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Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Viavi Solutions

Manufacturing Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA

$79K - $102K/yr

Manufacturing Engineer: Job Summary: The Manufacturing Engineer supports VIAVI's optics manufacturing team in developing, maintaining, and evolving advanced manufacturing processes for thin-film ...

RimePro Inc

Manufacturing Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$85K - $120K/yr

Position Overview The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, and improving manufacturing processes for precision aerospace components and assemblies. This role works ...

Viavi Solutions

Manufacturing Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA

$79K - $102K/yr

Manufacturing Engineer: Job Summary: The Manufacturing Engineer supports VIAVI's optics manufacturing team in developing, maintaining, and evolving advanced manufacturing processes for thin-film ...

Viavi Solutions

Manufacturing Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$68K - $127K/yr

Manufacturing Engineer: Job Summary: The Manufacturing Engineer supports VIAVI's optics manufacturing team in developing, maintaining, and evolving advanced manufacturing processes for thin-film ...

Stellant Systems

Manufacturing Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

Manufacturing Engineer Job Location: Torrance, CA Salary: $80,000-$130,000/yr Depending on experience and level Stellant is excited to offer a Manufacturing Engineering role in support of Electronic ...

Viavi Solutions

Manufacturing Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$79K - $102K/yr

Manufacturing Engineer: Job Summary: The Manufacturing Engineer supports VIAVI's optics manufacturing team in developing, maintaining, and evolving advanced manufacturing processes for thin-film ...

Stellant Systems

Manufacturing Engineer

Torrance, CA

$80K - $130K/yr

Manufacturing Engineer Job Location: Torrance, CA Salary: $80,000-$130,000/yr Depending on experience and level Stellant is excited to offer a Manufacturing Engineering role in support of Electronic ...

Skylimit Systems

Manufacturing Engineer

Simi Valley, CA

$100K - $140K/yr

This opportunity is ideal for a Manufacturing Engineer who enjoys improving manufacturing processes, leading production initiatives, and collaborating across engineering and operations teams to bring ...

Actalent

Manufacturing Engineer

San Diego, CA

$77K - $99K/yr

Manufacturing Engineer III / IV This Manufacturing Engineer III/IV role focuses on owning complex, mission-critical hardware from initial planning through final delivery in a high-mix, low-volume ...

Actalent

Manufacturing Engineer

Santa Fe Springs, CA

$100K - $135K/yr

Manufacturing Engineer The Manufacturing Engineer supports production operations by developing, improving, and troubleshooting manufacturing processes within a fast-paced aerospace and composites ...

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All JobsManufacturing Engineer JobsManufacturing Engineer Jobs in California

Manufacturing Engineer information

See California salary details

$46.9K

$84.5K

$118.4K

How much do manufacturing engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for manufacturing engineer in California is $84,492.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,000.00 and $92,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges a manufacturing engineer faces in optimizing production processes?

Manufacturing Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing efficiency with product quality, minimizing production costs while maintaining safety standards, and implementing new technologies without disrupting existing workflows. They may also need to troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and coordinate with cross-functional teams, such as quality assurance and maintenance, to resolve issues quickly. Staying up-to-date with industry advancements and continuous improvement methodologies like Lean or Six Sigma is essential to overcoming these challenges and driving process enhancements.

What is a manufacturing engineer?

A manufacturing engineer is a specialized engineer who improves product manufacturing processes. As a manufacturing engineer, your primary duties are to design and develop production systems and improve the tools and systems within the manufacturing process. You will use computer software such as CAD to create, modify, and test the products and manufacturing processes.

What exactly do manufacturing engineers do?

Manufacturing engineers design, develop, and improve manufacturing processes to produce products efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively. They analyze production workflows, select appropriate equipment, and implement quality control measures, often using tools like CAD software and lean manufacturing principles. Their work ensures that manufacturing operations run smoothly and meet quality standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a manufacturing engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Manufacturing Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, process optimization, and quality control, typically supported by a degree in mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing certifications, and experience with automation systems are commonly required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you effectively collaborate and drive continuous improvement. These abilities ensure efficient production processes, cost reduction, and high product quality in a competitive manufacturing environment.

