Materials Manager Jobs in California
Materials Manager jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in aerospace and defense manufacturing, life sciences and medical devices, semiconductor fabrication, and large-scale consumer goods distribution, with openings at every level from production planning coordinators through senior supply chain directors. The heaviest hiring is in Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, and San Diego, where companies like Northrop Grumman, Abbott Laboratories, and Cisco Systems maintain major operations and consistently recruit materials management talent. The most in-demand specialties are inventory control, demand planning, and lean manufacturing coordination, reflecting California's complex, high-volume supply chains. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 70+ Materials Manager jobs
Operations Manager, Fighter Jets – Aerospace Materials
Sylmar, CA
Are you a passionate and driven Operations Manager who is looking to take their career to new heights? Then look no further than this opportunity with PPG's Aerospace business! We are looking for someone who is able to see the future of aviation transparencies and take our exceptional products to the next level!
In the Operations Manager, Fighter Jets – Aerospace Materials, you will be responsible for leading the manufacturing value stream for F-35 transparency products and overseeing final assembly operations across additional fighter aircraft programs. This role owns the end-to-end execution of the F-35 value stream from post-Start Center operations through final product delivery, excluding Start Center operations and coatings application processes.
As the operational leader for one of the organization's most strategically important product lines, you will be accountable for ensuring the value stream consistently delivers world-class performance in Safety, Quality, Delivery, Inventory, and Cost (SQDIC). The position requires a highly capable leader who can balance strategic improvement initiatives with disciplined daily execution while driving flow, productivity, schedule attainment, and customer satisfaction.
The Operations Manager, Fighter Jets will champion Lean Manufacturing principles and lead continuous improvement efforts across the value stream. Success requires a strong understanding of takt-based manufacturing, value stream management, Kaizen methodologies, Six Sigma tools, and operational excellence practices. As this leader you will build and sustain a culture of accountability, standardized work, continuous improvement, and customer-focused execution.
Approximately 80% of the role is dedicated to driving strategic performance improvements and value stream optimization, while 20% focus on the daily management of operations and execution.
This is an On-site role working from the Sylmar, CA facility. In this role you will report to the Plant Manager.
Responsibilities:
- Lead the Fighter Jet value stream — from post-Start Center operations through final assembly and shipment — to achieve best-in-class performance across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Inventory, and Cost (SQDIC) by developing strategic plans, establishing robust KPIs, and aligning operational priorities with customer requirements, program demands, and organizational objectives to drive throughput, profitability, and long-term operational excellence.
- Lead final assembly operations across multiple fighter aircraft programs, including F-35 transparency production, by ensuring rigorous compliance with aerospace manufacturing standards, driving consistency through standard work, and developing manufacturing systems that enable predictable performance, high quality, and efficient product flow while meeting daily production and delivery commitments.
- Champion Lean Manufacturing as the primary operating philosophy by implementing and sustaining Daily Management Systems, Standard Work, Visual Management, Takt-Based Production, Cellular Manufacturing, Value Stream Mapping, and Structured Problem Solving — sponsoring regular Kaizen events and leading value stream transformation initiatives that eliminate waste, improve flow, and increase customer responsiveness.
- Establish and maintain manufacturing systems capable of consistently achieving takt requirements while driving productivity improvements, reducing scrap, rework, and non-value-added activities, optimizing labor and material flow, managing inventory levels, and executing cost reduction initiatives that improve profitability without compromising safety or quality.
- Promote a proactive safety culture and a "Quality First" mindset across all value stream operations by ensuring full compliance with EHS regulations, aerospace quality standards, and customer specifications, while leading hazard elimination initiatives, structured root cause analysis, and partnering with Quality and Engineering to improve first-pass yield, process capability, and overall manufacturing quality performance.
- Support the planning, prioritization, and execution of capital investments and manufacturing improvement projects by partnering with Engineering and Maintenance to implement equipment, tooling, and process enhancements — ensuring all initiatives align with value stream objectives, deliver sustainable business benefits, and support future-state operational readiness.
- Lead daily production execution through structured management reviews, strong floor presence, and data-driven decision making, while coaching and developing Production Managers, Supervisors, Manufacturing Engineers, and Operations personnel through performance management, succession planning, and a culture of accountability, engagement, continuous learning, and leadership excellence.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or other technical/STEM discipline required, Advanced degree preferred.
