Manufacturing Jobs in California
Manufacturing jobs in California are in strong demand, with openings concentrated in aerospace and defense, semiconductors, food and beverage processing, and medical devices across a wide range from entry-level assemblers to senior process engineers. The largest hiring hubs are Los Angeles, San Jose, and San Diego, where companies like Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, and Jabil maintain significant California operations. The most sought-after specialties include CNC machining, quality control, and supply chain production management. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Manufacturing JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 4,415+ Manufacturing jobs
About Wing:
Wing offers drone delivery as a safe, fast, and sustainable solution for last mile logistics. Consumer appetites for on-demand services are increasing, but current delivery methods are inefficient, costly, and contribute to road accidents and air pollution. Wing's fleet of highly automated delivery drones can transport small packages directly from businesses to homes on-demand, in minutes. We design, build, and operate our aircraft, and offer drone delivery services on two continents. Our technology is designed to be easy to integrate into existing delivery and logistics networks, offering a scalable drone delivery solution for a broad range of businesses. Wing is a part of Google's parent company, Alphabet, and our mission is to create the preferred means of delivery for the planet. If you're ready to do the greatest work of your life, come join us.
About the Role:
Wing is looking for a Director of Manufacturing Operations to lead our Manufacturing Operations team, Forward Logistics and Reverse Logistics teams. This role is onsite based in Palo Alto, CA. In this critical leadership position, you will ensure our manufacturing capabilities scale efficiently to meet growing global demand, driving the production of aircraft and ground systems that safely and autonomously deliver packages to communities. You will be instrumental in bridging the gap between innovative engineering concepts and reliable, high-volume production, ensuring our hardware ecosystem is built for speed, safety, and operational excellence. Additionally, you will manage manufacturing partners and optimize costs to align with our business objectives.
What You'll Do:
- This role will report into VP of Hardware Development & Manufacturing Operations and partner across Engineering and Business Operations.
- Develop and execute Wing's manufacturing strategy to align production capabilities with business goals.
- Manage Product Operations, Operations Program Management, Process Engineering, Quality, Forward Logistics, Reverse Logistics and Manufacturing Partner Management.
- Partner with Engineering teams to build product roadmaps and execute plans from Concept and NPI through production and EOL.
- Drive operational excellence to minimize waste, optimize workflows, improve quality and enhance overall productivity.
- Oversee the manufacturing operations budget to adhere to financial targets and resource allocations.
- Establish and maintain rigorous quality assurance protocols to ensure all products meet industry standards and regulatory requirements for reliability.
- Enforce compliance standards across all facilities, leading audits and training programs.
- Lead the supply chain and logistics teams to manage inventory levels, optimize vendor relations, and ensure timely delivery of products to meet business needs.
- Lead the implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies and automated systems to improve production capacity.
What You'll Need:
- 10+ years of experience managing large manufacturing teams, high volume manufacturing and supply chain operations and managing global partners to drive product cost and quality.
- Bachelor's degree in a Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering, other Engineering or non-technical Bachelor's with relevant Manufacturing Operations experience, or equivalent experience. Masters degree preferred.
- Experience hiring, developing and managing high performing teams.
- Experience scaling, operationalizing, or commercializing a manufacturing organization.
- International and Domestic travel required.
Wing is an equal opportunity employer and it is Wing's policy to comply with all applicable national, state and local laws pertaining to nondiscrimination and equal opportunity. Employment at Wing is based solely on a person's merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. Wing does not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), or any other basis protected by law.
If you have a need that requires accommodation during the interview process due to a disability or special need, please let us know by completing our Candidate Accommodations Request Form.
About Wing:
Wing offers drone delivery as a safe, fast, and sustainable solution for last mile logistics. Consumer appetites for on-demand services are increasing, but current delivery methods are inefficient, costly, and contribute to road accidents and air pollution. Wing's fleet of highly automated delivery drones can transport small packages directly from businesses to homes on-demand, in minutes. We design, build, and operate our aircraft, and offer drone delivery services on two continents. Our technology is designed to be easy to integrate into existing delivery and logistics networks, offering a scalable drone delivery solution for a broad range of businesses. Wing is a part of Google's parent company, Alphabet, and our mission is to create the preferred means of delivery for the planet. If you're ready to do the greatest work of your life, come join us.
About the Role:
Wing is looking for a Director of Manufacturing Operations to lead our Manufacturing Operations team, Forward Logistics and Reverse Logistics teams. This role is onsite based in Palo Alto, CA. In this critical leadership position, you will ensure our manufacturing capabilities scale efficiently to meet growing global demand, driving the production of aircraft and ground systems that safely and autonomously deliver packages to communities. You will be instrumental in bridging the gap between innovative engineering concepts and reliable, high-volume production, ensuring our hardware ecosystem is built for speed, safety, and operational excellence. Additionally, you will manage manufacturing partners and optimize costs to align with our business objectives.
