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Senior Process Lead Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Substrate

Senior Process Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$200K - $300K/yr

Senior Process Engineer Substrate is addressing one of the most important technological problems ... Demonstrated ability to lead work safely and collaboratively in a cleanroom user facility

XLR8 EMS

Sr. Process Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $142K/yr

We are seeking a highly skilled Manufacture Process Engineer to lead and optimize manufacturing processes for Printed Circuit Board Assemblies (PCBA). This role is critical in ensuring high-quality ...

Atln

Senior Process Development Engineer

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Senior Process Development Engineer Full Time Murrieta, CA, US Salary Range: $80,630.00 To $137,808 ... If you're passionate about innovation and want to lead the development of world‑class optical ...

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Senior Process Engineer

Compton, CA · On-site

$105K - $136K/yr

Lead root cause investigations for process deviations and implement sustainable corrective actions. * Support customer satisfaction efforts through FMEA activities and investigation of customer ...

Naprotek LLC

Senior Process Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$121K - $157K/yr

Lead the resolution on all manufacturing technical issues in partnership with other teams. * Establish procedures related manufacturing process and production equipment/s. * Create Process Travelers.

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

$109K - $141K/yr

Lead root cause investigations for process deviations and implement sustainable corrective actions. * Support customer satisfaction efforts through FMEA activities and investigation of customer ...

Element Solutions

Senior Process Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$123K - $159K/yr

Ability to lead process engineering related Capital Projects * Troubleshoot and resolve process equipment related problems. * Collaborate with Maintenance/Production and follow proper Management of ...

Element Solutions Inc

Senior Process Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$123K - $159K/yr

Ability to lead process engineering related Capital Projects * Troubleshoot and resolve process equipment related problems. * Collaborate with Maintenance/Production and follow proper Management of ...

Element Solutions Inc

Senior Process Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$113K - $147K/yr

Ability to lead process engineering related Capital Projects * Troubleshoot and resolve process equipment related problems. * Collaborate with Maintenance/Production and follow proper Management of ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsProcess Lead JobsSenior Process Lead JobsSenior Process Lead Jobs in California

Senior Process Lead information

See California salary details

$27.6K

$110.9K

$185.5K

How much do senior process lead jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior process lead in California is $110,933.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,000.00 and $146,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior process lead?

A Senior Process Lead is a professional responsible for overseeing and optimizing business processes within an organization. They analyze current workflows, identify areas for improvement, and lead teams in implementing process enhancements to increase efficiency and quality. Typically, Senior Process Leads collaborate with multiple departments, provide training on best practices, and ensure that process changes align with organizational goals. They also monitor performance metrics and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

How does a senior process lead typically drive process improvement initiatives within a cross-functional team?

A Senior Process Lead is often responsible for identifying inefficiencies and implementing process improvements by collaborating closely with various departments, such as operations, quality, and IT. They facilitate workshops, lead root cause analyses, and ensure that best practices are standardized across teams. This role requires strong communication skills to align stakeholders, manage change, and track the impact of implemented solutions. Regular reporting and feedback sessions are key aspects of their work, ensuring continuous improvement and organizational alignment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior process lead, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Process Lead, you need expertise in process improvement methodologies (like Lean or Six Sigma), strong analytical skills, and significant industry experience, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with workflow automation tools, process mapping software, and certifications such as Six Sigma Black Belt are commonly required. Outstanding leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities help you manage teams and drive organizational change. These skills are crucial for effectively optimizing processes, ensuring quality, and delivering measurable business results.

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

AspectSenior Process LeadProcess Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; experience in process managementBachelor's or master's in engineering; focus on process design and optimization
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles in manufacturing, production, or industrial settingsDesign, develop, and optimize manufacturing processes
Industry UsageCommonly found in manufacturing, chemical, and industrial sectorsPrimarily in manufacturing, chemical, and process industries

The Senior Process Lead typically oversees process improvements and manages teams, requiring leadership experience. In contrast, Process Engineers focus on designing and optimizing processes. Both roles are vital in manufacturing industries, but the Senior Process Lead has a broader managerial scope.

