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Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in California

Manufacturing Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$70 - $85/hr

This is an entry-level engineering role supporting manufacturing processes across our sheet metal forming and CNC machining operations. Working under the guidance of the Engineering Supervisor, this ...

New

Manufacturing Engineer I

Folsom, CA · On-site

$65 - $85/hr

Manufacturing Engineer I Folsom, CA | Regular travel to Reno, NV required Voyager is an innovative ... This is an entry-level opportunity designed to develop technical competency across Voyager ...

New

Manufacturing Engineer I

Folsom, CA · On-site

$65 - $85/hr

Manufacturing Engineer I Folsom, CA | Regular travel to Reno, NV required Voyager is an innovative ... This is an entry-level opportunity designed to develop technical competency across Voyager ...

New

As a Manufacturing Engineer, you will : * Assists with technical analysis of manufacturing processes in all aspects of production, costs, quality, compliance to safety guidelines, and environmental ...

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Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer information

See California salary details

$14

$30

$50

How much do entry level manufacturing engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level manufacturing engineer in California is $30.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.07 and $34.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level manufacturing engineer do?

An Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for assisting in the design, development, and optimization of manufacturing processes within a production facility. They work closely with senior engineers and production teams to improve efficiency, quality, and safety in manufacturing operations. Typical tasks may include analyzing workflow, troubleshooting equipment issues, implementing process improvements, and supporting new product introductions. This role often involves hands-on problem solving and the use of engineering principles to ensure smooth and cost-effective manufacturing. Entry level engineers are also expected to learn company-specific processes and industry regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level manufacturing engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer, you need a bachelor’s degree in engineering (usually mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing), strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and foundational knowledge of manufacturing processes. Familiarity with CAD software, ERP systems, and process improvement methodologies like Lean or Six Sigma is highly valued. Effective communication, teamwork, and attention to detail are essential soft skills for collaborating with diverse teams and identifying process improvements. These skills and qualities are important because they enable engineers to optimize production efficiency, ensure product quality, and support continuous improvement in manufacturing environments.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level manufacturing engineers during their first year on the job?

Entry level manufacturing engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to fast-paced production environments, learning to troubleshoot equipment issues quickly, and understanding complex manufacturing processes. Balancing hands-on problem solving with documentation and process improvement tasks can also be demanding. However, these challenges provide valuable learning opportunities and are typically supported by mentorship from senior engineers and collaboration with cross-functional teams. As you gain experience, you'll become more confident in identifying inefficiencies and proposing solutions.

What is the difference between Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer vs Manufacturing Technician?

AspectEntry Level Manufacturing EngineerManufacturing Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related fieldTechnical diploma or associate degree
Work EnvironmentDesign, process improvement, and project planning in manufacturing settingsOperating machinery, troubleshooting, and maintaining equipment
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturers, engineering firms, production plantsFactories, production lines, manufacturing facilities

Entry Level Manufacturing Engineers focus on designing processes, improving efficiency, and supporting production planning, often requiring an engineering degree. Manufacturing Technicians handle equipment operation and maintenance, typically with technical diplomas. Both roles are essential in manufacturing environments but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

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 Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer jobs in California?

For Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer jobs in CA?

For Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $64,277 per year, or $30.9 per hour.

Entry-Level Manufacturing

Sierra Pacific Industries

Sonora, CA • On-site

$23.53/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Sierra Pacific Industries rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 58 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 19 rated forestry and logging companies


Job description

Earn $23.53 per hour
We train and promote from within
Excellent low-cost health benefits
Retirement plan with employer-paid contributions
Paid vacation and 10 holidays

At Sierra Pacific Industries , we understand our greatest strength is the people who choose to build a career with us. We are a fourth-generation family-owned company that has grown to be one of the largest lumber and millwork producers in the United States. Our more than 6,000 employees are proud to work at our state-of-the-art sawmills and other facilities, including: manufacturing, custom wood-framed windows, fabrication, millwork, veneer, cogeneration, trucking, forestry, and other operations.
Currently, we have multiple entry-level manufacturing positions open at our sawmill in Sonora, California with great opportunities for advancement.
About the Position
  • Start a new career in an innovative sawmill as an entry-level production labor person with opportunity to learn and explore many jobs within the plant site including production, equipment maintenance, and supervision
  • Learn to fill in on various machine stations within our manufacturing facility
  • General labor duties: shovel, rake, and sweep wood byproducts, stack and pile lumber
  • The work is fast-paced and can, at times, be demanding
  • Repetitive lifting and working in both hot and cold work environments
  • Work may consist of various shifts, with some overtime and weekend work during busy production times

Qualifications
  • We look for applicants with recent related work history and verifiable references
  • All applicants must be at least age 18

Why Join Our Team?
Because this is more than an invitation, it's a commitment to offer opportunities for personal and professional growth to everyone! We ask people to grow with us and make the company even better.
We provide an excellent benefit package including a full Health Benefits Plan (including medical, dental, and vision) with low-cost premiums, a 401(k) with Company Match, additional Retirement Contributions , and company-paid Life Insurance.
How to Apply
If you are qualified and would like to join our team,
please apply in person Tuesday through Thursday from 8am to 3pm .
Let's talk!
Sierra Pacific Industries
14980 Camage Avenue
Sonora, CA 95370
(209) 536-2211
Interested in SPI, but not this opportunity?
View all opportunities at: spi.careers
Sierra Pacific is an (EOE) Equal Opportunity Employer, including those with a disability and veterans.
About Our Company
Sierra Pacific Industries is a fourth-generation family-owned company based in Northern California that started in 1949 and has grown to be one of the largest lumber and millwork producers in the U.S., employing around 6,500 crew members. Sierra Pacific continues to be a company where its employees are proud to work at state-of-the-art facilities and others strive to become part of the team.
We own and sustainably manage more than 2.4 million acres of timberland in California, Oregon, and Washington. Our forests are sustainably managed under a 100-year plan by Registered Professional Foresters, Wildlife Biologists, Botanists, and other professionals. We are growing forests for our future, planting over 6 million new trees every year. In Spring 2024, we planted our 300 millionth seedling on our timberlands. This milestone was decades in the making, reflecting our commitment to sustainable forest management and ensuring we have forests not just for today, but for generations to come.
Sierra Pacific effectively uses nearly 100% of every piece of wood we bring to our facilities. In fact, any small amount that isn't turned into hand-crafted doors and windows, millwork, lumber, or landscaping material is actually converted into electricity in our eight biomass-fueled power plants.
We are proud that all Sierra Pacific facilities follow our drug-free and tobacco-free policies. As part of our safety in the workplace policy, an offer of employment is subject to a negative drug screen result. We use E-verify to verify the social security number and work authorization of all newly hired employees. Sierra Pacific is an (EOE) Equal Opportunity Employer, including those with a disability and veterans.

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