Process Engineering Manager Jobs in California
Process Engineering Manager jobs in California are among the most active in the country, with steady demand concentrated in semiconductor fabrication, biotechnology, food and beverage production, and aerospace manufacturing at levels from lead engineer through senior director. The Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego account for the largest share of openings, where employers such as Intel, Genentech, and Northrop Grumman maintain deep process engineering teams. The most in-demand specialties include continuous improvement, lean Six Sigma implementation, and process validation for regulated industries. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 12+ Process Engineering Manager jobs
INTRODUCTION
Halo Industries has developed breakthrough technology to revolutionize a decades-old semiconductor material slicing process. Our laser-based solution minimizes waste, enhances material cost efficiency, and drives innovations across high-growth markets, including automotive, telecommunications, and power electronics. Founded in 2014 at Stanford University, Halo received significant funding in 2024, paving the way for rapid expansion, strategic customer engagement, and the launch of volume manufacturing.
THE OPPORTUNITY
As the Process Engineering Manager at Halo Industries, you will stand at the center of a manufacturing revolution. We aren't just making wafers; we are fundamentally redefining silicon carbide wafering to power the future of electric vehicles, renewable energy, data centers, and more. Reporting to the Director of Manufacturing, you will lead our process engineering team through its most critical evolution: transitioning from a high-potential pilot line to a world-class, high-volume manufacturing (HVM) facility. This is a "builder" role designed for a leader who thrives on the intersection of novel laser processing and rigorous operational discipline. You will be responsible for taking our proprietary laser-based slicing technology and stabilizing it for 24/7 volume production with industry leading yield, throughput, and cost-efficiency.
Why this role matters:
Scale the Future: You will bridge the gap between R&D innovation and manufacturing excellence, turning complex laser-material interactions into a repeatable, automated production engine.
Drive the Bottom Line: Success is measured by metrics that matter—dramatically reducing rework, maximizing yield, and lowering the total cost of ownership for SiC substrates.
* Lead a Culture of Excellence: You will mentor a multidisciplinary team of engineers, instilling a data-driven culture rooted in Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Lean principles.
If you are a semiconductor veteran who is tired of incremental improvements and wants to lead a generational shift in manufacturing within a fast paced startup, this is your opportunity to leave a legacy.
REQUIREMENTS
Education & Experience
BS/MS in Chemical, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or related field
HVM Leadership: 10+ years in semiconductor manufacturing, with 3+ years managing engineering teams through a significant production scale-up (Pilot to HVM)
* SiC/Compound Semi Background: Direct experience with Silicon Carbide (SiC), Gallium Nitride (GaN), or related device manufacturing is highly desired due to its unique material challenges optimizing process capability
Technical Domain Expertise
Precision Manufacturing: Expert knowledge of wafering processes, specifically laser slicing/dicing, grinding, polishing (CMP), and advanced metrology used in the SiC and semiconductor industry
Yield & Defect Analysis: Proficiency to lead Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to solve complex process capability, rework, and yield limiters
Operational Systems: Experienced in leveraging commercial MES, ERP, and automation systems to optimize the value of our data through action in a 24/7 production environment
Quality Standards: Familiarity with IATF 16949 or ISO 9001 standards, specifically for power electronics or automotive supply chains
Leadership & Strategic Mindset
Change Management: Demonstrated capacity to transition a team's mindset from "R&D Feasibility" to "Process Control & Stability."
Cross-Functional Influence: Skilled at collaborating with R&D, Applications Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Planning to drive strategic decisions to closure
* Data-Driven Communication: Proven competence to distill complex technical data into concise executive summaries and recommendations for improved process capability, increased capacity, reducing cost, and long term strategic global planning
BENEFITS
Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
Stock Option Plan
Short Term & Long Term Disability
Base salary $160,000 - $180,000
INTRODUCTION
Halo Industries has developed breakthrough technology to revolutionize a decades-old semiconductor material slicing process. Our laser-based solution minimizes waste, enhances material cost efficiency, and drives innovations across high-growth markets, including automotive, telecommunications, and power electronics. Founded in 2014 at Stanford University, Halo received significant funding in 2024, paving the way for rapid expansion, strategic customer engagement, and the launch of volume manufacturing.
THE OPPORTUNITY
As the Process Engineering Manager at Halo Industries, you will stand at the center of a manufacturing revolution. We aren't just making wafers; we are fundamentally redefining silicon carbide wafering to power the future of electric vehicles, renewable energy, data centers, and more. Reporting to the Director of Manufacturing, you will lead our process engineering team through its most critical evolution: transitioning from a high-potential pilot line to a world-class, high-volume manufacturing (HVM) facility. This is a "builder" role designed for a leader who thrives on the intersection of novel laser processing and rigorous operational discipline. You will be responsible for taking our proprietary laser-based slicing technology and stabilizing it for 24/7 volume production with industry leading yield, throughput, and cost-efficiency.
