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Light Manufacturing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Manufacturing Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA ยท On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

We are hiring our first Manufacturing Engineer, you will be standing up the manufacturing process ... Experience in CAD and light Design * High ownership mentality and attention to detail * Practical ...

Exposure to a light manufacturing environment with standard noise levels, machinery, cleaning agents, and assembly materials. We mean it when we say you'll LOVE this role. Base Pay: $20.00/hour What ...

Assembler I

Long Beach, CA ยท On-site

$20/hr

Exposure to a light manufacturing environment with standard noise levels, machinery, cleaning agents, and assembly materials. We mean it when we say you'll LOVE this role. Base Pay: $20.00/hour What ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA ยท On-site

$165K - $215K/yr

We are hiring our first Manufacturing Engineer, you will be standing up the manufacturing process ... Experience in CAD and light Design * High ownership mentality and attention to detail * Practical ...

Manufacturing Operator

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Manufacturing Operator BIORAY, Inc. -- Irvine, California The Opportunity The Manufacturing ... Ability to stand for extended periods and work in a light production lab environment * Basic ...

Manufacturing Operator

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Manufacturing Operator BIORAY, Inc. - Irvine, California The Opportunity The Manufacturing Operator ... Ability to stand for extended periods and work in a light production lab environment * Basic ...

Assembler I

Long Beach, CA ยท On-site

$20/hr

Exposure to a light manufacturing environment with standard noise levels, machinery, cleaning agents, and assembly materials. We mean it when we say you'll LOVE this role. Base Pay: $20.00/hour What ...

Assembler I

Long Beach, CA ยท On-site

$20/hr

Exposure to a light manufacturing environment with standard noise levels, machinery, cleaning agents, and assembly materials. We mean it when we say you'll LOVE this role. Base Pay: $20.00/hour What ...

Composite Technician

Poway, CA ยท On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Kit Cut Employment Type: Full-Time About Light Composites Light Composites is a precision composite manufacturer serving the defense, aerospace, medical, and industrial markets. We produce carbon ...

Laser Marking Operator

Auburn, CA ยท On-site

$23.95 - $31.53/hr

Experience: 1-3 years of light manufacturing experience and experience operating part marking laser (Trumpf) * Knowledge: * Requires basic math skills to make necessary calculations such as adding ...

Assembler 1

Long Beach, CA ยท On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Exposure to a light manufacturing environment with standard noise levels, machinery, cleaning agents, and assembly materials. Hydrafacial is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit ...

Showing results 41-60

Light Manufacturing information

See California salary details

$13

$24

$34

How much do light manufacturing jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 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.

Opto-Mechanical Manufacturing Engineer

Impulsespace

Redondo Beach, CA โ€ข On-site

$100 - $200/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Opto-Mechanical Manufacturing Engineer

Department: Manufacturing

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Redondo Beach

Compensation: $100,000 - $200,000 / year

Description

As an Opto-Mechanical Manufacturing Engineer at Impulse, you will work with cross-discipline teams to build opto-mechanical assemblies. You will own the build and testing of optical assembly production. Your expertise will directly impact the reliability and performance of the systems we send into orbit and beyond.

Leveling will be commensurate with experience.

Responsibilities
  • Develop, document, and optimize manufacturing processes for opto-mechanical assemblies, such as star trackers, cameras and sun sensors
  • Develop and optimize metrology processes for opto-mechanical assemblies in production
  • Design tooling for complex alignment of lens assemblies and drive assembly, integration and test of camera sub-assemblies
  • Collaborate with optical design engineers to ensure manufacturability, DFM/DFA of optical assemblies, including custom spherical and aspherical lenses/mirrors
  • Collaborate with cross functional teams on quality and long-term reliability
  • Provide day-to-day support for the production floor, resolving build issues, updating work instructions, and improving yields
  • Provide guidance to opto-mechanical technicians
  • Own environmental and functional testing (optical, vibe, thermal, etc.) in production
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelors' degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics or related field
  • 6+ years of demonstrated manufacturing experience in high-precision opto-mechanical manufacturing
  • 6+ years of optical metrology equipment experience, such as centration measurements, interferometry and wavefront sensors
  • Knowledge of optical alignment using a laser or collimated light source
  • Experience with designing tooling for optical assembly
  • Skilled at mechanical design and GD&T using NX and Teamcenter
  • Knowledge of CNC Machining
Preferred Skills and Experience
  • MS/PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics or related field
  • 6+ years of demonstrated manufacturing experience in opto-mechanical manufacturing for space applications
  • Knowledge of thermal cycling, vibration and TVAC for space applications
  • Experience with adhesives for space applications
  • Knowledge of ultra-precision machining: CCP, SPDT, MRF, IBF, Fluid-Jet
  • Knowledge of theodolites, autocollimators, laser trackers and basic planar optical alignment
  • Knowledge of setting testing light sources, including solar simulators, laser diodes and black body sources
  • Comfortable and able to build out quick opto-mechanical set-ups
  • Knowledge of finite and infinite conjugate lens set-ups
  • Knowledge of both refractive and reflective methods of collimation
  • Knowledge of optical/optomechanical tolerance stack-ups
Additional Information

Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.

Impulse Spaceโ€™s spacecraft manufacturing business is subject to U.S. export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This position requires applicants to be either U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder), an individual granted asylum in the U.S., or an individual admitted in U.S. refugee status) or persons eligible to obtain an export license from the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, or other applicable U.S. government agencies. Learn more about the ITAR here.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

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