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Manufacturing Development Program Jobs in California

Senior Project Engineer, MDP

Costa Mesa, CA ยท On-site

$106K - $138K/yr

ABOUT THE TEAM The Manufacturing Development Process (MDP) team defines the 'What', 'When', 'Why ... You will bridge the gap between technical project management and production program management to ...

Senior Project Engineer, MDP

Costa Mesa, CA ยท On-site

$106K - $138K/yr

... program management, organizational change, manufacturing engineering, or engineering transformation. * 8+ years of experience overall in relevant domains. * Direct hardware development experience ...

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Manufacturing Development Program information

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 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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Manufacturing Development Program job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Optics Manufacturing Development Engineer

Livermore, CA โ€ข On-site

Inertia
Software Developmentย โ€ขย 11 - 50 employees

$165 - $225/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Optics Manufacturing Development Engineer Location

Livermore

Employment Type

Full time

Location Type

On-site

Department

Design and Engineering

Overview

At Inertia, we plan to build the worldโ€™s largest laser to initiate the worldโ€™s first fusion power plant. We need talented engineers to take on the challenge of scaling up various optical components (laser glass and optics, traditional lens, micro lens array, etc.) to unprecedented volume to supply the laser system.

This role will be critical to evaluate feasibility of suppliers, bring up pilot production, and scale up to production volume to supply the fusion power plant.

The role will report to the VP of Industrial Engineering.

What Youโ€™ll Get To Do
  • Engage internal design teams to consolidate all design requirements, and document the requirements for vendor engagement.
  • Engage suppliers for feasibility, scale, and cost deep dives
  • Establish manufacturing best practices
  • Collaborate with quality engineering to implement production quality control
  • Yield analysis and failure analysis
What You Bring
  • B.S. with 10 years of experience, or M.S. with 7 years of experience
  • Experience with glass and ceramic fabrication processes a must
  • High volume manufacturing development experience a must
  • Experience with production quality control a must
Salary & Benefits

The base salary range for this role is $165,000 - $225,000; The pay range provided is an estimated base range for this role. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and education.

We offer market-competitive compensation and an excellent benefits program, including Medical, Dental, and Vision plans, company-paid holidays, matching 401k, and more!

About Inertia

Inertia is taking the most direct, scientifically-proven path to commercializing fusion, leveraging the only successful achievement of fusion ignition, using a process that was pioneered at the U.S. Department of Energyโ€™s (DOE) Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). With groundbreaking innovation, transformative technology, and multi-year investment, Inertia is committed to commercializing fusion energy in the next decade.

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