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3Rd Shift Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... engineers, quality, production control, and shop personnel to resolve machining or quality issues ... Temp-to-hire. - Schedule: 3rd shift, Monday at midnight, Tuesday 12:00 AM through Saturday 8:00 AM ...

Maintenance Mechanic 1 (3rd Shift)

Commerce, CA · On-site

$26.25 - $32.75/hr

Maintenance work hours are subject to vary. * 3rd Shift Production Hours: 8:15pm - 4:30am In this ... Lead and/or assist with local Engineering upgrades and projects. Qualifications * High School ...

Ability to read mechanical and electrical and/or engineering blueprints, drawings and schematics ... Additional $2 shift differential when working in the 3rd shift. Equal Opportunity Employer ...

Ability to read mechanical and electrical and/or engineering blueprints, drawings and schematics ... Additional $2 shift differential when working in the 3rd shift. Equal Opportunity Employer ...

This is a third shift position from 11:00 PM to 7:30 AM Saturday's through Wednesday's. For the ... Assists Engineering in developing test procedures for new products * Monitors consumables required ...

$24 - $28/hr

... SRE, Gopfort gluer stitcher, unitizer, and Guillotine cutter. The Laminator operator requires ... * 3rd Shift: Sunday - Thursday from 10:15pm until 6:15am The Benefits of Great Northern

$24 - $28/hr

... SRE, Gopfort gluer stitcher, unitizer, and Guillotine cutter. The Laminator operator requires ... * 3rd Shift: Sunday - Thursday from 10:15pm until 6:15am The Benefits of Great Northern

Mechanic, Maintenance - 3rd Shift

Lake Forest, CA · On-site

$26.25 - $33.75/hr

The Maintenance Mechanic - 3rd Shift (11:00pm - 7:30am) is responsible for maintenance and repair ... Good understanding of Programmable Logic Controller functions and strong ability with ...

Mechanic, Maintenance - 3rd Shift

Lake Forest, CA · On-site

$26.25 - $33.75/hr

The Maintenance Mechanic - 3rd Shift (11:00pm - 7:30am) is responsible for maintenance and repair ... Good understanding of Programmable Logic Controller functions and strong ability with ...

Mechanic, Maintenance - 3rd Shift

Lake Forest, CA · On-site

$26.25 - $33.75/hr

The Maintenance Mechanic - 3rd Shift (11:00pm - 7:30am) is responsible for maintenance and repair ... Good understanding of Programmable Logic Controller functions and strong ability with ...

Be Seen First

Lead and coordinate all activities within the injection mold shop during the 3rd shift, ensuring ... Troubleshoot engineering issues related to industrial equipment, robotic systems, and manufacturing ...

General Helper - 3rd Shift

Poway, CA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

We are looking for a General Helper to join our 3rd shift manufacturing team which will help ... May make necessary layouts on parts, if required, working from shop travelers, engineering drawings ...

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3Rd Shift Engineering information

See California salary details

$9

$24

$40

How much do 3rd shift engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for 3rd shift engineering in California is $24.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.42 and $28.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is 3rd shift engineering?

3rd shift engineering refers to engineering roles that take place during the overnight hours, typically from late evening to early morning. These positions are common in manufacturing, facilities maintenance, or operations that require 24/7 coverage. 3rd shift engineers are responsible for troubleshooting, maintaining, and repairing equipment while production lines or systems are running at night. Working this shift often includes a shift differential for pay, but may also require adapting to unconventional sleep and work schedules. These roles are essential to ensure continuous operation and address issues that arise outside of regular daytime hours.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 3rd shift engineer?

To thrive as a 3rd Shift Engineer, you need strong technical troubleshooting abilities, mechanical and electrical knowledge, and typically a relevant technical degree or certification. Experience with maintenance management systems, PLCs, and manufacturing equipment is commonly required. Excellent problem-solving, self-motivation, and effective communication are vital soft skills for working independently during off-hours. These skills ensure smooth operation, quick response to technical issues, and minimal downtime during critical overnight shifts.

What unique challenges do engineers face when working the 3rd shift, and how can they successfully adapt to this schedule?

Engineers on the 3rd shift often encounter challenges such as reduced access to immediate support from other departments, adapting to non-traditional sleep patterns, and managing tasks with less on-site supervision. Successfully adapting involves developing strong self-management skills, maintaining clear communication with both day and night teams, and prioritizing personal well-being by establishing a consistent sleep routine. Many companies also offer shift differentials and opportunities for faster advancement due to the specialized nature of night work.

