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Precision Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... precision engineering, disciplined execution, and people who enjoy solving difficult hardware problems. We are looking for a Senior Engineering Technician who wants to be directly involved in ...

... precision engineering, disciplined execution, and people who enjoy solving difficult hardware problems. We are looking for a Senior Engineering Technician who wants to be directly involved in ...

Weld Operator II

San Jose, CA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

We are at the forefront of precision engineering and innovation, specializing in the development and manufacturing of vital components for medical markets such as Robotic Assisted Surgery ...

Good understanding of mechanical engineering fundamentals, physics, and precision engineering. * Experience designing assemblies operating in vacuum, UHV, or cleanroom environments. * Knowledge of ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$117K - $200K/yr

Good understanding of mechanical engineering fundamentals, physics, and precision engineering. * Experience designing assemblies operating in vacuum, UHV, or cleanroom environments. * Knowledge of ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$117K - $200K/yr

Good understanding of mechanical engineering fundamentals, physics, and precision engineering. * Experience designing assemblies operating in vacuum, UHV, or cleanroom environments. * Knowledge of ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$117K - $200K/yr

Good understanding of mechanical engineering fundamentals, physics, and precision engineering. * Experience designing assemblies operating in vacuum, UHV, or cleanroom environments. * Knowledge of ...

Engineering Manager, PMO

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$150K - $165K/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 ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$132K - $198K/yr

Your Role At the intersection of precision engineering and scientific innovation, this role offers a rare opportunity to shape the next generation of advanced equipment that powers breakthroughs in ...

New

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$105K - $145K/yr

Apply precision engineering principles, tolerance-driven design, and best practices for robust mechanical integration. Cross-Functional Collaboration * Work closely with Optics, Electrical ...

Engineering Manager, PMO

Chatsworth, CA · On-site

$150K - $165K/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 ...

Be Seen First

Open to training if you have an aptitude for precision parts under a microscope or prior ... Collaborate closely with team members, supervisors, and engineers to meet production goals and ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$132K - $198K/yr

Your Role At the intersection of precision engineering and scientific innovation, this role offers a rare opportunity to shape the next generation of advanced equipment that powers breakthroughs in ...

Showing results 41-60

Precision Engineering information

See California salary details

$12

$31

$56

How much do precision engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 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 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a precision engineer?

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 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.

Is precision engineering a good career?

Precision engineering is a specialized field focused on designing and manufacturing high-accuracy components, often requiring skills in CAD software, measurement tools, and quality control. It offers opportunities in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and medical devices, with a demand for technical expertise and certifications. The career can be stable and rewarding for those interested in detailed work and advanced manufacturing processes.

What does a precision engineer do?

A precision engineer designs, develops, and maintains highly accurate mechanical components and systems, often working with advanced manufacturing tools like CNC machines and coordinate measuring machines. They focus on achieving tight tolerances and high-quality standards in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and medical device manufacturing.

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:

Infographic showing various Precision Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,765 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

Senior Engineering Technician

KLA Corporation

Milpitas, CA

$32.07 - $54.52/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Company Overview

KLA is a global leader in diversified electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Virtually every electronic device in the world is produced using our technologies. No laptop, smartphone, wearable device, voice-controlled gadget, flexible screen, VR device or smart car would have made it into your hands without us. KLA invents systems and solutions for the manufacturing of wafers and reticles, integrated circuits, packaging, printed circuit boards and flat panel displays. The innovative ideas and devices that are advancing humanity all begin with inspiration, research and development. KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with the world's leading technology providers to accelerate the delivery of tomorrow's electronic devices. Life here is exciting and our teams thrive on tackling really hard problems. There is never a dull moment with us.

Group/Division

With over 40 years of semiconductor process control experience, chipmakers around the globe rely on KLA to ensure that their fabs ramp next-generation devices to volume production quickly and cost-effectively. Enabling the movement towards advanced chip design, KLA's Global Products Group (GPG), which is responsible for creating all of KLA's metrology and inspection products, is looking for the best and the brightest research scientist, software engineers, application development engineers, and senior product technology process engineers. The RAPID division is the world leading provider of reticle inspection solutions for the semiconductor industry. The company provides inspection solutions to both the mask shops and the semiconductor fabs to ensure that lithography yields are consistently high thus enabling cost-effective manufacturing.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

At our core, we build sophisticated semiconductor equipment that depends on precision engineering, disciplined execution, and people who enjoy solving difficult hardware problems. We are looking for a Senior Engineering Technician who wants to be directly involved in building, testing, troubleshooting, repairing, and installing complex semiconductor systems. This is a hands-on role where we work closely with engineers to turn designs into functioning hardware and continuously improve the reliability and performance of our equipment.

