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Machine Shop Assistant Jobs in Preston, ID (NOW HIRING)

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Stacker/General Labor

Logan, UT · On-site

$19/hr

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform inventory checks and assist with stock management as needed. Skills Required: * Previous ... to join a custom cabinet shop. In this role, you will be responsible for assisting in the ...

All JobsMachine Shop JobsMachine Shop Assistant JobsMachine Shop Assistant Jobs in Preston, ID

Machine Shop Assistant information

See Preston, ID salary details

$12

$16

$21

How much do machine shop assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine shop assistant in Preston, ID is $16.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $17.93 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 cities near Preston, ID are hiring for Machine Shop Assistant jobs?

Cities near Preston, ID with the most Machine Shop Assistant job openings:

Machine Shop Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Machine Shop Assistant job openings in Preston, ID as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 72% 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 $35,037 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

Processing Lead - Working Lead (Internal Applicants Only)

Great Basin Industrial

Plymouth, UT • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

*INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY*

We believe in fostering growth from within and are committed to providing our team members with opportunities for career advancement. As such, we are prioritizing internal applicants for this role before considering external candidates. We encourage our employees to take the next step in their career with us!

Department: Material Processing & Machine Shop

Reports To: Processing Foreman

Supervises: Processing Personnel & Machinists

Compensation Range: Wage based on experience and quality of work

The Processing Lead is a hands-on working leadership position responsible for maintaining production flow within the processing department and machine shop. This role actively operates department equipment while coordinating the daily activities of processing personnel and machinists.

The Processing Lead ensures parts are processed accurately, production schedules are maintained, and materials move efficiently between processing, machining, staging, and fabrication. In addition to performing production work, the Lead provides shop floor direction, performs quality checks, assists with training, and tracks completed parts in Tekla PowerFab GO.

The position serves as the primary shop floor leader during daily operations, supporting the Processing Foreman and ensuring department productivity and safety standards are maintained.

Key Responsibilities

Hands-On Production Work

  • Actively operate department equipment including:
  • Burn tables
  • Plate rolls
  • Press brake
  • Band saws
  • Material handling equipment
  • Assist machinists with material preparation or setup when required.
  • Perform cutting, rolling, press brake and sawing operations as needed to maintain production flow.
  • Support loading, unloading, and staging of materials and processed parts.

Production Flow Coordination

  • Coordinate daily production activities across processing equipment and the machine shop.
  • Assign work tasks to processing personnel and machinists based on department priorities.
  • Monitor workflow and adjust tasks to prevent bottlenecks or idle time.
  • Ensure materials and parts move efficiently between processing, machining, and fabrication staging areas.

Shop Floor Supervision

  • Provide direct shop floor leadership to processing employees and machinists.
  • Ensure employees remain productive and follow department procedures.
  • Address minor personnel issues and escalate concerns to the Processing Foreman when necessary.
  • Communicate production progress and delays.

Quality Control

  • Perform routine dimensional and visual inspections of processed and machined parts.
  • Verify parts match fabrication drawings and CNC files.
  • Ensure parts are properly labeled and staged.
  • Prevent mixing of material grades or thicknesses.

Production Tracking & Documentation

  • Track completed parts and production progress using Tekla PowerFab GO.
  • Ensure accurate part counts and job completion updates.
  • Communicate production status and job progress to the Processing Foreman.

Training & Mentorship

  • Train new employees on equipment operation and department procedures.
  • Demonstrate safe and efficient machine operation.
  • Assist machinists or operators in learning new equipment or processes.

Safety & Housekeeping

  • Enforce PPE requirements and safe work practices.
  • Monitor equipment operation for safety compliance.
  • Maintain clean and organized processing and machine shop areas.
  • Identify and report safety hazards or equipment issues.

Requirements

Qualifications
  • 3-5 years steel fabrication, plate processing, or machining experience
  • Strong hands-on experience with burn tables, saws, plate rolls, or similar equipment
  • Ability to read fabrication drawings and machining prints
  • Leadership ability with strong communication skills
  • Experience using Tekla PowerFab preferred
Essential Job Functions (Fabrication Shop)

The following duties are considered essential to production roles at the Fabrication Shop:

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job, with or without reasonable accommodation:

  • Frequently lift, carry, push, and pull materials weighing up to 50 pounds
  • Perform physically demanding tasks for extended periods (8-12+ hour shifts)
  • Stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl for prolonged periods
  • Reach overhead and work with arms extended
  • Climb ladders, work in manlifts up to 25 feet above ground
  • Work in confined spaces and at elevated heights when required

Work Environment

  • Exposure to dust, noise, and industrial hazards
  • Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required at all times

Schedule Requirements

  • Ability to work extended hours, including overtime, weekends, or swing shifts as needed to meet project deadlines

This position requires the ability to perform all essential job functions safely and effectively, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) - accrues starting day one!
  • Holiday Pay
  • Company-Paid Life Insurance
  • Short- & Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • 401(k) with Company Match
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Why GBI?

We live our values:

  • DRIVEN: Find a Way to Win
    (Passionate. Accountable. Humbly Confident.)
  • BUILDING: Build People, Teams & America
    (Learn. Share. Grow.)
  • EXCELLENCE: Skillfully Execute, Solve Problems & Stand Firm
    (Self Discipline + Proven Process = Winning.)
  • TOGETHER: Ride for the Brand
    (People First. Straight Talk. Honest Work.)

We have an award-winning workplace culture!

  • Utah Top Workplace - 2025
  • Austin Top Workplace 2025
  • USA Today Top Workplace - 2024 & 2025

We Reward Loyalty

  • All-expenses-paid 5 & 20-year anniversary trips, milestone bonuses, and exclusive celebration perks that recognize your commitment.

GBI People & Culture Statement:
We are committed to providing an inclusive environment that ensures the happiness and success of each of our associates. We pride ourselves on hiring, training, and retaining a community of employees from various backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.

EEO Statement:
We are an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.

We are a drug-free workplace.

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