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Glass Manufacturing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Fabricator

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$20 - $25.75/hr

As a Glass Fabricator in our manufacturing department, you will be responsible for transforming raw glass materials into finished products according to specifications and quality standards. Your role ...

Automation Specialist This role supports the maintenance and reliability of highly automated glass manufacturing equipment by troubleshooting, maintaining, and improving PLC-controlled production ...

Glass Preparer

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

In this hands-on manufacturing role, you will support the production of high-quality pH sensor components by preparing, forming, assembling, and inspecting precision glass parts. This position ...

Glass Preparer

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

In this hands-on manufacturing role, you will support the production of high-quality pH sensor components by preparing, forming, assembling, and inspecting precision glass parts. This position ...

In this hands-on manufacturing role, you will support the production of high-quality pH sensor components by preparing, forming, assembling, and inspecting precision glass parts. This position ...

This role ensures safe and reliable plant operation in a continuous 24/7 glass manufacturing environment and serves as the working lead for Industrial Mechanics and maintenance trainees. The Lead ...

Ensure the manufacturing of glass containers are within customer specifications and quality standards * Select and develop employees to adequately staff the forming department which includes salary ...

New

Senior Project Engineer

Modesto, CA · On-site

$120 - $170/hr

Gallo Glass, established in 1958, is a state-of-the-art highly-innovative glass manufacturer committed to meeting the needs of its customers while minimizing its impact on the environment. The ...

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Glass Manufacturing information

See California salary details

$13

$24

$34

How much do glass manufacturing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for glass manufacturing in California is $24.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.90 and $28.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a glass manufacturing job?

A Glass Manufacturing job involves producing glass products by melting raw materials, shaping the molten glass, and refining it into various forms such as sheets, bottles, or specialty items. Workers may operate machinery, monitor production quality, and ensure safety procedures are followed. Some roles require cutting, polishing, or inspecting finished products. The job can be physically demanding and often takes place in high-temperature environments.

What are the typical daily responsibilities in a glass manufacturing role?

In a glass manufacturing position, your daily tasks typically include operating and monitoring machines, inspecting glass products for quality, and following safety and cleanliness protocols. You may be responsible for loading raw materials, adjusting equipment settings, and packaging finished products. The role also involves communicating issues to maintenance or supervisory staff and collaborating closely with teammates to ensure production targets are met. Working shifts and being adaptable to changing production demands are common parts of the job, providing a dynamic and hands-on work environment.

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

To thrive in Glass Manufacturing, you need a solid understanding of industrial processes, attention to detail, and basic mechanical or technical aptitude, often supported by a high school diploma or vocational training. Familiarity with manufacturing equipment, safety protocols, and quality control systems is highly valued, with some employers looking for forklift or OSHA certifications. Strong teamwork, problem-solving skills, and reliability help individuals excel in fast-paced production environments. These abilities are crucial for ensuring workplace safety, product quality, and meeting production goals efficiently.

How to become a glass manufacturer?

To become a glass manufacturer, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by technical training or an apprenticeship in glassmaking. Gaining experience with manufacturing equipment, understanding safety protocols, and developing skills in quality control are essential steps in entering the industry.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Glass Manufacturing jobs in California?

For Glass Manufacturing jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Glass Manufacturing jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Glass Manufacturing jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Glass Manufacturing jobs?

Cities in California with the most Glass Manufacturing job openings:

Infographic showing various Glass Manufacturing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,210 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

AR Glass Substrate Expert - Glass Melting & High Index Glass Process Development

Applied Materials

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$176K - $242K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Applied Materials rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 58 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 544 rated manufacturers


