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Automation Trainee Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senra Systems

Training Supervisor

Cypress, CA · On-site

At Senra Systems, we believe that the future of manufacturing lies not in automation, but in ... Evaluate program effectiveness using trainee performance data, first-pass yield, and production ...

Senra Systems

Training Supervisor

Redondo Beach, CA

At Senra Systems, we believe that the future of manufacturing lies not in automation, but in ... Evaluate program effectiveness using trainee performance data, first-pass yield, and production ...

Senra Systems

Training Supervisor

Cypress, CA · On-site

At Senra Systems, we believe that the future of manufacturing lies not in automation, but in ... Evaluate program effectiveness using trainee performance data, first-pass yield, and production ...

smcnorthamerica

Sales Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

... automation solutions. ESSENTIAL DUTIES * Profitability grow sales through proactive management of ... Sales Trainees and Sales Associates when appropriate * Set and achieve sales targets, revenue ...

Legora

Legal Engineer Associate

San Francisco, CA · On-site

... • 0-2 years (Trainee/paralegal) experience. • Not necessarily a coder, but eager to engage with AI, product features, and workflow automation. • Able to translate between lawyers and ...

City Brewing Co

Controls Engineer

Baldwin Park, CA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Train, mentor and coach trainees and front line automation techs * Perform additional duties as assigned * Responsible for department compliance with GMP, HACCP and FSMA guidelines Minimum ...

Vitro Flat Glass

Lead-INDUSTRIAL MECHANIC

Fresno, CA · On-site

$36.48/hr

... automation systems, and high-energy equipment. * Use SPF or other maintenance systems for data ... Serve as the working lead for Industrial Mechanics and maintenance trainees. * Assign and ...

Hadrian Automation

Training Specialist

Torrance, CA · On-site

$24 - $40/hr

Adapt coaching approaches to individual learning styles and support trainees through challenges. * Mentor technician-trainers to promote best practices in training delivery. * Own the full evaluation ...

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All JobsAutomation JobsAutomation Trainee JobsAutomation Trainee Jobs in California

Automation Trainee information

See California salary details

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How much do automation trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for automation trainee in California is $20.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $23.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects or tasks can an automation trainee expect to work on during their first year?

As an Automation Trainee, you will typically be involved in supporting the design, testing, and implementation of automated systems under the guidance of experienced engineers. Early projects often include assisting with PLC programming, troubleshooting control systems, and documenting processes. You may also participate in team meetings and collaborate with other departments such as maintenance, IT, and production to ensure smooth integration of automation solutions. This hands-on experience helps build a solid foundation in automation technologies and prepares you for more complex responsibilities as you progress.

What is the difference between Automation Trainee vs Automation Engineer?

AspectAutomation TraineeAutomation Engineer
Required CredentialsTypically a diploma or ongoing education in engineering or related fieldsBachelor's degree or higher in engineering, automation, or related disciplines
Work EnvironmentTraining programs, entry-level tasks, supervised settingsDesigning, developing, and maintaining automation systems in industrial or manufacturing settings
Employer & Industry UsageInternships, apprenticeships, entry-level roles in manufacturing, automation, and engineering firmsEstablished companies in manufacturing, robotics, and process automation sectors

Automation Trainee roles are entry-level positions focused on learning and supporting automation processes, often requiring minimal experience. Automation Engineers are experienced professionals responsible for designing and implementing automation solutions. The trainee role serves as a stepping stone toward becoming a full Automation Engineer.

What is an automation trainee?

Automation Trainees are entry-level professionals who are learning the basics of automation systems, tools, and processes within a company or industry. They typically work under the supervision of experienced engineers or technicians to gain hands-on experience in programming, maintaining, and troubleshooting automated equipment. The goal for an Automation Trainee is to develop the skills necessary to support automation projects, such as process optimization, system integration, and quality control. Over time, trainees are expected to become proficient in using automation software, hardware, and protocols relevant to their field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automation trainee?

To thrive as an Automation Trainee, a solid grounding in engineering principles, computer science, or a related technical field is essential, often supported by a relevant degree or diploma. Familiarity with PLC programming, industrial automation software, and tools such as SCADA systems or robotics platforms is typically expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork help individuals excel in this role. These skills ensure the reliable development, maintenance, and improvement of automated systems, which are critical for operational efficiency and safety.

What are the most commonly searched types of Automation jobs in California?

The most popular types of Automation jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Automation Trainee jobs in California?

For Automation Trainee jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Automation Trainee jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Automation Trainee jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Automation Trainee jobs?

