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General Shop Helper Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Freeform

Machine Shop General Helper

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

MACHINE SHOP GENERAL HELPER Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software, hardware, and physics to produce industrial-scale parts at the speed of human ideation. By treating ...

Freeform

Machine Shop General Helper

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

MACHINE SHOP GENERAL HELPER Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software, hardware, and physics to produce industrial-scale parts at the speed of human ideation. By treating ...

Freeform

Machine Shop General Helper

Los Angeles, CA

$20 - $22/hr

MACHINE SHOP GENERAL HELPER Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software, hardware, and physics to produce industrial-scale parts at the speed of human ideation. By treating ...

Allegion

General Helper

Pico Rivera, CA

$16 - $18/hr

As a General Helper you will support production and assembly teams by performing basic material handling, preparatory tasks, and general shop duties. You'll assist operators, keep work areas ...

Allegion

General Helper

Pico Rivera, CA · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

As a General Helper you will support production and assembly teams by performing basic material handling, preparatory tasks, and general shop duties. You'll assist operators, keep work areas ...

TriMas Corporation

General Helper - Deburr

El Cajon, CA · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

General Helper - Deburr Company: RSA Engineered Products LLC Primary Location: 1451 N Johnson Ave, ... Prior work experience in industry or high school shop training The pay range for this position is ...

NC Dynamics, LLC

Production Support Helper

Long Beach, CA

$16.75 - $21/hr

Production Support Helper Job Category: Support - Manufacturing Job Location: Greater Los Angeles ... Supports general shop floor cleanliness with spill prevention and general cleaning * Oversees ...

A1 TRANSMISSION & MARINE INC

Mechanic Helper

Hayward, CA

$20.25 - $25.25/hr

Key duties include assisting mechanics, performing general shop labor, and running part errands as ... Mechanic Helper Job Responsibilities and Duties: * Assists mechanic in repairing and maintaining ...

A1 TRANSMISSION & MARINE INC

Mechanic Helper

Hayward, CA · On-site

$20.25 - $25.25/hr

Key duties include assisting mechanics, performing general shop labor, and running part errands as ... Mechanic Helper Job Responsibilities and Duties: * Assists mechanic in repairing and maintaining ...

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All JobsGeneral Shop Helper JobsGeneral Shop Helper Jobs in California

General Shop Helper information

See California salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do general shop helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for general shop helper in California is $17.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a general shop helper?

General Shop Helpers are entry-level workers who assist with a variety of tasks in workshops, factories, or manufacturing environments. Their duties typically include cleaning and organizing the workspace, moving materials, assisting skilled workers, and operating basic machinery. They help ensure that shop operations run smoothly by supporting more specialized employees and maintaining a safe and efficient work area. This role is a good starting point for those interested in learning more about trades or manufacturing careers.

What are some typical challenges a general shop helper might face on the job, and how can they be managed?

General Shop Helpers often encounter challenges such as managing multiple tasks simultaneously, adapting to changing priorities, and maintaining safety in a busy work environment. Developing strong organizational skills and staying proactive in communication with supervisors can help manage workload effectively. Additionally, consistently following safety protocols and asking for guidance when needed ensures both personal safety and smooth shop operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a general shop helper?

To thrive as a General Shop Helper, you need basic mechanical aptitude, familiarity with hand and power tools, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience with equipment like forklifts, pallet jacks, and safety certifications such as OSHA training are commonly required. Reliability, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic help individuals stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are important to maintain workplace safety, ensure productivity, and support smooth shop operations.

What is the difference between General Shop Helper vs Warehouse Associate?

AspectGeneral Shop HelperWarehouse Associate
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, basic safety trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent, forklift certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing or workshop settings, indoor and outdoorWarehouses, distribution centers, indoor
Job DutiesAssisting with tools, cleaning, material handlingPicking, packing, loading, inventory management
Industry UsageManufacturing, construction, repair shopsLogistics, retail, distribution

While both roles involve physical work and assisting with operations, a General Shop Helper typically supports manufacturing or workshop tasks, whereas a Warehouse Associate focuses on inventory, shipping, and receiving in warehouse settings. The choice depends on your skills and industry interest.

