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Manufacturing Automation Engineer Jobs in California

Automation/ Facilities Engineer

Irvine, CA

$91K - $117K/yr

Manufacturing Automation Engineer This role leads the development, implementation, qualification, and scaling of custom automated manufacturing systems that support a rapidly growing medical device ...

Manufacturing Automation Engineer This role leads the development, implementation, qualification, and scaling of custom automated manufacturing systems that support a rapidly growing medical device ...

The Role As an Automation Engineer on the Advance Manufacturing team, you will be at the forefront of implementing advanced automation and robotics systems in our production environment. You will ...

The Role As an Automation Engineer on the Advance Manufacturing team, you will be at the forefront of implementing advanced automation and robotics systems in our production environment. You will ...

The Role As an Automation Engineer on the Advance Manufacturing team, you will be at the forefront of implementing advanced automation and robotics systems in our production environment. You will ...

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Showing results 1-20

Manufacturing Automation Engineer information

See California salary details

$45.4K

$99.1K

$134.7K

How much do manufacturing automation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for manufacturing automation engineer in California is $99,142.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,400.00 and $109,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Manufacturing Automation Engineer vs Manufacturing Process Engineer?

AspectManufacturing Automation EngineerManufacturing Process Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning and implementing automation systemsOptimizing manufacturing processes and workflows
Skills & CertificationsPLC programming, robotics, control systems, certifications like FANUC or SiemensProcess analysis, Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma certifications
Work EnvironmentFactories with automation equipment, robotics labsProduction lines, process development areas
Industry UsageAutomotive, electronics, consumer goods manufacturingPharmaceuticals, food production, general manufacturing

While both roles aim to improve manufacturing efficiency, Manufacturing Automation Engineers focus on automating production through robotics and control systems, whereas Manufacturing Process Engineers optimize overall processes for better quality and efficiency.

What are some common challenges a Manufacturing Automation Engineer faces when introducing new technologies to existing production lines?

A Manufacturing Automation Engineer often encounters challenges such as integrating new automation systems with legacy equipment, ensuring minimal downtime during installation, and training staff to adapt to updated processes. Managing resistance to change among operators and coordinating with cross-functional teams, such as maintenance and IT, are also frequent hurdles. Successful engineers proactively communicate with stakeholders and prioritize thorough testing to ensure a smooth transition and ongoing productivity.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Manufacturing Automation Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Manufacturing Automation Engineer, you need a strong background in engineering principles, robotics, control systems, and industrial automation, typically supported by a degree in electrical, mechanical, or industrial engineering. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, CAD software, and certifications such as Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing are highly valuable. Problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies enable engineers to design efficient automated systems, troubleshoot complex issues, and drive continuous improvements in manufacturing processes.

What does a Manufacturing Automation Engineer do?

A Manufacturing Automation Engineer designs, develops, and implements automated systems and processes within manufacturing facilities to increase efficiency, safety, and product quality. They work with robotics, control systems, and computer-aided technologies to optimize production processes. Their responsibilities often include programming automation equipment, troubleshooting system issues, and collaborating with other engineers and technicians to ensure smooth operation of automated manufacturing lines.
What are popular job titles related to Manufacturing Automation Engineer jobs in California? For Manufacturing Automation Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Manufacturing Automation Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Manufacturing Automation Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Manufacturing Automation Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Manufacturing Automation Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Manufacturing Automation Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,142 per year, or $47.7 per hour.