Cities in California with the most Automation Trainee job openings:

Automation Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automation Trainee job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,414 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Training Supervisor

Senra Systems

Cypress, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

At Senra Systems, we believe that the future of manufacturing lies not in automation, but in configuration.
We supercharge electrical wire harness manufacturing through software configuration, transforming skilled assembly tasks into high-throughput production lines. We enable customers to design what they want, when they want it and deliver harness builds at record-breaking speed.
At Senra Systems, our ability to scale hinges on building a workforce of exceptional technicians and that starts with a world-class training program. As the Training Supervisor, you'll own that program end to end: leading a team of Technical Trainers, shaping curriculum, ensuring compliance with aerospace and defense standards, and measuring what actually moves the needle.
This role is for a builder and leader who is equally comfortable on the production floor and in a planning meeting. You set the standard, develop the people who deliver it, and have the data to back it up.
What you'll own:
Program Leadership & Curriculum Ownership
  • Own the full training program lifecycle from onboarding through advanced certification for apprentice and harness+ technicians.
  • Develop, maintain, and continuously improve training curriculum, SOPs, and assessment tools to reflect current engineering drawings, quality standards, and customer requirements.
  • Design structured learning paths that balance classroom fundamentals with on-the-job (OTJ) reinforcement, ensuring every trainee exits prepared for Day 1 on the floor.
  • Establish and maintain a master training library, keeping materials version-controlled and audit-ready.
  • Evaluate program effectiveness using trainee performance data, first-pass yield, and production team feedback; iterate quickly when gaps appear.

Team Leadership & Trainer Development
  • Directly supervise and develop a team of Technical Trainers, setting clear expectations, providing ongoing coaching, and conducting performance reviews.
  • Build trainer capacity through structured observation, feedback loops, and shared best practices that elevate the whole team.
  • Own scheduling and workload allocation across the training team to support production ramp, onboarding cycles, and cross-training initiatives.
  • Identify and close skill gaps within the trainer team, creating development plans that grow their technical and instructional capabilities.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, psychological safety, and continuous improvement within the training function.

Compliance & Certification Management
  • Serve as the internal subject matter expert on IPC/WHMA-A-620 and other applicable aerospace and defense standards; ensure all training content stays current with standard revisions.
  • Own technician certification tracking - maintain accurate records, manage renewal cycles, and ensure compliance across the workforce.
  • Prepare the training program for internal audits, customer audits, and AS9100/NADCAP reviews; lead training-related corrective actions when findings arise.
  • Partner with Quality and Engineering to ensure training content reflects the latest drawing revisions, customer specifications, and non-conformance trends.
  • Maintain all training records in the ERP/MES system with the accuracy and completeness required for regulatory and contractual compliance.

Metrics & Reporting
  • Define and own key training KPIs: time-to-certification, trainee throughput, first-pass yield by cohort, certification compliance rates, and trainer utilization.
  • Deliver regular reporting to Operations and People leadership that connects training outcomes to production performance and quality metrics.
  • Use data to make the case for program investments, headcount, and curriculum changes - and to proactively flag risks before they hit the floor.
  • Maintain a real-time view of training pipeline capacity to support workforce planning and production scheduling.

Cross-Functional Leadership
  • Act as the strategic interface between the training function and Engineering, Quality, and Production leadership - ensuring training is a driver of throughput and quality, not a bottleneck.
  • Collaborate with People/HR on workforce planning, new hire onboarding sequencing, and internal mobility pathways for technicians.
  • Champion the training program's role in Senra's scale strategy - bringing visibility to wins, surfacing systemic challenges, and advocating for necessary resources.

What you'll bring to the team:
  • 10+ years of hands-on experience in wire harness assembly or similar electro-mechanical manufacturing.
  • 5+ years as a Technical Trainer in a production environment, with demonstrated ownership of training content and trainee outcomes.
  • 2+ years of direct people management experience, including performance management and team development.
  • Deep familiarity with IPC/WHMA-A-620 and aerospace/defense quality standards.
  • Proven ability to build and manage structured training programs - curriculum design, documentation, and assessment.
  • Strong communication skills: able to present to leadership, coach trainers, and hold technicians accountable - all with the same credibility.
  • Comfortable with data - able to track, interpret, and act on training metrics without needing to be an analyst.

Preferred Qualifications
  • IPC/WHMA-A-620 Certified Trainer (CIT) or equivalent certification.
  • Experience managing training operations during a manufacturing scale-up or high-growth environment.
  • Proficiency in ERP/MES systems for training record management and reporting.
  • Experience with AS9100, NADCAP, or equivalent audit environments.
  • Background in instructional design or adult learning principles.

Compensation:
  • Compensation will be based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors.
  • Salary Range:$100,000-$140,000
  • This is an onsite role at our headquarters in Redondo Beach or Cypress, CA.

Benefits:
  • Unmatched opportunities to drive impact on a friendly and mission-driven team
  • Own a piece of the pie with equity participation!
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability coverage
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Dependent Spending Account (DSA) for health-related expenses
  • 20 vacation days per year and 12 company holidays for rest and relaxation
  • a 401(k) plan to set yourself up for retirement
  • Choose a record you love, and we'll add it to our growing vinyl collection!
  • $50/month DoorDash credit - lunch is on us!
  • Up to $100/month reimbursement for gym memberships
  • Fully stocked kitchen with snacks and beverages
  • Regular team-building events, lunches, and the occasional breakfast burrito!
  • Bright, open office with communal spaces for collaboration and free parking
  • Conveniently located near the metro, major freeways and local dining spots

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Contact us at jobs@senrasystems.us or visit our website https://senrasystems.us.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

Pay range
$100,000-$140,000 USD

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