- Ten (10) or more years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience required.
- Previous Aerospace manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
- Experience managing assembly operations in highly regulated manufacturing environments required.
- Experience in driving operational improvements in Safety, Quality, Delivery, Inventory, and Cost performance required.
- Experience conducting or leading Kaizen events and Lean transformation initiatives highly preferred.
- Prior experience supporting defense, aerospace, or advanced manufacturing programs preferred.
- Only U.S. Citizens, Green Card holders, and political asylees or refugees are eligible to apply
#LI-PRT1
The base salary range for this position is $145,000.00 to $197,000.00, with a possibility of an annual bonus up to 20% of base salary.
PPG offers comprehensive benefits such as Health, Dental, Life, Retirement Plan, Paid Vacation & Holidays, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Disability/Leave, and other Voluntary benefit offerings. Actual benefit offerings confirmed at the time of hire.
About us:
PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD®
Through leadership in innovation, sustainability and color, PPG helps customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and aftermarkets to enhance more surfaces in more ways than does any other company. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com and follow @PPG on X.
The PPG Way 2030
We are customer champions
Proactive. Bold. Trustworthy. Everything we do starts with our customers. We listen, move fast and don’t stop until we solve their biggest challenges. When our customers win, we all grow.
We act with purpose and speed
Agile. Data-driven. Empowered. We take smart risks to stay ahead of the competition. We work proactively with agility, using quality data to develop solutions that create value.
We are excellent operators
Productive. Collaborative. Accountable. No matter our role, we identify problems, take ownership and always bring solutions. We are both proactive and responsive to drive continuous improvement and deliver results. We support our frontline, the faces of PPG to our customers.
We compete to win
Future-focused. Driven. Ambitious. We are passionate about growing our business and winning with our customers. We deliver results, embrace new technologies and leverage agility and speed as strengths.
We are PPG proud
Strong. United. Passionate. We work safely, act with integrity and value our diverse perspectives. We celebrate achievements and take pride in the positive impact we create together to protect and beautify the world.
At PPG we use AI in the hiring process to make the process more efficient. AI tools do not make hiring decisions. You can learn more by going to https://careers.ppg.com/us/en/candidate-resources.
PPG provides equal opportunity to all candidates and employees. We offer an opportunity to grow and develop your career in an environment that provides a fulfilling workplace for employees, creates an environment for continuous learning, and embraces the ideas and diversity of others. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability status, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
If you need an adjustment due to a disability, please email recruiting@ppg.com.
PPG pay ranges and benefits can vary by location which allows us to compensate employees competitively in different geographic markets. PPG considers several factors in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, qualifications and education, licensure and certifications, and other organizational needs. Other incentives may apply.
Our employee benefits programs are designed to support the health and well-being of our employees. Any insurance coverages and benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents. Benefits will be discussed with you by your recruiter during the hiring process.
PPG values your feedback on our recruiting process. We encourage you to visit Glassdoor.com and provide feedback on the process, so that we can do better today than yesterday.
Operations Manager, Fighter Jets – Aerospace Materials
Sylmar, CA
Are you a passionate and driven Operations Manager who is looking to take their career to new heights? Then look no further than this opportunity with PPG's Aerospace business! We are looking for someone who is able to see the future of aviation transparencies and take our exceptional products to the next level!
In the Operations Manager, Fighter Jets – Aerospace Materials, you will be responsible for leading the manufacturing value stream for F-35 transparency products and overseeing final assembly operations across additional fighter aircraft programs. This role owns the end-to-end execution of the F-35 value stream from post-Start Center operations through final product delivery, excluding Start Center operations and coatings application processes.
As the operational leader for one of the organization's most strategically important product lines, you will be accountable for ensuring the value stream consistently delivers world-class performance in Safety, Quality, Delivery, Inventory, and Cost (SQDIC). The position requires a highly capable leader who can balance strategic improvement initiatives with disciplined daily execution while driving flow, productivity, schedule attainment, and customer satisfaction.
