1

Manufacturing Automation Engineer Jobs in California

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 ...

Automation Engineer

Victorville, CA · On-site

$105K - $140K/yr

Design and implement automated manufacturing systems including robotics, PLCs, conveyors, and vision systems. * Develop, program, and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, and industrial control systems.

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 6, 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,142 per year, or $47.7 per hour.

Advanced Automation Manufacturing Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Palmdale, CA • On-site

$92K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 360 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 536 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems (NGAS) has an opening for an Advanced Automation Manufacturing Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position will be located at Palmdale, CA Center of Excellence where technology and teamwork come together. The qualified applicant will become part of Northrop Grumman's Manufacturing Engineering Team working in a collaborative environment while promoting a positive and proactive teamwork environment.
Advanced Automation Manufacturing Engineering job duties involve the following:
  • Provide guidance to Engineering regarding design concepts to ensure the best manufacturing technique is being used to meet the Engineering design
  • Participate in tool design reviews to ensure tools are feasible and reduce build times and program costs during assembly
  • Define sequence of operations for product builds, investigate and initiate corrective actions and improvements that involve non-conforming product and identify improvement opportunities in areas that require producibility and affordability initiatives

As a member of the Automation Engineeringteam, you will define, develop, implement, and transition new technology solutions to manufacturing to increase efficiency, reduce cost, and improve quality. Manufacturing concept and process solutions for production applications cover advanced technologies including but not limited to composites fabrication, assembly, automation, inspection, direct part manufacturing, survivability technologies, as well as digital capabilities. The role requires incorporation of requirements into development plans and evaluation of performance of processes and tools to verify their efficiency. In addition, you will identify and initiate corrective action of problems and deficiencies to ensure technical, schedule, and cost objectives are met, and product quality is maintained. In this role, you will provide guidance regarding design concepts, directly support, and ensure the successful implementation of new solution capabilities released to production, and specification requirements to best utilize resources and manufacturing techniques. This role involves interfacing with internal and external customers, program offices, engineering disciplines, executive management and requires the ability to handle multiple projects concurrently in a dynamic/fast-paced work environment.
Automation Manufacturing Engineers for Aeronautics Systems are expected to provide technical solutions to a wide range of complex and difficult problems. They are problem solvers who can provide results that are innovative, thorough, practical, and consistent with organization objectives. We seek Manufacturing Engineers that use a unique skill set that includes a hands-on approach and support as the technical representative voice for the Manufacturing organization.
Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree with 1 year or Master's degree with 0 years of related experience in production assembly / fabrication including composites, machining, coatings application, or production manufacturing operations
  • Experience supporting manufacturing / production operations with an understanding of manufacturing processes and procedures
  • Experience in machining, robotics, or numerical control programming
  • Experience in composites, automation, heating systems or coatings application
  • Experience working or knowledge of Process Work Instructions (PWI)
  • Experience in creating work instructions, training materials & visual aids
  • Experience reviewing and interpreting Blueprints and 3-D models
  • Experience in system requirements development, acceptance testing and training
  • Experience working hands-on in a production assembly line environment
  • Experience in troubleshooting systems, and root cause and corrective action analysis
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook
  • Ability to interface / communicate with multiple levels of leadership, engineering, production, customers, and suppliers
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain U.S. Government Secret clearance as well as Special Program Access within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs
  • Ability to work 1st shift, or 2nd shift and any work schedule (times may vary)

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Degree in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
  • Experience in project management and execution (proposal creation, scheduling, budget tracking)
  • Experience in Manufacturing Execution System and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems
  • Experience in solid modeling design using NX Siemens, CATIA or Solid Works
  • Experience providing innovative techniques focused on improving product designs and tooling assemblies or equipment
  • Experience in using Microsoft Office Project, Visio, SharePoint
  • Experience in Transition to Production activities
  • Current and active U.S. Government Secret or Top-Secret clearance preferred

Primary Level Salary Range: $83,400.00 - $125,200.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Northrop Grumman logo

About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939