What You'll Do:
- This role will report into VP of Hardware Development & Manufacturing Operations and partner across Engineering and Business Operations.
- Develop and execute Wing's manufacturing strategy to align production capabilities with business goals.
- Manage Product Operations, Operations Program Management, Process Engineering, Quality, Forward Logistics, Reverse Logistics and Manufacturing Partner Management.
- Partner with Engineering teams to build product roadmaps and execute plans from Concept and NPI through production and EOL.
- Drive operational excellence to minimize waste, optimize workflows, improve quality and enhance overall productivity.
- Oversee the manufacturing operations budget to adhere to financial targets and resource allocations.
- Establish and maintain rigorous quality assurance protocols to ensure all products meet industry standards and regulatory requirements for reliability.
- Enforce compliance standards across all facilities, leading audits and training programs.
- Lead the supply chain and logistics teams to manage inventory levels, optimize vendor relations, and ensure timely delivery of products to meet business needs.
- Lead the implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies and automated systems to improve production capacity.
What You'll Need:
- 10+ years of experience managing large manufacturing teams, high volume manufacturing and supply chain operations and managing global partners to drive product cost and quality.
- Bachelor's degree in a Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering, other Engineering or non-technical Bachelor's with relevant Manufacturing Operations experience, or equivalent experience. Masters degree preferred.
- Experience hiring, developing and managing high performing teams.
- Experience scaling, operationalizing, or commercializing a manufacturing organization.
- International and Domestic travel required.
Wing is an equal opportunity employer and it is Wing's policy to comply with all applicable national, state and local laws pertaining to nondiscrimination and equal opportunity. Employment at Wing is based solely on a person's merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. Wing does not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), or any other basis protected by law.
If you have a need that requires accommodation during the interview process due to a disability or special need, please let us know by completing our Candidate Accommodations Request Form.
See All 4,415+ Manufacturing Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Manufacturing JobsManufacturing Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Manufacturing Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Apple392
- Joby Aviation143
- Applied Materials104
- NVIDIA86
- Caliber Collision55
Top Industries Hiring
- Electronics & Hardware1,203
- Technology & Software584
- Manufacturing517
- Consulting & Professional Services284
- Automotive276
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in manufacturing jobs across California.
- Familiarity with California-specific workplace safety standards under Cal/OSHA regulations
- High school diploma or GED with preference for an associate degree in manufacturing technology
- Hands-on experience with CNC machinery, robotics, or automated production equipment
- Working knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical specifications
- Strong attention to detail with experience meeting quality control or ISO compliance standards
Manufacturing Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a manufacturing worker in California?
Most manufacturing roles in California require at least a high school diploma, with many employers preferring candidates who have completed a certificate or associate degree program in manufacturing technology, industrial maintenance, or a related trade through a California community college. Certain specialized roles, such as those in electrical or HVAC-related production, may require a California-issued trade certification. Building hands-on skills through apprenticeships registered with the California Department of Industrial Relations Division of Apprenticeship Standards is one of the most direct paths into the field.
Which companies hire manufacturing workers in California?
Employers hiring manufacturings in California right now include Apple, Joby Aviation, and Applied Materials, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's concentration of aerospace, semiconductor, and medical device companies means large, established manufacturers are consistently among the most active hirers in the state.
Which California cities have the most manufacturing jobs?
San Jose, Santa Clara, and Sunnyvale have the most manufacturing openings in California. Los Angeles anchors the aerospace and apparel production sectors, San Jose sits at the center of semiconductor and electronics manufacturing in Silicon Valley, and San Diego is driven by defense contractors and biotech manufacturers that maintain major production facilities in the region.
Are there remote manufacturing jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Manufacturing work is largely hands-on and tied to physical production environments, so fully remote roles are uncommon. About 5% of manufacturing openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and those positions tend to be in production planning, quality systems management, or manufacturing engineering roles where documentation and coordination can happen off-site.
How can I get hired as a manufacturing worker in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for assembler, production associate, or material handler roles, which consistently serve as the front door into manufacturing for candidates without prior experience. Large California employers in aerospace and electronics, including defense contractors and contract manufacturers in the Los Angeles and San Diego areas, run apprenticeship programs registered with the California Department of Industrial Relations. Completing a short-term manufacturing certificate through the California community college system and earning a forklift operator certification can give an entry-level candidate a meaningful edge over other applicants.
Where can I find and apply to manufacturing jobs in California?
You can find and apply to manufacturing jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across industries and experience levels. Search the available roles, find the ones that match your background and location, and apply directly to the positions that fit.
See All 4,415+ Manufacturing Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Manufacturing Jobs