Manufacturing Jobs in California with H-1B1 Sponsorship
California's manufacturing sector spans semiconductors, aerospace, medical devices, and clean energy, with major employers like Northrop Grumman, Medtronic, and Applied Materials concentrated in the Los Angeles Basin, San Jose, and San Diego. Citizens of Chile and Singapore holding H-1B1 visas can find sponsorship opportunities across these industries, where specialty occupation roles in engineering, quality, and process development are common.
See All Manufacturing JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 400+ Manufacturing H-1B1 Sponsorship Jobs in California jobs


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?
See all 400+ Manufacturing H-1B1 Sponsorship Jobs in California jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Manufacturing H-1B1 Sponsorship Jobs in California roles.
Get Access To All Jobs
INTRODUCTION
Bring more to life.
Are you ready to accelerate your potential and make a real difference within life sciences, diagnostics and biotechnology?
At Cepheid, one of Danaher’s 15+ operating companies, our work saves lives—and we’re all united by a shared commitment to innovate for tangible impact.
You’ll thrive in a culture of belonging where you and your unique viewpoint matter. And by harnessing Danaher’s system of continuous improvement, you help turn ideas into impact – innovating at the speed of life.
At Cepheid, we are passionate about improving health care through fast, accurate, molecular diagnostic systems and tests. As a member of our team, you’ll get to make an immediate, measurable impact on a global scale, within an environment that fosters career growth and development. Our mission drives us to develop groundbreaking solutions for the world’s most complex health challenges. Together, we bring MORE change to the world.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Staff Automation Controls Engineer is a technical contributor responsible for the architecture, design, development, validation, and support of complex automation and control systems used in high-volume manufacturing environments. This role provides technical leadership across projects, mentors less-experienced engineers, and partners cross-functionally to deliver robust, compliant, and scalable automation solutions.
This position reports to the Manager of Automation and Controls and is part of the Systems Engineering Group located in Lodi, CA and will be an on-site role.
In this role, you will have the opportunity to:
- Serve as a technical resource and mentor for Automation/Controls Engineers; provide guidance on best practices and systems troubleshooting.
- Be part of the full Project development lifecycle (including architecture, design, implementation, review, validation, support).
- Lead the architecture, design, and development of PLC-based control systems for custom automated manufacturing equipment and integration of equipment with Enterprise software (MES, SCADA, etc.)
- Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations related to Controls systems design and operation.
- Troubleshoot and resolve complex, system-level issues spanning controls hardware, software, and OT infrastructure.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
The essential requirements of the job include:
- Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years of related work experience OR Master’s degree in field with 6+ years of related work experience OR Doctoral degree in field with 3+ years of work experience.
- PLC and HMI programming and troubleshooting (Rockwell RS Logix-5000, FactoryTalk), Vision Systems (Cognex Designer software including In-Sight, VisionPro deep learning), communication protocols (DeviceNet, Ethernet/IP, IO-Link, OPC UA etc), Safety devices like GuardLogix, Safety curtains and scanners, safety IO blocks etc.
- Hands-on experience with high-speed manufacturing equipment, Fanuc Robots, VFDs and servo controllers, servo controls, and various standard and safety IO modules, capable of creating, maintaining and implementing standards for the controls teams.
- Ability to develop PLC software aligned with IEC 61131-3 to promote maintainability, portability, and consistent review practices.
- Strong background in software validation processes, equipment qualification, and generating detailed documentation for Controls Systems (PLC, HMIs, Vision systems Motion Controllers etc.) and testing results.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
It would be a plus if you also possess previous experience in:
- Experience with SCADA/HMI tools such as Ignition (Perspective/Vision), databases, and scripting where applicable, camera selection, optics, lighting, triggers, electrical enclosures, and environmental considerations.
- Working in an FDA regulated environment.
- Proven track record of creating or driving engineering standards for controls/vision systems across multiple tools or product lines.
TRAVEL, MOTOR VEHICLE RECORD & PHYSICAL/ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to travel up to ~20%, including overnight stays as needed, to other company sites, or manufacturing facilities of equipment builders. International travel may be required depending on project scope.
- Ability to work in clean room environments.
COMPENSATION
- The annual salary range for this role is 160,000 - $190,000. This is the range that we in good faith believe is the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. This range may be modified in the future.
- This job is also eligible for bonus/incentive pay.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.
Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.
Join our winning team today. Together, we’ll accelerate the real-life impact of tomorrow’s science and technology. We partner with customers across the globe to help them solve their most complex challenges, architecting solutions that bring the power of science to life.

INTRODUCTION
Bring more to life.
Are you ready to accelerate your potential and make a real difference within life sciences, diagnostics and biotechnology?
At Cepheid, one of Danaher’s 15+ operating companies, our work saves lives—and we’re all united by a shared commitment to innovate for tangible impact.
You’ll thrive in a culture of belonging where you and your unique viewpoint matter. And by harnessing Danaher’s system of continuous improvement, you help turn ideas into impact – innovating at the speed of life.
At Cepheid, we are passionate about improving health care through fast, accurate, molecular diagnostic systems and tests. As a member of our team, you’ll get to make an immediate, measurable impact on a global scale, within an environment that fosters career growth and development. Our mission drives us to develop groundbreaking solutions for the world’s most complex health challenges. Together, we bring MORE change to the world.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Staff Automation Controls Engineer is a technical contributor responsible for the architecture, design, development, validation, and support of complex automation and control systems used in high-volume manufacturing environments. This role provides technical leadership across projects, mentors less-experienced engineers, and partners cross-functionally to deliver robust, compliant, and scalable automation solutions.
