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Smart Factory Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Director, Corporate FP&A

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$170K - $240K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Cell Shuttles will be deployed in Cellares' Smart Factories around the world to meet total patient demand for cell therapies at global scale. Partnering with Cellares enables academics, biotechs, and ...

Senior Systems Engineer

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$124K - $137K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Cell Shuttles will be deployed in Cellares' Smart Factories around the world to meet total patient demand for cell therapies at global scale. Partnering with Cellares enables academics, biotechs, and ...

Cell Shuttles will be deployed in Cellares' Smart Factories around the world to meet total patient demand for cell therapies at global scale. Partnering with Cellares enables academics, biotechs, and ...

Cell Shuttles will be deployed in Cellares' Smart Factories around the world to meet total patient demand for cell therapies at global scale. Partnering with Cellares enables academics, biotechs, and ...

Senior Systems Engineer

South San Francisco, CA

$124K - $137K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Cell Shuttles will be deployed in Cellares' Smart Factories around the world to meet total patient demand for cell therapies at global scale. Partnering with Cellares enables academics, biotechs, and ...

Director, Corporate FP&A

South San Francisco, CA

$170K - $240K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Cell Shuttles will be deployed in Cellares' Smart Factories around the world to meet total patient demand for cell therapies at global scale. Partnering with Cellares enables academics, biotechs, and ...

Alliance Manager

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$90K - $210K/yr

Cell Shuttles will be deployed in Cellares' Smart Factories around the world to meet total patient demand for cell therapies at global scale. Partnering with Cellares enables academics, biotechs, and ...

Alliance Manager

South San Francisco, CA

$90K - $210K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Cell Shuttles will be deployed in Cellares' Smart Factories around the world to meet total patient demand for cell therapies at global scale. Partnering with Cellares enables academics, biotechs, and ...

Showing results 21-40

Smart Factory information

See California salary details

$10

$16

$21

How much do smart factory jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for smart factory in California is $16.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a smart factory?

A Smart Factory is a highly digitalized and connected production facility that relies on advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and big data analytics to optimize manufacturing processes. In a Smart Factory, machines and systems are interconnected, enabling real-time data sharing and automated decision-making. This results in improved efficiency, productivity, and flexibility, as well as reduced downtime and costs. Smart Factories are a key component of Industry 4.0, representing the future of manufacturing.

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

To thrive as a Smart Factory Engineer, you need a solid background in industrial engineering, automation, and data analytics, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), industrial IoT platforms, robotics, and certifications like Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing is typically required. Strong problem-solving, adaptability, and cross-functional communication skills set top candidates apart in this field. These capabilities are crucial for optimizing production processes, ensuring operational efficiency, and driving innovation in highly automated manufacturing environments.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a smart factory environment?

Professionals in Smart Factories often encounter challenges such as integrating new technologies with legacy equipment, managing and securing large volumes of data, and adapting to rapidly changing automation systems. Collaboration across multidisciplinary teams—including IT, engineering, and production—is crucial to address these issues effectively. Additionally, staying current with emerging digital tools and maintaining cybersecurity standards can be demanding but offers significant opportunities for professional growth and innovation.

What is the difference between Smart Factory vs Automation Engineer?

AspectSmart FactoryAutomation Engineer
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in IoT, Industry 4.0Engineering degree, certifications in control systems, PLC programming
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, integrated digital systemsIndustrial settings, control rooms, manufacturing facilities
Industry UsageIndustry 4.0, smart manufacturingAutomation, control systems, robotics

Smart Factory refers to a highly integrated, digital manufacturing environment utilizing IoT and Industry 4.0 technologies. Automation Engineers focus on designing, implementing, and maintaining automation systems like PLCs and robotics. While both roles operate within manufacturing settings and require technical credentials, Smart Factory encompasses a broader digital transformation concept, whereas Automation Engineers specialize in automation system development and maintenance.

What happens in a smart factory?

A smart factory uses advanced technologies like automation, sensors, and data analytics to optimize manufacturing processes. It enables real-time monitoring, improved efficiency, and flexible production through interconnected systems and IoT devices, often requiring skills in programming, data analysis, and equipment operation.

What job categories do people searching Smart Factory jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Smart Factory jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Smart Factory job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,615 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Research Associate, Process Development (I,II,III)

Cellares

South San Francisco, CA

$20 - $50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Position Summary

Cellares is seeking an innovative and highly motivated Research Associate to join the Process Development team. This individual will interface across many parts of the company and contribute significantly to the development of our advanced cell therapy manufacturing platform.  

The primary focus of this position is to support the design and execution of experiments, as well as development of standard processes using the Cellares platform. The ideal candidate will be multidisciplinary and have hands-on experience in process development. 

Candidates should also enjoy working in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment, and be prepared to tackle a broad selection of challenges as the company grows.

Responsibilities
  • Under supervision of scientists, the candidate is expected to provide hands-on support to small-scale and scale-up experiments and overall development of the Cellares advanced cell therapy manufacturing platform 

  • Support cell line maintenance and leukopak processing, including isolation, activation, gene modification, expansion and cryopreservation

  • Contribute to high-quality technical documents, procedures, reports

  • Contribute to analysis and presentation of technical results at departmental meetings

  • Support technology characterization experiments informing internal equipment and consumables performance evaluation

  • Perform routine laboratory activities including ordering and equipment qualification/maintenance

Requirements
  • BS/MS or equivalent in Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Biology, Biochemistry, or related field

  • 0-4 years of process development or cGMP manufacturing experience in the cell therapy or bioprocessing field

  • Hands-on experience in aseptic technique; experience in primary immune cell culture or bioreactors preferred

  • Hands-on experience with semi-automated instruments for cell therapy manufacturing

  • Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail

  • Strong technical writing skills and experience authoring SOPs and reports

  • Creative, self-motivated, eager to take on a wide variety of tasks and grow with evolving technology

  • Self-awareness, integrity, authenticity, and a growth mindset

$20 - $50 an hour
Cellares total compensation package contains competitive base salaries, highly subsidized Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans, 401(k) Matching, Free EV Charging, and Onsite lunches. All displayed pay ranges are approximate, negotiable, and location dependent.
This is Cellares

Cellares is the first Integrated Development and Manufacturing Organization (IDMO) and takes an Industry 4.0 approach to mass manufacturing the living drugs of the 21st century. The company is both developing and operating integrated technologies for cell therapy manufacturing to accelerate access to life-saving cell therapies. The company's Cell Shuttle integrates all the technologies required for the entire manufacturing process in a flexible and high-throughput platform that delivers true walk-away, end-to-end automation. Cell Shuttles will be deployed in Cellares' Smart Factories around the world to meet total patient demand for cell therapies at global scale. Partnering with Cellares enables academics, biotechs, and pharma companies to accelerate drug development and scale out manufacturing, lower process failure rates, lower manufacturing costs, and meet global patient demand.
The company is headquartered in South San Francisco, California with its commercial-scale IDMO Smart Factory in Bridgewater, New Jersey. The company is backed by world-class investors and has raised over $355 million in financing.

Leveling will be based on overall experience, education, and demonstration of knowledge throughout the interview process.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. 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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About Cellares

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

South San Francisco, CA, US

Year founded

2019