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Machine Building Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

IT Support Specialist

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$70K - $110K/yr

Create acct, build machine, building access, desk setup, provision SaaS apps * Manage offboarding process: Disable accounts, Google takeout, Backup user home directories, rebuild machines, disable ...

IT Support Specialist

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$70K - $110K/yr

Create acct, build machine, building access, desk setup, provision SaaS apps * Manage offboarding process: Disable accounts, Google takeout, Backup user home directories, rebuild machines, disable ...

Machine Operator

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$21.91/hr

The team at Madison is committed to building something truly remarkable that long outlasts them ... The advanced machine operator can independently perform these tasks with minimal input from the ...

Machine Operator

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$21.91/hr

The team at Madison is committed to building something truly remarkable that long outlasts them ... The advanced machine operator can independently perform these tasks with minimal input from the ...

Machine Operator

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$21.91/hr

The team at Madison is committed to building something truly remarkable that long outlasts them ... The advanced machine operator can independently perform these tasks with minimal input from the ...

Machine Operator

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$21.91/hr

The team at Madison is committed to building something truly remarkable that long outlasts them ... The advanced machine operator can independently perform these tasks with minimal input from the ...

We're building a new type of firm, where live capital is the training ground for an intelligence that compounds with every signal. About the Role At Poesis, machine learning and artificial ...

Backed by Lockheed Martin, Toyota, and NVIDIA, we're building the manufacturing infrastructure that ... We are looking for a Machine Learning Engineer to join our team and help us push the boundaries of ...

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Showing results 1-20

Machine Building information

See California salary details

$13

$22

$30

How much do machine building jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine building in California is $22.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $25.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is machine building?

Machine building refers to the process of designing, fabricating, assembling, and testing machines or mechanical systems for industrial use. It involves combining various components such as motors, gears, sensors, and control systems to create functional equipment tailored to specific manufacturing or production tasks. Machine builders work closely with engineers and clients to ensure the finished machines meet safety standards, performance requirements, and operational efficiency. This field can encompass everything from automated assembly lines to custom machinery for specialized industries.

How to become a machine builder?

To become a machine builder, typically one needs a high school diploma or equivalent, along with technical training or an apprenticeship in mechanical or industrial technology. Skills in reading blueprints, using hand and power tools, and understanding mechanical systems are essential, and some roles may require certifications in machinery or safety standards. Gaining experience through entry-level positions or vocational programs can also help develop relevant skills for this role.

What do machine builders do?

Machine builders design, assemble, and test industrial machinery and equipment. They interpret technical drawings, use tools and machinery, and ensure that machines meet safety and quality standards, often working in manufacturing or production environments.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

In machine building and related manufacturing fields, high-paying roles such as experienced machine operators, maintenance supervisors, or specialized technicians can earn around $4,000 weekly, especially with overtime or in high-demand environments. These positions often require technical skills, certifications, or extensive experience rather than a formal degree.

How much does a machine builder make?

A machine builder typically earns between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled workers with certifications or specialized tools may earn higher wages, and the job often involves working in manufacturing or industrial environments with safety protocols in place.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Machine Builder, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Machine Builder, you need strong mechanical aptitude, blueprint reading, technical assembly skills, and typically a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with hand and power tools, CNC machines, and CAD software is often required, along with knowledge of safety regulations. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for producing precise and reliable machinery. These skills ensure machinery is built accurately, safely, and efficiently, meeting design specifications and minimizing downtime.

What are the typical challenges faced when working in machine building, and how can new employees prepare for them?

One common challenge in machine building is adapting to rapidly changing project requirements and tight deadlines, as projects often evolve based on client needs or technical discoveries. New employees may also encounter complex mechanical systems and must learn to interpret detailed technical drawings and specifications accurately. To prepare, it's helpful to develop strong problem-solving skills, maintain clear communication with engineers and team members, and stay organized to manage multiple tasks efficiently. Seeking mentorship and participating in ongoing training can also ease the transition and ensure long-term success in the role.

What is the difference between Machine Building vs Mechanical Technician?

AspectMachine BuildingMechanical Technician
CredentialsTypically requires technical diploma or apprenticeship in manufacturing or engineeringUsually holds a diploma or certificate in mechanical technology or related field
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants, assembly linesWorkshops, maintenance facilities, industrial sites
Industry UsageDesign, assemble, and test machinery and equipmentMaintain, troubleshoot, and repair mechanical systems

Machine Building and Mechanical Technicians both work in industrial settings and require technical certifications. Machine Building focuses on assembling and testing machinery, while Mechanical Technicians primarily maintain and repair mechanical systems. Both roles are essential in manufacturing industries, but their daily tasks and focus areas differ.

