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Manufacturing Automation Engineer Jobs in California

Senior Automation Engineer

Torrance, CA ยท On-site

$149K - $209K/yr

We design and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are tested in combat, iterated at ... What you will be doing We are hiring a Senior Automation Engineer to scale our manufacturing ...

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 ...

Sr. Automation Manufacturing Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA ยท On-site

$101K - $130K/yr

We're a team of engineers, clinicians, and innovators united by one purpose: to make surgery ... Provide DFx input (Manufacturing, Assembly, Automation, Reliability) to design teams; ensure ...

New

Sr. Automation Manufacturing Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA ยท On-site

$101K - $130K/yr

We're a team of engineers, clinicians, and innovators united by one purpose: to make surgery ... Provide DFx input (Manufacturing, Assembly, Automation, Reliability) to design teams; ensure ...

New

Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 10, 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,142 per year, or $47.7 per hour.

Senior Automation Engineer

Neros Technologies

Torrance, CA โ€ข On-site

$149K - $209K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Who we are

Neros is a defense technology company rebuilding America's drone industrial base. We design and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are tested in combat, iterated at startup speed, and built at massive scale. Our team culture is fast, hands-on, and obsessed with closing the gap between design and deployment.

As drones transform the character of warfare, Neros is delivering the systems the West needs to compete on the modern battlefield and deter the adversaries of democracy. We're hiring engineers, operators, and builders who want to move fast, take on extreme ownership, and get capability into the hands of warfighters in months, not years.

What you will be doing

We are hiring a Senior Automation Engineer to scale our manufacturing capabilities by automating assembly and test processes, enabling higher throughput, improved quality, and reduced operational cost. This role will develop solutions ranging from simple fixtures to advanced automated systems, helping build a manufacturing operation that can support rapid growth and future products.

You should have the following

  • 7+ years of experience designing, building, and deploying manufacturing automation equipment in a high-volume production environment
  • Proven experience developing automated assembly systems, test stations, fixtures, and process control solutions from concept through production deployment
  • Strong mechanical design skills with proficiency in CAD tools (SolidWorks or equivalent) and experience creating manufacturable automation solutions
  • Hands-on experience with industrial controls, including PLCs, sensors, machine vision systems, robotics, pneumatics, and motion control systems
  • Experience integrating hardware and software for automated manufacturing and test applications, including data collection and process monitoring
  • Demonstrated ability to identify manufacturing bottlenecks, perform ROI analysis, and deliver automation projects that improve throughput, yield, quality, and labor efficiency
  • Experience supporting NPI builds and transitioning automation solutions from prototype to scalable production
  • Strong cross-functional collaboration skills with Manufacturing, Test, Design, Quality, and Software Engineering teams in a fast-paced product development environment
  • Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or C# for automation, controls, and manufacturing test applications
  • Knowledge of manufacturing quality systems, statistical process control (SPC), and Design for Manufacturing/Automation (DFM/DFA) principles
  • Strong understanding of GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, process capability (Cp/Cpk), SPC, and manufacturing KPIs to design robust automation solutions that account for variation and enable scalable production

Nice to Have

  • Experience with drone, aerospace, automotive, consumer electronics, or other high-reliability electromechanical products
  • Experience with machine vision inspection systems, robotic integration, and advanced motion control platforms
  • Experience supporting high-mix, low-volume NPI builds and scaling processes to high-volume production environments

US Salary Range

$149,500 - $209,000 USD

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are considered part of Neros' total compensation package.

We're an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all applicants without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.