Entry Level Machine Shop Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

CNC Saw Operator 

Location: North Hollywood CA 
Shift: 2nd Shift
Schedule: 3:30 PM–12:00 AM
Pay Rate: $21.00–$25.00/hour, depending on experience
Position Type: Temp / Temp-to-Hire — confirm final assignment type
Department: Manufacturing / Machine Shop / Saw Department
Position Level: Machinist Level I / Entry-Level Machine Operator

Position Summary

A confidential manufacturing client is seeking a CNC Saw Operator / Entry-Level Machinist to support 2nd shift production operations. This role is responsible for operating and programming Hydmech CNC saws to cut raw material according to production schedules, blueprints, work orders, and customer specifications.

The ideal candidate will have manufacturing, machine operation, saw operation, material cutting, or entry-level machining experience. This position requires attention to detail, the ability to follow work instructions, basic measuring skills, and a safety-first mindset.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and program Hydmech CNC saws to cut raw material according to work orders, blueprints, and production schedules.
• Review job travelers, work instructions, and production requirements to determine material, cut length, quantity, and tolerance requirements.
• Load, position, and secure raw material into the saw for cutting.
• Verify material type, dimensions, tolerances, and cut quality before and after cutting.
• Use measuring tools such as tape measures, calipers, micrometers, or gauges to confirm cut dimensions.
• Perform basic machine setup and adjust saw settings as needed based on material and job requirements.
• Perform blade changes and monitor blade condition to maintain cut quality.
• Conduct routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting to reduce downtime and keep equipment operating safely.
• Inspect cut material for defects, burrs, incorrect dimensions, or poor cut quality.
• Maintain accurate production records, cut logs, inventory updates, and material usage documentation.
• Manage and organize raw material, cut parts, remnants, and work-in-process material.
• Communicate material shortages, machine issues, quality concerns, or safety hazards to the supervisor.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Follow all company safety procedures, PPE requirements, quality standards, and housekeeping expectations.
• Support additional machine shop, material handling, or production duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Previous manufacturing, machine operation, saw operation, material cutting, warehouse, or production experience preferred.
• Ability to operate or learn to operate CNC saw equipment.
• Ability to read and follow work orders, job travelers, production schedules, and basic blueprints.
• Basic measuring skills and ability to verify material dimensions.
• Basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and fractions/decimals.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to work safely around machinery, raw material, blades, and moving equipment.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to work 2nd shift, 3:30 PM–12:00 AM.
• Ability to wear required PPE and follow all safety procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating Hydmech CNC saws or similar automatic saw equipment.
• Experience cutting metal, bar stock, tubing, plate, aluminum, steel, stainless, or other raw materials.
• Entry-level machinist or machine shop experience.
• Experience reading blueprints or manufacturing work orders.
• Experience using calipers, micrometers, tape measures, or other measuring tools.
• Experience performing machine setup, blade changes, or basic equipment maintenance.
• Forklift, overhead crane, or material handling experience is a plus, if required by the site.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and perform repetitive tasks throughout the shift.
• Ability to lift, move, push, pull, load, and position raw materials as required.
• Ability to use hands and fingers to handle parts, tools, controls, and measuring equipment.
• Comfortable working around saw equipment, blades, raw material, cutting fluids, metal chips, noise, and production activity.
• Ability to wear required PPE, which may include safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, steel-toe shoes, or other protective equipment.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is reliable, safety-focused, mechanically inclined, and comfortable working hands-on in a manufacturing or machine shop environment. This person should be able to follow instructions, measure accurately, maintain production pace, and produce clean, accurate cuts with minimal rework.

The strongest candidates will have prior saw operation, machine operation, material cutting, or entry-level machining experience.