Senior Level Research Development Process Engineer Jobs
Senior level research development process engineer jobs place experienced engineers at the center of R&D strategy, owning process development from concept through scale-up and leading the cross-functional teams that deliver results. Most openings are on-site or hybrid across Consulting & Professional Services, Electronics & Hardware, and Technology & Software, with employers like Carollo Engineers, Garver, and Applied Materials hiring at this level now.
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Showing 5 of 242+ Senior Level Research Development Process Engineer jobs
INTRODUCTION
The Process Engineer is a fully competent, autonomous contributor responsible for executing and owning complex process design activities for water, wastewater, and ultrapure water (UPW) systems. This role applies advanced process engineering principles to develop complete and accurate design deliverables, supports project execution from concept through startup, and serves as a technical resource for junior engineers. Process Engineer regularly interfaces directly with customers, A&E firms, general contractors, and vendors to clarify technical requirements, support design decisions, and represent Ecolab’s process engineering expertise. This position plays a key role in ensuring designs meet customer expectations, contractual requirements, and project performance objectives while maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and schedule adherence.
HERE'S WHAT YOU WILL DO:
- Own and execute process engineering scope for portions of small to medium projects, including UPW, wastewater, and reclaim systems
- Develop and check core process deliverables such as mass balances, process descriptions, FMEAs, pressure profiles, logic narratives, PFDs, and P&IDs
- Perform equipment sizing and selection for multiple unit processes (e.g., RO, IX/EDI, filtration, chemical systems) using vendor tools and third-party software (e.g., PipeFlo, WAVE, OEM projection tools)
- Review P&IDs, 3D models, and interdisciplinary documents for technical accuracy, constructability, and alignment with specifications
- Coordinate with automation, mechanical, electrical, and layout teams to ensure integrated and functional system designs
- Lead technical reviews and discussions with customers, providing written technical evaluations as needed
- Interface with vendors to evaluate equipment options, review technical submittals, and support procurement decisions
- Support proposal, RFI, and RFP efforts through preliminary sizing, process concepts, and technical risk evaluation
- Participate in commissioning, startup, and operational troubleshooting to support successful system turnover
- Identify technical risks and proactively drive resolution in collaboration with project and engineering leadership
- Mentor and review work produced by junior process engineers, providing technical guidance and feedback
- Apply continuous improvement principles to improve design quality, efficiency, and standardization across projects
YOUR QUALIFICATIONS WILL INCLUDE:
- Advanced knowledge of Ultra-Pure Water (UPW), reclaim, or industrial water treatment systems, including core unit operations such as RO, IX/EDI, filtration, and chemical systems
- History of owning designs of large scale UPW and wastewater systems in a Semiconductor fab
- Ability to independently develop process calculations, system sizing, and mass balances with limited supervision and senior review
- Proficiency in 3rd party sizing software (RO, GTM, pumps, Ion Exchange, PIPEFLO, etc.)
- Experience preparing and maintaining process deliverables including PFDs, P&IDs, process narratives, equipment lists, and technical specifications
- Proficiency in AutoCAD Plant3D is a plus.
EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE YOU’LL POSSESS:
Bachelor’s degree in the chemical or environmental engineering discipline is required from an accredited university or other related qualified training, plus a minimum of 10 years related experience; and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.
WILL I NEED TO TRAVEL:
Periodic travel to support customer design reviews and startup/commissioning efforts is required – max requirement would be up to two weeks at a time, potentially several times a year. This is project dependent.
Annual or Hourly Compensation Range:
Pay range for this role is: $74,700 - $112,000. Many factors are taken into consideration when determining compensation, such as experience, education, training, geography, etc. We comply with all minimum wage and overtime laws.
Benefits
Ecolab provides the following benefits: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, hospital indemnity insurance, auto insurance, home insurance, pet insurance, identity theft protection, short-term and long-term disability, 401k, pension plans, retirement health care benefits, short-term incentives, vacation (12 days), holidays, parental leave, employee stock purchase plans (Full-Time Associates), discount on day care services and caregiver services, adoption assistance, group legal services, employee assistance program, employee discount program, and education assistance program. On-site childcare and fitness facilities may be available at select Ecolab locations. Click here for additional benefits information. If you are viewing this posting on a site other than our Ecolab Career website, view our benefits at jobs.ecolab.com/working-here.
