Manufacturing Jobs in California
Manufacturing jobs in California are among the most active in the nation, concentrated in aerospace and defense, semiconductors, food and beverage processing, and medical devices across a workforce that ranges from entry-level assemblers to senior process engineers. The largest hiring hubs are Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, and San Diego, where employers like Northrop Grumman, Intel, and Boston Scientific maintain major California operations. Demand is especially strong for precision machining, quality assurance, and automation and robotics technicians. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 436+ Manufacturing jobs
Attalon / Location Overview
Join Attalon’s Aerospace & Defense team in Murrieta, CA. We are a center of excellence for advanced optics and optical systems. We’re shaping the future of aerospace and defense through precision engineering and cutting-edge manufacturing processes. If you’re passionate about innovation and want to lead the development of world-class optical technologies, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.
About the Role
The Optical Manufacturing Engineer supports optical fabrication, metrology, and assembly operations. You’ll assist in developing robust manufacturing processes, troubleshooting production challenges, improving yield and cycle time, and supporting new product introductions. You will learn from experienced engineers and technicians while contributing directly to production and process development activities.
Responsibilities
Optical Component Manufacturing & Process Development:
- Learn and support optical fabrication processes such as blocking, grinding, polishing, CNC machining, and aspheric optic fabrication
- Assist with opto‑mechanical and optical assembly tasks including bonding, cleaning, mechanical alignment, and optical alignment
- Support the development of stable, repeatable processes that meet product specifications and cost targets
- Participate in engineering experiments, basic DOEs, capability studies, and process qualifications.
- Learn to operate precision optical test equipment including interferometers, profilometers, surface roughness instruments, radius measurement systems, and basic functional tests.
- Observe and report metrology or process anomalies and assist in troubleshooting root causes.
Production & Continuous Improvement:
- Support daily manufacturing activities to keep production moving efficiently and on schedule.
- Assist with troubleshooting product quality, yield issues, and equipment performance.
- Participate in corrective action teams and continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing defects and improving throughput.
- Contribute to documentation updates including work instructions, test procedures, and basic process controls.
- Help evaluate new equipment, manufacturing methods, and emerging technologies that enhance capability or reduce cost.
- Support cross‑functional collaboration between Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, and Program Management.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Optical Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
- 2 years or greater of experience in a technical, laboratory, or manufacturing environment.
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills; ability to learn and apply structured root‑cause techniques.
- Programming, statistics, or data analysis experience is a plus.
- Demonstrated motivation, curiosity, and ability to learn complex technical processes quickly.
What We're Looking For
- A hands‑on engineer who enjoys being on the manufacturing floor.
- Someone eager to work in the aerospace industry and become an expert in optical fabrication, metrology, and assembly.
- A fast learner who thrives in a highly technical environment.
- Detail‑oriented, organized, and driven to improve processes.
- Comfortable balancing structured engineering rigor with practical shop‑floor problem solving
For California, the base salary pay range for this role is $79,206 - $106,773 per year
Please note this range is provided as a general guideline. When determining an offer, Attalon takes into account multiple factors, including (but not limited to) the responsibilities of the position, your professional experience, education and training, specialized skills, and current market and business conditions.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
Attalon, Inc. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Export Control Compliance
This role involves access to technology, materials, software, or hardware subject to U.S. export control laws. Therefore, to be considered, candidates must be classified as a “U.S. Person” under applicable regulations or be eligible for authorization under a U.S. government export license.
Attalon / Location Overview
Join Attalon’s Aerospace & Defense team in Murrieta, CA. We are a center of excellence for advanced optics and optical systems. We’re shaping the future of aerospace and defense through precision engineering and cutting-edge manufacturing processes. If you’re passionate about innovation and want to lead the development of world-class optical technologies, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.
About the Role
The Optical Manufacturing Engineer supports optical fabrication, metrology, and assembly operations. You’ll assist in developing robust manufacturing processes, troubleshooting production challenges, improving yield and cycle time, and supporting new product introductions. You will learn from experienced engineers and technicians while contributing directly to production and process development activities.
Responsibilities
Optical Component Manufacturing & Process Development:
- Learn and support optical fabrication processes such as blocking, grinding, polishing, CNC machining, and aspheric optic fabrication
- Assist with opto‑mechanical and optical assembly tasks including bonding, cleaning, mechanical alignment, and optical alignment
- Support the development of stable, repeatable processes that meet product specifications and cost targets
- Participate in engineering experiments, basic DOEs, capability studies, and process qualifications.
