Production Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Bonus based on performance
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Vision insurance

Peak Laboratories LLC is a leading manufacturer of advanced gas chromatography instruments used in semiconductor process control worldwide. We are seeking a highly motivated Production Engineer to support and optimize manufacturing operations while driving continuous improvement initiatives across production, quality, and supply chain functions.

Reporting directly to the Production Manager, the Production Engineer will be responsible for improving manufacturing efficiency, supporting production schedules, troubleshooting technical issues, implementing process improvements, and ensuring consistent product quality. This role combines hands-on manufacturing support with engineering analysis and project management in a fast-paced, growing organization.

The ideal candidate is a proactive problem solver with strong mechanical and electrical aptitude, excellent organizational skills, and a passion for continuous improvement.

• Support daily manufacturing activities to ensure production schedules and delivery commitments are achieved.
• Work closely with production technicians and assemblers to resolve manufacturing issues and remove operational bottlenecks.
• Provide hands-on technical support for product assembly, testing, calibration, and troubleshooting activities.
• Assist with production planning and resource allocation to maximize throughput and efficiency.
• Participate in production readiness reviews for new products, engineering changes, and customer-specific configurations.

• Analyze manufacturing processes, workflows, and production data to identify opportunities for increased efficiency, quality, and cost reduction.
• Develop and implement lean manufacturing initiatives, standardized work instructions, and best practices.
• Lead root cause investigations and corrective actions related to production issues, quality concerns, and equipment performance.
• Monitor key manufacturing metrics and recommend improvements based on data-driven analysis.
• Support continuous improvement projects focused on productivity, cycle time reduction, inventory optimization, and manufacturing scalability.

• Create and maintain manufacturing procedures, work instructions, process documentation, and engineering records.
• Ensure manufacturing documentation remains accurate and current following design or process changes.
• Collaborate with Quality and Engineering teams to investigate nonconformances and implement corrective actions.
• Support product quality initiatives and ensure compliance with company standards and customer requirements.
• Participate in internal audits and quality improvement programs as needed.

• Monitor manufacturing equipment performance and coordinate preventive maintenance activities.
• Assist with the installation, qualification, and validation of new production equipment and tooling.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing equipment and work with vendors when necessary to resolve technical issues.
• Recommend equipment upgrades and automation opportunities to improve operational performance.

• Partner with Engineering, Supply Chain, Purchasing, Quality, and Customer Support teams to improve overall operational effectiveness.
• Support Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and facilitate smooth implementation into manufacturing.
• Assist with forecasting material requirements and inventory planning activities.
• Participate in new product introduction (NPI) activities and manufacturing transfer projects.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 3+ years of manufacturing, production engineering, process engineering, or related experience.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, assembly operations, and production workflows.
• Experience troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, or electromechanical systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel for data analysis and reporting.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, hands‑on manufacturing environment.

• Experience in instrument manufacturing, semiconductor equipment, analytical instrumentation, or related industries.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S, Kaizen, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and production planning tools.
• Familiarity with quality management systems and corrective/preventive action processes.
• Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) and engineering change implementation.
• Basic CAD experience and ability to interpret engineering drawings and schematics.

• Ability to work on the manufacturing floor for extended periods.
• Ability to lift materials and equipment up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to use hand tools, test equipment, and manufacturing equipment safely.