The Operations Manager, Fighter Jets will champion Lean Manufacturing principles and lead continuous improvement efforts across the value stream. Success requires a strong understanding of takt-based manufacturing, value stream management, Kaizen methodologies, Six Sigma tools, and operational excellence practices. As this leader you will build and sustain a culture of accountability, standardized work, continuous improvement, and customer-focused execution.
Approximately 80% of the role is dedicated to driving strategic performance improvements and value stream optimization, while 20% focus on the daily management of operations and execution.
This is an On-site role working from the Sylmar, CA facility. In this role you will report to the Plant Manager.
Responsibilities:
- Lead the Fighter Jet value stream — from post-Start Center operations through final assembly and shipment — to achieve best-in-class performance across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Inventory, and Cost (SQDIC) by developing strategic plans, establishing robust KPIs, and aligning operational priorities with customer requirements, program demands, and organizational objectives to drive throughput, profitability, and long-term operational excellence.
- Lead final assembly operations across multiple fighter aircraft programs, including F-35 transparency production, by ensuring rigorous compliance with aerospace manufacturing standards, driving consistency through standard work, and developing manufacturing systems that enable predictable performance, high quality, and efficient product flow while meeting daily production and delivery commitments.
- Champion Lean Manufacturing as the primary operating philosophy by implementing and sustaining Daily Management Systems, Standard Work, Visual Management, Takt-Based Production, Cellular Manufacturing, Value Stream Mapping, and Structured Problem Solving — sponsoring regular Kaizen events and leading value stream transformation initiatives that eliminate waste, improve flow, and increase customer responsiveness.
- Establish and maintain manufacturing systems capable of consistently achieving takt requirements while driving productivity improvements, reducing scrap, rework, and non-value-added activities, optimizing labor and material flow, managing inventory levels, and executing cost reduction initiatives that improve profitability without compromising safety or quality.
- Promote a proactive safety culture and a "Quality First" mindset across all value stream operations by ensuring full compliance with EHS regulations, aerospace quality standards, and customer specifications, while leading hazard elimination initiatives, structured root cause analysis, and partnering with Quality and Engineering to improve first-pass yield, process capability, and overall manufacturing quality performance.
- Support the planning, prioritization, and execution of capital investments and manufacturing improvement projects by partnering with Engineering and Maintenance to implement equipment, tooling, and process enhancements — ensuring all initiatives align with value stream objectives, deliver sustainable business benefits, and support future-state operational readiness.
- Lead daily production execution through structured management reviews, strong floor presence, and data-driven decision making, while coaching and developing Production Managers, Supervisors, Manufacturing Engineers, and Operations personnel through performance management, succession planning, and a culture of accountability, engagement, continuous learning, and leadership excellence.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or other technical/STEM discipline required, Advanced degree preferred.
- Ten (10) or more years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience required.
- Previous Aerospace manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
- Experience managing assembly operations in highly regulated manufacturing environments required.
- Experience in driving operational improvements in Safety, Quality, Delivery, Inventory, and Cost performance required.
- Experience conducting or leading Kaizen events and Lean transformation initiatives highly preferred.
- Prior experience supporting defense, aerospace, or advanced manufacturing programs preferred.
- Only U.S. Citizens, Green Card holders, and political asylees or refugees are eligible to apply
#LI-PRT1
The base salary range for this position is $145,000.00 to $197,000.00, with a possibility of an annual bonus up to 20% of base salary.
PPG offers comprehensive benefits such as Health, Dental, Life, Retirement Plan, Paid Vacation & Holidays, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Disability/Leave, and other Voluntary benefit offerings. Actual benefit offerings confirmed at the time of hire.
About us:
PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD®
Through leadership in innovation, sustainability and color, PPG helps customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and aftermarkets to enhance more surfaces in more ways than does any other company. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com and follow @PPG on X.
The PPG Way 2030
We are customer champions
Proactive. Bold. Trustworthy. Everything we do starts with our customers. We listen, move fast and don’t stop until we solve their biggest challenges. When our customers win, we all grow.
We act with purpose and speed
Agile. Data-driven. Empowered. We take smart risks to stay ahead of the competition. We work proactively with agility, using quality data to develop solutions that create value.
We are excellent operators
Productive. Collaborative. Accountable. No matter our role, we identify problems, take ownership and always bring solutions. We are both proactive and responsive to drive continuous improvement and deliver results. We support our frontline, the faces of PPG to our customers.