What is the difference between Manufacturing Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectManufacturing EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Manufacturing, Industrial, or Mechanical Engineering; certifications like CMfgEBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, production plants, manufacturing facilitiesDesign offices, research labs, manufacturing settings
Industry UsageManufacturing, production, industrial sectorsAutomotive, aerospace, energy, product design

Manufacturing Engineers focus on optimizing production processes and workflows within manufacturing environments, while Mechanical Engineers design and analyze mechanical systems. Both roles require engineering degrees, but Manufacturing Engineers are more involved in process improvement and production efficiency, whereas Mechanical Engineers often work on product design and mechanical system development.

More about Manufacturing Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Manufacturing Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Manufacturing Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Manufacturing Engineer jobs in California?

For Manufacturing Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Manufacturing Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Manufacturing Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Manufacturing Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Manufacturing Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Manufacturing Engineer jobs in CA?

For Manufacturing Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Manufacturing Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Manufacturing 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 $84,492 per year, or $40.6 per hour.

Manufacturing Engineer

Viavi Solutions

Santa Rosa, CA

$79K - $102K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Summary:
VIAVI (NASDAQ: VIAV) is a global provider of network test, monitoring and assurance solutions for telecommunications, cloud, enterprises, first responders, military, aerospace, and railway. VIAVI is also a leader in light management technologies for 3D sensing, anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, government and aerospace applications.
We are the people behind the products that help keep the world connected at home, school, work, at play, and everywhere in between. VIAVI employees are passionate about supporting customer success and we welcome people who bring their best every day to the company - to question, to collaborate and to push for solutions that will delight our customers.
Manufacturing Engineer:
Job Summary:
The Manufacturing Engineer supports VIAVI's optics manufacturing team in developing, maintaining, and evolving advanced manufacturing processes for thin-film-based optical coatings. This role focuses on optimizing production through data analysis, quality control, and continuous improvement. The position involves hands-on work with equipment, processes, and technologies such as thin-film deposition, high-vacuum systems, complex metrology, and safety systems. The role requires a blend of technical expertise, problem solving, and close partnership with the manufacturing, engineering, quality, and maintenance teams to meet production goals and drive continuous improvement.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Key Responsibilities:
Process Development & Optimization
  • Develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes for optical coating production, including thin-film deposition, cleaning, and inspection.
  • Design and execute experiments to identify critical process parameters and improve product yield, quality, and throughput.
  • Troubleshoot production issues, analyze root causes, and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.

Production Support
  • Work closely with manufacturing, engineering, and maintenance teams to support daily operations.
  • Provide real-time support to the manufacturing floor, including occasional off-shift remote assistance.

Continuous Improvement
  • Use statistical process control (SPC) and other analytical tools to monitor process performance and identify areas for improvement.
  • Drive improvements in cost, quality, productivity, and safety using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.

New Product & Process Introduction (NPPI)
  • Collaborate with R&D, Quality, and Production teams to transition new products from development to manufacturing, ensuring manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.

Project Management
  • Effectively manage multiple projects with shifting priorities.

Pre-Requisites / Skills / Experience Requirements:
Required Job Qualifications:
  • 3+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in a related field
  • MS or BS in Physics, Chemical, Electrical, Industrial, or Mechanical Engineering, or a similar related discipline
  • Proven track record supporting and improving manufacturing processes in an engineering role
  • Working knowledge of quality systems - PFMEA, CAPA, 8D root-cause, SPC
  • Software & computer competency including MS Office, advanced Excel skills, AI tool generation, experience with statistical analysis tools (e.g., JMP, Minitab) and data-driven problem-solving.
  • Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
  • ITAR eligible US persons only.
  • Fluent in English (reading and writing)

Preferred Experience:
  • Optical thin-film coating manufacturing or specialty materials manufacturing
  • Transitioning products from prototype to production
  • ISO 9001 / AS9100 quality systems
  • MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems)

Key Attributes:
  • Self-motivated, organized, and autonomous
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Effective project and priority management
  • Fast learner with strong technical curiosity
  • Hands-on, shop-floor-engaged mindset
  • Ability to influence and collaborate across teams
  • Excellent communication and presentation abilities

If you have what it takes to push boundaries and seize opportunities, apply to join our team today.
VIAVI Solutions is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer - minorities/females/veterans/persons with disabilities.
Job Posting Pay Range:
68,600
to
127,400
Exceptional qualifications, experience and location may impact salary. VIAVI offers a competitive benefits package that includes paid time off, health, life and disability insurance, 401(k), and a bonus program.

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