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Junior Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in California

Manufacturing Engineer 3

Los Angeles, CA

$78K - $101K/yr

Provide technical mentorship and leadership to junior manufacturing engineer and cross functional personnel. Design Support Provide manufacturing expertise and producibility guidance to support ...

New

Manufacturing Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

May act as a lead for technicians and junior manufacturing engineers * Anticipate production challenges, develop mitigation plans, and resolve issues with minimal direction * Develop and maintain ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

May act as a lead for technicians and junior manufacturing engineers * Anticipate production challenges, develop mitigation plans, and resolve issues with minimal direction * Develop and maintain ...

May act as a lead for technicians and junior manufacturing engineers * Anticipate production challenges, develop mitigation plans, and resolve issues with minimal direction * Develop and maintain ...

Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Rohnert Park, CA · On-site

$100K - $137K/yr

Senior Manufacturing Engineer Rohnert Park, CA, USA • Permanent contract • As soon as possible ... Provide leadership, training, and guidance to junior manufacturing associates in the execution of ...

Manufacturing Engineer II

Ventura, CA · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Supports and mentors more junior manufacturing team members * Continuous Improvement/Automation implementation * Design and implement engineering and/or process solutions for increased quality ...

Manufacturing Engineer II

Ventura, CA · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Supports and mentors more junior manufacturing team members * Continuous Improvement/Automation implementation * Design and implement engineering and/or process solutions for increased quality ...

Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Rohnert Park, CA · On-site

$100K - $137K/yr

Senior Manufacturing Engineer Rohnert Park, CA, USA • Permanent contract • As soon as possible ... Provide leadership, training, and guidance to junior manufacturing associates in the execution of ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Dublin, CA · On-site

$82K - $105K/yr

Manufacturing & Industrial Engineer VERY URGENT Dublin, CA (Fully Onsite) Full-Time or Long-Term ... Train and mentor operators, technicians, CM teams, and junior engineers on industrial engineering ...

Supports and mentors more junior manufacturing team members * Continuous Improvement/Automation implementation * Design and implement engineering and/or process solutions for increased quality ...

Train and mentor operators and junior engineers on manufacturing methods, process controls, and quality standards; elevate overall technical capability of the team.Lead productivity and cost ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$86K - $107K/yr

Provide guidance or technical support to technicians and junior engineers as needed Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field * 4+ years of manufacturing engineering ...

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Junior Manufacturing Engineer information

See California salary details

$44.9K

$66.5K

$90.3K

How much do junior manufacturing engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior manufacturing engineer in California is $66,453.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,700.00 and $73,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a junior manufacturing engineer?

Junior Manufacturing Engineers are entry-level professionals who assist in designing, developing, and improving manufacturing processes within a production facility. They work under the supervision of senior engineers to ensure products are manufactured efficiently, safely, and at high quality. Their responsibilities often include analyzing workflow, troubleshooting equipment issues, and implementing process improvements. Junior Manufacturing Engineers typically collaborate with other departments such as quality control, maintenance, and production to meet organizational goals.

How does a junior manufacturing engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams on process improvements?

As a Junior Manufacturing Engineer, you’ll regularly work alongside production supervisors, quality assurance staff, and design engineers to identify and implement process improvements. Collaboration often involves participating in team meetings, gathering feedback on manufacturing challenges, and supporting root cause analysis for production issues. You may also assist in developing and testing new workflows, ensuring changes meet safety and efficiency standards. This cross-functional teamwork not only boosts your problem-solving skills but also provides a well-rounded view of the entire manufacturing process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior manufacturing engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Junior Manufacturing Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, problem-solving, and process improvement, usually supported by a bachelor’s degree in mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, manufacturing execution systems (MES), and quality control tools like Six Sigma or Lean methodologies is commonly required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate across departments and adapt to production challenges. These skills and qualities are crucial for optimizing manufacturing processes, ensuring product quality, and supporting efficient operations.

What is the difference between Junior Manufacturing Engineer vs Manufacturing Technician?

AspectJunior Manufacturing EngineerManufacturing Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related fieldTechnical diploma or associate degree
Work EnvironmentDesign, process improvement, and collaboration with engineering teamsHands-on equipment operation and maintenance
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing plants, engineering firms, product developmentFactories, production lines, assembly plants

Junior Manufacturing Engineers focus on process design, improvement, and engineering analysis, often requiring a degree. Manufacturing Technicians handle equipment operation and maintenance, typically with technical diplomas. Both roles are essential in manufacturing settings but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

How much do junior manufacturing engineers earn?

