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Engine Machine Shop Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Manual Machinist

Pasadena, CA

$24 - $32.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Ability to setup machine tools: ID / OD Grinders, Turret Lathe, Engine Lathe, Horizontal Boring Mill, Vertical Boring Mill, Radial Drill, Planer Mill * Four years of experience in machine shop ...

New

Machinist

Cypress, CA · On-site

$27/hr

High School Diploma or equivalent with 2+ years of machine shop experience including operating ... Engine lathe * Surface grinder * Cylindrical grinder * Common bench grinders * Belt sanders

High School Diploma or equivalent with 2+ years of machine shop experience including operating ... Engine lathe * Surface grinder * Cylindrical grinder * Common bench grinders * Belt sanders

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Engine Machine Shop information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in an engine machine shop, and why are they important?

Success in an engine machine shop requires strong mechanical aptitude, precision measurement skills, and a solid understanding of engine components and machining techniques, often backed by vocational training or an apprenticeship. Familiarity with specialized tools like lathes, milling machines, micrometers, and possibly certification in CNC machining is highly valuable. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help professionals deliver accurate work and collaborate with team members. These skills ensure high-quality engine repairs and rebuilds, minimize costly errors, and maintain safety and customer satisfaction.

What is the difference between Engine Machine Shop vs Engine Rebuilder?

AspectEngine Machine ShopEngine Rebuilder
CertificationsMachining certifications, technical trainingRebuilding certifications, engine-specific training
Work EnvironmentMachine shops, industrial settingsRepair shops, automotive or marine facilities
Job FocusPrecision machining, component fabricationAssembling and restoring engines
Tools & EquipmentLathe, milling machines, CNC equipmentEngine stands, hand tools, diagnostic equipment

While both roles involve working with engines, an Engine Machine Shop specializes in machining and fabricating engine components, ensuring precision and quality. An Engine Rebuilder focuses on disassembling, repairing, and reassembling engines for optimal performance. The two roles often collaborate but serve different stages of engine maintenance and repair.

What is an engine machine shop?

An engine machine shop is a specialized workshop equipped to repair, rebuild, and machine engine components for vehicles and machinery. These shops have advanced tools and equipment to perform services such as cylinder boring, crankshaft grinding, valve jobs, and engine block resurfacing. Technicians at engine machine shops restore worn or damaged parts to precise specifications, ensuring optimal engine performance and longevity. They work with parts from cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, and even industrial equipment.

What are some common challenges faced by technicians in an engine machine shop, and how can they be addressed?

Technicians in an engine machine shop often encounter challenges such as maintaining precision during machining, keeping up with evolving engine technologies, and managing tight project deadlines. To address these, it's important to stay updated on the latest machining techniques and engine specifications through ongoing training. Additionally, effective communication with team members and proper maintenance of equipment help ensure high-quality results and efficient workflow.

What are popular job titles related to Engine Machine Shop jobs in California?

For Engine Machine Shop jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Engine Machine Shop jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Engine Machine Shop jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Engine Machine Shop jobs?

Cities in California with the most Engine Machine Shop job openings:

Infographic showing various Engine Machine Shop job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Manufacturing Engineer II/Senior - Machining

Rocket Lab Corporation

Long Beach, CA

$95K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Rocket Lab rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

MANUFACTURING 

Rocket Lab's Manufacturing teams are the builders and the doers who work with our advanced machinery across our global manufacturing sites to get our satellites, satellite components, and rockets out the door. They bring the designs of our engineers to life by using advanced manufacturing techniques like 3D printing to create our hardware, and are responsible for delivering our projects and missions on time and on budget to our customers. 

MANUFACTURING ENGINEER II / SENIOR - MACHINING 

We are currently seeking an experience Manufacturing Engineer with a focus in Machining based out of Rocket Lab's Headquarters in Long Beach, CA. They will be responsible for the machining development of new products and product revisions as related to the Rutherford engine (currently in use on the 2nd most frequently launched US rocket), and the Archimedes engine where they will have an opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a novel rocket engine build!

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

  • Contribute to design reviews acting as an expert in design for manufacture, design for machining, productivity, quality control, etc.
  • Select, procure, and install machine shop equipment along with developing maintenance/calibration plans.
  • Develop machining capability in-house for the Archimedes components and implement rapid iterations.
  • Design, develop, and implement tooling and equipment for use in a production environment where appropriate to improve quality, delivery and/or cost performance.
  • Responsible for continuous improvement and cost reduction projects belonging to the fabrication department.
  • Collaborate with other Rocket Lab machine shops for general alignment, capability, and support.
  • Develop and mentor less experienced engineers and machinist daily.

(This position can be hired as a Manufacturing Engineer II or Senior Manufacturing Engineer Level)

QUALIFICATIONS YOU'LL BRING AS A MANUFACTURING ENGINEER II - MACHINING:

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing engineering, or equivalent.
  • 2+ years of machine shop experience.
  • Experience in CAM software 3 and 5-axis CNC equipment.
  • Well versed in GD&T and inspection methods.
  • 6+ years of experience will be considered in lieu of a degree

QUALIFICATIONS YOU'LL BRING AS A SENIOR MANUFACTURING ENGINEER - MACHINING:

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing engineering, or equivalent.
  • 5+ years of machine shop experience.
  • Experience in CAM software 3 and 5-axis CNC equipment.
  • Well versed in GD&T and inspection methods.
  • 9+ years of experience will be considered in lieu of a degree

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

  • Working experience with capacity modeling, process mapping, Lean/Six Sigma and value stream mapping.
  • 10+ years of machine shop experience.
  • Experience with 3D CAD software and tooling design.
  • Experience machining turbomachinery and combustion device components.
  • Familiarity with post processing methods, AM and welding.
  • NX CAM programming and operating 5-axis CNC machining.

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.


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