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Metal Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Apple

Tooling Engineer- Metal

Cupertino, CA · On-site

We are looking for an experienced metal tooling engineer to provide a technical interface between our product design groups and our suppliers, and to drive development of extraordinary metal forming ...

Apple

Tooling Engineer- Metal

Cupertino, CA

$163K - $246K/yr

We are looking for an experienced metal tooling engineer to provide a technical interface between our product design groups and our suppliers, and to drive development of extraordinary metal forming ...

Apple

Tooling Engineer - Metal Stamping

Cupertino, CA · On-site

We are looking for an experienced metal tooling and process engineer to provide a technical interface between our product design groups and our suppliers, and to drive development of extraordinary ...

Zenix Aerospace Inc

Metal Adjuster

San Diego, CA · On-site

$21.30 - $25.03/hr

Metal Adjuster Shift: 1st Shift (6:30am - 3:00pm) Monday - Friday Facility & Location: Jet Products ... We are the leading partner in aerospace engineering uniting global expertise with a shared vision ...

ABC Sheet Metal

Be Seen First

CNC Machinist - Setup, 2nd Shift

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

Our talented sheet metal engineers and skilled craftsmen work together to provide high quality custom metal products. Servicing OEM's and end-users in the following industries: Aerospace Medical ...

AttoTude

Firmware Engineer

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

Integrate and configure RTOS or bare-metal firmware. Perform board bring-up and hardware validation, working closely with electrical engineers. Debug and analyze firmware/hardware issues using ...

ABC Sheet Metal

Be Seen First

CNC Laser Operator - 2nd Shift

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

Our talented sheet metal engineers and skilled craftsmen work together to provide high quality custom metal products. Servicing OEM's and end-users in the following industries: Aerospace Medical ...

ABC Sheet Metal

Be Seen First

CNC Setup Machinist - 1st Shift

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

Our talented sheet metal engineers and skilled craftsmen work together to provide high quality custom metal products. Servicing OEM's and end-users in the following industries: Aerospace Medical ...

AttoTude

Firmware Engineer

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

... or bare-metal firmware. • Perform board bring-up and hardware validation, working closely with electrical engineers. • Debug and analyze firmware/hardware issues using oscilloscopes, logic ...

Anduril Industries

Sheet Metal Fabricator

Santa Ana, CA

$19.50 - $26.25/hr

Lay out, mark, cut, and form sheet metal components from engineering drawings, sketches, and templates * Operate shears, press brakes, rolls, hand brakes, notchers, and nibblers to form parts to ...

Apple

Tooling Engineer - Metal Stamping

Cupertino, CA

$194K - $293K/yr

We are looking for an experienced metal tooling and process engineer to provide a technical interface between our product design groups and our suppliers, and to drive development of extraordinary ...

Anduril Industries

Sheet Metal Fabricator

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$19.50 - $26.25/hr

Lay out, mark, cut, and form sheet metal components from engineering drawings, sketches, and templates * Operate shears, press brakes, rolls, hand brakes, notchers, and nibblers to form parts to ...

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All JobsMetal Engineer JobsMetal Engineer Jobs in California

Metal Engineer information

See California salary details

$30.6K

$94.5K

$125.8K

How much do metal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for metal engineer in California is $94,542.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,900.00 and $114,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a metal engineer?

Metal engineers, also known as metallurgical engineers, specialize in the study, design, and development of metals and their alloys for use in various products and structures. They work to improve the properties of metals, such as strength, durability, and corrosion resistance, by studying their physical and chemical behaviors. Metal engineers play a crucial role in industries like automotive, aerospace, construction, and manufacturing, ensuring materials meet safety and performance standards. Their work often involves both laboratory research and practical application in production environments.

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

To thrive as a Metal Engineer, you need a solid background in metallurgy, materials science, and engineering principles, usually supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in materials or metallurgical engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, metallurgical analysis tools, and industry-specific certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) licensure is typical. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate across teams and address complex material challenges. These skills are crucial for ensuring material performance, safety, and innovation in manufacturing and engineering projects.

What are some typical challenges metal engineers face when working on large-scale construction projects?

Metal Engineers working on large-scale construction projects often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, ensuring materials meet stringent safety and quality standards, and resolving issues related to fabrication or installation delays. They must also stay updated on evolving industry codes and regulations to guarantee compliance. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as Metal Engineers frequently collaborate with architects, project managers, and contractors to deliver successful outcomes.

What is the difference between Metal Engineer vs Materials Engineer?

