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Light Manufacturing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Manufacturing Recruiter

Ontario, CA · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Qualifications * 1-3 years of recruiting experience , preferably in manufacturing or light industrial staffing. * Required experience recruiting Machine Operators and Injection Molding Operators.

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Manufacturing Recruiter

Ontario, CA · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Qualifications * 1-3 years of recruiting experience , preferably in manufacturing or light industrial staffing. * Required experience recruiting Machine Operators and Injection Molding Operators.

Did you know that every time you take a flight, drive somewhere, or switch on a light, there's a chance Doncasters played a part in making that happen? We are a specialist manufacturer of complex ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$79K - $102K/yr

... in light management technologies for 3D sensing, anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics ... Manufacturing Engineer: Job Summary: The Manufacturing Engineer supports VIAVI's optics ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$79K - $102K/yr

... in light management technologies for 3D sensing, anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics ... Manufacturing Engineer: Job Summary: The Manufacturing Engineer supports VIAVI's optics ...

... in light management technologies for 3D sensing, anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics ... Manufacturing Engineer: Job Summary: The Manufacturing Engineer supports VIAVI's optics ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$68.60 - $127.40/hr

... in light management technologies for 3D sensing, anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics ... Manufacturing Engineer: Job Summary: The Manufacturing Engineer supports VIAVI's optics ...

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Manage full-cycle recruitment for high-volume warehouse, manufacturing, logistics, production, and light industrial positions. * Build and maintain a continuous pipeline of qualified candidates for ...

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Manage full-cycle recruitment for high-volume warehouse, manufacturing, logistics, production, and light industrial positions. * Build and maintain a continuous pipeline of qualified candidates for ...

New

Be Seen First

Manage full-cycle recruitment for high-volume warehouse, manufacturing, logistics, production, and light industrial positions. * Build and maintain a continuous pipeline of qualified candidates for ...

New

Showing results 21-40

Light Manufacturing information

See California salary details

$13

$24

$34

How much do light manufacturing jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for light 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 light manufacturing?

Light manufacturing refers to the production of small or lightweight goods that typically require less capital investment and energy than heavy industry. Products made in light manufacturing facilities often include electronics, clothing, household items, and consumer goods. These operations usually have less environmental impact and are more flexible in terms of location compared to heavy manufacturing. Light manufacturing jobs may involve assembly, packaging, quality control, and machine operation. The work environment is often cleaner and less physically demanding than in heavy manufacturing industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in light manufacturing?

To thrive in Light Manufacturing, you need basic mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with manufacturing equipment, safety protocols, and inventory management systems like ERP software is often required. Strong teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and reliability help individuals excel in this environment. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining efficiency, safety, and product quality on the production floor.

What are some common challenges faced in a light manufacturing role, and how can new employees overcome them?

In light manufacturing, employees often encounter challenges such as adapting to repetitive tasks, maintaining attention to detail, and meeting production deadlines. It can also be demanding to quickly learn the safe and efficient use of various machinery or tools. New hires can overcome these challenges by seeking guidance from experienced team members, taking advantage of training opportunities, and staying organized to manage workloads. Open communication with supervisors about workflow concerns and a proactive approach to learning can also help new employees succeed in this environment.

What is the difference between Light Manufacturing vs Assembly Line Worker?

AspectLight ManufacturingAssembly Line Worker
CredentialsMinimal; often requires high school diploma or equivalentMinimal; typically high school diploma or equivalent
Work EnvironmentFactories, production plants, involving various manufacturing processesFactories, assembly stations, repetitive tasks on production lines
Industry UsageManufacturing sectors like electronics, textiles, plasticsPrimarily in automotive, electronics, and consumer goods industries

Light Manufacturing involves a broad range of production activities with varied processes, while Assembly Line Workers focus on repetitive tasks assembling products on a conveyor. Both roles often require similar credentials and work in factory settings, but Light Manufacturing covers a wider scope of manufacturing operations.

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

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

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

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

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

Assembler - Manufacturing

Dwyer Instruments, Inc.