Junior manufacturing engineers typically earn between $50,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on location, industry, and experience. Entry-level roles may start lower, while additional skills such as CAD or Six Sigma can increase earning potential.

Is a junior manufacturing engineer a stressful job?

A junior manufacturing engineer role can involve stress due to tight production schedules, problem-solving, and quality control responsibilities. However, the level of stress varies depending on the work environment, workload, and support from team members. Developing technical skills and time management can help manage job-related stress.

Is a junior manufacturing engineer entry level?

Yes, a junior manufacturing engineer is typically an entry-level position suitable for recent graduates or those with limited industry experience. It often involves learning manufacturing processes, using tools like CAD software, and developing skills under supervision. Advancement usually requires gaining experience and technical knowledge.

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 Junior Manufacturing Engineer jobs in California?

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Junior Manufacturing Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Junior Manufacturing Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Junior Manufacturing Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,453 per year, or $31.9 per hour.

Manufacturing Engineer 3

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$78K - $101K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 368 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

84th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: Interim Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Description
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history. We're looking for innovators who can help us keep building on our wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies that fuel those missions. By joining in our shared mission, we'll support yours of expanding your personal network and developing skills, whether you are new to the field or an industry thought-leader. Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is seeking a Sr. Principal Manufacturing Engineer. This individual will work closely with the Manufacturing Engineering Manager, IPT Lead, Quality Engineer, Design Engineering, and Operations to ensure producibility meets the program targets, including Yield, and continuous improvement opportunities. This individual will support the AARGM program. The AGM-88E Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile) is a supersonic, air- launched tactical missile system. AARGM is the most advanced system for pilots against today's modern surface-to-air threats. It is able to rapidly engage land- and sea-based air-defense threats, as well as striking, time-sensitive targets.
Responsibilities:
The Manufacturing Process Engineer responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the tasks outlined below:
Process Development
  • Lead the development, review, standardization, and continuous improvement of manufacturing process documentation, MES instructions to ensure compliance, configuration control, production readiness, and operational efficiency.
  • Drive manufacturing documentation strategy and governance across production and sustainment operations, ensuring processes are aligned with engineering requirements, quality standards, and program execution objectives.
  • Support rapid implementation of engineering changes, corrective actions and process improvement while maintaining configuration accuracy and manufacturing compliance.
  • Coordinate cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, Test, and Production and Program Management team to ensure manufacturing documentation support efficient execution, troubleshooting, and schedule recovery activities.
  • Lead manufacturing process improvement and operations execution strategies to support quality, efficiency, affordability, and production readiness.

Factory Support
  • Lead manufacturing execution and operational improvement initiatives supporting production yield, process stability, affordability, and schedule performance.
  • Provide technical leadership and manufacturing execution support to production operations and cross-functional teams.
  • Lead continuous improvement, corrective action, and risk mitigation activities to improve manufacturing efficiency, quality and operational performance.
  • Mentor and support manufacturing personnel through process guidance, operational support and manufacturing best practices.
  • Coordinate with internal external stakeholder to support manufacturing readiness and operation execution.
  • Support high visibility production builds troubleshoot efforts and schedule recovery initiatives in fast paces operational environments.
  • Support RCCA, non-conformance resolution implementation in coordination with quality and engineering teams.
  • Provide technical mentorship and leadership to junior manufacturing engineer and cross functional personnel.

Design Support
  • Provide manufacturing expertise and producibility guidance to support design maturity, producibility, and production readiness
  • Develop and communicate manufacturing capabilities, process constraints, and producibility requirements to cross functional engineer team.
  • Lead and support cross functional producibility review for new and existing productions to ensure manufacturing readiness and operational success.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree + 5 years of manufacturing and/or engineering experience. Or Master's and 3 years' experience. 9 years of experience are required in lieu of a degree.
  • Knowledge of IPC Standards
  • Experience using Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP) Software for routings of manufacturing orders.
  • Experience with Material Review Board (MRB) activity such as collaborating with cross functional team in order to process hardware.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S Government Secret Security Clearance

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Active US Secret Security Clearance

Primary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939