We are interested in someone who takes pride in figuring things out. When a subsystem is not performing as expected, do you want to understand why? When a vacuum chamber fails qualification, do you dig into the details rather than wait for someone else to solve the problem? If so, you may be a strong fit for our team.

What You'll Be Doing

Working alongside mechanical, electrical, systems, and manufacturing engineers, we assemble and integrate semiconductor capital equipment from the ground up. This includes installing vacuum hardware, wiring electrical systems, bringing up controls, executing test procedures, diagnosing failures, and supporting equipment installations.

The work regularly involves:
  • Building and integrating semiconductor equipment and subsystems

  • Troubleshooting electrical, vacuum, mechanical, pneumatic, and control system issues

  • Assembling and maintaining ultra-high vacuum chambers, pumps, gauges, valves, and gas delivery hardware

  • Performing helium leak testing and vacuum qualification activities

  • Wiring electrical cabinets, control systems, sensors, interlocks, and cable assemblies

  • Supporting prototype builds, engineering experiments, upgrades, and production systems

  • Using diagnostic equipment such as DVMs, clamp-on amp meters, oscilloscopes, and power supplies

  • Contributing to root-cause investigations and corrective action efforts

Some days may be spent assembling new hardware. Other days may require tracking down an intermittent electrical problem, resolving a vacuum leak, or helping bring a newly integrated system online. The variety keeps the work interesting and provides opportunities to learn from experienced engineers and technicians.

What We're Looking For

We are seeking a technician with 10 to 15 years of semiconductor industry experience and a strong background supporting semiconductor capital equipment.

Candidates should have experience with:
  • Ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems

  • Cleanroom and contamination control practices

  • Electrical wiring and troubleshooting

  • Control systems and equipment interlocks

  • Mechanical assembly and system integration

  • Reading electrical schematics and engineering drawings

  • Electrical test equipment including DVMs and clamp-on amp meters

Experience supporting equipments from semiconductor manufacturing industries is highly desirable.

Physical Requirements

This role requires regular hands-on work around large systems and equipment. Team members must be able to stand for extended periods, squat, kneel, bend, reach, and safely lift components weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation. Work is performed in engineering labs, manufacturing areas, and cleanroom environments where appropriate protective equipment is required.

Travel Requirements

This role requires up to 25% domestic and international travel to support the installation, qualification, maintenance, troubleshooting, and field service of advanced semiconductor capital equipment at customer and manufacturing site.

We build complex machines. We solve difficult technical problems. We depend on people who enjoy working with hardware and take pride in delivering quality work. If that describes you, we'd like to hear from you!

Minimum Qualifications

Requires a minimum of 4 - 6 years of related experience

Base Pay Range: $32.07 - $54.52 Per HourPrimary Location: USA-CA-Milpitas-KLAKLA's total rewards package for employees may also include participation in performance incentive programs and eligibility for additional benefits including but not limited to: medical, dental, vision, life, and other voluntary benefits, 401(K) including company matching, employee stock purchase program (ESPP), student debt assistance, tuition reimbursement program, development and career growth opportunities and programs, financial planning benefits, wellness benefits including an employee assistance program (EAP), paid time off and paid company holidays, and family care and bonding leave.

Interns are eligible for some of the benefits listed. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed reflects the pay for this position in the primary location identified in this posting. Actual pay depends on several factors, including state minimum pay wage rates, location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education level or training. We are committed to complying with all applicable federal and state minimum wage requirements where applicable. If applicable, your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

KLA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us attalent.acquisition@kla.com or at +1-408-352-2808 to request accommodation.

Be aware of potentially fraudulent job postings or suspicious recruiting activity by persons that are currently posing as KLA employees. KLA never asks for any financial compensation to be considered for an interview, to become an employee, or for equipment. Further, KLA does not work with any recruiters or third parties who charge such fees either directly or on behalf of KLA. Please ensure that you have searched KLA's Careers website for legitimate job postings. KLA follows a recruiting process that involves multiple interviews in person or on video conferencing with our hiring managers. If you are concerned that a communication, an interview, an offer of employment, or that an employee is not legitimate, please send an email to talent.acquisition@kla.com to confirm the person you are communicating with is an employee. We take your privacy very seriously and confidentially handle your information.