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Vehicle Assembly Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

FLAG Solutions LLC

Assembly Technician

Torrance, CA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Perform bumper-to-bumper vehicle assembly and mechanical installation work * Diagnose and troubleshoot assembly and fitment issues * Read and interpret: * * Assembly instructions * Work orders

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Rezvani

Composite Car Assembly and Fabricator

Irvine, CA · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

Join Rezvani Motors, a leader in high-performance automotive design and fabrication, as a Composite Vehicle Assembly and Fabrication specialist. This exciting position offers the opportunity to work ...

Waymo

Senior Vehicle Interior Engineer

Mountain View, CA · Hybrid

$123K - $169K/yr

Understanding of typical vehicle assembly strategies and sequence to inform shingling of components We prefer: * You are or have been a strong individual contributor, having owned areas of a car from ...

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All JobsVehicle Assembly JobsVehicle Assembly Jobs in California

Vehicle Assembly information

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How much do vehicle assembly jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for vehicle assembly in California is $16.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in vehicle assembly, and why are they important?

To thrive in Vehicle Assembly, you need a strong understanding of mechanical systems, manual dexterity, attention to detail, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with assembly line tools, torque wrenches, pneumatic tools, and sometimes experience with manufacturing software or certifications like OSHA safety training are important. Teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and a strong work ethic help individuals excel in this role. These skills and qualities ensure vehicles are assembled correctly, efficiently, and safely, maintaining quality standards and meeting production targets.

What is vehicle assembly?

Vehicle assembly refers to the process of putting together various parts and components to build a complete vehicle, such as a car or truck. This process usually takes place in an assembly plant, where workers and machines collaborate to install engines, transmissions, wiring, interiors, and other essential parts. Vehicle assembly involves multiple stages, including body construction, painting, and final assembly. The goal is to ensure each vehicle meets quality and safety standards before it leaves the factory.

What are some common challenges faced in a vehicle assembly role, and how can new hires effectively overcome them?

One common challenge in vehicle assembly is adapting to the fast-paced, repetitive nature of the work while maintaining high attention to detail and quality standards. New hires may also find it challenging to quickly learn and follow standardized operating procedures for different vehicle models. To overcome these challenges, it's important to actively participate in training sessions, communicate with team leads or experienced coworkers when unsure, and regularly review safety and quality protocols. Building good teamwork skills and staying organized can also help ease the transition and boost productivity on the assembly line.

What is the difference between Vehicle Assembly vs Vehicle Manufacturing?

AspectVehicle AssemblyVehicle Manufacturing
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, technical trainingHigh school diploma, technical skills, sometimes certifications
Work EnvironmentAssembly lines, factory floorsFactory floors, production plants
Industry UsagePart of the manufacturing process, focused on assembling componentsEncompasses the entire production process from raw materials to finished vehicle
Common Search/ComparisonVehicle AssemblyVehicle Manufacturing

Vehicle Assembly involves putting together pre-made parts on an assembly line, focusing on the final construction of vehicles. Vehicle Manufacturing covers the entire process, including sourcing raw materials, parts production, and assembly. While both roles are integral to vehicle production, assembly is a subset of manufacturing, emphasizing the assembly line work.

What are popular job titles related to Vehicle Assembly jobs in California? For Vehicle Assembly jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Vehicle Assembly jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Vehicle Assembly jobs in California are:
Vehicle Assembly jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vehicle Assembly job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,710 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Vehicle Assembly and Service Technician