What is the difference between 3Rd Shift Engineering vs 3Rd Shift Manufacturing Technician?

Aspect3Rd Shift Engineering3Rd Shift Manufacturing Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related fieldHigh school diploma or equivalent, technical training often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesign, troubleshooting, and process improvement in manufacturing settingsOperating machinery, performing maintenance, and quality checks
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturers, engineering firms, industrial plantsFactories, production plants, manufacturing facilities

3Rd Shift Engineering focuses on designing, analyzing, and improving manufacturing processes, requiring engineering credentials. In contrast, 3Rd Shift Manufacturing Technicians handle equipment operation and maintenance, often with technical training. Both roles work during the night shift in manufacturing environments but serve different functions within the production process.

Do 3rd shift engineers work 3rd shift?

Yes, 3rd shift engineers typically work during the overnight hours, often from late evening to early morning. This schedule requires adaptability and may involve specific safety protocols and equipment operation skills. Shift work can vary by company, but the third shift generally covers the late-night period.

What are the most commonly searched types of Engineering jobs in California?

The most popular types of Engineering jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to 3Rd Shift Engineering jobs in California?

For 3Rd Shift Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching 3Rd Shift Engineering jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for 3Rd Shift Engineering jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various 3Rd Shift Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,178 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Machine Operator 3rd Shift

AppleOne

Escondido, CA

$21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

We are seeking a CNC Operator 3rd Shift for a temp-to-hire opportunity with a machine shop in North County San Diego supporting production for the electronics industry. This role is ideal for a dependable CNC production professional with stable 3rd shift experience and a background operating CNC equipment in a manufacturing environment.
The CNC Operator will work with CNC-controlled equipment, including laser cutting machinery, lathes, and milling machines, to produce quality parts according to drawings, specifications, and production requirements. This is a strong opportunity for someone who values steady work, hands-on machining, supportive supervision, and the chance to build a long-term path with a production-focused team.
Key Responsibilities
- Operate CNC machines and CNC-controlled laser equipment to produce parts that meet customer and quality specifications.
- Load parts, operate controls, set offsets, make simple edits, deburr parts, and inspect finished work for conformance.
- Read and interpret drawings, manuals, specifications, and sample parts to determine dimensions, tolerances, and setup requirements.
- Monitor machine performance, detect out-of-tolerance conditions, and make adjustments within established capabilities.
- Communicate with supervisors, engineers, quality, production control, and shop personnel to resolve machining or quality issues.
- Maintain a clean and orderly work area while performing basic preventative maintenance on equipment.
Compensation and Benefits
- Pay: $19 to $21 per hour, depending on experience.
- Shift differential: $0.50 per hour.
- Job type: Temp-to-hire.
- Schedule: 3rd shift, Monday at midnight, Tuesday 12:00 AM through Saturday 8:00 AM.
- Location: San Marcos, CA.


Equal Opportunity Employer / Disabled / Protected Veterans
The Know Your Rights poster is available here:
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12.pdf
The pay transparency policy is available here:
https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ofccp/pdf/pay-transp_%20English_formattedESQA508c.pdf
For temporary assignments lasting 13 weeks or longer, the Company is pleased to offer major medical, dental, vision, 401k and any statutory sick pay where required.
We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact your staffing representative who will reach out to our HR team.
AppleOne participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations as required by law. Learn more about the E-Verify program.
https://e-verify.uscis.gov/web/media/resourcesContents/E-Verify_Participation_Poster_ES.pdf
We also consider for employment qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements, including, if applicable, the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. Pursuant to applicable state and municipal Fair Chance Laws and Ordinances, we will consider for employment-qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, including, if applicable, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. For Los Angeles, CA applicants: Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
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Company Description

This company offers growth and a great group of people to work with.


AppleOne logo

About AppleOne

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

AppleOne is a renowned staffing service based in Glendale, California, USA. Positioned in the Human Resources industry, the company offers extensive staffing and recruiting solutions, such as temporary, full-time, and part-time placement, to companies across diverse industry sectors. The company was established by Bernie Howroyd in 1964, launching the business to aid others in finding excellent jobs and companies in finding excellent people.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Glendale, CA, US

Year founded

1964