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Entry Level Manufacturing Engineering Jobs in California

Manufacturing Engineer I

Folsom, CA · On-site

$65 - $85/hr

This is an entry-level opportunity designed to develop technical competency across Voyager ... Provide hands-on manufacturing engineering support across Folsom and Reno operations, developing ...

Evaluate designs for manufacturability (DFAM) and identify potential manufacturing concerns before quoting. * Work closely with engineering, sales, and operations to develop accurate customer ...

New

As a Manufacturing Engineer, you will : * Assists with technical analysis of manufacturing ... Providing engineering support on planning, development, operation, and maintenance of equipment ...

Production Operator

San Diego, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $21.50/hr

... entry-level manufacturing role where the Production Operator will learn and perform various ... Perform inspections per traveler requirements to ensure compliance with engineering and quality ...

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Entry Level Manufacturing Engineering information

See California salary details

$14

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

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level manufacturing engineering 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 assists in designing, developing, and improving manufacturing processes and systems within a factory or plant. Their responsibilities often include supporting production lines, troubleshooting equipment or process issues, ensuring quality standards, and collaborating with other engineers or technicians. They may also help implement new technologies, gather data for process improvements, and ensure compliance with safety regulations. This role is typically supervised and provides opportunities to learn about manufacturing operations and engineering best practices.

What are some typical projects or responsibilities an entry level manufacturing engineer may be assigned in their first year?

As an Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer, you can expect to work on projects such as process improvement initiatives, troubleshooting production issues, and assisting with the implementation of new equipment or technologies. You'll likely collaborate closely with experienced engineers, production supervisors, and quality teams to analyze workflows and suggest optimizations. Early responsibilities often include data collection, creating process documentation, and supporting the launch of new products to ensure smooth manufacturing operations. This hands-on exposure is valuable for building technical skills and understanding plant operations.

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 (typically mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing) and a solid understanding of manufacturing processes and quality control. Familiarity with CAD software, lean manufacturing principles, and ERP systems is often required, and certifications like Six Sigma Green Belt can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with cross-functional teams and address production challenges. These skills and qualifications are essential for optimizing manufacturing efficiency, ensuring product quality, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

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

AspectEntry Level Manufacturing EngineeringManufacturing Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related fieldAssociate degree or technical certification
Work EnvironmentDesign, process improvement, and project planning in manufacturing settingsHands-on equipment operation and maintenance on the factory floor
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing companies, engineering firmsFactories, production plants

Entry Level Manufacturing Engineers focus on designing processes and improving manufacturing systems, often requiring a bachelor's degree. Manufacturing Technicians handle equipment operation and maintenance, typically with technical certifications. Both roles are essential in manufacturing environments but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

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

The most popular types of Manufacturing Engineering jobs in California are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Entry Level Manufacturing Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote 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 4 days ago


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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