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Machine Shop Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Complete tasks efficiently and within assigned timeframes * Assist with general facility upkeep as ... Industrial machine shop setting * Exposure to metal dust, oils, coolants, and loud equipment

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Complete tasks efficiently and within assigned timeframes * Assist with general facility upkeep as ... Industrial machine shop setting * Exposure to metal dust, oils, coolants, and loud equipment

The shop assistant is an integral role in the strength and performance of the dealership and is a ... PDI of new machines * Refueling of gasoline or diesel, oil, water levels for equipment, pressure ...

General Shop Helper

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$18 - $19/hr

General Shop Helpers (3-4) needed for a machine shop located in the Irvine CA area. This is a ... Will assist in running of CNC Machines and Manuel Machines. * Execute the end-to-end assembly ...

Offer training to develop teaching assistants in your department * Develop programming and ... Five years of experience working as a manual/CNC machinist, must have significant manual experience ...

Set up ball machines, restring racquets (if applicable), verify stock levels, and assist with ... Help train new tennis shop assistants when requested. * Support and implement all AGC initiatives ...

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Maintain accurate inspection records and support traceability requirements. * Assist with customer ... Strong understanding of aerospace shop production processes and coating workflows. * Ability to ...

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Machine Shop Assistant information

What are some common challenges faced by a Machine Shop Assistant, and how can they be managed effectively?

Machine Shop Assistants often face challenges such as maintaining strict safety protocols while working around heavy machinery, managing multiple tasks like material handling and equipment cleaning, and adapting to varying production schedules. Effective time management and consistent communication with machinists and supervisors can help address these challenges. Additionally, staying organized and proactive in identifying potential hazards contributes to a safer and more efficient workplace.

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

To thrive as a Machine Shop Assistant, you need a basic understanding of machining processes, mechanical aptitude, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hand tools, measuring instruments like calipers and micrometers, and sometimes CNC machinery or safety certifications is typical. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong teamwork skills help you excel in supporting machinists and maintaining workflow. These skills and qualities ensure safe, efficient operations and contribute to producing high-quality machined parts.

What is the difference between Machine Shop Assistant vs Machinist?

AspectMachine Shop AssistantMachinist
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some technical trainingTechnical training or apprenticeship; certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentAssists in machine setup, cleaning, and material handling in machine shopsOperates and programs machines like lathes and mills in manufacturing settings
Job ResponsibilitiesSupports machinists, prepares materials, maintains equipmentSets up, operates, and monitors machining equipment to produce parts

While both roles work in machine shops, the Machine Shop Assistant primarily supports machinists by handling preparatory and maintenance tasks, whereas the Machinist directly operates and programs machines to produce precise parts. The assistant role often requires less technical training, making it an entry point into the industry.

What are the main duties of a Machine Shop Assistant?

A Machine Shop Assistant supports machinists and technicians by preparing materials, operating basic machinery, cleaning and maintaining equipment, and organizing the workspace. They often assist with loading and unloading materials, measuring parts, and ensuring that tools and machines are in good working order. These assistants play a vital role in keeping the shop running smoothly and efficiently, often performing routine tasks so skilled machinists can focus on more complex work.
What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Shop jobs in California? The most popular types of Machine Shop jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Machine Shop Assistant jobs? Cities in California with the most Machine Shop Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Machine Shop Assistant job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

