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Smart Factory Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Flex Ltd.

Operations Engineering Director

Milpitas, CA · On-site

Champion advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0 initiatives through the deployment of robotics, vision systems, smart factory technologies, real-time analytics, and data-driven process controls to ...

Flex

Sr Director, Operations Engineering

San Jose, CA · On-site

Sponsor advanced manufacturing initiatives including AI-enabled solutions, smart factory technologies, data analytics, and digital engineering tools. * Ensure automation investments deliver ...

Flex

Operations Engineering Director

Milpitas, CA · On-site

Champion advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0 initiatives through the deployment of robotics, vision systems, smart factory technologies, real-time analytics, and data-driven process controls to ...

3ds

AI Factory Solution Experience Manager

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$155K - $180K/yr

... or smart manufacturing initiatives * Strong knowledge and understanding of the AI Factories and ... high-tech domain * Demonstrated success in managing digital transformation projects * Experience ...

Hanwha Convergence

O&M Field Technician 1

Mojave, CA · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

In addition, we are a trusted smart factory solutions provider, supplying top-notch integrated control and monitoring systems. Our company is committed to bringing tomorrow's dreams to life and ...

Siemens

$18.25 - $23.75/hr

Smart Buildings Energy Engineering Internship Location: San Diego area office Undergraduate: Rising ... resource-efficient factories, resilient supply chains, and smarter buildings and grids, to ...

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All JobsSmart Factory JobsSmart Factory Jobs in California

Smart Factory information

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$10

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How much do smart factory jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 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 are popular job titles related to Smart Factory jobs in California?

For Smart Factory jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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:

Smart Factory jobs near you
Infographic showing various Smart Factory job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,615 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Head of Factory Engineering

San Leandro, CA • On-site

Inlyte Energy
See more jobs at Inlyte Energyexternal

$190K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

About Us
Every day shows the increasing need for low-cost, reliable, and safe energy sources. Solar and wind are now the most economic sources of electricity. The challenge is affordable energy storage. An electrical grid powered by renewables requires massive investments in energy storage technologies. Lithium-ion batteries have been deployed on the grid, but the world needs solutions that are lower cost with longer lifetime and better safety, and which are not limited by raw materials availability and foreign supply chains.
At Inlyte, we are driven by a deep-seated hope based on human potential. Our team is transforming the proven sodium metal chloride battery technology into a solution to meet the energy needs of today. Made of iron and sodium, our energy storage systems are built from naturally abundant and inexpensive raw materials. Proven benefits include:
  • Low cost materials and manufacturing
  • Safe, durable in extreme temperatures, long-lifetime, with high round-trip efficiency
  • Domestically-sourced production without supply chain constraints

Inlyte Energy is backed by top tier VCs along with large industrial strategic investors and includes the pioneers and world experts on sodium metal chloride batteries on its team.
Role and Responsibilities
Bringing up a new factory in the US is an exciting opportunity. This role will collaborate closely with a team that has established a pilot line in the UK and has extensive experience in the field of sodium metal chloride batteries. This is a once-in-a-career opportunity to scale a technology backed by 40+ years of research in order to shape the electrical grid of tomorrow.
This position will report to the Head of Operations and be in the Bay Area at our Headquarters in San Leandro. We are in the midst of finding our first factory within the western part of the US. As such, there will be travel required.
Key responsibilities include:
  • Equipment selection (eg. kilns, semi-automation, automation, chemical hoppers, cyclers, laser welders) and commissioning for a 300K square foot facility. This includes a solid RFQ process focused on cost, quality and safety.
  • Hiring of a team of talented engineers to bring this factory to fruition.
  • Process development.
  • Use of KPIs such as yield, takt time and volumes to ensure high equipment uptime and product quality
  • After this first factory is built and yielding a high quality product, there will be an opportunity to expand these strategies for follow-on factories and products.

Minimum Requirements
  • Engineering degree with 10+ years experience in management
  • Proven background bringing up large scale manufacturing facilities. Factory will have manual, semi-automated and automated equipment but also kilns and chemical hoppers.
  • Has hired and built effective teams
  • Deep understanding and applied experience in Lean Manufacturing, PFMEA strategies, automated factories and equipment (SCADA, MES/ERP integration, AI for manufacturing).
  • Desire to use/create leading edge systems and strategies like AI, vision systems, digital twins, smart sensors, IOT, edge computing, predictive maintenance, energy optimization, decarbonized heat systems
  • Thrives in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments
  • Financially savvy with the ability to justify an ROI
  • Effective communicator. Partner with R&D to scale from lab to factory-ready processes with robust quality control. Collaborating with the facilities team for specialized environments.
  • Ability to travel to our UK site and factory site(s) as needed
  • Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to thrive in a dynamic start-up environment
  • A good listener with integrity and humility. A champion of our Practices of Safety, Determination, Teamwork, Humility and Joy.

Preferred Requirements
  • Experience in multiple manufacturing processes and technologies including ceramic pressing and firing, automated battery cell and module assembly, and large scale automation
  • Experience with GMP, ISO 9001/14001
  • Experience with sustainability and waste handling
  • PLM management know-how, including protecting/creating manufacturing IP

Benefits
  • Incentive stock options based on Bay Area comps regardless of location
  • Medical, vision, and dental insurance and short term disability (100% of employee's insurance premium and 75% of dependants)
  • 40 hours of paid sick time
  • Hybrid commute option for Bay Area employees
  • Unlimited PTO policy
  • Compensation range for Bay Area: $190k-$250K depending on qualifications, location, and experience

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive community. We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all of the qualifications.

Apply