Automation Engineer (NVD)

Foxconn Industrial Internet - FII

San Jose, CA โ€ข On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Automation Engineer (Mechanical)ย 

Foxconn isย seekingย a highly motivated Automation Engineer (Mechanical) to support the design, development, and implementation of automation solutions within our advanced electronics manufacturing environment. This role will focus on supporting New Product Introduction (NPI), PCBA manufacturing, system assembly, and production automation initiatives for leading technology customers.ย 

The ideal candidate will combine strong mechanical engineering fundamentals with hands-on experience in manufacturing automation, fixture design, process optimization, and equipment integration. This position will work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Program Management, and Operations teams to improve productivity, quality, and manufacturing scalability.ย 

Department: Engineeringย 

Location: San Jose, CAย 

Employment Type: Full-Time / Permanentย 

Key Responsibilitiesย 

  • Design, develop, and implement automated manufacturing equipment, tooling, fixtures, and workstations to support PCBA and system-level assembly processes.ย 

  • Support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities by developing manufacturing solutions that improve efficiency, quality, and scalability.ย 

  • Collaborate with customers and cross-functional teams to support new product development, prototype builds, and production ramp activities.ย 

  • Create andย maintainย engineering documentation, including mechanical drawings, BOMs, assembly instructions, specifications, and ECOs.ย 

  • Generate detailed 2D drawings and BOMs from 3D CAD models and ERP/SAP systems for prototype and production builds.ย 

  • Perform Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and process capability reviews.ย 

  • Support First Article Inspection (FAI) activities and engineering validation builds.ย 

  • Design and develop assembly fixtures, test fixtures, jigs, poka-yoke devices, and automation systems to improve manufacturing quality and throughput.ย 

  • Evaluate manufacturing processes andย identifyย opportunities for automation, labor reduction, cycle time improvement, and cost optimization.ย 

  • Work with SMT, PCBA, system assembly, and test engineering teams to improve production efficiency and equipmentย utilization.ย 

  • Support equipment installation, qualification, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement activities.ย 

  • Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for manufacturing and equipment-related issues.ย 

  • Lead product transfer activities between global manufacturing sites and ensure process consistency and readiness.ย 

  • Partner with suppliers and automation vendors on equipment selection, design reviews, FAT/SAT activities, and implementation plans.ย 

  • Stay current with emerging manufacturing technologies, automation trends, robotics, machine vision, and Industry 4.0 initiatives.ย 

  • Qualificationsย 

Required Skillsย 

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.ย 

  • Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities.ย 

  • Solid understanding of manufacturing processes and automation principles.ย 

  • Proficiencyย in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).ย 

  • Proficiencyย with CAD software including SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Creo (Pro-E), or similar platforms.ย 

  • Experience creating mechanical drawings, GD&T, and engineering documentation.ย 

  • Knowledge of DFM, DFA, FMEA, and process validation methodologies.ย 

  • Familiarity with robotics, pneumatic systems, motion control, machine vision, sensors, and automated equipment is a plus.ย 

  • Understanding ofย PCBA manufacturing processes, SMT equipment, system assembly, and test operations preferred.ย 

  • Experience with SAP, PLM systems, or ERP systems is a plus.ย 

  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume manufacturing environment.ย 

  • Preferred Qualificationsย 

  • Experience supportingย server, AI, networking, or high-performance computing products.ย 

  • Experience with SMT manufacturing equipment, automation cells, conveyors, and material handling systems.ย 

  • Familiarity with IPC standards and electronics manufacturing processes.ย 

  • Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.ย 

  • Exposure to Industry 4.0, smart factory, and digital manufacturing initiatives.ย 

Educationย 

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, orย a relatedย technical field.ย 

  • Minimum 2 years of engineering experience in manufacturing, automation, NPI, or related fields.ย 

  • Experience in electronics manufacturing, EMS, PCBA, SMT, or system integration environments preferred.ย 

  • Experience supporting automation projects, fixture design, manufacturing equipment, or process development.ย 

  • Previousย leadership or project management experience is a plus.ย 

  • Englishย proficiencyย required.ย 

  • Mandarinย proficiencyย is highly preferred.ย 


Pay Range: $80,000 - $105,000/year
Full Time, Exempt Status

Foxconn Assembly, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).โ€ฏ All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or marital statusย in accordance withย applicable federal,ย stateย and local laws.ย 
Foxconn Assembly, LLCย participatesย in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that youย are authorized toย work in the U.S.โ€ฏโ€ฏย 

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