal candidate will have a background in formulation, coating and characterization in the battery or adjacent industry (fuel cell/ solar/ electronic materials, etc). Additional experience in electrochemistry of lithium-ion batteries is a bonus. The Senior Process Engineer will design and conduct experiments for prototyping and characterizing new separator formulations and architectures, and collaborate with the Cell Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing teams for qualifying through cell builds and scaling up to the pilot line. This is a highly cross-functional, hands-on and fast-paced position with a team of scientists and engineers that have a shared passion to change the energy storage landscape.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
  • Develop and test new materials, formulation, mixing and coating processes for separators that enable safe, high energy density solid-state batteries.
  • Characterize slurry and separator quality using rheological, mechanical, imaging and electrochemical techniques, and develop new characterization methods as needed.
  • Evaluating novel separator compositions and architectures in solid state cells. Analyze test results to understand the impact of separator properties on cell performance.
  • Partner with the Advanced Manufacturing team to transfer mixing and coating processes to manufacturing equipment.
  • Clearly communicate complex results to cross-functional teams and senior leadership.
  • Work with cross-functional teams ensuring high-quality, on-schedule execution of projects.
  • Continuously survey and interpret literature on solid-state battery materials and architectures, integrating key insights into the company's technical strategies.
  • Contribute to the company's IP portfolio by exploring novel materials, cell designs, and processing approaches that advance solid-state cell performance
  • Support a strong safety culture by following and improving laboratory safety practices, demonstrating exemplary experimental techniques, and helping implement best-practice updates.

Minimum Qualifications
Education
  • PhD, MS (3+ years work experience), or BS (5+ years experience) in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or a related field, with a focus on batteries, capacitors, fuel cells, or other electrochemical devices

Experience
  • Experience in battery R&D, with a strong focus on lithium-ion or solid-state battery systems
  • Hands-on experience developing and scaling slurry-based processes, including mixing, coating, and drying
  • Proven experience planning, leading, and executing R&D projects, delivering results on schedule in fast-paced environments
  • Demonstrated experience collaborating cross-functionally with cell engineering, materials, and manufacturing teams

Skills & Knowledge
  • Strong understanding of separator materials, polymer/inorganic composites, and their role in solid-state or lithium-ion batteries
  • Expertise in slurry formulation, rheology, and coating science for thin-film materials
  • Familiarity with analytical and characterization tools such as SEM, XRD, TGA, FTIR, DSC, and related techniques
  • Experience with electrochemical testing techniques such as EIS, GITT, HPPC, CV, and related methods
  • Ability to analyze relationships between material properties, processing conditions, and cell performance
  • Strong data analysis and problem-solving skills, with a structured, hypothesis-driven approach
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly present complex technical findings to cross-functional teams and leadership
  • Strong project management, organization, and prioritization skills

Preferred Qualifications
  • Direct experience with solid-state battery systems and separator architectures
  • Experience transferring processes from lab-scale to pilot or manufacturing-scale equipment
  • Track record of innovation through patents, publications, or internal IP contributions

Core Values - Minimum Qualifications
Safety & Security First
For employees, customers, and intellectual property
  • Demonstrated commitment to maintaining a safe and secure work environment, including adherence to workplace safety protocols, data privacy standards, and confidentiality requirements.
  • Proven ability to identify and appropriately escalate potential risks to personnel, customers, or sensitive information.

Trust & Respect
Treat everyone with honesty, dignity, and sensitivity. Embrace different perspectives. Be humble.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with individuals of diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and working styles.
  • Track record of maintaining professionalism, integrity, and discretion in all workplace interactions.

Ownership & Accountability
Take responsibility and action. Set goals and deliver. Don't wait for others.
  • Demonstrated ability to independently prioritize, execute, and follow through on responsibilities with minimal supervision.
  • Proven track record of setting measurable goals, meeting deadlines, and taking initiative to resolve challenges proactively.

Technical Excellence
Always strive for the best solution possible.
  • Demonstrated commitment to quality and continuous improvement in delivering work product, solutions, and outcomes within area of expertise.
  • Ability to evaluate options critically and apply sound judgment to identify the most effective and scalable solution.

Learn & Be Curious
Think outside the box. Always learning.
  • Demonstrated ability to quickly acquire new skills, tools, or domain knowledge in response to evolving business needs.
  • Proven track record of applying creative or unconventional thinking to solve problems.

Be Resourceful
Be hungry, frugal, and flexible. Use what you have. Find a way.
  • Demonstrated ability to deliver results in resource-constrained environments by maximizing existing tools, processes, and partnerships.
  • Proven ability to adapt and find effective solutions in ambiguous or rapidly changing situations.

Delight Customers
Build stronger relationships with internal and external customers.
  • Demonstrated commitment to understanding and exceeding the needs of internal and/or external customers.
  • Track record of building and maintaining strong, trust-based relationships that drive positive outcomes for all stakeholders.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
  • Required to wear personal protective equipment when applicable.
  • Able to pass a respirator fit test and wear a respirator periodically.
  • Able to work in an office, lab, and manufacturing environment with chemicals, moving mechanical parts, and electrical hazards.

Salary Range
$111,600-$160,000 USD
Equal Opportunity Employment Statement
Blue Current is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
At-Will Employment & Disclaimer
Employment at Blue Current is at-will. This means that either the employee or Blue Current may terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any reason or no reason, with or without cause, and with or without advance notice, subject to applicable law. This job description does not create an express or implied contract of employment, nor does it alter the at-will nature of the employment relationship. The duties, responsibilities, and qualifications described herein are subject to change at the Company's discretion and do not represent all tasks that may be required of this role.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for sponsorship now or in the future.