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Sr Process Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Process Engineer

Milpitas, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

Senior Process Engineer Reports To: General Manager Department Name: Assembly Engineering Location: Silicon Valley Summary: The Senior Process Engineer will perform IC Assembly process development ...

Senior Process Engineer

Milpitas, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

Senior Process Engineer Reports To: General Manager Department Name: Assembly Engineering Location: Silicon Valley Summary: The Senior Process Engineer will perform IC Assembly process development ...

Sr. Process Engineer

Hayward, CA

$119K - $154K/yr

The Senior Process Engineer will work cross-functionally to translate evolving process requirements into robust, scalable, and well-controlled operations. This is a high-impact role at the ...

Sr. Process Engineer

Hayward, CA ยท On-site

$119K - $154K/yr

The Senior Process Engineer will work cross-functionally to translate evolving process requirements into robust, scalable, and well-controlled operations. This is a high-impact role at the ...

Senior Process Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$122K - $158K/yr

As a Senior Process Engineer at SSOE, you will have an opportunity to leverage your expertise and contribute to projects that redefine industry standards. If you have a passion for cutting-edge ...

Senior Process Engineer

Santa Clara, CA ยท On-site

$122K - $158K/yr

As a Senior Process Engineer at SSOE, you will have an opportunity to leverage your expertise and contribute to projects that redefine industry standards. If you have a passion for cutting-edge ...

Senior Process Engineer

Fremont, CA ยท On-site

$98K - $141K/yr

We are looking for a Senior Process Engineer to join our team in one of today's most exciting technologies. This role will report to the Senior Manager, Process Engineering and will be based in ...

Senior Process Engineer

Fremont, CA ยท On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

As a Senior Process Engineer, you will focus on optimizing and scaling manufacturing processes for DNA sequencing reagents and consumables to improve yield, efficiency, and reliability while ...

Sr. Process Engineer

Hayward, CA

$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

Fremont, CA ยท On-site

$98K - $141K/yr

We are looking for a Senior Process Engineer to join our team in one of today's most exciting technologies. This role will report to the Senior Manager, Process Engineering and will be based in ...

Senior Process Engineer

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$122K - $158K/yr

When you join Design Group as a Sr. Process Engineer, you are joining a team that will challenge you and position you for growth. In this role, you will work with a team of industry experts to help ...

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 ...

Sr. Process Engineer

Lake Forest, CA ยท On-site

$109K - $141K/yr

The Sr. Process Engineer, Quality Technical Services, is responsible for leading the design, optimization and scale-up for manufacturing processes for various Herbalife products across multiple ...

Sr. Process Engineer

Lake Forest, CA ยท On-site

$109K - $141K/yr

The Sr. Process Engineer, Quality Technical Services, is responsible for leading the design, optimization and scale-up for manufacturing processes for various Herbalife products across multiple ...

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Showing results 1-20

Sr Process Engineer information

See California salary details

$74K

$119.5K

$168.3K

How much do sr process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for sr 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sr Process Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sr Process Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical, mechanical, or industrial engineering, often with a bachelor's or master's degree and relevant industry experience. Familiarity with process simulation software (such as Aspen Plus or HYSYS), Six Sigma or Lean certifications, and knowledge of safety and regulatory standards are typically required. Strong problem-solving, project management, and communication skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualifications are vital for optimizing processes, ensuring efficiency and safety, and driving continuous improvement in complex manufacturing environments.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior process engineers in industries such as oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, or manufacturing can reach or exceed a $300,000 annual salary with extensive experience, specialized skills, and often in high-cost-of-living regions. Executive-level engineering roles or those with managerial responsibilities may also achieve this compensation level, especially when combined with bonuses and stock options.

Are process engineers paid well?

Process engineers typically earn competitive salaries that vary by industry, experience, and location. According to industry data, the median annual salary for a process engineer in the United States is around $80,000 to $100,000, with higher earnings possible for those with advanced skills, certifications, or in specialized sectors. They often work in manufacturing, chemical, or industrial environments and may require knowledge of process simulation tools and safety standards.

What are Sr Process Engineers?

Senior Process Engineers are experienced professionals responsible for designing, optimizing, and overseeing the processes used in manufacturing or production environments. They analyze workflows, troubleshoot process issues, and implement improvements to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure product quality. Sr Process Engineers often lead teams, manage projects, and work closely with other departments such as quality assurance, maintenance, and operations. Their expertise is crucial in industries like chemicals, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, and food processing. They typically hold a degree in engineering and have several years of experience in process engineering roles.

How does a Sr Process Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve manufacturing efficiency?