Why this role matters:
Scale the Future: You will bridge the gap between R&D innovation and manufacturing excellence, turning complex laser-material interactions into a repeatable, automated production engine.
Drive the Bottom Line: Success is measured by metrics that matter—dramatically reducing rework, maximizing yield, and lowering the total cost of ownership for SiC substrates.
* Lead a Culture of Excellence: You will mentor a multidisciplinary team of engineers, instilling a data-driven culture rooted in Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Lean principles.
If you are a semiconductor veteran who is tired of incremental improvements and wants to lead a generational shift in manufacturing within a fast paced startup, this is your opportunity to leave a legacy.
REQUIREMENTS
Education & Experience
BS/MS in Chemical, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or related field
HVM Leadership: 10+ years in semiconductor manufacturing, with 3+ years managing engineering teams through a significant production scale-up (Pilot to HVM)
* SiC/Compound Semi Background: Direct experience with Silicon Carbide (SiC), Gallium Nitride (GaN), or related device manufacturing is highly desired due to its unique material challenges optimizing process capability
Technical Domain Expertise
Precision Manufacturing: Expert knowledge of wafering processes, specifically laser slicing/dicing, grinding, polishing (CMP), and advanced metrology used in the SiC and semiconductor industry
Yield & Defect Analysis: Proficiency to lead Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to solve complex process capability, rework, and yield limiters
Operational Systems: Experienced in leveraging commercial MES, ERP, and automation systems to optimize the value of our data through action in a 24/7 production environment
Quality Standards: Familiarity with IATF 16949 or ISO 9001 standards, specifically for power electronics or automotive supply chains
Leadership & Strategic Mindset
Change Management: Demonstrated capacity to transition a team's mindset from "R&D Feasibility" to "Process Control & Stability."
Cross-Functional Influence: Skilled at collaborating with R&D, Applications Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Planning to drive strategic decisions to closure
* Data-Driven Communication: Proven competence to distill complex technical data into concise executive summaries and recommendations for improved process capability, increased capacity, reducing cost, and long term strategic global planning
BENEFITS
Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
Stock Option Plan
Short Term & Long Term Disability
Base salary $160,000 - $180,000
See All 12 Process Engineering Manager Jobs in California
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Find JobsProcess Engineering Manager Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Process Engineering Manager Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Apple1
- Applied Materials1
- Commonwealth Fusion Systems1
- Dexcom1
- Ferrotec (USA) Corporation1
Top Industries Hiring
- Electronics & Hardware4
- Technology & Software3
- Manufacturing2
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals1
- Consulting & Professional Services1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in process engineering manager jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in chemical, mechanical, or industrial engineering required by most California employers
- Minimum five years of process engineering experience with at least two in a supervisory role
- Demonstrated expertise in lean manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies, with certification preferred
- Experience with regulated California industries such as biotech, semiconductor, or food production
- Proficiency with process simulation software and statistical analysis tools used in California facilities
- Strong cross-functional collaboration skills for working with California operations, quality, and regulatory teams
Process Engineering Manager Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a process engineering manager in California?
The typical path starts with a bachelor's degree in chemical, mechanical, or industrial engineering, followed by several years as a process engineer before moving into management. California does not require a state-issued license specifically for this management role, though a Professional Engineer license issued by the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists strengthens candidacy in regulated industries. Employers in biotech and semiconductor manufacturing often expect familiarity with California-specific regulatory frameworks such as FDA validation standards or Cal-OSHA requirements.
Which companies hire process engineering managers in California?
Employers hiring process engineering managers in California right now include Apple, Applied Materials, and Commonwealth Fusion Systems, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's dense concentration of biotech firms in the Bay Area, defense contractors in Southern California, and food manufacturers in the Central Valley means hiring activity is distributed across multiple sectors and company sizes.
Which California cities have the most process engineering manager jobs?
Milpitas, Santa Clara, and Fremont have the most process engineering manager openings in California. The Bay Area leads because of its concentration of semiconductor and biotechnology companies, Los Angeles draws from aerospace and consumer goods manufacturing, and San Diego is driven by a large cluster of life sciences and defense firms that maintain substantial process engineering teams.
Are there remote process engineering manager jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Process engineering manager roles are fundamentally hands-on, requiring direct oversight of production lines, equipment, and plant personnel, which limits remote work significantly. About 8% of process engineering manager openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and those tend to involve corporate process excellence or continuous improvement functions rather than direct manufacturing floor management.
How can I get hired as a process engineering manager in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is moving into a process engineering manager role from a senior individual-contributor position, typically as a process engineer or manufacturing engineer with strong project ownership. California employers in biotech such as Genentech and large semiconductor manufacturers like Intel run rotational engineering programs and internal leadership pipelines that develop individual contributors into managers. Pursuing a lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt credential is a practical differentiator, as California's regulated industries treat it as a proxy for management readiness.
Where can I find and apply to process engineering manager jobs in California?
You can find and apply to process engineering manager jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across industries including biotech, semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace, and food production. Find roles that fit your experience and location and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 12 Process Engineering Manager Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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