Saildrone

Alameda, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

THE COMPANY
Saildrone is a maritime defense company and the global leader in autonomous unmanned surface vehicles (USVs). With more ocean miles and real-world operational experience than any USV manufacturer or operator, Saildrone maintains active, combat-deployed systems supporting national security and force projection around the world, 24/7/365.
Saildrone's manufacturing and R&D headquarters are located in Alameda, CA, with business development and sales operations in Washington, DC, and deployment hubs in Europe and the Middle East. By combining proven autonomous operations, edge computing, advanced sensing, renewable power, and the most advanced and robust unmanned surface technology on the planet, Saildrone is shaping how the Navy of the future operates. Join a fast-moving, mission-driven team at the forefront of maritime security and autonomous innovation.
THE POSITION
Saildrone is seeking a Vehicle Assembly & Service Technician to join our Vehicle Assembly and Service team. Reporting to the Vehicle Operations Manager, you will collaborate with a variety of teams in engineering, operations, and production. You will interact with clients and lead teams, both in the shop and around the world, to execute assembly and service operations. You will help turn in-field realities into product improvements, serving as an important link between our end users and the teams at Saildrone who design our products. We are looking for a hands-on technical leader who sets high standards, thrives in demanding field environments, and translates heavy industrial and marine experience into mission success.
THE TEAM
Saildrone's autonomous surface vehicles operate for unprecedented periods of time in the most unforgiving environments on the planet. From inside of hurricanes to the frigid waters of the Arctic, the stresses they endure are immense. The technical execution of preparing the vehicles for their mission and servicing their constituent parts must be performed with a high degree of skill and consistency. The Vehicle Assembly & Service Team is responsible for constructing and servicing Saildrone vehicles as well as training and leading others to do the same.
THE RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Fleet Assembly & Service: Lead the assembly and service workflows for the Saildrone vehicle fleet, ensuring all drones are fully mission-capable and optimized for maximum operational uptime.
  • Technical Execution: Apply fundamentally sound mechanical and electrical skills to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair equipment in a challenging field environment.
  • Global Field Operations: Travel domestically and internationally to execute the deployment, recovery, and repair of Saildrone vehicles.
  • External Training & Mentorship: Lead the technical development of the team and train contractors, clients, and other third parties on complex technical procedures, including vehicle assembly and servicing.
  • Professional Representation: Act as a brand ambassador for Saildrone, maintaining high levels of self-awareness and professionalism during all interactions with clients and internal colleagues.
  • Continuous Improvement: Proactively assess current workflows, in-field assembly procedures, and vehicle designs to provide feedback that increases safety, consistency, and overall efficiency.
THE QUALIFICATIONS
  • 5 or more years of experience executing operations involving the application of fundamentally sound electrical and mechanical skills while performing a technical service role in a field, shipyard, or heavy industrial environment; must be able to follow service instructions/diagrams and use tools ranging from basic hand tools to heavy equipment and rigging required.
  • Ability to lead and work in teams, including third-party contractors, to execute operational plans and deliver on contractual obligations; must be able to simplify technical concepts and product knowledge to teach and coach end-users on vehicle assembly and service required.
  • Strong organizational habits and a willingness to define, follow, and improve safety, process, and work standards while maintaining appropriate records and inventories required.
  • U.S. Person Status and eligible for a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance; willingness to support 50% - 75% domestic and international travel required.
  • Desire and ability to provide industry-defining customer service for both external customers and Saildrone colleagues required.
  • Prior experience planning, leading, and performing technically complex operations in the field for a global OEM servicing the automotive, aerospace, shipyard, offshore oil and gas, heavy civil/mining, renewable energy, or telecommunications industries preferred.
  • Experience in a fast-paced, start-up environment or an advanced serviceability / manufacturability of design role, with the ability to develop technical repair content to support global standardization and service documentation preferred.
  • Ability to systematically isolate, diagnose, and repair issues on electro-mechanical systems in a marine environment preferred.
  • Personal or professional experience on or near water, including familiarity with rigging, mooring, and basic boat handling principles preferred.
  • Experience with heavy equipment loading, shipping preparation, offloading, and relocation. Proficiency in driving forklifts, lifting machines, and crane operation preferred.
  • Experience driving 30+ ft twin-engine powerboats with vehicles in tow and general experience at sea preferred.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Must be willing to travel domestically and internationally 50-75% of the time, which includes renting and operating motor vehicles.
  • Ability to stand for extended periods and perform a full range of physical motions, including bending, crouching, stooping, crawling, kneeling, and reaching overhead in a shipyard or industrial setting.
  • Proficiency in both fine manipulation and gross motor skills required to assemble, calibrate, and repair intricate electro-mechanical components.
  • Able to pass a respirator fit test, wear a respirator and other specialized Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for extended durations when required by safety protocols.
  • Comfort working at heights, within confined spaces, and in extreme temperatures or weather conditions typical of maritime field operations.
  • Maintained visual acuity to inspect technical assemblies and hearing/speaking capabilities to ensure clear, safe communication within a high-decibel or active work zone.
  • Excellent physical balance and coordination to safely navigate docks, vessels, and uneven surfaces while handling equipment or tools.

The base salary range for this position is shown below. Actual compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and qualifications. This range reflects the base salary for candidates in states requiring pay transparency disclosure.
Salary Range
$90,000-$120,000 USD
To view Saildrone's candidate privacy policy, please visit: https://www.saildrone.com/privacy-policy.
BENEFITS
At Saildrone, we're building operational capability that matters-and that requires people who can do their best work over the long term. We invest in our team's well-being, financial security, and professional growth so you can focus on delivering real-world impact with confidence and stability. Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support you and your family while you contribute to a mission with lasting significance.
  • Generous Time Off: Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual plus a robust annual holiday schedule and paid sick leave ensure you can rest, reset, and sustain performance over time.
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Premium, multi-tier Medical, Dental, and Vision plans with significant company contributions for employees and dependents-providing security and peace of mind.
  • Shared Ownership in the Mission: Equity grants are a core part of our compensation, allowing you to participate in the long-term value you help create through meaningful, operational work.
  • Retirement Savings: Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with flexible pre-tax and Roth payroll contribution options supports long-term financial planning.
  • Investment in Your Growth: We support your continuous learning through an annual professional development reimbursement program, empowering you to sharpen your skills and stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving field.
  • Relocation Support: For eligible roles, we offer relocation assistance to help bring the world's best talent to our mission-critical locations.

Saildrone is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

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