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Machine Shop Assistant Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

Industrial Painter

Brampton, ON · On-site

CA$25 - CA$30/hr

Follow all company safety procedures, including WHMIS, PPE, ventilation, and chemical-handling requirements. * Assist with general shop duties and machine-building activities when required. EDUCATION ...

... of machinery and equipment, component assemblies, and parts in the shop, including testing ... These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions ...

General Shop Support - Assist with basic shop tasks such as cleaning, organizing, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives. Qualifications * 1-2 years of experience in a machining, tool crib ...

Tool and Die Maker

Mount Forest, ON · On-site

CA$42 - CA$44/hr

Operate manual machine shop equipment including lathes, milling machines, grinders, drill presses ... Perform die tryouts and support production during tooling changeovers. * Assist in continuous ...

Shop Supervisor

Mississauga, ON · On-site

CA$55K - CA$75K/yr

... Machine Safety, creating close relationships with our valued customers, vendors, and employees. Why ... Implement, control and review the production schedule * Assist in the definition of project scope ...

Shop Supervisor

Mississauga, ON · On-site

CA$55K - CA$75K/yr

... Machine Safety, creating close relationships with our valued customers, vendors, and employees. Why ... Implement, control and review the production schedule * Assist in the definition of project scope ...

Perform basic machine maintenance (i.e. centering lens, changing consumables, emptying waste ... shop cleanliness and organization. * Assist other Laser staff when work schedule permits. * Comply ...

CNC Tool Setter

Woodbridge, ON · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

General Shop Support - Assist with basic shop tasks such as cleaning, organizing, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.Qualifications1-2 years of experience in a machining, tool crib, or ...

Overview Reporting to the Shop Supervisor, the Machinist Helper assists and learns from an ... Responsibilities * Assist with set up, operation and maintaining a variety of machine tools ...

Acquire information to assist with maintenance and repair process(es) to specifications from vendor ... Prior mechanical work experience in automotive industry or CNC machine shop is required Skills:

Millwright is required to assist mechanical supervisor to carry out preventive and corrective ... machine shop equipment, drill press, lathe, milling machine, read blueprints, and use precision ...

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Machine Shop Assistant information

See Ontario salary details

$8

$15

$24

How much do machine shop assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine shop assistant in Ontario is $15.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $17.31 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 Ontario?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Machine Shop Assistant job openings in Ontario as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,703 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Engineering Student Machine Shop Instructor

Waterloo, ON • On-site

University of Waterloo
Education • 5 - 10K employees

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

At theUniversity of Waterloo, we create and promote a culture where everyone can reach their full potential. As an employee, you get support & opportunities that empower you to advance your career. Explore how we can bring big ideas to life, together. The University is a welcoming workplace for those of all abilities, interests, and expertise. As part of our workforce, you can do what you do best, every day.
Learn more about our recruitment process.

Job Requisition ID:

2026-02440


Time Type:

Full time

Employee Group:

Staff

Job Category:

Academic Delivery Support

Employment Type:

Temporary

Department:

Faculty of Engineering - Dean of Engineering Office - Sedra Student Design Centre

Hiring Range:

$72,523.53 - $90,654.42

Posting Information:
This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Term: 1 year

This position is being offered as a temporary contract

Job Description:

Primary Purpose

The Engineering Student Machine Shop Instructor teaches the knowledge, demonstrates the skills, as well as approves and enables the activities required for undergraduate and graduate Engineering students and other approved individuals to safely use the equipment and resources of the Engineering Student Shops. The primary location of the job will be the Engineering Project Shop located in Engineering 7 and the Engineering Student Machine Shop located in Engineering 5. Depending on demand, the job may also be located in the Wood Shop in E5.

Key Accountabilities

Teach manufacturing techniques and demonstrate manufacturing skills

  • Teach inexperienced students, both individually and in a small group setting, fundamental machining knowledge and fabrication techniques
  • Demonstrate the correct use of machine shop equipment and tools
  • Give opportunities for practice and demonstrate techniques that enhance and develop students' machining and fabrication skills
  • Establish a mentoring relationship with students who use the shop frequently

Approve student activities, monitor progress and provide feedback

  • Respond to questions regarding proper and safe use of machine shop equipment
  • Review student designs and drawings and provide feedback that includes safety considerations, manufacturability, skill level, and tooling and equipment requirements prior to giving permission for machining
  • Approve equipment set up and monitor progress of machining, especially for new users
  • Direct and control student activities, particularly when a machining or fabrication process must be modified or stopped immediately due to safety concerns

Supervise all shop users

  • Ensure that all shop users comply with all safety requirements, including maximum occupancy, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), securing loose clothing or long hair, etc.
  • Enforce all safety regulations in regards to safe operation of all equipment as specified in the Safety Manual and the Standard Operation Procedures
  • Assist the manager with the day to day supervision of undergraduate co-op students
  • Provide assistance for instructors and staff as they host learning activities within the facilities of the Engineering Design Clinic

Maintain machine shop equipment and inventory

  • Ensure that all shop equipment is in safe working order, i.e. performing routine pre-use inspections, verifying safety features are in place and adjusted properly, and notifying the Manager of any deficiencies
  • Perform regular scheduled maintenance and repairs of equipment as required
  • Assist the Manager with monthly safety inspections
  • Maintain inventory of tooling and shop supplies that are available to students
  • Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

Education

  • High School Diploma and a Certificate of Qualification (Ontario preferred) in one of the following trades: General Machinist, Tool & Die Maker, Mould Maker
  • 7+ years of demonstrated experience in a broad spectrum of metalworking machinery and a suite of skills applicable to the machining / fabricating trades
  • Extensive teaching and mentoring experience of students and/or apprentices in a shop setting required
  • Highly skilled in all machining and fabrication methods and techniques
  • Experience in the tracking and maintaining of supply inventory
  • Experience with maintaining and repairing tools and machinery
  • Experience programming and operating CNC machine tools in combination with expertise using current versions of MasterCam is an asset
  • Experience with wood working and CNC routers is an asset
  • Basic MS Office skills
  • Excellent communication skills to train and demonstrate machining skills to both individual or small groups
  • Comfortable with providing constructive feedback to students
  • Ability to maintain attention to detail in a fast paced, multitasking environment
  • Ability to manage multiple, competing priorities
  • Confident problem-solving abilities

Equity Statement
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.
The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Metis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.
Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.
The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources athrhelp@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.