We compete to win
Future-focused. Driven. Ambitious. We are passionate about growing our business and winning with our customers. We deliver results, embrace new technologies and leverage agility and speed as strengths.
We are PPG proud
Strong. United. Passionate. We work safely, act with integrity and value our diverse perspectives. We celebrate achievements and take pride in the positive impact we create together to protect and beautify the world.
At PPG we use AI in the hiring process to make the process more efficient. AI tools do not make hiring decisions. You can learn more by going to https://careers.ppg.com/us/en/candidate-resources.
PPG provides equal opportunity to all candidates and employees. We offer an opportunity to grow and develop your career in an environment that provides a fulfilling workplace for employees, creates an environment for continuous learning, and embraces the ideas and diversity of others. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability status, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
If you need an adjustment due to a disability, please email recruiting@ppg.com.
PPG pay ranges and benefits can vary by location which allows us to compensate employees competitively in different geographic markets. PPG considers several factors in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, qualifications and education, licensure and certifications, and other organizational needs. Other incentives may apply.
Our employee benefits programs are designed to support the health and well-being of our employees. Any insurance coverages and benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents. Benefits will be discussed with you by your recruiter during the hiring process.
PPG values your feedback on our recruiting process. We encourage you to visit Glassdoor.com and provide feedback on the process, so that we can do better today than yesterday.
See All 70 Materials Manager Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Materials Manager JobsMaterials Manager Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Materials Manager Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Retail
- Science & Research
- Electronics & Hardware
- E-Commerce & Online Marketplaces
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in materials manager jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, operations management, or a related technical field
- APICS CPIM or CSCP certification strongly preferred by California manufacturing and logistics employers
- Five or more years of progressive experience in materials planning, procurement, or inventory control
- Proficiency with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or JD Edwards in a production environment
- Demonstrated experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies
- Knowledge of California environmental and hazardous materials handling regulations relevant to manufacturing operations
Materials Manager Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a materials manager in California?
Most California materials manager roles require a bachelor's degree in supply chain, operations, business, or engineering, followed by several years in purchasing, inventory, or production planning roles. California does not require a state-issued license for this position, but earning an APICS certification such as the CPIM or CSCP is a recognized differentiator with California employers in aerospace, life sciences, and semiconductor manufacturing. Many candidates advance from buyer, materials planner, or warehouse supervisor roles.
How much do materials managers make in California?
Materials managers in California earn a median of about $159,830 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $99,560 for the lowest 10% to over $241,340 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire materials managers in California?
Employers hiring materials managers in California right now include Floor & Decor, Applied Materials, and Tesla, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's dense concentration of aerospace primes, medical device manufacturers, and technology hardware companies makes it one of the most consistently active states for this role nationwide.
Which California cities have the most materials manager jobs?
Santa Clara, Fremont, and San Francisco have the most materials manager openings in California. Los Angeles draws heavily from aerospace and defense contractors, the Bay Area is driven by semiconductor and technology hardware manufacturers, and San Diego's concentration of biotech and medical device companies sustains strong demand, making each metro's opportunities closely tied to its dominant industrial base.
Are there remote materials manager jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Materials management is fundamentally hands-on work tied to physical inventory, production floors, and supplier relationships, so most roles require regular on-site presence. About 29% of materials manager openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions tend to concentrate the analytical functions of the role, such as demand forecasting, procurement strategy, and ERP system management.
How can I get hired as a materials manager in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is landing a materials planner, purchasing assistant, or inventory analyst role at a California manufacturer or distributor, then building toward management over two to three years. Large California employers in aerospace and medical devices, including defense primes in the greater Los Angeles area and life science companies in San Diego's Torrey Pines corridor, regularly hire entry-level supply chain coordinators. Completing an APICS CPIM certification or an associate-level supply chain program at a California community college strengthens a candidate's profile significantly before applying.
Where can I find and apply to materials manager jobs in California?
You can find and apply to materials manager jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across industries including aerospace, medical devices, semiconductors, and consumer goods distribution. Find roles that fit your experience and apply directly.
See All 70 Materials Manager Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Materials Manager Jobs