Manufacturing Engineering Manager Jobs in California
Manufacturing Engineering Manager jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in aerospace and defense, semiconductor fabrication, medical devices, and automotive supply chain, with demand running from production-floor supervisors stepping into management through senior-level engineering directors. The largest hiring metros are Los Angeles, San Jose, and San Diego, where established names like Northrop Grumman, Applied Materials, and Edwards Lifesciences consistently recruit for these roles. Process optimization, lean manufacturing, and advanced automation integration are the most in-demand specialties across California facilities. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Here at Westfall Technik, we pride ourselves on being a fast growing Plastic Injection Manufacturing Company in the USA and soon Globally. While many companies outsource their work, we believe in keeping our jobs in the US. We currently support over 1,100 employees across 11 facilities in the US, and we are still growing.
At Westfall Technik, we invest in our people. Our overall success is largely contributed to our employees’ skills and talents, that have been impactful and essential to the growth of our business. Here, you’ll get the opportunity to test your knowledge and skills and become a critical player within Westfall. We want you to view your time at Westfall as an investment to your future.
We are currently seeking Manufacturing Engineering Manager, with the below qualifications:
Professional Attributes
The Manufacturing Engineering Manager will oversee and optimize the day-to-day leveling up and standardization of manufacturing technologies and effective equipment utilization through the site. This role is responsible for ensuring equipment and process suitability to customer requirements and expectations, manufacturing process reliability, product quality, production efficiency, and the safety of personnel. Reporting to this Manufacturing Engineering Manager position will be our recently hired Automation Engineer. The hiring of this position will promote faster and more successful product launches and transfers into a series production state.
- Process Development & Improvement:
- Design, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and increase product quality.
- Conduct detailed analyses of existing production processes and identify opportunities for improvement.
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Develop and implement process controls, operating procedures, and best practices for all aspects of production.
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Productivity & Cost Management:
- Analyze production data and implement strategies to reduce cycle times, labor costs, and material waste.
- Work with finance and operations teams to identify cost-saving initiatives and develop action plans to meet cost reduction goals.
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Use Lean manufacturing principles (e.g., 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping) to streamline workflows and reduce inefficiencies.
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New Product Introduction (NPI):
- Support the introduction of new products into manufacturing, ensuring that processes are scalable and efficient.
- Collaborate with design and engineering teams to assess manufacturability and ensure that designs are optimized for production.
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Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for new product lines and ensure that staff are trained in new processes.
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Equipment & Technology Selection:
- Evaluate and select manufacturing equipment, tools, and technologies to improve production capabilities and align with operational needs.
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Work with maintenance and production teams to ensure the proper installation, calibration, and troubleshooting of equipment.
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Quality Control & Compliance:
- Ensure that manufacturing processes meet required quality standards by collaborating with the Quality Control (QC) department.
- Develop and implement process validation and control plans to maintain product consistency and quality.
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Ensure all manufacturing processes comply with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards (e.g., ISO, OSHA, environmental regulations).
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Team Leadership & Collaboration:
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers, operators, and production staff.
- Collaborate with production teams to resolve technical issues and ensure smooth daily operations.
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Lead cross-functional teams for process improvement projects and support ongoing production initiatives.
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Data Analysis & Reporting:
- Analyze production performance metrics (e.g., Overall Equipment Effectiveness, throughput, downtime, defect rates) and prepare detailed reports for management review.
- Utilize data-driven insights to propose and implement improvements across all aspects of the manufacturing process.
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Maintain accurate records of process changes, improvements, and engineering decisions.
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Continuous Improvement:
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives by implementing best practices, adopting new technologies, and exploring innovative solutions.
- Participate in or lead Kaizen events, root cause analysis, and corrective action initiatives to address process issues or defects.
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Keep abreast of industry trends, technological advancements, and best practices to ensure that manufacturing operations remain at the forefront of innovation.
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Safety & Sustainability:
- Ensure adherence to all safety protocols in manufacturing processes and work environments.
- Promote and enforce safety practices to ensure the well-being of all employees.
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Implement sustainable practices, including waste reduction, energy efficiency, and sustainable material sourcing.
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Other Duties as Assigned
- Take on additional responsibilities as needed to support the team and meet operational priorities.
Specific Skill Set
Communication:
Effectively coordinates with teams across production, quality, maintenance, and engineering to drive alignment and problem resolution.
Presentation:
Clearly presents production metrics and processes performance using visual tools (charts, graphs, dashboards) to support decision making.
System:
Skilled in utilizing and navigating ERP systems (Epicor) and MES system to monitor production schedules, material flow, and performance data.
Analytics:
Uses analytical tools (e.g., 5 whys, fishbone, Pareto) and data interpretation to identify process inefficiencies and recommend corrective actions.
Exposure:
- Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing engineering role, with a strong focus on process optimization, product development, and operational improvement.
- Experience in a fast-paced, high-precision manufacturing environment is preferred.
- Proven experience with process improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen).
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, including machining, injection molding, stamping, or assembly.
- Proficient in CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar) and manufacturing simulation tools.
- Familiarity with PLCs, CNC machines, robotic systems, and automation technologies.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, etc.).
- Experience with data analysis and reporting tools (e.g., Minitab, Tableau, or similar).
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment is usually in an office within a manufacturing facility with low to moderate noise level. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
- Ability to work well with others, one on one, remote, via video and phone.
- Ability to work independently.
Westfall-Technik is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, religious creed, physical disability, mental disability, age for individuals age 40 and over, medical condition (as defined by state law (for example, cancer or genetic characteristics or HIV/AIDS), marital status, military and veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, citizenship status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment.
What You’ll Love About Us:
- Salary: $160,000 (Based on education and experience)
- 11 Paid Holidays, Sick Pay, Vacation Pay
- 401K, Plus Employer Match
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Company Sponsored Life and AD&D, Short and Long Term Disability, Paid Parental Leave, and More…
- We are committed to creating a diverse work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, region, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.
See All 126+ Manufacturing Engineering Manager Jobs in California
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Find JobsManufacturing Engineering Manager Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Manufacturing Engineering Manager Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Apple20

