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Contract Machine Shop Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Sourcing Engineer, Fabrication

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$110K - $160K/yr

Build long-term, high-trust partnerships with key contract manufacturers (CMs), steel fabricators ... Comfort auditing a vendor's shop floor capabilities (e.g., machining envelopes, weld automation ...

Build long-term, high-trust partnerships with key contract manufacturers (CMs), steel fabricators ... Comfort auditing a vendor's shop floor capabilities (e.g., machining envelopes, weld automation ...

Build long-term, high-trust partnerships with key contract manufacturers (CMs), steel fabricators ... Comfort auditing a vendor's shop floor capabilities (e.g., machining envelopes, weld automation ...

Travel Telemetry RN

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$2.1K - $2.9K/wk

We're a Mom and Pop shop who puts relationships first. We're built for travelers who want to be ... contract before this one ends. Our rule is simple: No one gets burned. If you want an agency that ...

Head of Facilities

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Our shop is fast-paced, collaborative, and constantly changing. No two days are exactly alike, and ... You'll also manage facility vendors and service contracts, purchase specialty equipment, tooling ...

Head of Facilities

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Our shop is fast-paced, collaborative, and constantly changing. No two days are exactly alike, and ... You'll also manage facility vendors and service contracts, purchase specialty equipment, tooling ...

Operate fabrication equipment including saws, drills, grinders, and other shop tools * Perform FCAW ... Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Clackamas, OR. Pay and ...

Adherence to material handling and machine operation disciplines. * Set and maintain processing ... Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the ...

Plating Operator - All Shifts

Forest Grove, OR

$19.25 - $22.75/hr

Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the ... Previous experience in the use ofCNC machinery,measurement and inspection tools to include ...

Showing results 41-60

Contract Machine Shop information

What is a contract machine shop?

A contract machine shop is a manufacturing facility that provides machining services to other companies on a contractual basis. Instead of producing their own products, these shops use specialized equipment and skilled machinists to create parts and components according to client specifications. Businesses often outsource work to contract machine shops for cost savings, access to advanced technology, and to meet production deadlines. Services can include CNC machining, milling, turning, fabrication, and assembly. This arrangement allows companies to focus on their core competencies while leveraging the expertise of the machine shop.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a contract machine shop?

Success in a Contract Machine Shop requires expertise in machining techniques, blueprint reading, and a solid understanding of materials and manufacturing processes, often proven by technical training or an apprenticeship. Familiarity with CNC machines, CAD/CAM software, and quality control systems is commonly expected. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills for this setting. These abilities ensure precision, efficiency, and the reliable delivery of high-quality components to meet client specifications.

What are some common challenges faced in a contract machine shop environment, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Working in a Contract Machine Shop often involves handling diverse projects with varying specifications and tight deadlines. New hires may find it challenging to quickly adapt to different client requirements and prioritize multiple tasks efficiently. To succeed, it's important to develop strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to interpret technical drawings accurately. Familiarity with a range of machinery and safety protocols is also crucial. Being proactive about ongoing learning and asking experienced colleagues for guidance can help ease the transition.

What is the difference between Contract Machine Shop vs Machinist?

AspectContract Machine ShopMachinist
CredentialsTypically requires certifications in machining, blueprint reading, and safetyRequires similar certifications, often with additional specialized training
Work EnvironmentWorks on multiple projects for various clients, often in a shop settingWorks primarily in manufacturing or workshop environments, often on specific machines
Employer & Industry UsageServes as a contractor providing machining services to multiple industriesEmployed by manufacturing companies or as independent workers in machining roles
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for project-based work or freelance opportunitiesCompared for skill level and job roles in manufacturing

The main difference is that a Contract Machine Shop provides machining services on a contractual basis, working on various projects for different clients, while a Machinist is an individual skilled worker operating machines within a manufacturing environment. Both roles require similar certifications and work in related environments, but their scope and employment structure differ.

Is a contract machine shop job a good career?

A contract machine shop job can be a stable career for those skilled in machining, CAD/CAM software, and precision manufacturing. It often offers opportunities for overtime, skill development, and certifications such as CNC operator or machinist licenses. Job stability depends on industry demand and individual skill level, but it can provide steady employment in manufacturing sectors.

What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Shop jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Machine Shop jobs in Portland, OR are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Machine Shop jobs in Portland, OR?

For Contract Machine Shop jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Contract Machine Shop jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Contract Machine Shop job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Machine Shop job openings in Portland, OR as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution.

