ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Plant Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ImmunityBio, Inc.

Validation Engineer I

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$98K/yr

... processing and plant equipment * Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work well ... (entry-level qualifications) to $98,000 (highly experienced) annually The application window is ...

ImmunityBio

Validation Engineer I

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$98K/yr

... processing and plant equipment * Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work well ... (entry-level qualifications) to $98,000 (highly experienced) annually The application window is ...

ImmunityBio

Validation Engineer I

Mariposa, CA · On-site

$98K/yr

... processing and plant equipment * Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work well ... (entry-level qualifications) to $98,000 (highly experienced) annually The application window is ...

Maverik Oils LLC

Junior Sales Associate

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$40K/yr

This entry-level role is designed to build technical product knowledge, application awareness, and ... Participate in customer meetings, production trials, and plant visits to understand equipment ...

Novolex

Operator Specialist

Santa Fe Springs, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

Incumbent works closely with the Plant Maintenance Supervisor and Maintenance Engineering Manager, and other maintenance team members to provide preventative maintenance to meet production goals ...

Novolex

Operator Specialist

Santa Fe Springs, CA

$16.50 - $20/hr

Incumbent works closely with the Plant Maintenance Supervisor and Maintenance Engineering Manager, and other maintenance team members to provide preventative maintenance to meet production goals ...

Novolex

Operator Specialist

Santa Fe Springs, CA

$16.50 - $20/hr

Incumbent works closely with the Plant Maintenance Supervisor and Maintenance Engineering Manager, and other maintenance team members to provide preventative maintenance to meet production goals ...

Novolex

Operator Specialist

Santa Fe Springs, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

Incumbent works closely with the Plant Maintenance Supervisor and Maintenance Engineering Manager, and other maintenance team members to provide preventative maintenance to meet production goals ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsPlant Engineer JobsEntry Level Plant Engineer JobsEntry Level Plant Engineer Jobs in California

Entry Level Plant Engineer information

See California salary details

$14

$30

$50

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

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level plant 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 is the difference between Entry Level Plant Engineer vs Process Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Plant EngineerProcess Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, internshipsBachelor's in Engineering, internships
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, industrial facilitiesManufacturing, chemical, or industrial settings
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing companies, plantsProcess industries, chemical, manufacturing
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Plant Engineers and Process Engineers often share similar educational backgrounds and work environments in manufacturing settings. While Entry Level Plant Engineers focus on overall plant operations, maintenance, and safety, Process Engineers concentrate on optimizing manufacturing processes. Both roles are essential in industrial industries and are frequently compared by job seekers seeking entry-level opportunities in manufacturing and process industries.

What does an entry level plant engineer do?

An Entry Level Plant Engineer assists in the design, operation, and maintenance of manufacturing or processing plants. They typically help troubleshoot equipment issues, support process improvements, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Their role often involves working closely with senior engineers, plant managers, and maintenance teams to optimize plant efficiency and productivity. This position provides hands-on experience and training, serving as a starting point for a career in plant or industrial engineering.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Plant Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, problem-solving, and a relevant degree such as mechanical, electrical, or chemical engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, plant management systems, and safety regulations is typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and analytical thinking help you adapt to fast-paced environments and collaborate with diverse teams. These skills ensure efficient plant operations, safety compliance, and effective troubleshooting of technical issues.

How do you become an entry level plant engineer?

To become an entry level plant engineer, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in engineering disciplines such as mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering. Relevant skills include knowledge of manufacturing processes, problem-solving, and familiarity with tools like CAD software; obtaining certifications like Engineer-in-Training (EIT) can also improve job prospects. Entry-level positions often require internships or related work experience in a plant or manufacturing environment.

What are some typical projects or tasks an entry level plant engineer might work on in their first year?

As an Entry Level Plant Engineer, you can expect to be involved in a variety of hands-on projects such as assisting with equipment installation, troubleshooting production issues, and supporting process improvement initiatives. You'll likely work closely with senior engineers and maintenance teams to learn about plant operations, safety protocols, and quality standards. In your first year, you'll also contribute to routine inspections, data analysis, and documentation to support efficiency and compliance. This collaborative environment provides valuable exposure to different engineering disciplines within the plant and helps you build a solid foundation for career growth.
What are the most commonly searched types of Plant Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Plant Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Plant Engineer jobs in California? For Entry Level Plant Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Plant Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Plant Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Plant Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Plant Engineer job openings:
Entry Level Plant Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Plant Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,277 per year, or $30.9 per hour.

Engineer I - Manufacturing Quality

Karma Automotive, Inc.

Moreno Valley, CA • On-site

$73K - $94K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Description
Engineer I - Manufacturing Quality
The Manufacturing Quality Engineer I will support General Assembly, Body Shop, Paint Shop, and Warehouse. This entry-level role is crucial for maintaining product quality and driving process improvements. The quality engineer will monitor and drive actions in our manufacturing operations to assure our teams, products, and processes are performing at their best. Through hands-on involvement and collaboration with cross-functional teams, this role supports the Advance Manufacturing Engineering (AME) and cross-functional departments in implementing Lean Six Sigma projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
Responsibilities (include, but are not limited to):
Product Quality Assurance
  • Assists in the development and implementation of quality control systems.
  • Inspects and tests on products to ensure compliance with specifications and standards.
  • Collaborates with production teams to identify and resolve quality issues.
  • Creates quality alerts as needed to document and communicate quality issues to production.
  • Conducts root cause analysis and implements corrective actions for non-conformances.
  • Participates in Layered Process Audits (LPA), Gemba walks, and 5S Audits if required.
  • Advocates Quality at the Source (QAS) or Built-in Quality (BIQ) principles.