Potential Customer Requirements Notice
To meet customer requirements and comply with local or state regulations, applicants for certain customer-facing roles may need to:
- Undergo additional background screens and/or drug/alcohol testing for customer credentialing.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Ecolab will provide reasonable accommodation (such as a qualified sign language interpreter or other personal assistance) with our application process upon request as required to comply with applicable laws. If you have a disability and require accommodation assistance in this application process, please visit the Recruiting Support link in the footer of each page of our career website.
Our Commitment to a Culture of Inclusion & Belonging
At Ecolab, we believe the best teams are inclusive. We are on a journey to create a workplace where every associate can grow and achieve their best. We are committed to fair and equal treatment of associates and applicants and recruit, hire, promote, transfer and provide opportunities for advancement based on individual qualifications and job performance. In all matters affecting employment, compensation, benefits, working conditions, and opportunities for advancement, we will not discriminate against any associate or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, creed, national origin, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expressions, genetic information, marital status, age, disability, or status as a covered veteran.
In addition, we are committed to furthering the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) through Affirmative Action (AA).
We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York City Fair Chance Act.
INTRODUCTION
The Process Engineer is a fully competent, autonomous contributor responsible for executing and owning complex process design activities for water, wastewater, and ultrapure water (UPW) systems. This role applies advanced process engineering principles to develop complete and accurate design deliverables, supports project execution from concept through startup, and serves as a technical resource for junior engineers. Process Engineer regularly interfaces directly with customers, A&E firms, general contractors, and vendors to clarify technical requirements, support design decisions, and represent Ecolab’s process engineering expertise. This position plays a key role in ensuring designs meet customer expectations, contractual requirements, and project performance objectives while maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and schedule adherence.
HERE'S WHAT YOU WILL DO:
- Own and execute process engineering scope for portions of small to medium projects, including UPW, wastewater, and reclaim systems
- Develop and check core process deliverables such as mass balances, process descriptions, FMEAs, pressure profiles, logic narratives, PFDs, and P&IDs
- Perform equipment sizing and selection for multiple unit processes (e.g., RO, IX/EDI, filtration, chemical systems) using vendor tools and third-party software (e.g., PipeFlo, WAVE, OEM projection tools)
- Review P&IDs, 3D models, and interdisciplinary documents for technical accuracy, constructability, and alignment with specifications
- Coordinate with automation, mechanical, electrical, and layout teams to ensure integrated and functional system designs
- Lead technical reviews and discussions with customers, providing written technical evaluations as needed
- Interface with vendors to evaluate equipment options, review technical submittals, and support procurement decisions
- Support proposal, RFI, and RFP efforts through preliminary sizing, process concepts, and technical risk evaluation
- Participate in commissioning, startup, and operational troubleshooting to support successful system turnover
- Identify technical risks and proactively drive resolution in collaboration with project and engineering leadership
- Mentor and review work produced by junior process engineers, providing technical guidance and feedback
- Apply continuous improvement principles to improve design quality, efficiency, and standardization across projects
YOUR QUALIFICATIONS WILL INCLUDE:
- Advanced knowledge of Ultra-Pure Water (UPW), reclaim, or industrial water treatment systems, including core unit operations such as RO, IX/EDI, filtration, and chemical systems
- History of owning designs of large scale UPW and wastewater systems in a Semiconductor fab
- Ability to independently develop process calculations, system sizing, and mass balances with limited supervision and senior review
- Proficiency in 3rd party sizing software (RO, GTM, pumps, Ion Exchange, PIPEFLO, etc.)
- Experience preparing and maintaining process deliverables including PFDs, P&IDs, process narratives, equipment lists, and technical specifications
- Proficiency in AutoCAD Plant3D is a plus.
EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE YOU’LL POSSESS:
Bachelor’s degree in the chemical or environmental engineering discipline is required from an accredited university or other related qualified training, plus a minimum of 10 years related experience; and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.