Sourcing Engineer, Fabrication

Panthalassa

Portland, OR โ€ข On-site

$110K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

About the Company
We are a renewable energy and ocean technology company committed to rapidly developing and deploying technologies that will ensure a sustainable future for Earth by unlocking the vast energy potential of its oceans. Our focus is on capturing civilizational levels of ultra-low-cost renewable energy for applications including computing and affordable renewable fuels delivered to shore.
The company is a public benefit corporation headquartered in Portland, Oregon, and backed by leading venture capitalists, philanthropic investors, university endowments, and private investment offices. We operate as an idea meritocracy in which the best ideas change the company's direction on a regular basis.
Our staff have worked at organizations such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, Boeing, Tesla, Apple, Virgin Orbit, Astra, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, New Relic, Bridgewater, Raytheon, Disney Imagineering, and the US Army and Air Force, as well as research universities, startups, and small companies across a range of industries.
About the Job
As a sourcing engineer on the supply chain team, you will own the critical bridge between early Node designs and external manufacturing reality at third party vendors. As Panthalassa scales, you will lead the transition of components from low-volume production to high-volume production suppliers for your assigned categories.
You will intercept new designs while they are still on the drawing board. You will evaluate complex parts, audit the technical capabilities of heavy industrial suppliers, and determine the optimal sourcing strategy based on safety-critical requirements, cost, and machine capacities. This role requires an engineer's technical mindset paired with a supply chain strategist's foresight to build a resilient, high-capability supplier ecosystem.
Candidates should have strong interpersonal skills and be able to thrive in a creative, scrappy, and collaborative environment in which the best ideas change the company's direction on a regular basis. You will own your designs cradle-to-grave, from first concept through fabrication and deployment at sea. If you are an excellent engineer, regardless of your background, we want you to apply.
Key Responsibilities
  • Technical Sourcing & Evaluation: Analyze new engineering designs, CAD models, and blueprints at early stages to determine appropriate manufacturing sources based on part complexity, material requirements, and vendor technical capabilities.
  • Design for Manufacturing (DFM): Partner closely with Node engineering to provide early feedback on feasibility, cost drivers, lead times, and structural tolerancing (GD&T) to optimize designs before sourcing.
  • Supplier Capability Auditing: Vet and onboard domestic and international fabrication, mapping their specific equipment capacities to Panthalassa's product needs.
  • Technical Interface & Change Management: Act as the primary technical point of contact for suppliers including sharing release packages, bill of materials, and communicating change orders.
  • Supplier Relationship Management (SRM): Build long-term, high-trust partnerships with key contract manufacturers (CMs), steel fabricators, machining and casting suppliers. Ensure Statement of Work (SOW) alignment with project requirements, actively manage partner milestone completion, and drive continuous improvement in quality, cost, and lead times.
Required Qualifications
  • 4+ years of experience in Technical Sourcing, Supply Chain Engineering, Global Sourcing, or Manufacturing Engineering.
  • Deep blueprint & GD&T literacy: Proven ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, machining requirements, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing.
  • Core Manufacturing Process Expertise: Deep familiarity with the manufacturing constraints, lead times, and sourcing strategies for machining, welding, and large forgings/castings.
  • Technical supplier vetting experience: Comfort auditing a vendor's shop floor capabilities (e.g., machining envelopes, weld automation, non-destructive testing/NDT limits) against a part's geometric requirements.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Desired Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering or a related technical discipline.
  • Experience using CAD tools to review designs, pull dimensional data, or suggest DFM modifications.
  • Experience managing overseas suppliers (e.g., tracking material authenticity, international tariffs, working with time zone differences, and managing long-lead logistics).

The above qualifications are desired, not required. We encourage you to apply if you are a strong candidate with only some of the desired skills and experience listed.
Compensation and Benefits
If hired for this full-time role, you will receive:
  • Cash compensation of $110,000 - $160,000.
  • Equity in the company. We're all owners and if we're successful, this equity should be far and away the most valuable component of your compensation.
  • A benefits package that helps you take care of yourself and your family, including:
    • Flexible paid time off
    • Health insurance (the company pays 100% of gold-level PPO plan for full-time employees, their partners, and dependents)
    • Dental insurance (the company pays 100% for full-time employees, their partners, and dependents)
    • Vision insurance (the company pays 100% for full-time employees, their partners, and dependents)
    • Disability insurance (the company pays 100% for a policy to provide long-term financial support if you become disabled)
    • Ability to contribute to tax-advantaged accounts, including 401(k), health FSA, and dependent care FSA
  • Relocation assistance to facilitate your move to Portland (if needed).
Location
This is an on-site position. Our offices, lab, and shop are located in Portland, Oregon. This role requires travel to supplier and manufacturing locations as needed, potentially up to 35-40% of time, and may include international travel.