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Manufacturing Development Program Jobs in California

Apex

Director, Manufacturing Development

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$172K - $237K/yr

Drive NPI execution across spacecraft programs, partnering closely with Design Engineering, Supply ... Develop and implement manufacturing development strategies that support aggressive production ramp ...

Stratolaunch

Development Program Manager

Mojave, CA · On-site

In this role, you will report to the Program Element / Development Program Manager and be ... You will be part of the hypersonic vehicle engineering team, collaborating with the manufacturing ...

Stratolaunch

Development Program Manager

Mojave, CA · On-site

In this role, you will report to the Program Element / Development Program Manager and be ... You will be part of the hypersonic vehicle engineering team, collaborating with the manufacturing ...

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Manufacturing Development Program information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Manufacturing Development Program, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Manufacturing Development Program, candidates typically need a degree in engineering or a related technical field, along with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Familiarity with manufacturing software such as CAD, ERP systems, and lean manufacturing methodologies is often required. Excellent teamwork, adaptability, and communication skills help individuals excel in cross-functional environments and manage dynamic production challenges. These skills and qualities are vital for driving continuous improvement, efficiency, and innovation in manufacturing processes.

What does a typical rotation look like in a Manufacturing Development Program, and how does it support career growth?

A typical rotation in a Manufacturing Development Program involves working in several departments, such as process engineering, quality assurance, and production management, over a period of 18 to 36 months. Each rotation is designed to expose you to different aspects of manufacturing operations, allowing you to build a well-rounded skill set. This structure not only helps you discover your strengths and interests but also develops your leadership and problem-solving abilities. By the end of the program, you are well-positioned for advancement into specialized roles or leadership positions within the company.

What is a Manufacturing Development Program?

A Manufacturing Development Program is a structured training initiative designed to prepare recent graduates or early-career professionals for roles in manufacturing leadership. Participants rotate through various departments such as production, quality, engineering, and supply chain to gain a comprehensive understanding of manufacturing operations. The program aims to develop technical skills, leadership abilities, and business acumen, often leading to management or specialized roles upon completion. These programs are common in large manufacturing companies seeking to nurture future leaders.

What is the difference between Manufacturing Development Program vs Manufacturing Engineer?

AspectManufacturing Development ProgramManufacturing Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in engineering or related fieldRequires a bachelor's degree in engineering or manufacturing-related discipline
Work EnvironmentRotational program within manufacturing facilities, focusing on training and developmentDesign, improve, and oversee manufacturing processes on the production floor
Industry UsageCommonly used by companies to develop future manufacturing leadersWidely used for process optimization and production management roles

The Manufacturing Development Program is a structured training initiative aimed at developing future manufacturing professionals through rotations and learning experiences. In contrast, a Manufacturing Engineer focuses on designing and improving manufacturing processes. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, the program emphasizes training and leadership development, whereas the engineer role centers on process execution and optimization.

What are popular job titles related to Manufacturing Development Program jobs in California? For Manufacturing Development Program jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Manufacturing Development Program jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Manufacturing Development Program jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Manufacturing Development Program jobs? Cities in California with the most Manufacturing Development Program job openings:
Manufacturing Development Program jobs near you
Infographic showing various Manufacturing Development Program job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 52% Full Time, 38% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.
Director, Manufacturing Development Engineering

Director, Manufacturing Development Engineering

Divergent

Torrance, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Purpose

Lead the Manufacturing Development Engineering team responsible for productionizing Divergent's advanced manufacturing, additive manufacturing, and automation systems from prototype through full-rate production. This role owns the scalable industrialization of complex capital equipment and factory modules, ensuring systems are developed, commissioned, and transitioned into reliable, manufacturable, and repeatable production assets capable of supporting high-rate deployment across Divergent's DAPS ecosystem. This role will drive manufacturing readiness, process maturity, operational scalability, and production execution to achieve aggressive cost, throughput, quality, reliability, and uptime targets while enabling rapid factory expansion and replication. 

The Role
  • Lead the Manufacturing Development Engineering organization supporting LPBF systems, automation equipment, and advanced manufacturing modules. 
  • Drive productionization of advanced manufacturing systems from proof of concept through pilot, commissioning, and manufacturing at rate. 
  • Develop scalable manufacturing processes, tooling, documentation, and operational standards to support factory growth and repeatable deployment. 
  • Partner cross-functionally with hardware design engineering, software engineering, technician team, quality, supply chain, and production teams to improve manufacturability, reliability, throughput, and uptime. 
  • Own manufacturing engineering KPIs including build rate, throughput, OEE, first-pass yield, downtime reduction, cost, and production readiness. 
  • Own Ops escalations, issue triaging, feedback loops, and field service engineering-related activities 
  • Lead equipment bring-up, RCCA activities, process improvements, and factory integration efforts. 
  • Support implementation and optimization of systems to support manufacturing scalability. 
  • Lead organizational planning including hiring, mentorship, prioritization, and team development. 
Leadership & Management 
  • Drive Divergent's performance culture by leading high-performing teams with clear expectations, actionable real-time feedback, accountability, and a commitment to company success.
  • Model Divergent's core values of Respect, Clarity, Winning Spirit, Commitment, and Interdependence through disciplined execution, transparent communication, decisive action, and cross-functional collaboration.
Basic Qualifications
  • Ability to lawfully access information and technology that is subject to US export controls and willingness to support defense-related programs and manufacturing activities. 
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline. 
  • 7+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, capital equipment development, or similar. 
  • 4+ years of engineering leadership experience in fast-paced development and production environments. 
  • Experience productionizing complex electromechanical systems from prototype through manufacturing at rate. 
  • Strong background in manufacturing process development, DFM, RCCA, tooling, commissioning, and production ramp activities. 
  • Strong cross-functional leadership, communication, and organizational skills. 
  • Highly adaptable, resourceful, collaborative with an extreme ownership mentality. 
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with LPBF additive manufacturing systems, robotics, advanced manufacturing, or capital equipment. 
  • Experience with NX CAD, Teamcenter PLM, and MES. 
  • Experience supporting factory scale-up, replication, or multi-site manufacturing deployment. 
Work Environment
  • On-site in office, manufacturing floor, and laboratory spaces 
  • May occasionally require extended or weekend hours to meet deadlines 

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