WILL I NEED TO TRAVEL:
Periodic travel to support customer design reviews and startup/commissioning efforts is required – max requirement would be up to two weeks at a time, potentially several times a year. This is project dependent.
Annual or Hourly Compensation Range:
Pay range for this role is: $74,700 - $112,000. Many factors are taken into consideration when determining compensation, such as experience, education, training, geography, etc. We comply with all minimum wage and overtime laws.
Benefits
Ecolab provides the following benefits: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, hospital indemnity insurance, auto insurance, home insurance, pet insurance, identity theft protection, short-term and long-term disability, 401k, pension plans, retirement health care benefits, short-term incentives, vacation (12 days), holidays, parental leave, employee stock purchase plans (Full-Time Associates), discount on day care services and caregiver services, adoption assistance, group legal services, employee assistance program, employee discount program, and education assistance program. On-site childcare and fitness facilities may be available at select Ecolab locations. Click here for additional benefits information. If you are viewing this posting on a site other than our Ecolab Career website, view our benefits at jobs.ecolab.com/working-here.
Potential Customer Requirements Notice
To meet customer requirements and comply with local or state regulations, applicants for certain customer-facing roles may need to:
- Undergo additional background screens and/or drug/alcohol testing for customer credentialing.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Ecolab will provide reasonable accommodation (such as a qualified sign language interpreter or other personal assistance) with our application process upon request as required to comply with applicable laws. If you have a disability and require accommodation assistance in this application process, please visit the Recruiting Support link in the footer of each page of our career website.
Our Commitment to a Culture of Inclusion & Belonging
At Ecolab, we believe the best teams are inclusive. We are on a journey to create a workplace where every associate can grow and achieve their best. We are committed to fair and equal treatment of associates and applicants and recruit, hire, promote, transfer and provide opportunities for advancement based on individual qualifications and job performance. In all matters affecting employment, compensation, benefits, working conditions, and opportunities for advancement, we will not discriminate against any associate or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, creed, national origin, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expressions, genetic information, marital status, age, disability, or status as a covered veteran.
In addition, we are committed to furthering the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) through Affirmative Action (AA).
We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York City Fair Chance Act.
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Find JobsSenior Level Research Development Process Engineer Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Carollo Engineers14
- Garver9
- Applied Materials7
- The Clear Fund6
- ASM5
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services52
- Electronics & Hardware40
- Technology & Software32
- Science & Research20
- Manufacturing18
Senior Level Research Development Process Engineer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a senior level research development process engineer job?
Employers at this level look for engineers who have owned full process development cycles, not just contributed to them. Demonstrating a history of solving complex scale-up challenges, driving process improvements with measurable yield or efficiency outcomes, and mentoring junior engineers signals readiness for senior roles. A strong portfolio of cross-functional project leadership and publications or patents in relevant fields strengthens your candidacy considerably.
Which companies hire senior level research development process engineers?
Companies hiring senior level research development process engineers right now include Carollo Engineers, Garver, and Applied Materials, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Hiring at this level tends to concentrate among large manufacturers, specialty chemical and materials firms, and technology-driven life sciences companies with active R&D pipelines requiring deep process engineering expertise.
Are there remote senior level research development process engineer jobs?
Yes, though most roles in this discipline require at least some on-site presence given the lab and pilot plant work involved. About 27% of senior level research development process engineer openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those tend to be concentrated in process modeling, data analysis, or program management functions rather than hands-on development roles.
What makes a research development process engineer role senior level?
Senior level roles are defined by scope and ownership. Where mid-level engineers execute defined experiments or process steps, senior engineers set the technical direction, own the outcome of entire development programs, and are accountable for decisions that affect scale-up timelines and product quality. They also mentor junior staff, interface directly with leadership and commercial teams, and are expected to drive innovation independently rather than under close supervision.
Which industries hire the most senior level research development process engineers?
Senior level research development process engineer roles concentrate in Consulting & Professional Services, Electronics & Hardware, and Technology & Software, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors drive hiring at this level because their product development cycles demand engineers who can bridge fundamental research and scalable manufacturing, where process decisions made early have lasting commercial and regulatory consequences.