ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Precision Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Ontic

Quality Engineer

Chatsworth, CA · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Ontic's Chatsworth, CA, site specializes in precision engineering, MRO, and new solutions for parts at risk of obsolescence. With over 1,400 employees across four time zones and seven sites, we have ...

RPS Recruitment

CNC Swiss Machinist

Placentia, CA · On-site

$28 - $33/hr

As the CNC Swiss Machinist you will bring ** • Proven experience operating CNC Swiss machines within a precision engineering environment • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and ...

New

Mach Industries

CNC Machine Programmer

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$28 - $38.25/hr

... precision engineering and innovation. Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team, you'll create high-quality components that ensure our platforms deliver adaptability, resilience, and unmatched ...

RPS Recruitment

CNC Swiss Machinist

Placentia, CA

$28 - $33/hr

As the CNC Swiss Machinist you will bring ** • Proven experience operating CNC Swiss machines within a precision engineering environment • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and ...

New

Ontic

Quality Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Ontic's Chatsworth, CA, site specializes in precision engineering, MRO, and new solutions for parts at risk of obsolescence. With over 1,400 employees across four time zones and seven sites, we have ...

Jaffa Precision Engineering

Be Seen First

CNC Machinist

Riverside, CA · On-site

$25 - $50/hr

We offer superior part production for complex applications. With over 30 years of building relationships and producing our customer's requests to the tee, we now have an amazing opportunity for a ...

AllSTEM Connections

Quality Engineer

Valencia, CA · On-site

$118K/yr

Minimum of 5 years in a high-precision engineering or manufacturing environment. • Technical Mastery: • Expert proficiency in Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T). • Strong background in ...

HADRIAN

Forging Engineering Specialist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$78K - $101K/yr

FORGING ENGINEERING SPECIALISTS Help us Build the Future of Forging We are advancing modern forging by integrating process expertise, precision engineering, and scalable manufacturing across the full ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPrecision Engineering JobsPrecision Engineering Jobs in California

Precision Engineering information

See California salary details

$12

$31

$56

How much do precision engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for precision engineering in California is $31.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.90 and $37.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Precision Engineer, you need expertise in mechanical design, materials science, and high-accuracy manufacturing, usually supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD/CAM software, CNC machinery, and industry standards like ISO 9001 is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for excelling in this role. These competencies ensure the creation of ultra-precise components, reduce errors, and support innovation in industries where tolerances are critical.

What is precision engineering?

Precision engineering is a specialized field of engineering focused on designing, manufacturing, and measuring components and systems with extremely tight tolerances and high accuracy. This discipline is crucial in industries where even the smallest deviation can affect performance, such as aerospace, electronics, and medical device manufacturing. Precision engineers use advanced technologies and processes to ensure that parts and assemblies meet exacting standards, often at the micron or nanometer scale.

What are some common challenges faced by precision engineers when working on complex projects?

Precision engineers frequently encounter challenges related to maintaining extremely tight tolerances, especially when working with intricate components or advanced materials. Ensuring quality and consistency across all stages of the manufacturing process requires close collaboration with design, production, and quality assurance teams. Additionally, adapting to rapidly evolving technologies and integrating new machinery or software can be demanding but also presents opportunities for professional growth. Problem-solving skills and attention to detail are essential to overcome these hurdles and deliver high-quality results.

What is the difference between Precision Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectPrecision EngineeringMechanical Engineering
Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in engineering or related field, often with specialization in precision manufacturing or metrologyRequires a bachelor's or master's degree in mechanical engineering, with broader focus on design, thermodynamics, and mechanics
Work EnvironmentSpecialized manufacturing facilities, laboratories, or research environments focused on high-precision componentsVaried settings including factories, design offices, and research labs for diverse mechanical systems
Industry UsageUsed mainly in industries like aerospace, medical devices, and high-precision manufacturingWidely used across automotive, aerospace, robotics, and general manufacturing sectors

While both Precision Engineering and Mechanical Engineering require a strong engineering background, Precision Engineering focuses on creating and maintaining extremely accurate components and systems, often in specialized environments. Mechanical Engineering covers a broader range of mechanical systems and design, making it more versatile across industries.

What are popular job titles related to Precision Engineering jobs in California? For Precision Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Precision Engineering jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Precision Engineering jobs in California are:
Precision Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Precision Engineering job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,765 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

Principal Process Development Engineer

Attalon, Inc.

Murrieta, CA • On-site

$100K - $178K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Attalon / Location Overview

Join Attalon’s Aerospace & Defense team in Murrieta, CA. We are a center of excellence for advanced optics and optical systems. We’re shaping the future of aerospace and defense through precision engineering and cutting-edge manufacturing processes. If you’re passionate about innovation and want to lead the development of world-class optical technologies, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Job Details
The Process Development Engineer is responsible for providing operational engineering support across optical fabrication, optical metrology, and optical assembly areas. Contributes to process development activities including process improvement, troubleshooting, cycle-time reduction, process stability, and yield improvement. Supports project execution, technician development, and collaboration across engineering and production groups.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Define, optimize, and stabilize optical fabrication processes while collaborating closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Program Management, and cross-functional engineering teams.
Serve as subject matter expert for one or more optical manufacturing areas: optical metrology, opto-mechanical assembly, conventional optical fabrication, and single-point diamond turning.
Execute engineering experiments, DOEs, and capability studies. Implement process improvements related to throughput, quality, and cost,
Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on yield and cycle-time reduction.
Lead root-cause analysis and corrective actions involving defects and process variability.
Participate and lead prototype builds and process qualifications for new programs.
Investigate new equipment and fabrication technologies that can increase capability or reduce cost.
Lead NPI activities from early concept and feasibility through protype builds, process qualification, and full production release.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, material science, or related field.
  • Minimum 9 years of related experience in optical manufacturing
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and experimental design skills.
  • Candidates must have manufacturing and production experience in a closely related precision manufacturing field.
  • Direct experience in one or more of the following is preferred but not required:
    • Single-point diamond turning
    • Conventional optics fabrication
    • Optical metrology (profilometry, interferometry)
    • Opto-mechanical assembly
    • Demonstrated capability to lead complex engineering issues through the entire lifecycle, ensuring thorough analysis and effective resolution.

For California, the salary range for this position is $100,650-$178,200
Please note this range is provided as a general guideline. When determining an offer, Attalon takes into account multiple factors, including (but not limited to) the responsibilities of the position, your professional experience, education and training, specialized skills, and current market and business conditions.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Attalon, Inc. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Export Control Compliance

This role involves access to technology, materials, software, or hardware subject to U.S. export control laws. Therefore, to be considered, candidates must be classified as a “U.S. Person” under applicable regulations or be eligible for authorization under a U.S. government export license.