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Senior Process Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Westrock

Staff Eng, Process Control

Covington, VA · On-site

Senior Process Engineer Job Code: ENPCP4 + Staff Eng Location: Covington, VA The Opportunity: The Senior Process Engineer is responsible for managing technical projects aimed at product and process ...

Cooley LLP

Senior Legal Process Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$108K - $139K/yr

Senior Legal Process Engineer Cooley is seeking a Senior Legal Process Engineer to join the Practice Engineering team. Position summary : As the leading technology law firm, Cooley is determined to ...

Cooley

Senior Legal Process Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$108K - $139K/yr

Senior Legal Process Engineer Cooley is seeking a Senior Legal Process Engineer to join the Practice Engineering team. Position summary : As the leading technology law firm, Cooley is determined to ...

Cooley LLP

Senior Legal Process Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$108K - $139K/yr

Senior Legal Process Engineer Cooley is seeking a Senior Legal Process Engineer to join the Practice Engineering team. Position summary : As the leading technology law firm, Cooley is determined to ...

KLDiscovery

Senior Manager, Process Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$106K - $138K/yr

Senior Manager, Process Engineer - Operations | Reports to SVP, Operations KLDiscovery is hiring a Senior Manager, Process Engineer to build the industrial engineering function from the ground up.

ERG

Senior Process Safety/Chemical Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site +1

$110K - $155K/yr

ERG is seeking a Senior Process Safety Engineer or Chemical Engineer to join our Risk Management Program (RMP) and Process Safety Management (PSM) compliance and enforcement team providing support to ...

ERG

Senior Process Safety/Chemical Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$110K - $155K/yr

ERG is seeking a Senior Process Safety Engineer or Chemical Engineer to join our Risk Management Program (RMP) and Process Safety Management (PSM) compliance and enforcement team providing support to ...

Phlow Corp.

Process Engineer

Petersburg, VA · On-site

Advanced engineering position that leads in process design and execution ... Provides mentorship to less senior staff on process design. Implements new solutions for process ...

Phlow Corp

Process Engineer

Petersburg, VA · On-site

Provides mentorship to less senior staff on process design. Implements new solutions for process ... Uses engineering skills to design projects for enhanced safety, quality and or productivity ...

Phlow Corp

Process Engineer

Petersburg, VA · On-site

Advanced engineering position that leads in process design and execution ... Provides mentorship to less senior staff on process design. Implements new solutions for process ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsProcess Engineer JobsSenior Process Engineer JobsSenior Process Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Senior Process Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$74.4K

$120.1K

$169K

How much do senior process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior process engineer in Virginia is $120,077.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,100.00 and $133,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Process Engineer, and why are they important?

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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Process Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Process Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Process Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Senior Process Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Process Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Process Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Senior Process Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Senior Process Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Process Engineer jobs in VA? For Senior Process Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Senior Process Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Process Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 91% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,077 per year, or $57.7 per hour.
Staff Eng, Process Control

Staff Eng, Process Control

Westrock

Covington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

General Information
Job ID
ATR60118
Posting Job Title
Senior Process Engineer
Locations
VA Covington
Employment Type
Full Time
Date Posted
17-Mar-2026
Relocation Support
Yes
Description & Requirements
Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.
Position: Senior Process Engineer
Job Code: ENPCP4 + Staff Eng
Location: Covington, VA
The Opportunity:
The Senior Process Engineer is responsible for managing technical projects aimed at product and process problem-solving and/or improvements, cost reduction, and profitability improvement. Process Engineers provide technical assistance to the operating departments to help them achieve the mill's goals and objectives while driving continuous process improvement.
Major Job Responsibilities:
Business Excellence
  • Determine and implement process changes and/or trials to improve operating efficiency and performance and minimize variation
  • Partner with operations, Maintenance, and Process Control Engineers to make process improvements
  • Provide operators, other managers, and salaried employees with analytical support and problem-solving related to operating processes
  • Drive continuous process improvement within an operating area through the coordination and management of raw material and other process trials (e.g. using an ingredient or process aid/chemical)
  • Troubleshoot equipment performance
  • Track and analyze data related to any trials, changes and continual production information to inform recommendations and decisions

