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Senior Process Engineer Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

Hilmar Cheese Company

Process Engineer II

Hilmar, CA · On-site

A Typical Day The Process Engineer II is responsible for supporting the Company's strategic objectives through development of the optimum, most cost-effective process technologies used to manufacture ...

Joseph Farms

SR. PROJECT ENGINEER

Atwater, CA · On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

... seeking a hands-on Sr. Project Engineer to lead improvement projects across our Atwater ... process flow diagrams (PFDs) and P&IDs. • Develop equipment specifications and RFQs/RFIs ...

Altium

Senior Implementation Engineer

Firebaugh, CA · On-site

The Senior Implementation Engineer (SIE) is assigned to customers once the deal is closed. SIEs ... SIEs demonstrate value, can put systems and processes into common practice, and efficiently resolve ...

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All JobsProcess Engineer JobsSenior Process Engineer JobsSenior Process Engineer Jobs in Merced, CA

Senior Process Engineer information

See Merced, CA salary details

$79.2K

$127.9K

$180.1K

How much do senior process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior process engineer in Merced, CA is $127,902.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,800.00 and $142,000.00 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?

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.

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 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 cities near Merced, CA are hiring for Senior Process Engineer jobs? Cities near Merced, CA with the most Senior Process Engineer job openings:
Senior Process Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Process Engineer job openings in Merced, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,902 per year, or $61.5 per hour.

Process Engineer II

Hilmar Cheese Company

Hilmar, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

At Hilmar Cheese Company we improve lives around the world through wholesome dairy products. Since our founding in 1984, Hilmar Cheese Company has been committed to innovation and sustainability. Our state-of-the art production facilities convert an abundance of locally sourced high-quality milk into a variety of nutritious cheeses, whey protein and lactose. The Cheese and Ingredients that we produce create a wide variety of retail and food service products from sliced and shredded cheeses, to protein supplements and infant formula. We are a trusted partner to premier food and beverage brands in more than fifty countries helping bring their vision into reality.

Throughout our decades of success and growth we have remained committed to our mission and values and these principles unite our people and guide all that we do.

A Typical Day

The Process Engineer II is responsible for supporting the Company's strategic objectives through development of the optimum, most cost-effective process technologies used to manufacture Hilmar's products to enhance profitability, market position, and growth. This position will provide Process Engineering support on all aspects of the manufacturing process: maximizing productivity, reducing operating costs, and improving process sustainability through energy and water usage reduction. The work includes troubleshooting problems in existing processes, finding optimization opportunities that improve process capability, evaluating new technologies to determine their applicability, cost, and benefits to Hilmar, and designing new and/or improved processing lines. The Process Engineer II will focus on a specific manufacturing site and/or business area, provide support to other sites on discrete projects, as well as develop specialties based on business needs and accumulated work experience.

Job Responsibilities
  • Be a critical contributor to manufacturing site Process Improvement teams to deliver industry leading products and processes that help drive the business forward in its quest for operational excellence.
  • Spends time in production plants, identifying operational pain points and reviewing performance data to find opportunities to improve yield, quality, and throughput.
  • Lead troubleshooting of persistent, complex operational issues, providing win:win solutions that balance multiple KPIs and optimize total cost of ownership. Implement these in a manner that makes it easier for the business to execute and deliver value successfully and sustainably.
  • Works with appropriate cross-functional teams such as Operations, FSQA, Training, Maintenance, Engineering, or Operational Technology to implement changes.
  • Develop and implement process control strategies aimed at improving results and reducing process variability. Collaborate with Controls Engineers to test, debug, and deploy control programs effectively.
  • Lead Process Engineering components of new product development, experimental equipment and design, and plant trials. Utilize insights gained to guide final process design and commercialization.
  • Partnering with Project Engineering and cross-functional teams on capital projects, provide design decisions in new Process design. Develop P&IDs, perform mass balances, and develop functional descriptions. Ensure project design aligns with the project's business objectives.
  • Lead the Commissioning, Qualification, and Validation (CQV) process within asset / capital investment projects to ensure successful execution, on-time startup, and delivery of business objectives.
  • Effectively document learnings and best practices; provide technical training to business stakeholders.
  • Stay up to date on latest available technologies, industry direction, and trends to continuously improve HCC's technology portfolio. Manage Hilmar's trade secrets and competitive advantage appropriately.
  • This role supports a primary manufacturing site, but may require 20 - 40% travel depending on business need and project activity. 
What You Will Need
  • B.S. in Chemical or Biochemical Engineering, or other Engineering field plus 2 years' manufacturing experience, or M.S. in Chemical or Biochemical Engineering, or other Engineering field plus 1 year manufacturing experience.
  • Ability to complete energy and mass balances
  • Ability to collect and analyze production data using statistical techniques
  • Ability to effectively summarize and present technical information to a variety of audiences
  • Experience with writing functional descriptions of physical processes
  • Ability to develop operational models of plant processes
  • MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint at intermediate level
What Will Put You Ahead
  • B.S. in Chemical or Biochemical Engineering, or other Engineering field plus 4 years' manufacturing experience, or M.S. in Chemical or Biochemical Engineering, or other Engineering field plus 3 years' manufacturing experience
  • Knowledge of unit operations commonly found in the food industry and waste-water treatment
  • Experience with clean-in-place (CIP) system design and operational principles
  • Certification or direct experience with Problem Solving methodologies (ex: Root Cause Analysis)
  • Knowledge of CQV (Commissioning, Qualification, Validation) criteria development and implementation
  • Experience with statistical analysis or process simulation software
  • Leadership and teambuilding skills
Physical Demands & Work Environment

The work is primarily performed in an office environment and the physical demands are characteristic of a mostly sedentary role. Specific details of the essential functions of the position are available in the Job Safety Analysis, made available on request. 

Food safety is a companywide responsibility and each employee must know their role in the manufacture and distribution of safe, wholesome, and high quality products.

This description is a general statement and does not include other duties as assigned

Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer/EEO. We participate in E-Verify.

English Information | Spanish Information

Salary Range: USD ($75,539.00 - $113,309.00) ANN 

The final compensation offered within this range will depend on factors including the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

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