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Automation Manufacturing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Automation Manufacturing information

How do professionals in Automation Manufacturing typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement new automated systems?

In Automation Manufacturing, professionals regularly work alongside engineers, production staff, and quality assurance teams to design and integrate new automated solutions. This collaboration often involves participating in project meetings, sharing technical requirements, and troubleshooting issues together during system installation and testing. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as these teams must ensure that automation aligns with production goals, safety standards, and cost constraints. Such teamwork not only streamlines implementation but also helps identify opportunities for process improvement and innovation.

What is the difference between Automation Manufacturing vs Manufacturing Technician?

AspectAutomation ManufacturingManufacturing Technician
CredentialsTechnical certifications, associate degrees in automation or roboticsHigh school diploma or technical training, certifications vary
Work EnvironmentFactories with automated systems, control roomsProduction floors, assembly lines
Industry UsageDesign, program, and maintain automated equipmentOperate and troubleshoot manufacturing machinery

Automation Manufacturing professionals focus on developing, programming, and maintaining automated systems used in production. Manufacturing Technicians primarily operate and troubleshoot machinery on the factory floor. While both roles work in manufacturing environments, Automation Manufacturing involves more technical skills related to automation technology, whereas Manufacturing Technicians focus on hands-on equipment operation.

What is automation manufacturing?

Automation manufacturing refers to the use of various control systems, such as computers or robots, and information technologies to handle different processes and machinery in an industry. This approach is designed to increase the efficiency, quality, and consistency of production while reducing human intervention and operational costs. Automated manufacturing can include everything from assembly lines and packaging to quality control and logistics. It is widely used in industries such as automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and food processing.

Is AI taking over manufacturing jobs?

Automation manufacturing jobs are increasingly supported by AI and robotics, which can improve efficiency and safety. However, many roles still require human oversight, problem-solving, and technical skills, making complete job displacement unlikely in the near term.

What is automation in the manufacturing industry?

Automation in manufacturing involves using technology such as robotics, control systems, and software to perform production tasks with minimal human intervention. Automation manufacturing jobs often require knowledge of machinery, programming, and troubleshooting to improve efficiency and safety in production processes.

What does an automation engineer do in manufacturing?

An automation engineer in manufacturing designs, develops, and maintains automated systems and processes to improve production efficiency and quality. They work with control systems, robotics, and programming languages like PLCs and SCADA, often requiring knowledge of electrical and mechanical systems. Their role involves troubleshooting, system integration, and ensuring safety standards are met.

What are some examples of automated manufacturing?

Automated manufacturing involves using machines and robotics to perform production tasks with minimal human intervention. Examples include robotic arms assembling cars, CNC machines cutting and shaping materials, and conveyor systems transporting products through different manufacturing stages. These systems improve efficiency, precision, and safety in manufacturing environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Automation Manufacturing, and why are they important?

To thrive in Automation Manufacturing, you need a solid background in industrial engineering, robotics, and process optimization, often supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), SCADA systems, and certifications such as Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring efficient production processes, minimizing downtime, and continually improving manufacturing performance.
What job categories do people searching Automation Manufacturing jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Automation Manufacturing jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Automation Manufacturing job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% Internship, 77% Full Time, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution.
Advanced Automation Manufacturing Engineer

Advanced Automation Manufacturing Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Palmdale, CA

$92K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 356 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

85th of 535 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt 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 Advanced Automation Manufacturing Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position will be located at Palmdale, CA Center of Excellence where technology and teamwork come together. The qualified applicant will become part of Northrop Grumman's Manufacturing Engineering Team working in a collaborative environment while promoting a positive and proactive teamwork environment.

Advanced Automation Manufacturing Engineering job duties involve the following:

  • Provide guidance to Engineering regarding design concepts to ensure the best manufacturing technique is being used to meet the Engineering design

  • Participate in tool design reviews to ensure tools are feasible and reduce build times and program costs during assembly

  • Define sequence of operations for product builds, investigate and initiate corrective actions and improvements that involve non-conforming product and identify improvement opportunities in areas that require producibility and affordability initiatives

As a member of the Automation Engineering team, you will define, develop, implement, and transition new technology solutions to manufacturing to increase efficiency, reduce cost, and improve quality. Manufacturing concept and process solutions for production applications cover advanced technologies including but not limited to composites fabrication, assembly, automation, inspection, direct part manufacturing, survivability technologies, as well as digital capabilities. The role requires incorporation of requirements into development plans and evaluation of performance of processes and tools to verify their efficiency. In addition, you will identify and initiate corrective action of problems and deficiencies to ensure technical, schedule, and cost objectives are met, and product quality is maintained. In this role, you will provide guidance regarding design concepts, directly support, and ensure the successful implementation of new solution capabilities released to production, and specification requirements to best utilize resources and manufacturing techniques. This role involves interfacing with internal and external customers, program offices, engineering disciplines, executive management and requires the ability to handle multiple projects concurrently in a dynamic/fast-paced work environment.

Automation 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 can 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 support as the technical representative voice for the Manufacturing organization.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree with 1 year or Master's degree with 0 years of related experience in production assembly / fabrication including composites, machining, coatings application, or production manufacturing operations

  • Experience supporting manufacturing / production operations with an understanding of manufacturing processes and procedures

  • Experience in machining, robotics, or numerical control programming

  • Experience in composites, automation, heating systems or coatings application

  • Experience working or knowledge of Process Work Instructions (PWI)

  • Experience in creating work instructions, training materials & visual aids

  • Experience reviewing and interpreting Blueprints and 3-D models

  • Experience in system requirements development, acceptance testing and training

  • Experience working hands-on in a production assembly line environment

  • Experience in troubleshooting systems, and root cause and corrective action analysis

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook

  • Ability to interface / communicate with multiple levels of leadership, engineering, production, customers, and suppliers

  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain U.S. Government Secret clearance as well as Special Program Access within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs

  • Ability to work 1st shift, or 2nd shift and any work schedule (times may vary)

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Degree in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)

  • Experience in project management and execution (proposal creation, scheduling, budget tracking)

  • Experience in Manufacturing Execution System and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems

  • Experience in solid modeling design using NX Siemens, CATIA or Solid Works

  • Experience providing innovative techniques focused on improving product designs and tooling assemblies or equipment

  • Experience in using Microsoft Office Project, Visio, SharePoint

  • Experience in Transition to Production activities

  • Current and active U.S. Government Secret or Top-Secret clearance preferred

Primary Level Salary Range: $83,400.00 - $125,200.00The 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