What are popular job titles related to Machine Building jobs in California? For Machine Building jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Machine Building jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Machine Building jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Machine Building job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,846 per year, or $22.5 per hour.
Building Service Engineer - (Building Service Engineer, Range 1) - Mechanical Maintenance

Building Service Engineer - (Building Service Engineer, Range 1) - Mechanical Maintenance

California State University

San Francisco, CA

$5.9K - $8.7K/mo

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


California State University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

224th of 544 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Building Service Engineer - (Building Service Engineer, Range 1) - Mechanical Maintenance

Apply now Job no: 552787
Work type: Staff
Location: San Francisco
Categories: Unit 6 - Teamsters Local 2010, Custodial/Facilities, Probationary, Full Time, On-site (work in-person at business location)

Working Title

Building Service Engineer

SF State University

San Francisco State is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, National origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered veteran status, or any other protected status.  Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting the Senior Human Resources Manager.
Applicants may visit titleix.sfsu.edu for more information on SF State's policy prohibiting discrimination, and how to file an online report using the procedures under Executive Order 1096 Revised. Inquiries can be directed to the campus Title IX Coordinator and Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Administrator by calling (415) 338-2032 or emailing vpsaem@sfsu.edu.
San Francisco State is a 100% Smoke/Vapor-Free Campus.  Smoking or Vaping of any tobacco/plant-based substance is not permitted on any University properties.
The person holding this position may be considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect  Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
This position may be a "designated position" in the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code.  The successful candidate accepting this position may be required to file Conflict of Interest forms subject to the regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission.

Department

Facilities Services - Mechanical Maintenance

Appointment Type

This is a one-year probationary position.

Time Base

Full-Time (1.0 FTE)

Work Schedule

Monday to Friday - 7:00am to 3:30pm

Anticipated Hiring Range

$5,998.00 - $6,188.00 Per Month  ($71,976.00 - $73,416.00 Annually)

Salary is commensurate with experience, education, skills, and training.

CSU Classification Salary Range: $5,998.00- $8,737.00 per month

Position Summary

The Building Service Engineer is distinguished by the independent and ongoing performance of maintenance and repair work on a ride range of heating, ventilating, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, refrigeration, air conditioning, and water systems. The Building Service Engineer performs work on complex heating, refrigeration, air-conditioning and other mechanical systems. Position makes decisions based upon sound maintenance practice.

Rotates through various shift assignments at stations either in a central plant or in the utilities centers of individual buildings or campus centers and will primarily be assigned to Mashouf Wellness Center.

Position Information

  • Performs heating, ventilation and air conditioning preventative maintenance including:
    • Tests, adjusts, and calibrates boiler and air conditioning machinery and mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and microprocessor control instruments.
    • Tests and chemically treats boiler, condenser, and cooling tower water and water from other systems.
    • Lubricates, cleans, prepares and paints mechanical systems, machinery and piping as part of corrosion control for preventative maintenance.
    • Maintains swimming pools mechanical pumping, filtering equipment and chemical balancing and oversight.
    • Repairs and replaces bearings, shafts, seals, rings, and electrical wiring and installs central system parts, gauges, valves and pipes which require the application of journey-level skills in one or more of the appliable trades.
  • Completes scheduled maintenance of tasks of cleaning/replacing filters, calibration of controls, and functional task to ensure continuous operation of equipment including:
    • Regularly uses features of building automation systems to diagnose and troubleshoot problems in the HVAC systems while optimizing energy usage.
    • Operates, maintains, repairs and inspects heating, ventilating, air conditioning, refrigeration and water systems and equipment.
    • Monitors building automation systems data and adjusts systems accordingly.
    • Responds to service requests to adjust airflow, temperature and humidity balance for individual rooms, building areas or buildings.
    • Interacts with customers at all levels of the University using tact and diplomacy.
    • Completes necessary repairs to heating ventilation and air conditioning related equipment as requested by work orders.
    • Collaborates with 3rd party vendors to coordinate and oversee HVAC repairs that require specialized technical expertise beyond in-house capabilities.
  • Maintains logs of maintenance and repairs using manual and computerized record-keeping systems.
    • Reports problems and needed repairs to supervisor to be documented and scheduled.
    • Responds promptly to, and assists with, urgent needs in order to prevent injury, damage or further incident.
    • Maintains clean work areas, tools, equipment and associated structures.
    • Uses protective equipment as required for personal safety.
  •  Other duties as assigned

All of the above functions are performed to provide an operationally sound and safe instructional environment for learning using a variety of power and hand tools, equipment and materials.

  1. NATURE AND SCOPE OF DECISIONS:

This position receives specific direction and supervision. This position may instruct and lead semi-skilled or unskilled assistants and is expected to make decisions directly related to the functional operation, maintenance, and repair tasks described herein.

