Operations Engineer Jobs in San Diego, CA
Operations Engineer jobs in San Diego are in strong demand, with openings concentrated in Sorrento Valley, Kearny Mesa, and the Torrey Pines biotech corridor across defense, biotech, and semiconductor manufacturing. Employers hiring right now include Apple, Arcadis, and ICW. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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The Gatos team is a cross-discipline production and research data annotation team within Video Engineering. We deliver the labeled data that algorithm teams use to build and evaluate features for millions of devices and users around the world. We're looking for an operations engineer who will own annotation projects from the first request to delivered data. That includes a growing set of AI-assisted and agent-based workflows, where models do much of the labeling and people guide, review and verify the results.
Description
In this role you will: Work with algorithm teams to define what success looks like for each data request, and translate it into a clear task specification, labeling guidelines and a quality bar. Own annotation projects end to end, from pilot through production to delivery, and be accountable for quality, schedule and the usefulness of the data to the customer. Design, implement, and run AI-assisted labeling workflows: models pre-label, automated steps handle routine work, and people focus on judgment and verification. Measure the impact on quality, throughput and cost. Set acceptance criteria, run quality checks and audits, analyze error patterns, and close the loop with guideline owners and labeling teams. Track project status and risks, and raise issues early with a clear ask and a root cause. Collaborate with data scientists, software and infrastructure engineers, data collection teams, business operations, and external labeling teams across time zones. Improve how the team works by building and sharing tools and workflows that use AI.
Minimum Qualifications
- BS and a minimum of 3 years relevant industry experience.
- Experience delivering data for machine learning, such as data annotation, data operations, or technical program management.
- Experience defining annotation tasks, labeling guidelines, and quality metrics.
- Experience serving as the accountable owner for projects that span multiple teams, from ambiguous requirements to delivery.
- Experience working hands-on with data and technical tools, such as writing basic SQL queries or scripts, analyzing data in spreadsheets, or configuring labeling platforms.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with model-assisted labeling, pseudo-labeling, or agent-based workflows, including judging where people must stay in the loop.
- Experience with Python or SQL for data analysis and automation.
- Familiarity with computer vision data such as images, video, depth, or 3D.
- Experience building reports or dashboards for cross-functional partners.
- Clear written and verbal communication, including status updates and escalations to senior leaders.
- Works effectively across time zones with internal teams and external partners.
- Defines success with customers before starting the work, and adapts as their needs change.
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $142,300 and $263,300, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.
Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant
At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.
Learn about accessibility in Apple’s workplace
Learn about reasonable accommodations for job applicants
Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.
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Find Operations Engineer JobsOperations Engineer Job Market in San Diego
Who's Hiring
- Apple74

- Arcadis18

- ICW18

- Shield AI18

- Amazon18

Top Industries Hiring
- Electronics & Hardware
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
Operations Engineer Jobs in San Diego: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a operations engineer job in San Diego?
Focus your search on San Diego's three dominant hiring sectors: defense contracting in Kearny Mesa and Sorrento Valley, biotech and life sciences along the Torrey Pines corridor, and semiconductor manufacturing in Rancho Bernardo. Candidates with hands-on process improvement experience and familiarity with ISO or AS9100 quality standards stand out locally. Targeting mid-size defense subcontractors and biotech contract manufacturers often yields faster traction than pursuing only large primes.
Which companies hire operations engineers in San Diego?
San Diego operations engineer roles are posted by Apple, Arcadis, and ICW and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. San Diego's employer mix skews heavily toward defense primes and their subcontractors, life sciences contract manufacturers, and fabless semiconductor companies with local operations teams.
Are there remote operations engineer jobs in San Diego?
Yes, but selectively. Operations engineer roles that involve physical systems, production lines, or lab environments are largely on-site by nature, while analytical, systems, and IT-adjacent operations roles carry more remote flexibility. About 50% of operations engineer openings tied to San Diego are remote or hybrid as of November 2026. Remote availability is highest among software-driven operations and supply chain analytics roles in San Diego's tech sector.
How can I get a operations engineer job in San Diego with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in San Diego is through a junior or associate operations role at a biotech contract manufacturer or a mid-size defense subcontractor, both of which hire entry-level candidates willing to work on-site in Kearny Mesa or Sorrento Valley. Lateral moves from quality technician, manufacturing associate, or supply chain coordinator roles are common local stepping stones. Earning a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt gives candidates a concrete differentiator that San Diego defense and biotech employers recognize quickly.
Which industries hire the most operations engineers in San Diego?
The sectors hiring the most operations engineers in San Diego are Electronics & Hardware and Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. San Diego's concentration of defense primes, Navy and Marine Corps installations, and a world-class biotech cluster makes these sectors the consistent anchor of local operations engineering demand.
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