Process Improvement / Continuous Improvement
  • Participates in improvement initiatives to enhance product quality and operational efficiency.
  • Utilizes Lean Six Sigma methodologies to analyze and improve manufacturing processes.
  • Supports and participates in Kaizen events and other continuous improvement activities.
  • Implements process control techniques to ensure processes remain in control and capable.
  • Monitors and reports on process improvements and their impact on quality and efficiency.
  • Creates, owns, and maintains process documents as needed such as SOPs and work instructions.
  • Fosters a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging problem-solving and innovative thinking among team members.

Quality and Environmental Systems (QEMS) Maintenance & Documentation
  • Assists in maintaining and improving the Quality Management System (QMS) and Environmental Management System (EMS) by participating in internal audits, and systems gap analysis.
  • Ensures compliance with Karma standards and applicable regulatory requirements.
  • Updates and or creates Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA), Control Plans, and Visual Standard Operating Procedures (VSOP) as needed.

Data Analysis
  • Collects and analyzes data related to product quality and process performance.
  • Analyzes trends on Key Performance Indicators (KPI)/metrics.
  • Interprets and analyzes CMM measurement data, inspection data, and other related data/information gathered by production.
  • Prepares and presents reports on quality metrics and improvement activities.
  • Utilizes statistical tools and software to support quality analysis and improvement efforts.

Supplier and Customer Interaction
  • Collaborates with the Supply Chain and Supplier Engineering teams to ensure that incoming materials supplied to the plant meet quality standards and resolve quality issues as they arise.
  • Assists in addressing or resolving customer complaints and quality concerns.
  • Ensure customer requirements and expectations are understood and met.

Training, Collaboration and Communication
  • Provides training and support for production operators on quality procedures and best practices.
  • Develop training materials and conduct quality-related training sessions, as necessary.
  • Works closely with cross-functional teams including Body Shop, Paint Shop, General Assembly, HV Battery Line, Warehouse, and AME to ensure quality standards are met.
  • Communicates quality issues and action plans effectively to the KICC's team & HQ, as necessary.

Qualifications:
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Quality, Mechatronics Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related field, or equivalent work experience.
  • Experience: Minimum of one (1) year of relevant work experience in a manufacturing environment.
  • Certifications: ISO Auditor (preferred but not required) & Six Sigma Green Belt (preferred)
  • Basic knowledge of Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001:2015) and Environmental Management Systems (ISO 14001:2015), as applicable.
  • Knowledge of CMM preferred but not required.
  • Basic knowledge and experience in Lean Six Sigma principles and methodologies.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Some experience in dealing with customer, supplier, or shop floor quality complaints/issues.
  • Able to read and understand product prints.
  • Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to quality.
  • Proficient in computer systems (Microsoft Office apps + statistical software).
  • Proven understanding of process capabilities.
  • Basic understanding of Lean manufacturing principles.
  • Ability to work under minimum supervision.
  • Experience in SAP (preferred but not required)

Physical Demands
Note: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to 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 should have the:
  • Ability to frequently use or operate a computer, mouse, and/or other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, computer printer, etc.
  • Ability to frequently use hand(s) for repetitive actions (grasping and fine manipulation).
  • Ability to frequently walk or move - to regularly move about inside the office.
  • Ability to frequently see or detect, identify, recognize, or assess surroundings while in the office.
  • Ability to occasionally bend, kneel, crouch, turn, and stoop.
  • Ability to frequently sit or be stationary for extended continuous periods of time.
  • Ability to stand for occasional periods of time.
  • Ability to occasionally lift and/or push/pull up to 20 pounds.

Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing their job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will spend approximately 20% (excluding breaks and meal periods) of time in an office environment and 80% of the time on the Manufacturing Floor. When working on the Shop Floor, it requires the use of personal protective equipment, including (but not limited to) steel toe shoes, bump caps, safety goggles, and reflective colored vest.
Total Rewards (Benefits, Perks & Compensation)
Benefits & Perks:
In addition to our competitive compensation, you will also be eligible for the following at Karma:
  • Medical Plan
  • Dental & Vision Plans
  • Health Savings Account & Flexible Spending Account
  • Employee Health & Well-Being Program Events
  • Company Paid Basic Life & AD&D Insurance
  • 401(k) with Employer Match
  • Relocation Assistance (if applicable)
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Sick Time, Vacation time and Personal Floaters
  • Paid Holidays including Company's Annual Year End Shutdown
  • Karma Cares Program (Monthly lunch & breakfast)
  • Employee Driving Program
  • Pre-taxed Commuter Benefits & much more!

Compensation:
$72,000 - $85,000 /annual salary. Compensation will vary DOE.
At Karma, our base pay is one part of our total rewards package.
Compensation offered may vary on multiple factors, including market location, education, skills and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position being offered.
Karma Automotive, Inc. is an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender identity and expression, color, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions (including breastfeeding), national origin/ancestry, religion, military/veteran status, genetic information, citizenship status, intersectionality or any other characteristic and group protected by applicable law. Karma Automotive, Inc complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure equal access to all qualified individuals with a physical or mental disability. Valid driver's license may be required based on essential duties.

Apply