This position reports to the Manager of Automation and Controls and is part of the Systems Engineering Group located in Lodi, CA and will be an on-site role.
In this role, you will have the opportunity to:
- Serve as a technical resource and mentor for Automation/Controls Engineers; provide guidance on best practices and systems troubleshooting.
- Be part of the full Project development lifecycle (including architecture, design, implementation, review, validation, support).
- Lead the architecture, design, and development of PLC-based control systems for custom automated manufacturing equipment and integration of equipment with Enterprise software (MES, SCADA, etc.)
- Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations related to Controls systems design and operation.
- Troubleshoot and resolve complex, system-level issues spanning controls hardware, software, and OT infrastructure.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
The essential requirements of the job include:
- Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years of related work experience OR Master’s degree in field with 6+ years of related work experience OR Doctoral degree in field with 3+ years of work experience.
- PLC and HMI programming and troubleshooting (Rockwell RS Logix-5000, FactoryTalk), Vision Systems (Cognex Designer software including In-Sight, VisionPro deep learning), communication protocols (DeviceNet, Ethernet/IP, IO-Link, OPC UA etc), Safety devices like GuardLogix, Safety curtains and scanners, safety IO blocks etc.
- Hands-on experience with high-speed manufacturing equipment, Fanuc Robots, VFDs and servo controllers, servo controls, and various standard and safety IO modules, capable of creating, maintaining and implementing standards for the controls teams.
- Ability to develop PLC software aligned with IEC 61131-3 to promote maintainability, portability, and consistent review practices.
- Strong background in software validation processes, equipment qualification, and generating detailed documentation for Controls Systems (PLC, HMIs, Vision systems Motion Controllers etc.) and testing results.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
It would be a plus if you also possess previous experience in:
- Experience with SCADA/HMI tools such as Ignition (Perspective/Vision), databases, and scripting where applicable, camera selection, optics, lighting, triggers, electrical enclosures, and environmental considerations.
- Working in an FDA regulated environment.
- Proven track record of creating or driving engineering standards for controls/vision systems across multiple tools or product lines.
TRAVEL, MOTOR VEHICLE RECORD & PHYSICAL/ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to travel up to ~20%, including overnight stays as needed, to other company sites, or manufacturing facilities of equipment builders. International travel may be required depending on project scope.
- Ability to work in clean room environments.
COMPENSATION
- The annual salary range for this role is 160,000 - $190,000. This is the range that we in good faith believe is the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. This range may be modified in the future.
- This job is also eligible for bonus/incentive pay.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.
Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.
Join our winning team today. Together, we’ll accelerate the real-life impact of tomorrow’s science and technology. We partner with customers across the globe to help them solve their most complex challenges, architecting solutions that bring the power of science to life.
Job Roles in Manufacturing in California
See all 400+ Manufacturing California jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Manufacturing California roles.
Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Which manufacturing companies in California sponsor H-1B1 visas?
California manufacturers with established visa sponsorship programs include semiconductor equipment makers like Applied Materials and Lam Research in Silicon Valley, aerospace and defense contractors like Northrop Grumman and Raytheon in Southern California, and medical device companies like Medtronic and Edwards Lifesciences in the Los Angeles and San Diego areas. Sponsorship practices vary by company, facility, and role, so confirming directly with each employer is essential.
Which California cities have the most manufacturing H-1B1 sponsorship jobs?
The San Jose and Santa Clara area leads for semiconductor and electronics manufacturing sponsorships, while Los Angeles and Long Beach concentrate aerospace, defense, and industrial manufacturing roles. San Diego has a strong medical device and biotechnology manufacturing cluster. Fresno and the Inland Empire also have growing advanced manufacturing presences, though sponsorship opportunities there tend to be less frequent than in coastal metro areas.
What types of manufacturing roles typically qualify for H-1B1 sponsorship in California?
H-1B1 sponsorship in manufacturing generally applies to specialty occupation positions requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a specific technical field. Common qualifying roles include process engineers, manufacturing engineers, quality engineers, materials scientists, and supply chain analysts with specialized educational backgrounds. Production operator and general assembly roles typically do not meet the specialty occupation standard, so degree requirements tied directly to the job function are the key determining factor.
How do I find manufacturing H-1B1 sponsorship jobs in California?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international job seekers and filters manufacturing H-1B1 sponsorship jobs in California by visa type, making it straightforward to identify employers actively open to H-1B1 candidates. Because H-1B1 is available only to Chilean and Singaporean nationals, general job boards rarely filter for it. Migrate Mate's targeted search saves time by surfacing relevant California manufacturing roles without requiring you to manually verify each employer's sponsorship stance.
Are there California-specific considerations for H-1B1 sponsorship in manufacturing?
California's stringent labor regulations mean employers must comply with both federal H-1B1 Labor Condition Application requirements and state wage and hour laws, which can affect how job offers are structured. The state's high concentration of unionized aerospace facilities may also influence which roles are available for sponsored hires. Additionally, roles at defense contractors require security clearance eligibility, which can be a separate consideration for H-1B1 holders from Chile or Singapore depending on the facility and contract.
What is the prevailing wage for H-1B1 manufacturing jobs in California?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.
See which manufacturing employers are hiring and sponsoring visas in California right now.
Search Manufacturing Jobs in California