AspectMetal EngineerMaterials Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Metallurgical or Materials Engineering, certifications varyBachelor's in Materials Science or Engineering, certifications vary
Work EnvironmentFactories, labs, manufacturing plants focused on metalsResearch labs, manufacturing, and development settings for various materials
Industry UsageMetal production, processing, and designDevelopment of new materials, including metals, polymers, ceramics

Metal Engineers primarily focus on the properties, processing, and application of metals, working closely with manufacturing and metal production. Materials Engineers have a broader scope, working with various materials including metals, polymers, and ceramics, often in research and development. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, but their work environments and industry applications differ slightly.

What cities in California are hiring for Metal Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Metal Engineer job openings:
Metal Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Metal Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,542 per year, or $45.5 per hour.

Components Manufacturing Engineer - Sheet Metal

Hermeus

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$100K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Hermeus is a venture-backed defense aviation company reclaiming the lost art of rapid iterative prototyping to build the fastest aircraft in the world today. By prioritizing relentless hardware iteration, we deliver high-speed systems at the pace of the modern battlefield. We work with the Department of War to provide the high-speed capabilities our nation and its allies need to maintain a durable, asymmetric advantage.
About The Role:
We are seeking a Sheet Metal Manufacturing Engineer to design, build, and lead the processes required to establish and operate our internal sheet metal fabrication shop. You will take full ownership of standing up new production capabilities, from design feedback and process definition to equipment procurement, qualification, and production ramp-up.
This role is highly hands-on, combining deep technical expertise with operational leadership to enable rapid, high-quality production of precision components supporting next-generation hypersonic aircraft.
Responsibilities
  • Define and implement end-to-end sheet metal manufacturing processes, including forming, cutting, and joining operations for complex aerospace components.
  • Develop and communicate internal shop capabilities, including authoring work instructions, control plans, and process documentation.
  • Own the schedule, capacity, and demand planning for the internal sheet metal shop; align build priorities with key stakeholders and proactively manage delivery risk.
  • Support technicians and specialists on the production floor by troubleshooting issues, resolving non-conformances, and implementing corrective and preventive actions.
  • Collaborate closely with Design and Manufacturing Engineering teams to ensure design-for-manufacturability (DFM) is integrated into early development efforts.
  • Coordinate with Supply Chain to establish and maintain raw material inventory, traceability, and procurement planning.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives to expand internal shop capabilities, reduce lead times, and maintain exceptional part quality.
  • Lead CapEx strategy, specification, and installation of new forming, cutting, and welding equipment to scale production capacity.
  • Serve as a technical owner for all internal sheet metal fabrication operations, mentoring technicians and helping define future-state manufacturing infrastructure.

Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • 2+ years of experience in manufacturing, process development, or test engineering for aerospace or high-performance hardware (including internships or project teams).
  • Familiarity with material properties and behavior for common aerospace sheet metals (aluminum, stainless steel, titanium).
  • Working knowledge of forming, cutting, and joining processes and their process controls.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to drive root-cause analysis and implement effective corrective actions.
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced, hands-on development environment with evolving priorities.

Preferred Skills & Experience
  • Experience managing or supporting medium-to-high volume manufacturing operations.
  • Hands-on experience with sheet metal cutting (laser, waterjet), forming (press brake, rollers), or welding (TIG, laser) processes.
  • Familiarity with PLM, ERP, or MES systems for tracking hardware and managing workflows.
  • Understanding of AS9100 or ISO 9001 quality management systems.
  • Experience with DFM/DFA, SPC, or Lean manufacturing methodologies.
  • Exposure to aerospace hardware development or R&D environments requiring rapid iteration and cross-functional collaboration.

Physical Requirements
  • Must be willing to be hands-on on the production floor daily.
  • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs and work around industrial equipment as needed.
  • Occasional extended or weekend hours may be required to meet critical program milestones.

$100,000 - $175,000 a year
The salary information provided is a general guideline only. Hermeus takes various factors into account, including, but not limited to, the position's scope and responsibilities, the candidate's professional background, education and training, essential skills, and market and business considerations, when presenting a job offer.
Salary is only one part of our total compensation and benefits package. Hermeus offers competitive salary and equity, unlimited PTO policy, paid parental leave, potential for year-end bonuses, and more!
100% employer-paid health care
401k & Retirement Plans
Weekly Paid Office Lunches
End of Year Bonuses
Fully stocked breakrooms
Stock Options
Paid Parental Leave
U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS
The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a "U.S. person" as defined by22 C.F.R. § 120.62or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. US persons include U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Hermeus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions at Hermeus are based solely on merit, competence, and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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