- Learn to operate precision optical test equipment including interferometers, profilometers, surface roughness instruments, radius measurement systems, and basic functional tests.
- Observe and report metrology or process anomalies and assist in troubleshooting root causes.
Production & Continuous Improvement:
- Support daily manufacturing activities to keep production moving efficiently and on schedule.
- Assist with troubleshooting product quality, yield issues, and equipment performance.
- Participate in corrective action teams and continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing defects and improving throughput.
- Contribute to documentation updates including work instructions, test procedures, and basic process controls.
- Help evaluate new equipment, manufacturing methods, and emerging technologies that enhance capability or reduce cost.
- Support cross‑functional collaboration between Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, and Program Management.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Optical Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
- 2 years or greater of experience in a technical, laboratory, or manufacturing environment.
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills; ability to learn and apply structured root‑cause techniques.
- Programming, statistics, or data analysis experience is a plus.
- Demonstrated motivation, curiosity, and ability to learn complex technical processes quickly.
What We're Looking For
- A hands‑on engineer who enjoys being on the manufacturing floor.
- Someone eager to work in the aerospace industry and become an expert in optical fabrication, metrology, and assembly.
- A fast learner who thrives in a highly technical environment.
- Detail‑oriented, organized, and driven to improve processes.
- Comfortable balancing structured engineering rigor with practical shop‑floor problem solving
For California, the base salary pay range for this role is $79,206 - $106,773 per year
Please note this range is provided as a general guideline. When determining an offer, Attalon takes into account multiple factors, including (but not limited to) the responsibilities of the position, your professional experience, education and training, specialized skills, and current market and business conditions.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
Attalon, Inc. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Export Control Compliance
This role involves access to technology, materials, software, or hardware subject to U.S. export control laws. Therefore, to be considered, candidates must be classified as a “U.S. Person” under applicable regulations or be eligible for authorization under a U.S. government export license.
See All 436+ 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
- Anduril23
- Lockheed Martin12
- Northrop Grumman12
- Tesla11
- Divergent11
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Chemicals & Materials
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Education
- Manufacturing
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in manufacturing jobs across California.
- High school diploma or equivalent with vocational or technical training in a manufacturing field
- Hands-on experience operating CNC machines, assembly lines, or production equipment
- Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies
- Knowledge of California workplace safety regulations and OSHA standards
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, or work orders
- Experience with quality control processes and inspection tools such as calipers or micrometers
Manufacturing Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a manufacturing worker in California?
Most manufacturing roles in California require a high school diploma or GED plus hands-on training through a vocational program, community college, or employer apprenticeship. Skilled trades like electricians and pipefitters must hold a California state contractor or journeyman license issued through the Department of Industrial Relations. For advanced roles in aerospace or semiconductors, an associate or bachelor's degree in engineering technology or a related field is typically expected.
Which companies hire manufacturing workers in California?
Employers hiring manufacturings in California right now include Anduril, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's manufacturing sector is anchored by large aerospace, semiconductor, and medical device companies that maintain long-term production facilities throughout Southern California and the Bay Area.
Which California cities have the most manufacturing jobs?
Fremont, Costa Mesa, and Sunnyvale lead California for manufacturing openings. Los Angeles drives volume through its aerospace and apparel industries, the Bay Area's concentration reflects semiconductor and biotech production, and San Diego's openings are largely tied to defense contractors and life sciences manufacturers with established campuses in the region.
Are there remote manufacturing jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. About 15% of manufacturing openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of most production and assembly work. The roles most likely to offer remote flexibility are in production planning, quality systems management, and manufacturing engineering design rather than floor operations.
How can I get hired as a manufacturing worker in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a registered apprenticeship with the California Department of Industrial Relations, which places candidates directly with employers in skilled trades. Large California manufacturers like Lockheed Martin and Intel run structured associate and operator training programs for entry-level hires. Starting as a production associate, material handler, or quality inspector also opens the door, and completing a certificate program at a California community college strengthens your application considerably.
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 openings from California employers. Search for roles that fit your skills and experience level, then apply directly to the ones that match. No sign-up is required to see the listings.
See All 436+ Manufacturing Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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