Entry Level Production Associate Jobs in California

Production Associate – Sheet Metal Fabrication

Job Description

As an Entry-Level Production Associate, you will support the sheet metal fabrication process by assisting with machine setup, material handling, and basic quality checks. You will work closely with experienced team members to learn fabrication techniques, operate equipment safely, and help ensure that sheet metal components meet production standards in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the setup and operation of sheet metal fabrication machinery, including shears, press brakes, and laser cutters.
• Load and unload sheet metal and other materials onto machines, ensuring proper alignment and positioning for accurate processing.
• Perform basic quality checks to confirm that products meet required specifications and standards.
• Follow all safety protocols and maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free work area.
• Collaborate with team members to achieve daily production goals and meet established deadlines.
• Learn and apply various sheet metal fabrication techniques and processes under the guidance of experienced staff.
• Use hand tools, power tools, grinders, and measuring tools such as tape measures to support fabrication tasks.
• Handle general production duties such as packaging, stacking, loading, sweeping, cleaning, and material handling as needed.
• Operate or assist with forklifts and other material handling equipment when trained and authorized.
• Report any equipment malfunctions, safety concerns, or quality issues promptly to supervisors.

Essential Skills

• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Ability to follow instructions accurately and work effectively as part of a team.
• Basic math skills and the ability to read and interpret measurements using tools such as tape measures.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new tasks, tools, and technologies in a manufacturing environment.
• Physical ability to lift and move materials up to 50 lbs as required.
• Comfort working with hand tools, power tools, and basic fabrication equipment.
• Ability to perform general production and labor tasks such as packaging, loading, stacking, sweeping, cleaning, and grinding.
• Ability to work safely around sheet metal, grinders, and other fabrication equipment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications - Bilingual - Spanish -Preferred

• Previous experience in a manufacturing or production environment is preferred but not required.
• Basic knowledge of sheet metal fabrication processes and equipment is a plus.
• Experience with forklifts or other material handling equipment is beneficial.
• Familiarity with general labor tasks such as material handling, packaging, and cleaning.
• Exposure to metal fabrication shops or similar industrial environments is an advantage.

Why Work Here?

You will join a growing fabrication operation that offers clear opportunities to advance your skills and career in manufacturing. As you gain experience, you can pursue higher-level roles in welding and fabrication with increasing responsibility and pay. The team-focused culture emphasizes learning, safety, and professional development, giving you the support you need to build a long-term career in a hands-on, dynamic environment.

Work Environment

This role is based in a metal shop located in Oakland, operating in a fast-paced production environment. You will work around sheet metal fabrication equipment such as shears, press brakes, laser cutters, grinders, and various hand and power tools. The work involves standing for extended periods, handling materials, and performing physical tasks such as lifting up to 50 lbs, stacking, loading, and cleaning. The shop environment may include noise, metal dust, and the use of personal protective equipment appropriate for fabrication work. Hours and shifts align with typical production schedules and may require flexibility to meet production demands.

This is a Contract position based out of Oakland, CA.

The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $19.00/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 Oakland,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 13, 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.