Manufacturing Process Engineer Jobs in California
Manufacturing Process Engineer jobs in California are among the most active in the nation, concentrated in aerospace and defense, semiconductor fabrication, medical device manufacturing, and electric vehicle production, with openings at every level from entry-level process technician to senior principal engineer. The heaviest hiring happens in Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, and San Diego, where employers like Northrop Grumman, Raytheon Technologies, and Applied Materials maintain large engineering operations. The most in-demand specialties are process optimization, lean manufacturing, and cleanroom process development. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 218+ Manufacturing Process Engineer jobs
INTRODUCTION
Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.
Working at Abbott
At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and family, be your true self and live a full life. You’ll also have access to:
- Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of.
- Employees can qualify for free medical coverage in our Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year.
- An excellent retirement savings plan with high employer contribution.
- Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program and FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor’s degree.
- A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries around the world and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune.
- A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as a best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.
THE OPPORTUNITY
This position works out of our Temecula, CA location in the Abbott Vascular Devices division. Abbott Vascular provides innovative, minimally invasive, and cost-effective products for the treatment of vascular disease.
Experienced Manufacturing Process Engineer that works under limited supervision.
Applies subject matter knowledge in the area of Medical Device and Manufacturing Engineering.
Requires capacity to apply skills/knowledge within the context of specific needs or requirements.
What You'll Work On
- Possesses well developed skills in implementing and maintaining pharmaceutical/biological processes.
- Calculates and organizes all data for complex process flow sheets including instrumentation and control considerations.
- Models processes and units operations.
- Ensures proper sequence of operation and prepares specifications and operating instructions for processing equipment.
- Conducts tests and measurements throughout stages of production to determine control over such variables as temperature, density, pressure and viscosity.
- Services, troubleshoots, and solves engineering problems with processes or equipment already in operation.
- Ensures processes and procedures are in compliance with regulations.
- May be responsible for corrective and preventive actions and investigation management.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Bachelors Degree (± 16 years) in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, Polymer Sciences/Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or Science.
Experience/Background
Minimum 3 years of experience.
Bachelor's Degree with 3-5 years of Process Engineering or Operations experience OR a Master's Degree + 3 years of Process Engineering or Operations experience.
- Process/equipment development and optimization experience in small drug molecules and polymers based drug delivery systems.
- Knowledge of late stage or commercial products experience with strong focus on manufacturing support.
- Experience with Six Sigma, risk analysis methodologies, process characterization, process validation and process monitoring, scale-up, and/or technology transfer experience, PFMECA, DFMECA.
- Strong knowledge of Quality systems, drug product manufacturing and process validation. Work history with cGMPs, regulatory filings and compliance issues for drug product and combination devices.
- Excellent organizational, leadership, teamwork, written and verbal communication skills together with demonstrated ability to work in a highly matrix team environment with enthusiasm and a proactive positive attitude.
COMPENSATION
- The base pay for this position is $61,300.00 – $122,700.00. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.
Learn more about our health and wellness benefits, which provide the security to help you and your family live full lives.
Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to employee diversity.
INTRODUCTION
Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.
Working at Abbott
At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and family, be your true self and live a full life. You’ll also have access to:
- Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of.
- Employees can qualify for free medical coverage in our Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year.
- An excellent retirement savings plan with high employer contribution.
- Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program and FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor’s degree.
- A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries around the world and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune.
- A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as a best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.
THE OPPORTUNITY
This position works out of our Temecula, CA location in the Abbott Vascular Devices division. Abbott Vascular provides innovative, minimally invasive, and cost-effective products for the treatment of vascular disease.
Experienced Manufacturing Process Engineer that works under limited supervision.
Applies subject matter knowledge in the area of Medical Device and Manufacturing Engineering.
Requires capacity to apply skills/knowledge within the context of specific needs or requirements.
What You'll Work On
- Possesses well developed skills in implementing and maintaining pharmaceutical/biological processes.
- Calculates and organizes all data for complex process flow sheets including instrumentation and control considerations.
- Models processes and units operations.
- Ensures proper sequence of operation and prepares specifications and operating instructions for processing equipment.
- Conducts tests and measurements throughout stages of production to determine control over such variables as temperature, density, pressure and viscosity.
- Services, troubleshoots, and solves engineering problems with processes or equipment already in operation.
