Manufacturing Process Engineer Jobs in California
Manufacturing Process Engineer jobs in California are among the most active in the nation, concentrated in aerospace and defense, semiconductor fabrication, medical device manufacturing, and electric vehicle production, with openings at every level from entry-level process technician to senior principal engineer. The heaviest hiring happens in Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, and San Diego, where employers like Northrop Grumman, Raytheon Technologies, and Applied Materials maintain large engineering operations. The most in-demand specialties are process optimization, lean manufacturing, and cleanroom process development. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Who We Are
Precision Advanced Manufacturing is a Southern California-based manufacturer of complex, high-tolerance components and assemblies. We specialize in CNC machining, fabrication, laser & waterjet cutting, and integrated builds for mission-critical applications.
Role Summary
- Begin by owning Sales Material Engineering: translate customer PO, prints and specifications into material condition, size and quantity required for production.
- Primary role expands into Process Manufacturing Engineering: defining how parts will be manufactured from raw material through finished product.
- Hands-on manufacturing role requiring practical engineering judgment, strong blueprint/spec interpretation and cross functional engagement.
Key Responsibilities
- Own Material Engineering Contract Review / material take-off
- Define material spec/condition, starting size, quantity and Material Masters in JobBOSS²
- Develop the manufacturing process from customer prints, specifications and Quality requirements
- Create routers and travelers defining the manufacturing sequence for complex Aerospace and Defense components in a timely, cost-efficient manner
- Define outside processes (Heat Treat, Plating, Grinding, NDT, etc.) and required quality inspection
- Determine required machining operations, equipment/ processes, (Mill, Turn, Fab, Deburr, Assy, etc.)
- Work directly with Sales, Estimating, Operations, Quality, Planning, and Purchasing to resolve process issues
Requirements & Qualifications
Required
- 1-3 Yrs experience manufacturing process planning / engineering in precision machine shop environment
- Mechanical Engineering degree or equivalent experience
- Strong blueprint reading, GD&T, knowledge of machining processes and raw materials
- Practical, detail-oriented engineering decision making
- On-site in Anaheim, CA
Preferred
- Aerospace / Defense and CNC machining experience
- JobBOSS² / MRP experience
Pay: $80,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
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Find JobsManufacturing Process Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Manufacturing Process Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Tesla10
- FujiFilm4
- FUJIFILM Dimatix4
- WD2
- Alcon2
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing10
- Technology & Software3
- Retail1
- Science & Research1
- Chemicals & Materials1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in manufacturing process engineer jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering from an accredited institution
- Hands-on experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies
- Proficiency with CAD software, process simulation tools, or statistical process control systems
- Familiarity with ISO 9001, AS9100, or FDA 21 CFR quality management standards
- Experience with process validation, PFMEA, or control plan development in a production environment
- Strong cross-functional communication skills for collaborating with design, quality, and production teams
Manufacturing Process Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a manufacturing process engineer in California?
Most manufacturing process engineers in California start with a bachelor's degree in mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering from an ABET-accredited program. California does not require a state license specifically for this role, but earning a Professional Engineer license through the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists strengthens candidacy for senior and government-contractor positions. Certifications in Six Sigma or lean manufacturing are widely expected by California employers, particularly in aerospace, medtech, and semiconductor industries.
How much do manufacturing process engineers make in California?
Manufacturing process engineers in California earn a median of about $124,600 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $77,900 for the lowest 10% to over $172,870 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire manufacturing process engineers in California?
Employers hiring manufacturing process engineers in California right now include Tesla, FujiFilm, and FUJIFILM Dimatix, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's concentration of aerospace primes, semiconductor fabs, and medical device companies means demand stays consistent across both large multinationals and specialized mid-size manufacturers throughout the state.
Which California cities have the most manufacturing process engineer jobs?
The cities with the most manufacturing process engineer openings in California are Fremont, Santa Clara, and Palo Alto. Los Angeles anchors the market through its aerospace and defense base, the Bay Area draws heavily from semiconductor and cleantech manufacturing, and San Diego's medtech and biotech sectors generate consistent demand for process engineers focused on regulated production environments.
Are there remote manufacturing process engineer jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. About 5% of manufacturing process engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting that most of the role requires direct presence on the production floor or in a cleanroom environment. The portions most suited to remote work are documentation, process design review, and data analysis tasks that don't require hands-on equipment interaction.
How can I get hired as a manufacturing process engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for associate process engineer or process technician roles at large California manufacturers, which often serve as the direct on-ramp. Companies like Northrop Grumman, Boston Scientific, and Lam Research run structured new-graduate programs and co-op pipelines at their California facilities. Candidates coming from quality technician, manufacturing technician, or industrial engineering roles are frequently considered for lateral moves. A Six Sigma Green Belt certification or a strong capstone project in process improvement gives applicants without direct experience a concrete edge.
Where can I find and apply to manufacturing process engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to manufacturing process engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings from employers across the state's aerospace, semiconductor, medtech, and EV manufacturing sectors. Find roles that fit your experience and location, then apply directly to the employer.
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