1St Shift Entry Level Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

1st shift - Entry Level Machine Operator

Experience in manufacturing, long-term opportunity

$20 - $24/hr

6am to 2:30pm

INTERVIEW AND START ASAP

Job Description

This role supports the production of advanced compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel storage systems and tanks for trucks and large commercial vehicles. As a Production Associate on the 1st shift, you will perform mechanical assembly, operate manufacturing equipment, and support multiple production stations to ensure high-quality products are built safely, accurately, and on time.

Responsibilities

• Interpret and follow detailed work instructions, procedures, and visual instruction sheets to complete production tasks accurately.
• Operate assembly tools, fixtures, and specialized equipment to build fuel storage systems and related components.
• Perform mechanical assembly tasks using hand and power tools, ensuring all work meets quality and safety standards.
• Assist with filament winding operations, including resin application, resin squeezing, tool cleaning, and setting up floor mats.
• Support rotomolding processes by preparing materials, loading raw materials such as resin and paxon, and performing boss recovery tasks.
• Carry out tank labeling and foam dome installation with precision, ensuring proper identification and configuration.
• Assemble and package products to meet or exceed quality standards and delivery timelines.
• Lift, move, and position raw materials, finished products, and packed items, including loads up to 50 pounds.
• Clean and lubricate equipment to maintain smooth and reliable operation.
• Dispose of scrap resin, fiber, cardboard, and other production waste according to procedures.
• Maintain housekeeping and 5S standards to keep the work area organized, safe, and efficient.
• Rotate through multiple production stations, including rotomold operation, filament winding, trailer assembly, tube bending, and dome/label stations as needed.
• As a Rotomold Operator, use injection mold machines to form tanks and monitor equipment for proper operation.
• Support winding operations by wrapping tanks with resin and protective layers, learning troubleshooting techniques and working with composite materials such as carbon fiber.
• Work as a Trailer Assembler to prepare tanks for installation on trucks, including performing or supporting pressure tests.
• Perform tube bending tasks, installing and shaping metal tubing and safety equipment around tanks.
• Work on adapters, volumetric checks, end-of-line domes, and labeling by measuring tanks, checking pressurization (including immersion in water tanks to check for bubbles), and verifying correct pressure levels.
• Collaborate with team members and supervisors to meet production goals and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Work mandatory overtime when required, which may include extended shifts and occasional Saturdays.

Essential Skills

• Prefer at least 1.5 years of machine operating or production/manufacturing experience.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and comfort working with mechanical assemblies and equipment.
• Experience and proficiency with hand tools and power tools, with the ability to name and describe common tools found in a toolbox.
• Ability to read and follow detailed work instructions and procedures.
• Capability to lift up to 50 pounds safely and repeatedly during the shift.
• Willingness and ability to work 50–60 hour work weeks when required, including potential 12-hour days and some Saturdays.
• Comfort working in a manufacturing environment with multiple machines running.
• Ability to wear and use required personal protective equipment, including steel-toe boots.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to product quality and safety.
• Reliability and punctuality for a 1st shift schedule (typically 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with possible start time at 5:00 a.m. for overtime).

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with visual instruction sheets, routers, or blueprints is a plus.
• Familiarity with torque wrenches is a plus.
• Experience with resin, epoxy, composite materials, Kevlar, prepreg, fiberglass, or carbon fiber is beneficial.
• Experience in general production, assembly, construction, or similar hands-on roles is advantageous.
• Experience working with machine operating, general production, or composite material processes is a plus.
• Comfort working with pressure testing equipment and understanding basic pressure concepts is helpful but not required.

Why Work Here?

You will join a clean, modern manufacturing operation focused on advanced fuel system technology, where safety, quality, and continuous improvement are highly valued. The organization offers a full benefits package, paid time off including vacation, and a 401(k) plan, supporting both your financial future and work-life balance. You will gain hands-on experience with advanced manufacturing processes and composite materials, with opportunities to learn multiple stations and broaden your technical skills in a supportive team environment.

Work Environment

The role is based in a very clean, large manufacturing facility with multiple machines running, designed to be a comfortable and organized environment rather than a heavily industrial setting.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lake Forest, CA.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $24.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Lake Forest,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 14, 2026.

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.