Process Design Engineer Visa Sponsorship Jobs in California
Process design engineer jobs in California span semiconductor fabrication in Silicon Valley, oil and gas facilities in Bakersfield, and pharmaceutical manufacturing in San Diego. Major employers including Intel, Chevron, Applied Materials, and Genentech have active sponsorship histories. International engineers in this role have multiple visa pathways available, making California one of the most active states for sponsored process engineering positions.
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KLA is a global leader in diversified electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Virtually every electronic device in the world is produced using our technologies. No laptop, smartphone, wearable device, voice-controlled gadget, flexible screen, VR device or smart car would have made it into your hands without us. KLA invents systems and solutions for the manufacturing of wafers and reticles, integrated circuits, packaging, printed circuit boards and flat panel displays. The innovative ideas and devices that are advancing humanity all begin with inspiration, research and development. KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with the world’s leading technology providers to accelerate the delivery of tomorrow’s electronic devices. Life here is exciting and our teams thrive on tackling really hard problems. There is never a dull moment with us.
Group/Division
With over 40 years of semiconductor process control experience, chipmakers around the globe rely on KLA to ensure that their fabs ramp next-generation devices to volume production quickly and cost-effectively. Enabling the movement towards advanced chip design, KLA's Global Products Group (GPG), which is responsible for creating all of KLA’s metrology and inspection products, is looking for the best and the brightest research scientist, software engineers, application development engineers, and senior product technology process engineers. The RAPID division is the world leading provider of reticle inspection solutions for the semiconductor industry. The company provides inspection solutions to both the mask shops and the semiconductor fabs to ensure that lithography yields are consistently high thus enabling cost-effective manufacturing.
Job Description/Preferred Qualifications
The Mechanical Design Engineer will own the system architecture for process media and vacuum systems in advanced semiconductor equipment, including gas, water, LN2, and vacuum distribution. This role is responsible for developing and maintaining key system documentation such as P&IDs, device lists, interface definitions, and related architecture documents, while working across mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing, service, and reliability teams.
This engineer will also perform CAD work for the overall routing architecture, directly support detailed mechanical design, and guide contractors in routing piping/tubing and related hardware. Familiarity with MBSE is a plus.
Key Responsibilities
- Own the architecture for gas, water, LN2, and vacuum distribution systems.
- Develop and maintain P&IDs, device lists, interface definitions, and requirements allocations.
- Perform fluid flow and thermal simulations.
- Create CAD models and layouts for overall routing architecture and hardware integration.
- Perform hands-on mechanical design and guide support teams to perform CAD routing for cables, piping and associated hardware.
- Lead architecture tradeoffs and guide selection of major components such as valves, pumps, regulators, filters, gauges, manifolds, and sensors.
- Define system requirements and allocate them to impacted subsystems and technical owners across mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing, service, reliability, and regulatory functions.
- Help define interfaces, interlocks, and sequencing concepts needed for safe and effective system operation (SEMI-S2, ASME, PED, …).
- Work across functions to support system integration, design reviews, troubleshooting, and productization including full documentation for high volume production.
- Support prototype build, system bring-up, testing, and debugging of routing, distribution, and integration issues.
- Interface with vendors and internal stakeholders to communicate requirements clearly and help ensure technical solutions meet performance, quality, and documentation expectations.
- Prepare and support technical content required for requirements, concept, and detailed design reviews.
Desired Qualifications
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
- Strong experience with complex gas, water, cryogenic, and/or vacuum distribution systems.
- Experience with P&IDs, device lists, interface documentation, and system-level routing layouts.
- Perform fluid flow and thermal simulations.
- Strong mechanical design and CAD skills, including routing and integration work.
- Experience working in multidisciplinary engineering teams and supporting prototype build, integration, and troubleshooting.
Minimum Qualifications
Doctorate (Academic) Degree and related work experience of 3 years; Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 6 years; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 8 years.
Base Pay Range
$141,300.00 - $240,200.00 Annually
Primary Location
USA-CA-Milpitas-KLA
KLA’s total rewards package for employees may also include participation in performance incentive programs and eligibility for additional benefits including but not limited to: medical, dental, vision, life, and other voluntary benefits, 401(K) including company matching, employee stock purchase program (ESPP), student debt assistance, tuition reimbursement program, development and career growth opportunities and programs, financial planning benefits, wellness benefits including an employee assistance program (EAP), paid time off and paid company holidays, and family care and bonding leave.
