Manufacturing Operations Manager Jobs in California
Manufacturing Operations Manager jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in aerospace and defense, food and beverage processing, semiconductors, and medical devices, with demand at every level from junior plant supervisor through senior director of operations. The highest volume of openings is in Los Angeles, San Jose, and San Diego, where companies like Northrop Grumman, Abbott, and Dole Food Company maintain large manufacturing footprints. Lean manufacturing, supply chain optimization, and EHS compliance are the specialties California employers prioritize most consistently. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Description
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. We have a wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies. Our differentiated battle management and cyber solutions deliver timely, mission-enabling information and provide superior situational awareness and understanding to protect the U.S. and its global allies.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems (NGMS) is looking for you to join our team as a Manager Manufacturing Operations 3 based out of Sunnyvale, CA at the Marine Systems campus.
What You'll Get to Do:
- Direct all aspects and phases of designated operations from inception through completion, including fabrication, machining, welding, assembly and test (steam plant).
- Responsible for the cost and schedule performance of Operations programs or subsystems of major programs in designated areas.
- Monitor adherence to master plans and schedules, cost performance to budgets, identifies process problems and develops solutions, and provides cost and schedule performance data/status as the Cost Area Manager for programs in area.
- Direct the work of Supervisors and Employees, supports safety initiatives, and interfaces with Employee Union representatives as required for areas of responsibility.
The ideal candidate will provide leadership across the manufacturing team. The ability to direct and lead the organization to meet manufacturing delivery dates will be critical as well as providing leadership and guidance in areas such as technical guidance, process development, continuous improvement, safety, capacity and production planning, Capital/Facility planning, cost/benefit analysis, Manpower planning and staffing, workforce engagement, and merit planning. The ability to collaborate and liaise with the various leaders across the site to meet all business requirements and milestones is a key function of this role.
Basic Qualifications for the Manager Manufacturing Operations 3:
- Bachelor’s degree in a technical field and a minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience in manufacturing, maintenance or heavy assembly; OR a Master's degree with 6 or more years of relevant work experience in manufacturing, maintenance or heavy assembly (4 additional years of manufacturing, maintenance or heavy assembly experience may be considered in lieu of degree).
- Management and/or leadership experience.
- Experience with manufacturing methods and processes.
- Ability to obtain a DoD Secret clearance.
- US Citizenship required.
Preferred Qualifications for the Manager of Manufacturing Operations 3:
- General MRP / ERP experience.
- Government contracting and fixed price production experience.
- Master's degree in Engineering or Management.
- Current or active security clearance.
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Find JobsManufacturing Operations Manager Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Manufacturing Operations Manager Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Electronics & Hardware
- Distribution & Wholesale
- Waste Management & Environmental Services
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in manufacturing operations manager jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in industrial engineering, operations management, or a related technical field
- Five or more years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience in a California-regulated industry
- Demonstrated proficiency with Lean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen continuous improvement methodologies
- Experience managing compliance with California OSHA Title 8 safety regulations and environmental standards
- Hands-on background with ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle in a production environment
- Strong record leading cross-functional teams across production, quality, and supply chain functions
Manufacturing Operations Manager Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a manufacturing operations manager in California?
Most manufacturing operations managers in California follow a path that starts with a bachelor's degree in engineering, operations management, or a related field, then progresses through floor-level roles such as production supervisor or quality engineer. California does not require a state-issued license for this role, but employers in regulated industries like aerospace or food processing expect familiarity with California OSHA Title 8 and relevant FDA or EPA compliance frameworks. A Lean or Six Sigma certification strengthens candidacy considerably.
How much do manufacturing operations managers make in California?
Manufacturing operations managers in California earn a median of about $132,620 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $80,950 for the lowest 10% to over $222,020 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire manufacturing operations managers in California?
Employers hiring manufacturing operations managers in California right now include Google, SpaceX, and Divergent, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's mix of aerospace primes, food processing giants, medical device firms, and semiconductor manufacturers means openings are distributed across a wide range of industries with varying shift structures and compliance requirements.
Which California cities have the most manufacturing operations manager jobs?
Sunnyvale, San Jose, and San Diego have the most manufacturing operations manager openings in California. Los Angeles anchors demand through aerospace and defense contractors and consumer goods producers, San Jose reflects the semiconductor and electronics manufacturing base of Silicon Valley, and San Diego draws heavily from its medical device and biotech manufacturing sector, which includes a concentration of FDA-regulated production facilities.
Are there remote manufacturing operations manager jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Manufacturing operations management is fundamentally an on-site discipline tied to production lines, equipment, and facility compliance, so fully remote roles are uncommon. About 22% of manufacturing operations manager openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those positions tend to concentrate in corporate functions like multi-site operations strategy or process engineering support rather than direct plant management.
How can I get hired as a manufacturing operations manager in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a production supervisor or manufacturing engineer role at a large California facility, where structured development programs exist. Companies like Northrop Grumman, Abbott, and Procter and Gamble's California operations run rotational or leadership development programs that move high-performing associates into operations management. A California community college certificate in industrial technology or supply chain, combined with California OSHA 10 or 30 training, gives entry-level candidates a concrete edge when applying to regulated manufacturers.
Where can I find and apply to manufacturing operations manager jobs in California?
You can find and apply to manufacturing operations manager jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across industries including aerospace, food processing, medical devices, and electronics. Find roles that match your experience level and location, then apply directly to the employers posting them.
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