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Production Controller Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Production Controller 1@ Oxnard-CA

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$60K - $66K/yr

Northrop Grumman is looking for a Production Controller to support our manufacturing planning and production control team.. This position will serve on-site at Deployables Operation Unit in Oxnard ...

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Production Controller information

See California salary details

$40.5K

$60.6K

$91.8K

How much do production controller jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for production controller in California is $60,622.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,300.00 and $61,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Production Controller vs Production Planner?

AspectProduction ControllerProduction Planner
CredentialsTypically requires a diploma or degree in manufacturing, logistics, or related fieldsSimilar educational background, often with certifications in supply chain or production planning
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, factories, or production facilitiesOffice settings within manufacturing or supply chain departments
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and industrial sectorsCommonly found in manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain industries
Primary FocusOverseeing production schedules, coordinating resources, and ensuring timely outputPlanning production activities, forecasting needs, and scheduling

While both roles are integral to manufacturing operations, a Production Controller manages day-to-day production activities and resource coordination, whereas a Production Planner focuses on creating production schedules and forecasting demand. Understanding these differences helps in selecting the right career path or job role within manufacturing environments.

What are some typical challenges faced by production controllers and how can they be managed effectively?

Production Controllers often encounter challenges such as managing tight production schedules, coordinating between multiple departments, and responding to unexpected delays or resource shortages. To manage these effectively, it’s important to maintain clear communication with production teams and suppliers, regularly monitor progress against plans, and use scheduling software to adjust workflows in real time. Developing strong problem-solving skills and building good relationships with colleagues in procurement, logistics, and operations can also help Production Controllers proactively address issues and keep production running smoothly.

What is a production controller?

A production controller develops and oversees machinery usage and processes in a production facility to ensure efficient systems. As a production controller, your duties include supervising maintenance staff members, making sure they are servicing and taking care of machinery and equipment properly, adhering to production schedules, and tracking deliveries and shipments to the facility to make sure they are proceeding normally. A career as a production controller requires some formal education and qualifications, which often includes experience in manual labor management, skills related to organizational, scheduling, and budgetary tasks, and the ability to oversee and coordinate multiple tasks and with several departments. You must have strong verbal and written communication and leadership skills to lead team members and explain production strategies.

What does a production controller do?

A Production Controller is responsible for coordinating and managing the production process within a manufacturing or industrial setting. This role involves planning production schedules, monitoring workflow, and ensuring that materials and resources are available to meet production targets. Production Controllers also work closely with other departments, such as procurement and quality assurance, to resolve any issues that could delay or disrupt production. Their efforts help to optimize efficiency, minimize costs, and ensure timely delivery of products.

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

To thrive as a Production Controller, you need strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and a background in production planning or supply chain management, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems, production scheduling software, and proficiency in Excel are typically required. Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills help you coordinate between departments and adapt to changing priorities. These competencies ensure efficient production processes, timely delivery, and cost-effective operations in a manufacturing environment.
What job categories do people searching Production Controller jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Production Controller jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Production Controller jobs? Cities in California with the most Production Controller job openings:
Infographic showing various Production Controller job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,622 per year, or $29.1 per hour.

$28 - $37.50/hr

Other

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

IEM is currently seeking a Production Controller for our Fremont, CA team, and will report into the Senior Director of Operations. The Production Controller is primarily responsible for assisting the Production Department with all potential production constraints. You will be coordinating production activities to ensure optimal utilization and timely delivery of products.  This role will mitigate current and future risks of anything that could negatively impact on time completion of finished goods.

Please note: This position requires 100% in-office presence in our Fremont location and does not offer remote work.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Monitor work-in-progress (WIP) and communicate potential schedule changes as needed to accommodate production delays, disruptions, expedites, material shortages, customer cancellations, or recovery plans.
  • Track and report production status as needed
  • Identify potential bottlenecks and help to implement solutions to meet delivery deadlines when needed.
  • Provide support to the Production Planners and schedulers.
  • Orchestrate communication with engineering, procurement, quality, maintenance and any other department needs that will hinder production.
  • Generate and maintain weekly production reports if required by the Manufacturing Supervisor or Planning Manager.
  • Document history as needed.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives
  • Adhere to established safety guidelines.
  • Adheres to scheduling policies, processes and procedures.
  • The candidate will be expected to perform additional duties as assigned to support the team and organization

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, Operations or a related field. 4 years of relative experience in lieu of a degree will also be considered.
  • Related co-op or internship experience in a manufacturing environment highly preferred.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office products such as Excel, Teams and Outlook.
  • Understanding of how an ERP System flows.
  • Proficient verbal and written communication skills. Must be comfortable with organizing discussions across all levels of the organization.
  • Organizational skills, including coordinating tasks, schedules, and resources to keep everything running smoothly.
  • Interpersonal skills such as building rapport with team members, stakeholders, and other departments.
  • Demonstrated career ambition with a track record of growth and increasing responsibility; highly promotable with the potential to take on broader leadership roles within a fast-paced, high-growth organization

Compensation actually offered for this role will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. 

[Compensation: USD $28.00 - $37.50/hr]