San Marcos, CA • On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Department: Industrial Machining
Reports to: Production Supervisor
Position Type: Hourly, RFT
About the Company:
DwyerOmega is a globally trusted leader in manufacturing innovative instrumentation solutions for the Process Measurement, Automation, Control and HVAC markets. With very strong brand recognition and high levels of customer loyalty, DwyerOmega has an unmatched reputation for providing customized solutions that meet and exceed customer needs. Our team of engineering experts help our customers select technical, and often configured, product solutions for their unique applications.
The company offers over 300,000 state-of-the-art products for process measurement and control of temperature, humidity, pressure, strain, force, flow, level, pH, conductivity, and indoor air quality, and is a recognized global leader in the digital marketing of technical products. The products that we manufacture are used to control and drive process efficiency, creating safe and sustainable environments.
At DwyerOmega, we enable our customers to improve the world - one measurement at a time. We achieve this through our unwavering commitment to technology, customer service, and overall continuous improvement. Every day, we strive to cultivate a culture of ingenuity, empowerment, accountability, adaptability, and speed.
The company's corporate headquarters are based in Michigan City, Indiana, and Norwalk, CT with manufacturing locations and sales offices located throughout the world.
Position Summary:
The Assembler is responsible for performing electro-mechanical assembly operations of light to moderate complexity in support of production goals. This role requires attention to detail, manual dexterity, and adherence to safety and quality standards to ensure products meet design and performance requirements.
Alternative Work Schedule (AWS): Monday through Thursday, four 10-hour workdays per week. Shifts may start as early as 5:00 a.m. based on business needs.
Essential Job Functions
  • Prepare, clean, and organize parts and components prior to assembly.
  • Perform electro-mechanical assembly work of light to moderate complexity, requiring fitting, alignment, and adjustment of components, using job orders, drawings, and other documentation.
  • Conduct basic functional testing of completed assemblies, including dielectric and insulation resistance testing.
  • Rework and repair non-conforming production assemblies in accordance with established procedures.
  • Follow all safe work practices and company safety policies.
  • Participate in required safety training programs.
  • Promptly report unsafe conditions, near misses, or accidents to supervision.

Safety Responsibilities
  • Understand and support the company's quality policy and applicable elements of the quality management system.
  • Take responsibility for reducing, eliminating, and preventing quality deficiencies, including product escapes.
  • Initiate action to prevent nonconformities related to products, process, or quality systems.
  • Identify quality issues and elevate concerns through appropriate channels for corrective action.
  • Exercise authority and responsibility to uphold quality standards in daily work.

Quality Responsibilities
  • Understand and support the Quality Policy and applicable elements of the Quality Management System relevant to assigned work areas.
  • Take proactive action to reduce, eliminate, and prevent quality deficiencies, including product or process escapes.
  • Initiate actions to prevent nonconformities related to products, processes, and quality systems.
  • Exercise responsibility and authority to identify quality concerns and elevate issues for timely resolution within the quality system.

Communication
  • Communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
  • Maintain professional, constructive, and collaborative working relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders.

Essential/Preferred Skills:
  • 0-2 years of experience in electro-mechanical assembly or repair of electro-mechanical devices, instruments, or units preferred.
  • High School diploma or GED preferred.
  • Demonstrated manual dexterity and mechanical aptitude, including proficient use of hand tools.
  • Ability to perform repetitive assembly, testing, and potting operations with consistency and accuracy.
  • Ability to read and follow general procedures, assembly drawings, and wiring diagrams.
  • Ability to follow detailed instructions and established procedures with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to perform repetitive tasks in a production or manufacturing environment while maintaining quality and efficiency.

Requirements
Requirements
Work Conditions and Physical Requirements:
  • Work is performed in a manufacturing and production environment with regular exposure to moving mechanical parts, hand tools, and test equipment.
  • May involve exposure to electrical components, adhesives, solvents, and potting materials, with appropriate safety controls and required use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Noise levels are generally moderate and may vary based on production activity.
  • Work may be performed while standing or sitting at an assembly workstation for extended periods.
  • Requires repetitive use of hands and wrists for assembly, testing, inspection, and material handling tasks.
  • Requires fine motor skills, manual dexterity, and the ability to use hand tools and test instruments with precision.
  • Requires the ability to bend, reach, walk, and move within the work area as needed throughout the shift.
  • Must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull materials weighing up to 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • Requires the ability to visually inspect small components, read drawings, labels, and computer screens, with or without corrective lenses.

At DwyerOmega, we're committed to fair, transparent compensation. All U.S. job postings include a good-faith salary range that reflects the role, location, experience, and internal equity. We encourage open conversations about pay and are happy to discuss compensation at any stage of the hiring process.
Salary Description
$20-$22/hr