What are popular job titles related to General Shop Helper jobs in California? For General Shop Helper jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching General Shop Helper jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for General Shop Helper jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for General Shop Helper jobs? Cities in California with the most General Shop Helper job openings:
General Shop Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various General Shop Helper job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,360 per year, or $18 per hour.

Machine Shop General Helper

Freeform

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

MACHINE SHOP GENERAL HELPER
Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software, hardware, and physics to produce industrial-scale parts at the speed of human ideation. By treating manufacturing as a single integrated system, we unlock a new era of innovation where complex hardware is designed, built, and scaled without limits.
As a General Helper in our Machine Shop, you'll support critical day-to-day activities in Freeform's state-of-the-art metal 3D printing factory. In this role, you'll help maintain a clean, safe, and organized shop environment, assist with basic facilities upkeep, and support preventative maintenance and repairs on machines and equipment. You'll also have the chance to learn directly from experienced machinists and technicians, gaining hands-on exposure to a wide range of manufacturing tools and processes along the way. The right candidate is dependable, eager to learn, and has a "no job too big or small" mentality.
3D printing experience is not required to be successful here - rather we look for smart, motivated, collaborative individuals who love solving hard problems and creating amazing technology!
Responsibilities:
  • Support general shop upkeep, including sweeping, mopping, organizing tools and supplies, and ensuring clean, safe working areas
  • Assist with preventative maintenance tasks and minor equipment repairs across the machine shop
  • Help manage materials and consumables (coolant, rags, gloves, etc.) and support restocking and inventory
  • Maintain safe work practices and help enforce cleanliness and organization standards in shared spaces
  • Learn to operate basic hand tools and develop foundational knowledge of shop equipment and systems
  • Learn how to support post-print operations such as vacuuming powder, removing finished parts from the system, and cleaning parts (as training progresses)
  • Gain exposure to manufacturing tools including lathes, mills, bandsaws, grinders, precision drills, and wire EDMs

Basic Qualifications:
  • 1+ years of experience in manufacturing, facilities support, warehouse operations, logistics, or similar operational role

Nice to Have:
  • Formal hardware-centric technical training/certification (A&P license, NTMA license)
  • Exposure to metal manufacturing
  • Ability to utilize power tools, hand tools, cranes, forklifts and other heavy equipment
  • Experience maintaining facility systems with a focus on air, water and cryogenic inert gas systems
  • Experience using a forklift
  • Extremely humble and positive attitude
  • Ability to lift and/or move up to 30lbs unassisted
  • Ability to climb ladders and be on your feet for extended periods of time
  • Must be available and willing to work overtime when needed

Location:
  • Based in Hawthorne, our vertically integrated facility brings technology development, R&D, and production together under one roof. We operate at the center of LA's deep tech ecosystem, surrounded by some of the most ambitious hardware innovation happening anywhere in the country.
  • Our fast-paced, cross-functional environment is built on close collaboration, and as such, this role requires full-time onsite presence (five days a week), with very limited exceptions.

What We Offer:
  • We have an inclusive and diverse culture that values collaboration, learning, and making deliberate data-driven decisions.
  • We offer a unique opportunity to be an early and integral member of a rapidly growing company that is scaling a world-changing technology.
  • Benefits
    • Significant stock option packages
    • 100% employer-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (premium PPO and HMO options)
    • Life insurance
    • Traditional and Roth 401(k)
    • Relocation assistance provided
    • Paid vacation, sick leave, and company holidays
    • Generous Paid Parental Leave and extended transition back to work for the birthing parent
    • Free daily catered lunch and dinner, and fully stocked kitchenette
    • Casual dress, flexible work hours, and regular catered team building events
  • Compensation
    • As a growing company, the salary range is intentionally wide as we determine the most appropriate package for each individual taking into consideration years of experience, educational background, and unique skills and abilities as demonstrated throughout the interview process. Our intent is to offer a salary that is commensurate for the company's current stage of development and allows the employee to grow and develop within a role.
    • In addition to the significant stock option package, the estimated pay range for this role is $20-22/hour. The upper end of the range is reserved for individuals who demonstrate exceptional experience, deep domain mastery, and a proven history of high performance and impact.
  • Freeform is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity; employment with Freeform is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

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