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Smart Factory Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Staff Industrial Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$81K - $110K/yr

Support implementation of Industry 4.0, Smart Factory, and Digital Manufacturing initiatives. * Lead productivity transformation projects involving robotics, autonomous material handling, machine ...

Staff Industrial Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$81K - $110K/yr

Support implementation of Industry 4.0, Smart Factory, and Digital Manufacturing initiatives. * Lead productivity transformation projects involving robotics, autonomous material handling, machine ...

Showing results 41-60

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 are popular job titles related to Smart Factory jobs in California?

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

Infographic showing various Smart Factory job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,615 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Alliance Manager

Cellares

South San Francisco, CA • On-site

$90K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Position Summary
Cellares is seeking an Alliance Manager who will be responsible for ensuring client satisfaction and successful program coordination and communication, both internally and externally. The successful candidate will be well versed in cell and gene therapy manufacturing, as well as experienced in client relations and alliance management.
This is a multidisciplinary role & this individual will interface across many parts of the company (with commercial teams, process, analytical, and operational groups)to develop the best solutions possible. Effective communication, creative problem solving, and acting with a sense of urgency are essential for this role.
Candidates should enjoy working in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment, and be prepared to tackle a broad selection of challenges as the company grows.
Responsibilities
  • Interface directly with partners and clients from program initiation to closeout
  • Provide periodic updates via email, in-person and/or zoom with regards to project milestones, schedule, budget, and deliverables
  • Investigate and resolve problems, identifying root cause, and propose process improvements through clear communication with internal teams
  • Capture and document requirements from external and internal stakeholders
  • Generate program related documentation, including but not limited to timelines, communication templates, status dashboards, tracking tools, presentation decks, and final reports
  • Work with internal subject matter experts to assist in and respond to any partner or client questions and ad hoc requests during the duration of the program
  • Continually work to streamline processes by creating more efficient methods of gathering, sorting and accessing data
  • Interface and develop strong working relationships with all internal subject matter experts across the organization
  • Drive overall customer satisfaction and participation in future partnerships or adoption of Cellares' Technology Solutions
  • Lead cross functional meetings and facilitate discussions internally and with external partners

Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
  • 5+ years of relevant professional experience
  • Experience with project/program managing in a manufacturing environment and interfacing directly with external partners
  • Experience in a regulated biotech or pharmaceutical setting with proven competency and expertise in the GMP manufacturing of cell-based therapies
  • 1+ year of experience in client services directly interfacing with partners and/or clients
  • Excellent verbal and written communication, time management, attention to detail, problem solving, acting with a sense of urgency, and enthusiasm
  • High level of customer empathy with active listening skills
  • Enjoys problem-solving in a dynamic and rapidly changing environment
  • Experience using Google Apps, Project Management Tools (ie SmartSheet or TeamGantt) and CRM applications such as Salesforce

$90,000 - $210,000 a year
Cellares total compensation package contains competitive base salaries, highly subsidized Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans, 401(k) Matching, Free EV Charging, Onsite lunches, and Stock options. 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