Interns are eligible for some of the benefits listed. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed reflects the pay for this position in the primary location identified in this posting. Actual pay depends on several factors, including state minimum pay wage rates, location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education level or training. We are committed to complying with all applicable federal and state minimum wage requirements where applicable. If applicable, your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for your preferred location during the hiring process.
KLA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at talent.acquisition@kla.com or at +1-408-352-2808 to request accommodation.
Be aware of potentially fraudulent job postings or suspicious recruiting activity by persons that are currently posing as KLA employees. KLA never asks for any financial compensation to be considered for an interview, to become an employee, or for equipment. Further, KLA does not work with any recruiters or third parties who charge such fees either directly or on behalf of KLA. Please ensure that you have searched KLA’s Careers website for legitimate job postings. KLA follows a recruiting process that involves multiple interviews in person or on video conferencing with our hiring managers. If you are concerned that a communication, an interview, an offer of employment, or that an employee is not legitimate, please send an email to talent.acquisition@kla.com to confirm the person you are communicating with is an employee. We take your privacy very seriously and confidentially handle your information.
Company Overview
KLA is a global leader in diversified electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Virtually every electronic device in the world is produced using our technologies. No laptop, smartphone, wearable device, voice-controlled gadget, flexible screen, VR device or smart car would have made it into your hands without us. KLA invents systems and solutions for the manufacturing of wafers and reticles, integrated circuits, packaging, printed circuit boards and flat panel displays. The innovative ideas and devices that are advancing humanity all begin with inspiration, research and development. KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with the world’s leading technology providers to accelerate the delivery of tomorrow’s electronic devices. Life here is exciting and our teams thrive on tackling really hard problems. There is never a dull moment with us.
Group/Division
With over 40 years of semiconductor process control experience, chipmakers around the globe rely on KLA to ensure that their fabs ramp next-generation devices to volume production quickly and cost-effectively. Enabling the movement towards advanced chip design, KLA's Global Products Group (GPG), which is responsible for creating all of KLA’s metrology and inspection products, is looking for the best and the brightest research scientist, software engineers, application development engineers, and senior product technology process engineers. The RAPID division is the world leading provider of reticle inspection solutions for the semiconductor industry. The company provides inspection solutions to both the mask shops and the semiconductor fabs to ensure that lithography yields are consistently high thus enabling cost-effective manufacturing.
Job Description/Preferred Qualifications
The Mechanical Design Engineer will own the system architecture for process media and vacuum systems in advanced semiconductor equipment, including gas, water, LN2, and vacuum distribution. This role is responsible for developing and maintaining key system documentation such as P&IDs, device lists, interface definitions, and related architecture documents, while working across mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing, service, and reliability teams.
This engineer will also perform CAD work for the overall routing architecture, directly support detailed mechanical design, and guide contractors in routing piping/tubing and related hardware. Familiarity with MBSE is a plus.
Key Responsibilities
- Own the architecture for gas, water, LN2, and vacuum distribution systems.
- Develop and maintain P&IDs, device lists, interface definitions, and requirements allocations.
- Perform fluid flow and thermal simulations.
- Create CAD models and layouts for overall routing architecture and hardware integration.
- Perform hands-on mechanical design and guide support teams to perform CAD routing for cables, piping and associated hardware.
- Lead architecture tradeoffs and guide selection of major components such as valves, pumps, regulators, filters, gauges, manifolds, and sensors.
- Define system requirements and allocate them to impacted subsystems and technical owners across mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing, service, reliability, and regulatory functions.
- Help define interfaces, interlocks, and sequencing concepts needed for safe and effective system operation (SEMI-S2, ASME, PED, …).
- Work across functions to support system integration, design reviews, troubleshooting, and productization including full documentation for high volume production.
- Support prototype build, system bring-up, testing, and debugging of routing, distribution, and integration issues.
- Interface with vendors and internal stakeholders to communicate requirements clearly and help ensure technical solutions meet performance, quality, and documentation expectations.
- Prepare and support technical content required for requirements, concept, and detailed design reviews.
Desired Qualifications
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
- Strong experience with complex gas, water, cryogenic, and/or vacuum distribution systems.
- Experience with P&IDs, device lists, interface documentation, and system-level routing layouts.