CNC Machine Shop Lead - 1st Shift

Aluminium Precision Products

Santa Ana, CA โ€ข On-site

$23.76 - $32.68/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Aluminum Precision Products (APP) is an international leader in manufacturing aluminum forgings. We offer you the opportunity to be a part of a globally recognized organization that enjoys an unparalleled reputation for quality. Here you'll be challenged on a daily basis, tasked with solving problems, working with smart, energetic, and dedicated people with an opportunity to grow and learn.
Job Summary:
We are looking for a CNC Machine Shop Lead who will oversee all operations performed by the personnel under their supervision.
Job Requirements:
  • Work safe and maintain an organized, lean work environment.
  • Strong commitment to good attendance and being on time as it is critical to meet production needs.
  • Ensure adherence to APP's policies and procedures, including our code of conduct and ethics policy, product safety, employee safety and cultural beliefs.
  • On-the-job training will be provided for this position.
  • Inspect parts visually and by touch and remove flash and excess material by following forging process and work order instructions.
  • Use various surface-grinding tools to remove the defects from manufactured parts.
  • Maintain accurate part and or work piece counts.
  • Assure quality and production requirements are met, as per the job-specific travelers.
  • Review master schedule to determine best use of personnel to achieve On Time delivery.
  • Assign job tasks based on scheduled workload.
  • Work with inspection team and assign priority as necessary.
  • Direct Work flow with tool crib technician daily to ensure we meet our OTD goals.
  • Approve CNC program updates as jobs are completed by maintaining the program files for all CNC equipment.
  • Ensure adherence to all process specifications.
  • Takes strong ownership of work in progress and communicates with co-workers, Leads, Supervisors and Managers (as needed).
  • Assist, as needed, Quality staff by providing administrative support performing tasks related to Internal Specification Reviews, Corrective Actions, Quality Planning, and Assist other Departments.
  • Attend technical meetings to provide support (as needed).
  • Comply with all APP, Inc. safety rules and company policies.
  • Will instruct, train, and motivate machine shop department employees on work to be performed in accordance with Company standards.
  • Provide coverage for machine shop Supervisor or shop foreman when necessary.
  • Communicate Company policy and safety rules.
  • Continually update educational knowledge and best machine practices to enhance the overall production in the shop.
  • Provide input for performance evaluations Checks and answers email in a timely manner.
  • Always consider how decisions will affect our Key Results Goals.
  • Instructs and directs work activities of employees in assigned work areas.
  • Perform any other duties not mentioned above when instructed to do so by the department manager.

Skill Requirements:
  • Must have comprehensive knowledge of all of the equipment being used in the machine shop.
  • High school diploma or GED equivalent.
  • Have at least ten years of CNC and conventional set up knowledge and operation.
  • Should have some vocational training in the machining and manufacturing fields.
  • Have excellent blueprint reading skills.
  • First article lay out skills.
  • Good math skills.
  • Microsoft office knowledge.
  • Experience with ERP software.
  • Strong background in inspection of aerospace parts and forgings.
  • Have strong communication skills and work well with others.
  • The ability to edit and write CNC programs.

Why work for APP?
  • On-the-job training and opportunities for advancement with a strong promote within program.
  • Medical, Dental, Vision - Generous company contribution, low cost to employee
  • Life insurance - 100% company paid - covers employee, spouse and dependent children
  • Generous Vacation Time
  • 9 Paid Holidays
  • Holiday Shut Down (Christmas thru New Year's)
  • Sick Time
  • Annual Bonus (based on company meeting Key Results)
  • 401k (Company matches up to 4%)
  • ESOP Employee Profit Sharing Retirement Plan (100% Company Paid)
  • Tuition reimbursement

Compensation: $23.76 - $32.68 an hour. This is the lowest to highest hourly starting rate we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted starting range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employee's pay within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.
APP is an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) Company and we are committed to the long term growth of our organization and employees. We offer an excellent benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and 401k plan.
APP, Inc. engineers and manufactures certain products that are considered ITAR-controlled items under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Consistent with ITAR, any position at APP, Inc. that involves work with the engineering or manufacturing functions of the Company may only be filled by a candidate who is (i) a citizen of the United States, or (ii) a person who has been accorded the privilege of residing permanently in the United States as an immigrant in accordance with the immigration laws. Are you a U.S. Citizen or U.S. Person? (U.S. Person = a natural person who is a lawful permanent resident as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) or who is a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).)
Accessibility:If you need help accessing this page please contact us by Email: apphr@aluminumprecision.com
Aluminum Precision Products, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and vets.
If you want to view the EEO is the Law poster in English, Spanish, Arabic, and Chinese please click here.