- Thermo Fisher Scientific8

- Joby Aviation6

- NVIDIA6

- Edwards Lifesciences4

Top Industries Hiring
- Electronics & Hardware46
- Technology & Software17
- Consulting & Professional Services14
- Science & Research11
- Manufacturing9
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in manufacturing engineering manager jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering from an accredited program
- Seven or more years of manufacturing engineering experience including direct people management
- Demonstrated proficiency with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Kaizen methodologies
- Experience managing NPI or sustaining engineering programs in a regulated California industry
- Proficiency with CAD tools and manufacturing execution systems used in California production environments
- Strong cross-functional collaboration skills with supply chain, quality, and operations teams
Manufacturing Engineering Manager Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a manufacturing engineering manager in California?
The typical California path starts with a bachelor's degree in mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering, followed by several years of hands-on engineering work in a California production environment. While the role does not require a state-issued license, Professional Engineer registration through the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists strengthens candidates significantly. Most hiring managers look for a combination of technical depth, lean or Six Sigma credentials, and demonstrated team leadership before promoting or hiring into a manager role.
Which companies hire manufacturing engineering managers in California?
Employers hiring manufacturing engineering managers in California right now include Apple, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Joby Aviation, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's concentration of aerospace primes, semiconductor equipment makers, and medical device manufacturers means demand for this role is distributed across both large defense contractors in Southern California and high-tech industrial firms throughout the Bay Area and San Diego corridor.
Which California cities have the most manufacturing engineering manager jobs?
Cupertino, Santa Clara, and Fremont have the most manufacturing engineering manager openings in California. Los Angeles anchors the list through its aerospace and defense industrial base, San Jose reflects demand from semiconductor and advanced electronics manufacturers, and San Diego draws on its concentration of medical device and defense contractors including several large facilities that consistently post senior engineering management roles.
Are there remote manufacturing engineering manager jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. About 4% of manufacturing engineering manager openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of the role. The portions most compatible with remote work include design review, supplier qualification, documentation, and cross-functional program coordination, while direct floor oversight, equipment qualification, and production escalations almost always require physical presence at the California facility.
How can I get hired as a manufacturing engineering manager in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is moving up from a manufacturing or process engineer role at a California employer that promotes from within, particularly in aerospace, medical devices, or semiconductor equipment where structured career ladders exist. Large California manufacturers like Raytheon, Boston Scientific, and Lam Research run formal new-grad and rotational engineering programs that expose candidates to process, quality, and operations functions early. Building a record in a lead engineer or technical program coordinator role, combined with a Six Sigma Green Belt or lean certification, positions candidates for a first management opening without prior direct reports.
Where can I find and apply to manufacturing engineering manager jobs in California?
You can find and apply to manufacturing engineering manager jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings. Find roles that fit your experience and target location, then apply directly to each one.
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