- Perform fluid flow and thermal simulations.
- Strong mechanical design and CAD skills, including routing and integration work.
- Experience working in multidisciplinary engineering teams and supporting prototype build, integration, and troubleshooting.
Minimum Qualifications
Doctorate (Academic) Degree and related work experience of 3 years; Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 6 years; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 8 years.
Base Pay Range
$141,300.00 - $240,200.00 Annually
Primary Location
USA-CA-Milpitas-KLA
KLA’s total rewards package for employees may also include participation in performance incentive programs and eligibility for additional benefits including but not limited to: medical, dental, vision, life, and other voluntary benefits, 401(K) including company matching, employee stock purchase program (ESPP), student debt assistance, tuition reimbursement program, development and career growth opportunities and programs, financial planning benefits, wellness benefits including an employee assistance program (EAP), paid time off and paid company holidays, and family care and bonding leave.
Interns are eligible for some of the benefits listed. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed reflects the pay for this position in the primary location identified in this posting. Actual pay depends on several factors, including state minimum pay wage rates, location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education level or training. We are committed to complying with all applicable federal and state minimum wage requirements where applicable. If applicable, your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for your preferred location during the hiring process.
KLA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at talent.acquisition@kla.com or at +1-408-352-2808 to request accommodation.
Be aware of potentially fraudulent job postings or suspicious recruiting activity by persons that are currently posing as KLA employees. KLA never asks for any financial compensation to be considered for an interview, to become an employee, or for equipment. Further, KLA does not work with any recruiters or third parties who charge such fees either directly or on behalf of KLA. Please ensure that you have searched KLA’s Careers website for legitimate job postings. KLA follows a recruiting process that involves multiple interviews in person or on video conferencing with our hiring managers. If you are concerned that a communication, an interview, an offer of employment, or that an employee is not legitimate, please send an email to talent.acquisition@kla.com to confirm the person you are communicating with is an employee. We take your privacy very seriously and confidentially handle your information.
Process Design Engineer Job Roles in California
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Search Process Design Engineer Jobs in CaliforniaProcess Design Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for process design engineers in California?
California's largest process design engineer sponsors include Intel and Applied Materials in Silicon Valley, Chevron and Aera Energy in Bakersfield, Genentech and Gilead Sciences in the Bay Area, and Lam Research in Fremont. Semiconductor, refining, and life sciences manufacturers drive the highest sponsorship volume. These employers routinely file Labor Condition Applications for process engineering roles, which is publicly visible in DOL disclosure data.
What visa types are available for process design engineers seeking sponsorship in California?
Process design engineer roles qualify as specialty occupations, making the H-1B visa the most common path. H-1B status is granted for up to three years, extendable to six, and is subject to an annual cap and selection process. Australian citizens can pursue the E-3 visa, which has its own annual allocation and no lottery. Canadian and Mexican citizens may qualify under TN visa status as engineers under USMCA. EB-2 and EB-3 employment-based green cards are also available for longer-term sponsorship.
Which cities in California have the most process design engineer sponsorship jobs?
San Jose and Santa Clara lead in semiconductor and advanced manufacturing process engineering roles, anchored by Intel, Applied Materials, and Lam Research. San Francisco and the broader Bay Area offer opportunities in biotech and cleantech. San Diego is active in pharmaceutical process engineering. Bakersfield and Richmond serve the oil refining sector. Sacramento and Los Angeles also host food and consumer goods manufacturers with process engineering teams.
How to find process design engineer visa sponsorship jobs in California?
Migrate Mate lists California employers with verified sponsorship history for process design engineer roles, letting you search by city and filter to companies that have actively filed for engineering positions. This is more targeted than general job searches because the listings reflect actual DOL filing activity. Focus your search on semiconductor fabs in Silicon Valley, refineries in the Central Valley, and biotech manufacturers in San Diego and the Bay Area.
Are there any California-specific factors that affect process design engineer visa sponsorship?
California's concentration of semiconductor, biotech, and energy sectors creates consistent demand for process design engineers with international backgrounds. The state's university pipeline, through UC Berkeley, Stanford, Caltech, and UC San Diego, feeds graduates into local employers who already have established H-1B sponsorship programs. California also has strict environmental and emissions regulations that increase demand for specialized process engineers, particularly in the chemical, refining, and advanced manufacturing sectors.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored process design engineer jobs in California?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.