 

  1. PROJECT COORDINATION/LEAD RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position may instruct and lead semi-skilled or unskilled assistance in the performance of projects related to the functional operation, maintenance, and repair tasks described herein.

 

  1. CONTACTS ON AND OFF CAMPUS:

Interfaces with all members of the university community as required carrying out assigned duties and responsibilities. May interact with vendors supplying products and services related to the functional operation, maintenance, and repair tasks described herein.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Knowledge:

Work requires thorough knowledge of high and low pressure boilers, and heating, pneumatic, ventilating, air-conditioning, refrigeration and other mechanical equipment; thorough knowledge of the methods, tools and materials used in the operation, maintenance and repair of such equipment; general knowledge of ventilation principles, thermal dynamics, and closed water systems; working knowledge of energy management systems including the ability to understand and use system features; and a general knowledge of the applicable state and federal safety codes and regulations pertaining to mechanical and HVAC systems.

  • Abilities:

Must be able to install, operate and repair HVAC equipment and systems; demonstrate a high degree of mechanical skill equivalent to journey-level in one or more related trades such as plumbing, pipe fitting, electrical, or air conditioning; read, interpret and work from blueprints, plans, drawings and specifications; make rough sketches; estimate cost, time and materials of mechanical work; maintain records and retrieve data related to work performed using manual and/or computerized record-keeping systems; prepare standard reports; provide instruction to unskilled and semi-skilled assistants; analyze and respond appropriately to emergency situations; read and write at a level appropriate to the position; and perform arithmetic calculations as required by the position.

  • Experience:

These abilities normally would be acquired through two years of journey-level experience in the operation, maintenance and repair of boilers heating, ventilating, refrigeration and air conditioning equipment and systems or the equivalent combination of formal course work in mechanical technology and hands-on experience.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Five years of journey-level experience in the operation, maintenance and repair of boilers, heating, ventilating, refrigeration and air conditioning equipment and systems.
  • Achievement of journey-level skills acquired through completion of an appliable apprenticeship program.
  • Ability to proficiently use computerized building automation systems to diagnose overall building performance and troubleshoot problems.
  • Provide instruction to unskilled and semi-skilled assistants; analyze and respond appropriately to emergency situations.
  • Ability to operate various motorized vehicles and forklifts; use scaffolds, ladders, compressors and pneumatic tools; use a variety of power, hand and machine tools and test instruments; computer and office equipment, precision tools and measuring instruments.
  • CPO (Certified Pool Operations) Certification for pool oversight.

Environmental/Physical/Special

  • Possess a valid non-restricted California Driver's License; comply with the Defensive Driver's Training program requirements if a vehicle is used on official business.
  • The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment.
  • Considerable physical effort and intermittent exposure to inclement weather/working conditions; must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds; exposure to work environments that include; lack of adequate ventilation, cramped quarters, and toxic conditions; superior hand/eye coordination for manipulation tools; utilizes powerful hand, power, and machine tools.
  • Wears distinctive clothing, safety shoes, and personal protective equipment provided by the University at all times when in pay status.
  • Incumbent is considered essential personnel during a campus emergency (a sudden, unexpected happening; an unforeseen occurrence or condition requiring immediate action). Article 2.11 of the Teamsters CBA.

Pre-Employment Requirements

This position requires the successful completion of a background check.

Eligibility to Work

Applicants must be able to provide proof of US Citizenship or authorization to work in the United States, within three business days from their date of hire.

Benefits

Threaded through our Total Compensation package is a commitment to Bridging Life's Transitions.  SF State is committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive program that rewards efforts that are appreciated by your colleagues, students and the customers we serve.
We offer a competitive compensation package that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Pension, 401k, Healthcare Savings Account, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Vacation and Sick Leave as well as State Holidays and a dynamic Fee Waiver program, all geared towards the University's commitment to attract, motivate and retain our employee.

CSUEU Position (For CSUEU Positions Only)

Eligible and qualified on-campus applicants, currently in bargaining units 2, 5, 7, and 9 are given hiring preference.

Additional Information

SF STATE IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (i.e. H1-B VISAS).

Thank you for your interest in employment with California State University (CSU).  CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California.  Because of this, CSU prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside of California with very limited exception.  While this position may be eligible for occasional telework, all work is expected to be performed in the state of California, and this position is assigned to on-campus operations.

CSU strongly encourages faculty, staff, and students who are accessing campus facilities to be immunized against COVID-19. The systemwide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/.

The Human Resources office is open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and can be reached at (415) 338-1872.

Please note that this position, position requirements, application deadline and/or any other component of this position is subject to change or cancellation at any time.

Advertised: Apr 09 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

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About California State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Long Beach, CA, US