What are popular job titles related to Senior Process Lead jobs in California?

For Senior Process Lead jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

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

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

Senior Process Lead jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Process Lead job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,933 per year, or $53.3 per hour.

Senior Process Engineer

Substrate

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$200K - $300K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Senior Process Engineer
Substrate is addressing one of the most important technological problems facing the United States. At the intersection of advanced manufacturing and cutting-edge physics, we are developing technologies that will reshape the semiconductor industry and strengthen America's technological leadership. We are a team of world-class scientists, engineers, and technical experts building technology for the United States.
Summary
You will be responsible for conceptualizing and prototyping critical components of our platform through process development and materials characterization. This role will require you to work hands-on in several cleanrooms and user facilities around the San Francisco Bay Area, as well as direct the work of others. You will own aspects of our fabrication process, conducting a mix of micro- and nanofabrication as well as characterization of the materials and structures that you create. This hands-on work will include (but will not be limited to) many nanofabrication techniques including lithography, wet and dry deposition and etching.
You will also participate in the build-up of Substrate's own internal research facilities. You will be a key contributor to early-stage development and testing which are critical to our challenging mission to shape the semiconductor industry for decades to come.
Responsibilities
  • Collaborating closely with Substrate's technical team to conceptualize, design, prototype, and characterize nanofabricated optical devices
  • Hands-on fabrication of MEMS/NEMS devices using techniques such as photo- and electron beam lithography, thin film deposition, and wet and dry etching. This work will be done in several user facilities (primarily around the San Francisco Bay Area, but with the possibility of travel beyond the Bay Area)
  • Ownership of fabrication strategies in lithography, deposition, and etch, as well as designing process flows, material compatibility studies, and mask layout CAD
  • Iterating through structural designs and tuning lithography, deposition, and etch parameters to optimize processes and improve performance
  • Mechanical, optical, and chemical characterization of thin films using techniques such as profilometry, ellipsometry, and XPS
  • Characterization of pattern fidelity and resolution using techniques such as SEM and AFM
  • Select and scope bulk material, nanopatterned structures, and thin film characterization strategies to better study the mechanical, chemical, and optical properties that drive device performance
  • Designing, coordinating, and conducting experiments in various user facilities
  • Contribution to the build-up and installation of Substrate's own internal research facilities
  • Recording, processing and interpreting data and results to the wider team
Required Qualifications
  • 7 years of hands-on micro- or nanofabrication experience in cleanroom user facilities
  • Demonstrated ability to lead work safely and collaboratively in a cleanroom user facility
  • Willingness and ability to work in several user facilities around the San Francisco Bay Area several days per week
  • Demonstrated experience handling delicate samples and operating complex fabrication and characterization equipment
  • Deep understanding of, and ability to design based on, micro- and nanofabrication considerations such as top-down vs. bottom-up, pattern transfer, material compatibilities, etch selectivity and directionality, and thin film and surface engineering
  • Deep understanding of the mechanical, optical, and chemical properties of materials which typically determine the performance of nanofabricated devices
  • Strong written and oral communication skills. High attention to detail and organizational skills
  • Ability to solve complex design challenges both independently and as part of a team
  • Ability to collaborate with a large and multidisciplinary technical group
  • M.S. or higher degree in chemical engineering, electrical engineering, materials science, mechanical engineering, physics, or a related discipline in the physical or engineering sciences
Preferred Qualifications
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience in characterization techniques such as electron microscopy and scanning probe microscopy
  • Experience operating a Raith EBPG 5200/5200+, including aligned exposures
  • 3+ years of hands-on experience in inductively coupled plasma etching, with a strong understanding of the principles of plasma etching and recipe parameters
  • 3+ years of experience in industrial R&D
  • Experience with instrument scoping, procurement, installation, and commissioning
  • Experience with safety procedures and best practices when working with potentially hazardous liquid chemicals

Salary Range
$200,000-$300,000 USD
Substrate is an equal opportunity employer. It provides equal employment opportunity to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, gender, age, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
Substrate will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need an accommodation during the hiring process, please let your recruiter know.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

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