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Associate Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in California

L3HHCM20

$73K - $136K/yr

Senior Associate, Manufacturing Engineer Job ID: 40179 Job Location: Canoga Park, CA Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked - and have every other Friday ...

L3HHCM20

$73K - $136K/yr

Job Title: Sr. Associate, Process Manufacturing Engineer Job ID: 39546 Job Location: Canoga Park, CA Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked - and have ...

L3HHCM20

$73K - $136K/yr

Job Title: Sr. Associate, Process Manufacturing Engineer Job ID: 38409 Job Location: Canoga Park, CA Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked - and have ...

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Associate Manufacturing Engineer information

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How much do associate manufacturing engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate manufacturing engineer in California is $20.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $23.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by an associate manufacturing engineer during process improvements?

As an Associate Manufacturing Engineer, one of the main challenges is balancing the need for efficiency improvements with maintaining product quality and safety standards. You may encounter resistance to change from production teams who are accustomed to existing processes, requiring strong communication and collaboration skills. Additionally, troubleshooting equipment or workflow issues often demands quick, analytical thinking and adaptability, especially when working under tight production deadlines. Overcoming these challenges offers valuable opportunities to develop problem-solving abilities and gain hands-on experience with lean manufacturing principles.

What is the difference between Associate Manufacturing Engineer vs Manufacturing Engineer?

AspectAssociate Manufacturing EngineerManufacturing Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; some certificationsBachelor's or higher in engineering; often more experience or certifications
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supporting manufacturing processes, assisting senior engineersDesign, optimize, and oversee manufacturing processes independently
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing plants, production facilities, industrial companiesManufacturing firms, automotive, aerospace, electronics industries

The main difference is experience and responsibility level. Associate Manufacturing Engineers typically support and assist in manufacturing processes, while Manufacturing Engineers take on more independent roles in designing and improving production systems. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are common in manufacturing industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate manufacturing engineer?

To thrive as an Associate Manufacturing Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, process improvement, and manufacturing methodologies, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, Lean Manufacturing tools, and quality management systems (such as Six Sigma) is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and attention to detail are valuable soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure efficient production processes, high product quality, and successful collaboration with cross-functional teams.
What are the most commonly searched types of Manufacturing Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Manufacturing Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Manufacturing Engineer jobs in California? For Associate Manufacturing Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Manufacturing Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Manufacturing Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Associate Manufacturing Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Associate Manufacturing Engineer job openings:
Associate Manufacturing Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Manufacturing Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,774 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

Associate Manufacturing Engineer/Manufacturing Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Palmdale, CA • On-site

$78K - $100K/yr

Other

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 360 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 536 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
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 Aeronautics Systems (NGAS) has an opening for an Associate Manufacturing Engineer or Manufacturing Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. The position requires on-site support located in Palmdale, CA where technology and teamwork come together. The selected candidate will become part of Northrop Grumman's Manufacturing Engineering Team working in a collaborative environment while promoting a positive and proactive teamwork environment.
Responsibilities:
  • Collaborate within an Integrated Product Team (IPT) to develop and implement process improvements as well as support site initiatives.
  • Author, modify, and audit shop floor electronic work instructions (EWIs).
    Perform root cause and corrective action (RCCA) activities to permanently eliminate defects.
  • Troubleshoot production/equipment/program/tooling issues and implementing improvements and solutions.

Manufacturing Engineers for Aeronautics Systems are expected to provide technical solutions to a wide range of complex and difficult problems. They are problem solvers who have the ability to provide results that are innovative, thorough, practical, and consistent with organization objectives. We seek Manufacturing Engineers that use a unique skill set that includes a hands-on approach and act as the technical representative voice for the Manufacturing organization.
Basic Qualifications for Associate Manufacturing Engineer:
  • Bachelor's Degree with 0 years of experience
  • Ability to interface/communicate with multiple levels of leadership, clients, and vendors
  • Experience with Microsoft Office Suite
  • Ability to work 2nd shift "4:00pm-3:00am" and any work schedule (times may vary)
  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret clearance as well as Program Special access within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs
  • Travel up to 10% of the time
  • Mfg. Eng. Physical Demands: The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to:
    • Traverse unit/product and operate in manufacturing/production environment to include: tooling, stands, ladders, steps etc. while wearing appropriate PPE, occasionally enter confined space.
    • Ability to work for extended periods of time at a workstation on a computer or similar device for up to 10 hours / duration of shift. Occasional extended periods of standing, bending, kneeling
    • Ability to wear personal protective equipment if required (including but not limited to, steel toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, protective jacket or apron and arm guards)
    • All associates working on the production floor may be required to wear a respirator at any given time and thus, the ability to wear a respirator is a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair)
    • Must be able to access and navigate all areas in the facility and access all machinery.
    • Ability to be able to lift 15 pounds at times.

Basic Qualifications for Manufacturing Engineer:
  • Bachelor's Degree with 1 year of technical and/or engineering experience in a manufacturing environment; OR Master's degree with 0 years of experience
  • Ability to interface/communicate with multiple levels of leadership, clients, and vendors
  • Experience with Microsoft Office Suite
  • Ability to work 2nd shift "4:00pm-3:00am" and any work schedule (times may vary)
  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret clearance as well as Program Special access within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs
  • Travel up to 10% of the time
  • Mfg. Eng. Physical Demands: The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to:
    • Traverse unit/product and operate in manufacturing/production environment to include: tooling, stands, ladders, steps etc. while wearing appropriate PPE, occasionally enter confined space.
    • Ability to work for extended periods of time at a workstation on a computer or similar device for up to 10 hours / duration of shift. Occasional extended periods of standing, bending, kneeling
    • Ability to wear personal protective equipment if required (including but not limited to, steel toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, protective jacket or apron and arm guards)
    • All associates working on the production floor may be required to wear a respirator at any given time and thus, the ability to wear a respirator is a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair)
    • Must be able to access and navigate all areas in the facility and access all machinery.
    • Ability to be able to lift 15 pounds at times.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • STEM Degree (Science, Technical, Engineering or Mathematical)
  • Experience with manufacturing engineering
  • Ability to read and understand engineering drawings and specifications
  • Working knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
  • Experience using NX or similar CAD software
  • Experience using Smart MES or similar
  • Demonstrated understanding of root cause / corrective action processes and techniques
  • Experience using RCCA tools such as Five Why, Pareto, fishbone, etc.
  • Experience drafting, maintaining, and modifying work instructions and/or process specification

Primary Level Salary Range: $69,400.00 - $104,000.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $83,400.00 - $125,200.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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