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Machine Shop Assistant Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Niowave Inc.

Shop Assistant (Fabrication)

Lansing, MI · On-site

$13.75 - $17.25/hr

Shop Assistant Who we are... We are a team of scientists, engineers, technicians, and innovators ... Cleans automated and manual machines * Organizes and assembles consumables * Maintains inventory ...

Lee Machinery Movers Inc

Shop Assistant

Saginaw, MI · On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

Load, unload, and clean trucks that come into the shop daily per direction in a safe and efficient manner. * Gather materials as needed for upcoming & ongoing projects. * Pick up and deliver parts ...

Lee Machinery Movers Inc

Shop Assistant

Saginaw, MI · On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

Load, unload, and clean trucks that come into the shop daily per direction in a safe and efficient manner. * Gather materials as needed for upcoming & ongoing projects. * Pick up and deliver parts ...

Dixie Machine LLC

General Laborer

Holly, MI · On-site

$14.25 - $17.75/hr

Sweep and maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area throughout the shop * Assist welders, machine operators, and assembly personnel with projects as directed * Move material and parts using ...

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Machine Shop Assistant information

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$11

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How much do machine shop assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine shop assistant in Michigan is $15.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $16.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a machine shop assistant?

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 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 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 qualifications do you need to work in a machine shop assistant?

A machine shop assistant typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent and basic mechanical skills. Experience with hand tools, knowledge of safety procedures, and the ability to read technical drawings are also important qualifications for the role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Shop jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Machine Shop jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Machine Shop Assistant jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Machine Shop Assistant job openings:

Machine Shop Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Machine Shop Assistant job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,728 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Machine Shop Supervisor

Detroit, MI • On-site

University of Michigan
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees
Learn more about University of Michiganexternal

$25/hr

Part-time

Posted 10 days ago

University Of Michigan rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Summary
The University of Michigan Center for Innovation in Detroit (UMCI) is seeking an energetic, enthusiastic, organized, and team-oriented individual to serve in a key instructional leadership role with emphasis on working safely in a machine shop environment, teaching high school students and adults, and creatively solving mechanical problems.
This part-time position will work out of UMCI's Michigan Engineering Zone (MEZ) location in midtown Detroit. The machine shop supervisor instructs and mentors high school students in the safe use and maintenance of tools and machines in our lab and machine shop areas. They model a professional safety culture while maintaining work space areas, tools, and supplies with the support of students and professional mentors. They must be comfortable adapting to new situations and resolving small issues independently.
Responsibilities*
  • Instruct and mentor students in the proper use of 3D printers, CNC and manual machine tools, electronic test equipment, and soldering tools. Support the MEZ staff in developing and delivering standardized training materials.
  • Maintain working areas, machinery, equipment, and working conditions in compliance with accepted standards.
  • Promote a professional, safe, and welcoming culture in the MEZ workshop.
  • Collaborate with other staff to train new team members, communicate instructions, and support the development of MEZ work practices.
  • Coordinate ordering, inventory, storage, and disposal of supplies, materials, and tools used in the MEZ.
  • Support staff and students with building electro-mechanical robotic systems and testbeds for robotics systems, supporting the annual FIRST Robotics challenges and competitions.

Required Qualifications*
  • Experience in the safe and effective use and maintenance of many of the following: 3D printers, standard hand tools, light-duty CNC routers, light-duty manual machine tools (drill press, band saw, etc).
  • General comfort around a shop and a willingness to investigate and solve problems.
  • Basic familiarity with CAD/CAM software.
  • Experience working in a team-oriented organization with diverse stakeholders. Many of the students will have no prior experience working in a shop.

Desired Qualifications*
  • Relevant experience in a professional manufacturing or prototyping environment.
  • Experience teaching and mentoring others, especially regarding the use of fabrication tools.
  • Experience in electrical circuits, hardware design, embedded software development, real-time control, and data acquisition, and mechanical/mechatronics design.
  • Experience with FIRST Robotics.
  • Experience working with youth in formal or informal roles.

Work Schedule
This position (1 opening) is part-time and works approximately 6 hours per week in the fall and approximately 20 hours per week in the winter.
  • September-December: work hours are typically 4-7 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
  • January-early April: work hours are typically 4-7 PM Monday-Thursday and 11-4 PM on Saturdays.
  • There are often additional opportunities in the summer depending on availability and desire.

Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Detail
Job Opening ID
282555
Working Title
Machine Shop Supervisor
Job Title
LABORATORY ASST (TEMP)
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Detroit, MI
Modes of Work
Onsite
Full/Part Time
Part-Time
Regular/Temporary
Temporary
FLSA Status
Nonexempt
Organizational Group
College Engineering
Department
UMCI Michigan Engineering Zone
Posting Begin/End Date
9/01/2026 - 10/01/2026
Salary
$25.00 - $25.00
Career Interest
Temporary Job Opening

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About University of Michigan

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Michigan (U-M), based in Ann Arbor, MI, US, is one of America's most esteemed institutions in higher education. Established in 1817, it presides in the industry of education and research, providing a range of services including undergraduate, graduate, and professional education programs. Complementing this is an extensive research activity that has significantly contributed to various fields, from healthcare to engineering, humanities to sports. Upholding its mission "to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values", U-M consistently ranks among the top universities globally, a testament to its tradition of excellence in learning and research, and a deep commitment to innovation and discovery.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Ann Arbor, MI, US

Year founded

1817

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