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Machine Shop Assistant Jobs in Federal Way, WA (NOW HIRING)

Working a full-time, onsite position at our Fife, WA location. * Assist in contract reviews of ... in a machine shop environment with varying temperatures and potential exposure to noise, dust ...

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Pricing Agent

Auburn, WA · On-site

$27 - $28/hr

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES : * Assist with developing and executing pricing strategies ... Verify engineering orders and machine shop reworks to finalize the repair estimate. * Enforce and ...

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Pricing Agent

Auburn, WA · On-site

$27 - $28/hr

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES : * Assist with developing and executing pricing strategies ... Verify engineering orders and machine shop reworks to finalize the repair estimate. * Enforce and ...

Olympia Counter Sales

Olympia, WA

$17.25 - $21.50/hr

... machine shops . This role is ideal for someone who enjoys problem-solving, working with people, and providing excellent customer service in a fast-paced environment. Key Responsibilities: * Assist ...

Material Handler

Tukwila, WA · On-site

$23 - $26/hr

Supports inventory audits, resolve discrepancies, and assist in cycle counts. * Mentors and ... Minimum 2-3 years of experience in a machine shop, warehouse, or logistics setting. * High school ...

Ability to inspect molded parts utilizing conventional machine shop inspection tools ... Control of Documents, External and Internal * Assist with Internal Quality Audits * Demonstrate ...

... Assist with Internal Quality Audits • Demonstrate excellent time management skills. Utilize all ... machine shop inspection tools • Understanding of GD&T • Understanding of AS9102 FAIR • Be ...

QA Inspector II - Plastics

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$25.50 - $30/hr

Ability to inspect molded parts utilizing conventional machine shop inspection tools ... Control of Documents, External and Internal * Assist with Internal Quality Audits * Demonstrate ...

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Machine Shop Assistant information

See Federal Way, WA salary details

$15

$20

$25

How much do machine shop assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine shop assistant in Federal Way, WA is $20.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $21.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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?

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 cities near Federal Way, WA are hiring for Machine Shop Assistant jobs? Cities near Federal Way, WA with the most Machine Shop Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Machine Shop Assistant job openings in Federal Way, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,933 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Press Brake Operator, 2nd Shift

Accurus Aerospace Corporation

Kent, WA • On-site

$20 - $33/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Accurus Aerospace rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Press Brake Operators perform setup and operation of press brake machines to cost-effectively produce high-quality steel, stainless steel, or aluminum parts to meet customer specifications. The press brake operator must possess good hand-eye coordination, a steady hand, and the ability to interpret plans and follow both written and verbal directions. The press brake operator must have good analytical and mathematical skills to interpret drawings, templates, and blueprints that accompany each project. This position requires the ability to read gauges and other measurement tools to determine adherence to drawing tolerances.
Essential Functions
To accomplish this job, an individual must be able to perform each essential function. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Set up and program the press brake to form parts in compliance with prints and written specifications; select appropriate methods and tools for part design, calculate bend allowances, and confirm that formed parts meet all requirements
  • Identify parts that are nonconforming to requirements and follow the appropriate procedures to control nonconforming product
  • Package completed orders and complete all required documentation
  • Inspects equipment daily for damage; promptly reports issues to supervision and may enter work orders or communicate with maintenance personnel; may perform preventive maintenance and minor repairs on tools & equipment used
  • Maintains a clean, organized, and safe work area
  • Follows directions consistently and accepts responsibility for actions and work product
  • Complies with applicable manufacturing processes, work procedures, and supervisor instructions
  • Adheres to safety guidelines and procedures; proactively identifies job hazards and collaborates with leadership to minimize hazards and ensure employee safety
  • May assist with training other operators
  • Performs other job-related duties as assigned
  • Regular attendance on-site at the workplace is required
  • Level II may provide training to level I operators

Required Education and Work Experience:
High School diploma or GED equivalent is required
  • Experience requirements vary based on position level. The posted salary range reflects a broad range inclusive level I and II positions.
    • A minimum of two (2) years experience in the metals industry operating a press brake; recent vocational training in a metal-working or other technical role may be considered in lieu of work experience.
    • Higher experience levels are required for placement at Level II.

Other Required Skills and Abilities
  • Experience reading and accurately interpreting shop blueprints, technical drawings, and customer specifications is required
  • Experience using precision measuring instruments including mics and calipers is preferred
  • Aerospace manufacturing experience is preferred
  • Familiar with the tooling and set up procedures for different thicknesses of metals
  • Ability to calculate bend allowances for different thicknesses of metals
  • Ability using precision measuring instruments including tape measure, calipers, micrometers and angle finders
  • Team player who works well with others in a fast paced, customer service oriented, environment

Physical Demands and Work Environment
  • Regularly stand and walk throughout the facility, stand for long periods to perform job duties
  • Regularly lift, carry (short distances), and push/pull up to 50 pounds using peer assistance and/or other lifting & material-handling equipment
  • Regularly reaches overhead and reaches out or down to perform duties
  • Occasionally bend, crawl, stoop, squat, or kneel
  • Frequently uses hand or fingers to manually inspect parts and operate tools and/or material handling controls
  • Visual acuity to interpret readings on gauges and other measuring devices
  • Work in a fast paced industrial environment wearing hearing protection, eye protection, steel-toed shoes and other appropriate protective clothing

Working Conditions
Work is performed in a manufacturing shop environment where working conditions may vary significantly; the employee will be exposed to:
  • Excessive noise (hearing protection required)
  • Dust, smoke, mist, fumes/vapors (regularly)
  • Extreme temperatures (occasionally)
  • Hazardous equipment including forklifts, hand tools, cranes or other lifting devices, and other equipment used in a machine shop environment (regularly)
  • The use of PPE, including hearing protection, eye and hand protection, and use of safety footwear is required

This position is classified as safety-sensitive.
2nd Shift:
Monday - Thursday
2:00 pm - 12:30 am
Shift Differential for 2nd Shift: $2.00/hr!
This position must meet ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) compliance; therefore, qualified candidates must meet the definition of a U.S. Person (per EAR Part 772 and ITAR 120.15):
  • An individual who is granted U.S. citizenship, or
  • An individual who is granted U.S. permanent residence (i.e., a "Green Card" holder), or
  • An individual who is granted status as a "protected person"

About Accurus Aerospace Kent, LLC
Accurus Aerospace Kent LLC was founded in 1977 in Kent, WA. Over the past three decades, Accurus has evolved into a preferred supplier of sheet metal fabricated parts, high-precision machined parts, kits, and bench top assemblies to the Aerospace and Defense Industry. Located in a 47,000 square foot facility only 15 minutes from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Accurus is a center of Aerospace excellence and one-stop source for high-speed precision machining, fabrication, and assembly.
We appreciate your interest in Accurus Aerospace; however, only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.
Accurus offers a comprehensive employee benefit package upon completion of 30 days of employment. For full details, please visit the benefits section of our website.
Accurus is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Affirmative Action Plan (AAP) employer and participates in the E-Verify Employment Verification Program. Please see our website for more information on employment practices.
Please note that Accurus only accepts applications submitted through our online recruiting system. For information on disability accommodations for applicants, please visit our career page.
All job offers are contingent upon successfully completing a drug screen and criminal background screening. Certain positions may require a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR), a credit report, and/or a medical physical examination.
Thank you for considering Accurus for your next career opportunity.

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