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Manufacturing Associate Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Associate or bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Engineering, or a related field is preferred. * Prior manufacturing experience in a laboratory, biotechnology, or similar ...

Manufacturing Tech I

Columbia, MD · On-site

$21.27 - $31.97/hr

Associates degree in a life science * Bachelor's degree in a life science preferred Experience: * 0-5 years of experience in a manufacturing setting * Familiar with aseptic technique preferred.

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Manufacturing Associate information

See Washington, DC salary details

$13

$23

$37

How much do manufacturing associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for manufacturing associate in Washington, DC is $23.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.46 and $26.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a manufacturing associate?

A manufacturing associate assists in the operations of a manufacturing facility and the products that it produces. As a manufacturing associate, your job duties include organizing supplies and raw materials inventory, preparing equipment, and training staff with preparation and production. You may also investigate the manufacturing process to fix any issues and ensure it meets strict regulations. The qualifications for a career as a manufacturing associate typically include a bachelor’s degree and prior manufacturing experience in a similar industry. You also need computer proficiency, as the job may require daily use of multiple software applications, along with mechanical skills to handle a variety of manufacturing tools and equipment.

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

To thrive as a Manufacturing Associate, you need a solid understanding of production processes, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with manufacturing equipment, quality control systems, and safety protocols is typically required, and some roles may prefer certifications like OSHA training. Strong teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills help individuals excel in fast-paced, collaborative environments. These abilities ensure efficient production, uphold safety standards, and contribute to consistent product quality.

What are some common challenges manufacturing associates face, and how can they be addressed?

Manufacturing Associates often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent quality under tight deadlines, adapting to rapidly changing production schedules, and ensuring safety in a fast-paced environment. Staying organized, following standardized operating procedures, and communicating effectively with team members can help address these issues. It's also beneficial to actively participate in training programs to stay updated on best practices and safety guidelines, which not only improves performance but can open doors to advancement opportunities within the organization.

What is the difference between Manufacturing Associate vs Production Technician?

AspectManufacturing AssociateProduction Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationsHigh school diploma; technical certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, production lines, manufacturing plantsFactories, production areas, equipment operation
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing companies, assembly plantsManufacturing, industrial facilities, production units
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Manufacturing Associates and Production Technicians both work in manufacturing environments, often performing similar tasks such as assembling products, operating machinery, and ensuring quality. The main differences lie in certifications and technical skills; Production Technicians typically require more technical training or certifications and may handle more complex equipment. Both roles are essential in the manufacturing industry and often overlap in daily responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Manufacturing jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Manufacturing jobs in Washington, DC are:

What are popular job titles related to Manufacturing Associate jobs in Washington, DC?

For Manufacturing Associate jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Manufacturing Associate jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Manufacturing Associate jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Manufacturing Associate job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 34% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,070 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Manufacturing Engineer (DRT)

Thales Defense & Security, Inc.

Germantown, MD • On-site

$74K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Thales Defense & Security, Inc. (TDSI) Headquartered in Clarksburg, MD, is a U.S. company that has been serving domestic and international defense Air, Land and Sea domains for 60+ years. With over 1,000 employees, TDSI and its four subsidiaries (Advanced Acoustic Concepts, Digital Receiver Technology, Tampa Microwave, and Trusted Cyber Technologies), supports U.S. Joint Services, special operations forces and multi-national partners with a variety of communication, visualization, signal intelligence/electronic warfare, and sensor/sonar capabilities. TDSI's key technologies include tactical handheld radios, expeditionary satellite terminals, helmet-mounted displays, optics and target recognition capability, advanced radars, undersea sensing and missile systems. Lives depend on what we do!

 

Top Benefits (Subject to terms of applicable policies/plans)

  • Competitive Salary
  • Yearly Incentive Compensation Plan
  • Medical insurance for self and eligible family members
  • Generous 401(k) program- up to 7% company contribution and 100% immediate vesting
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Paid wellness, vacation, and holiday leave
  • Paid maternity, paternity, and parental leave
  • 9/80 Work Schedule (every other Friday off)

Thales Defense & Security, Inc. has an opening for a Manufacturing Engineer to support the production floor in the Digital Receiver Technology (DRT) electronics factory. This position is located in the Germantown office and reports to the Manufacturing Engineering Manager.  

Responsibilities

  • Performs hands-on troubleshooting and root-cause analysis of digital, analog, and RF PCB assemblies.
  • Supports production test teams with failure analysis, corrective actions, and process improvements.
  • Analyzes production data and recommends improvements to yield, cycle time, and process stability.
  • Develops, optimizes, and documents manufacturing processes, test methods, and work instructions.
  • Collaborates with design engineering to resolve manufacturability issues and support new product introduction (NPI).
  • Supports configuration control, test equipment, fixtures, and calibration needs.
  • Maintains a high ethical standard of practice, including compliance with all company procedures.

Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

  • U.S. Citizenship required. Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
  • 4+ Years Engineering experience in an electronics manufacturing environment.
  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Manufacturing, Mechanical) preferred, or equivalent experience.
  • Ability to interpret schematics, PCB layouts, bills of materials, and test reports.
  • Familiarity with RF test equipment (spectrum analyzer, network analyzer, signal generator).
  • Strong analytical, communication, and crossfunctional collaboration skills.
  • Ability to comply with all Company guidelines, policies, procedures and embrace Company Core Values. 

Preferred Skills

  • Experience troubleshooting digital and RF/mixedsignal PCB assemblies.
  • Understanding of electronics manufacturing processes.

The annualized pay range for this role is $ 99,600 - $ 127,650 USD along with a target incentive compensation plan (ICP) of 5%. The pay range provided is a good faith estimate representative of the experience level for the role described above.  TDSI considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.

For specific questions about this job posting, candidates may contact talent acquisition at careers@thalesdsi.com.

Thales Defense & Security, Inc. is committed to non-discrimination as applicable under federal, state and local laws. We are an E-Verify Employer.

If you need an accommodation or assistance in order to apply for a position with Thales Defense & Security, Inc., please call Human Resources at 240-864-7000.

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