Job description

Who We Are
Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display and semiconductor chips - the brains of devices we use every day. As the foundation of the global electronics industry, Applied enables the exciting technologies that literally connect our world - like AI and IoT. If you want to push the boundaries of materials science and engineering to create next generation technology, join us to deliver material innovation that changes the world.
What We Offer
Salary:
$176,000.00 - $242,000.00
Location:
Santa Clara,CA
You'll benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages you to learn, develop, and grow your career as you take on challenges and drive innovative solutions for our customers. We empower our team to push the boundaries of what is possible-while learning every day in a supportive leading global company. Visit our Careers website to learn more.
At Applied Materials, we care about the health and wellbeing of our employees. We're committed to providing programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth and care for you at work, at home, or wherever you may go. Learn more about our benefits.
About the Role
We are looking for a seasoned materials and process expert to lead the development of advanced glass substrates for AR/MR waveguides. This role combines deep knowledge of glass melting technology, high-refractive-index glass formulation, and precision thickness control with the ability to scale processes from R&D to high-volume manufacturing. You will work at the intersection of optics, materials science, and manufacturing innovation to enable next-generation immersive experiences.
Expertise
  • Glass Material Development
    • Research and develop high-index optical glass compositions optimized for AR applications.
    • Deep understanding of melting and forming processes to achieve superior optical properties and minimal defects.
  • Process Engineering
    • Design and implement thickness and flatness control strategies (TTV, wedge, transmitted wavefront).
    • Develop advanced metrology and SPC systems to ensure substrate quality.
  • Scale-Up & Manufacturing
    • Experience in transitioning lab-scale processes to 300 mm wafer platforms and high-volume production.
    • Collaborate with glass vendor, equipment vendors and suppliers to establish robust process windows with right cost structure.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration
    • Partner with optics, photonics, and hardware teams to integrate substrates into AR waveguide designs.
    • Drive co-optimization of materials, design, and process for efficiency and color uniformity.
  • Innovation & IP
    • Contribute to patents and internal best-practice documentation.
    • Stay ahead of industry trends and define next-generation substrate roadmaps.

Required Qualifications
  • Education: MS or PhD in Materials Science, Glass Science, Applied Physics, or related field.
  • Experience:
    • Proven expertise in glass melting and forming technologies.
    • Hands-on experience with high-index glass development and optical-grade substrate processing.
    • Familiarity with NIL vs. etched grating processes and AR waveguide integration.
  • Skills:
    • Strong understanding of refractive index engineering and optical performance metrics.
    • Proficiency in metrology for thickness, flatness, and transmitted wavefront.
    • Ability to scale processes from prototype to mass production.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with AR/MR waveguide substrates and thin-glass handling.
  • Knowledge of CMP/polishing, coatings, and surface quality optimization.
  • Background in supplier engagement and cost-performance trade-offs for large-scale glass manufacturing.

Why Join Us
You will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of AR optics by delivering ultra-flat, high-index glass substrates that meet stringent optical and manufacturing requirements. Your work will directly impact the performance and scalability of next-generation AR devices.
Additional Information
Time Type:
Full time
Employee Type:
Assignee / Regular
Travel:
Yes, 10% of the Time
Relocation Eligible:
Yes
The salary offered to a selected candidate will be based on multiple factors including location, hire grade, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and with consideration of internal equity of our current team members. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, candidates may be eligible for other forms of compensation such as participation in a bonus and a stock award program, as applicable.
For all sales roles, the posted salary range is the Target Total Cash (TTC) range for the role, which is the sum of base salary and target bonus amount at 100% goal achievement.
Applied Materials is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.
In addition, Applied endeavors to make our careers site accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us via e-mail at Accommodations_Program@amat.com, or by calling our HR Direct Help Line at 877-612-7547, option 1, and following the prompts to speak to an HR Advisor. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

What Applied Materials employees say

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About Applied Materials

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Applied Materials is the global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We're the brain (and the brawn) behind every new technology development--whether it's building semiconductor chips for smartphones and computers, or the underpinnings for robotics, AI and even smart TV display screens. With 27,000 employees in 19 countries, we offer an exciting place to grow and learn alongside some of the best people you'll ever meet. We take deep pride in our Culture of Inclusion, and we celebrate the diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences that help us build stronger, more resilient teams. Join us as we innovate to Make Possible a Better Future!

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1967