- Ensures processes and procedures are in compliance with regulations.
- May be responsible for corrective and preventive actions and investigation management.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Bachelors Degree (± 16 years) in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, Polymer Sciences/Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or Science.
Experience/Background
Minimum 3 years of experience.
Bachelor's Degree with 3-5 years of Process Engineering or Operations experience OR a Master's Degree + 3 years of Process Engineering or Operations experience.
- Process/equipment development and optimization experience in small drug molecules and polymers based drug delivery systems.
- Knowledge of late stage or commercial products experience with strong focus on manufacturing support.
- Experience with Six Sigma, risk analysis methodologies, process characterization, process validation and process monitoring, scale-up, and/or technology transfer experience, PFMECA, DFMECA.
- Strong knowledge of Quality systems, drug product manufacturing and process validation. Work history with cGMPs, regulatory filings and compliance issues for drug product and combination devices.
- Excellent organizational, leadership, teamwork, written and verbal communication skills together with demonstrated ability to work in a highly matrix team environment with enthusiasm and a proactive positive attitude.
COMPENSATION
- The base pay for this position is $61,300.00 – $122,700.00. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.
Learn more about our health and wellness benefits, which provide the security to help you and your family live full lives.
Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to employee diversity.
See All 218+ Manufacturing Process Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsManufacturing Process Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Manufacturing Process Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Applied Materials39
- Apple15
- Lam Research11
- TDK Headway Technologies9
- Coherent8
Top Industries Hiring
- Electronics & Hardware108
- Manufacturing36
- Technology & Software22
- Consulting & Professional Services19
- Sports & Recreation9
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in manufacturing process engineer jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering from an accredited institution
- Hands-on experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies
- Proficiency with CAD software, process simulation tools, or statistical process control systems
- Familiarity with ISO 9001, AS9100, or FDA 21 CFR quality management standards
- Experience with process validation, PFMEA, or control plan development in a production environment
- Strong cross-functional communication skills for collaborating with design, quality, and production teams
Manufacturing Process Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a manufacturing process engineer in California?
Most manufacturing process engineers in California start with a bachelor's degree in mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering from an ABET-accredited program. California does not require a state license specifically for this role, but earning a Professional Engineer license through the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists strengthens candidacy for senior and government-contractor positions. Certifications in Six Sigma or lean manufacturing are widely expected by California employers, particularly in aerospace, medtech, and semiconductor industries.
How much do manufacturing process engineers make in California?
Manufacturing process engineers in California earn a median of about $124,600 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $77,900 for the lowest 10% to over $172,870 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire manufacturing process engineers in California?
Employers hiring manufacturing process engineers in California right now include Applied Materials, Apple, and Lam Research, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's concentration of aerospace primes, semiconductor fabs, and medical device companies means demand stays consistent across both large multinationals and specialized mid-size manufacturers throughout the state.
Which California cities have the most manufacturing process engineer jobs?
The cities with the most manufacturing process engineer openings in California are Santa Clara, Fremont, and Milpitas. Los Angeles anchors the market through its aerospace and defense base, the Bay Area draws heavily from semiconductor and cleantech manufacturing, and San Diego's medtech and biotech sectors generate consistent demand for process engineers focused on regulated production environments.
Are there remote manufacturing process engineer jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. About 2% of manufacturing process engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting that most of the role requires direct presence on the production floor or in a cleanroom environment. The portions most suited to remote work are documentation, process design review, and data analysis tasks that don't require hands-on equipment interaction.
How can I get hired as a manufacturing process engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for associate process engineer or process technician roles at large California manufacturers, which often serve as the direct on-ramp. Companies like Northrop Grumman, Boston Scientific, and Lam Research run structured new-graduate programs and co-op pipelines at their California facilities. Candidates coming from quality technician, manufacturing technician, or industrial engineering roles are frequently considered for lateral moves. A Six Sigma Green Belt certification or a strong capstone project in process improvement gives applicants without direct experience a concrete edge.
Where can I find and apply to manufacturing process engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to manufacturing process engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings from employers across the state's aerospace, semiconductor, medtech, and EV manufacturing sectors. Find roles that fit your experience and location, then apply directly to the employer.
See All 218+ Manufacturing Process Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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