People and Culture
  • Review and share best practices with peers in technical subject areas including computer software and systems (Plant Information System, Excel, quality data tracker, electronic log sheet)
  • Regularly communicate process-related data to operations and management in readily consumable way
  • Deliver presentations to operations team and leadership providing an executive-level summary of Process Excellence projects

Critical Skills / Capabilities:
  • Analytical: Logically processes information to produce insights in a consumable format; aggregates, cleanses, and disseminates data in structured formats to support better business decisions and improved performance
  • Process-Oriented: Plans, designs, manages processes while focusing on refining and improving to increase efficiency and effectiveness; understands process inputs, activities, outputs, roles and sequencing
  • Problem-Solving: Identifies and analyzes problems; weighs relevance and accuracy of information; generates and evaluates alternative solutions; makes recommendations; demonstrates tackling a problem by using a logical, systematic, or sequential approach
  • Communication: Clearly exchanges thoughts, ideas, and messages through written, verbal, and non-verbal methods that promote an understanding with the target audience; listens carefully and attentively
  • Interpersonal: Can relate to and communicate effectively with others to build rapport and relationships
  • Organizational Skills: Plans, arranges and/or monitor's work to ensure achievement of desired results; establishes a systematic course of action to accomplish objectives
  • Time Management: Plans, prioritizes, and manages time spent on accomplishing tasks to increase productivity and efficiency; demonstrates awareness and control over amount of time spent on activities; meets deadlines
  • Growth and Results Oriented: Demonstrates an interest, willingness and drive to learn new things; seeks to understand concepts, processes, and ideas within area of functional expertise; naturally inquisitive; sets meaningful goals for personal work productivity

Technical Skills
  • Proficient computer skills including experience with the following systems and applications:
  • Microsoft Office - Excel (ability to script macros is preferred), Outlook, PowerPoint, Word
  • Plant Information System
  • Minitab

Other Qualifications
To perform the duties of the job, this role requires:
  • Constantly ascending/descending stairs and foot stools up to 3 rungs
  • Constantly ascending/descending ladders up to 10 feet tall
  • Constantly ascending/descending ladders taller than 10 feet tall
  • Constantly reaching by extending fingers on two hands
  • Constantly reaching by extending two arms
  • Constantly using fingers to grasp with two hands
  • Constantly using fingers to pinch with two hands
  • Constantly using fingers to type with two hands
  • Frequently working atop of elevated surfaces for 10-30 minutes at a time
  • Frequently positioning oneself low to the ground in a crouching position for up to 10 minutes at a time
  • Frequently positioning oneself low to the ground in a kneeling position for 5-15 minutes at a time
  • Occasionally working in spaces up to three feet wide for 10-30 minutes at a time
  • Occasionally exerting force by pulling up to 30 lbs of weight
  • Occasionally exerting force by pushing up to 30 lbs of weight
  • Occasionally exerting force by lifting up to 30 lbs of weight
  • The spoken exchange of ideas to be performed loudly 75-100% of the time
  • The spoken exchange of ideas to be performed quickly 75-100% of the time
  • The safe and accurate preparation and analyzing of data and figures, monitoring of a computer terminal, or inspection of small defects or parts
  • A repetitive motion, which entails frequent typing

Work Environment
  • Frequently works indoors in an environment that is not climate controlled and has high temperatures
  • Frequently stands or walks for 1-2 hours at a time

Heavy industrial environment; required to wear PPE - ear plugs, hard hat, safety glasses, steel toed boots
What you need to succeed:
  • Required: 15-20 years of experience in a process engineering role
  • Preferred: Work experience in the paper industry
  • Required: Bachelor's degree or higher in science or engineering; chemical engineering preferred

What we offer:
  • Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence.
  • Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities.
  • An attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies, and potential.
  • Benefits package to include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401k with match, tuition reimbursement, employee discounts, employee referral bonus, and much more!
  • A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work.

Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.

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