Sr Process Engineers work closely with teams such as production, quality assurance, maintenance, and R&D to identify areas for process optimization. They often lead or participate in cross-functional meetings to gather data, analyze workflow bottlenecks, and implement solutions that enhance efficiency and product quality. Effective communication and project management skills are essential, as Sr Process Engineers must balance technical requirements with practical constraints while ensuring all stakeholders are aligned with proposed changes.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior process engineers in specialized industries such as oil and gas, aerospace, or chemical manufacturing can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles. High compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, and typically requires advanced technical skills and management responsibilities.

What does a SR process engineer do?

A senior process engineer designs, develops, and optimizes manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, quality, and safety. They analyze process data, troubleshoot issues, and implement improvements often using tools like Six Sigma or Lean methodologies, and may oversee process validation and documentation.

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

AspectSr Process EngineerProcess Engineer
QualificationsBachelor's degree in engineering, 5+ years experience, certifications like Six SigmaBachelor's degree in engineering or related field, 1-3 years experience
ResponsibilitiesLead process improvements, optimize manufacturing processes, mentor junior staffAssist in process development, data collection, support process optimization
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, industrial facilities, cross-functional teamsManufacturing settings, engineering teams, project-based tasks

The main difference between a Sr Process Engineer and a Process Engineer lies in experience, responsibility level, and scope of work. The Sr Process Engineer typically leads projects, mentors others, and has more advanced qualifications, while the Process Engineer supports and executes process improvements under supervision.

What cities in California are hiring for Sr Process Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Sr Process Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Sr Process Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 50% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,530 per year, or $57.5 per hour.

Senior Process Engineer

Mesh Optical Technologies

Gardena, CA โ€ข On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

SENIOR PROCESS ENGINEER
Mesh Optical Technologies was founded on the belief that optical photons will be at the center of advanced technologies in the coming century. Making advanced technology ubiquitous means building at scale, and that's exactly what we're doing at Mesh.
Our products require semiconductor-grade packaging processes-bumping, dicing, precision bonding, optical alignment, and automated assembly-executed at yield levels and volumes that demand real process engineering discipline. We are seeking a Senior Process Engineer to own the development and qualification of these processes from R&D through production ramp, and to help build high-volume semiconductor packaging process engineering in the US.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Own development of wafer prep and die-level packaging processes: bumping, dicing, sub-micron precision bonding, sub-micron optical alignment, flip-chip die bonding, wire-bonding, dispense, fully-automated final assembly and associated materials
  • Own tool selection, materials selection, recipe development, and statistical process control limits to transfer processes from R&D to volume production
  • Translate package and product designs into high volume production processes and collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and photonic circuit design teams to design-for-manufacturing
  • Design production processes from the lab bench through proof of concept and production ramp
  • Establish process limits and feedback process constraints as design rules to design teams
  • Characterize parts with x-ray, FIB cut/SEM, CSAM, and die shear testing, closing the loop with electrical, mechanical, and photonic circuit design teams
  • Act as the technical owner for failure-analysis findings, root cause analysis, and corrective actions
  • Push process yields above 99.9% and thermal-cycle reliability for years-long qualification
  • Provide technical mentorship as we work to build up high-volume semiconductor packaging process engineering in the US

QUALIFICATIONS
  • MS or PhD in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or similar
  • Extensive (MS + 2 years) hands-on semiconductor process-development experience
  • Strong troubleshooting skills and hands-on experience in semiconductor packaging, assembly, or advanced manufacturing environments
  • Demonstrated success qualifying processes such as flip-chip bonding, wafer processing, plasma cleaning, and wire bonding
  • Expertise in statistical quality control and process improvement methodologies, with experience leading internal audits and driving continuous improvement
  • Comfortable working in a cleanroom or controlled manufacturing environment with cross-functional engineering teams
  • Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
  • 5+ years of fab or wafer level packaging experience (e.g. lithography, etch, CVD, CMP, solder bumping, wafer dicing)
  • Experience integrating photonic devices into complex opto-electronic packages, sub-ยตm die-bonding, wafer prep, and materials used in advanced packaging

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Senior Process Engineer: $140,000.00 - $180,000.00/per year
Title and base salary are determined on a case by case basis commensurate with experience and merit.
In addition to base salary, compensation for this role includes:
  • Eligibility for long-term incentives including company stock options and discretionary bonuses awarded for exceptional achievements.
  • Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental insurance with significant cost covered by the company for yourself and dependents.
  • Paid parental leave and flexible PTO (3 weeks accrued vacation and 10 company holidays per year).
  • 401(k) retirement plan access.
  • Relocation assistance to sunny Los Angeles.