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Machine Shop Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Team Lead serves as the primary point of contact between the machine shop floor and Quality, Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, and Planning. As a working lead, this position routinely sets ...

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Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and specifications * Ensure compliance with ... manual machine shop or manufacturing environment * At least 1 year of supervisory or team lead ...

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... CNC machine shop. This role is responsible for ensuring that precision-machined aerospace ... Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T per ASME Y14.5 * Identify nonconformances ...

CNC Machinist

Carlsbad, CA

$21 - $28.75/hr

MACHINE SHOP REPORTS TO : PRODUCTION MANAGER FLSA STATUS : NON-EXEMPT EMPLOYMENT STATUS : FULL-TIME Position Summary: Works closely with the Machine Shop Programmer and Engineers to ensure all ...

Be Seen First

Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and specifications * Ensure compliance with ... manual machine shop or manufacturing environment * At least 1 year of supervisory or team lead ...

Apply Early

CNC Machinist

Carlsbad, CA

$21 - $28.75/hr

MACHINE SHOP REPORTS TO : PRODUCTION MANAGER FLSA STATUS : NON-EXEMPT EMPLOYMENT STATUS : FULL-TIME Position Summary: Works closely with the Machine Shop Programmer and Engineers to ensure all ...

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Machine Shop Engineer information

See California salary details

$31.1K

$127.1K

$191K

How much do machine shop engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for machine shop engineer in California is $127,083.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,200.00 and $153,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Machine Shop Engineers?

Machine Shop Engineers are specialized professionals who design, develop, and oversee the manufacturing processes in a machine shop environment. They are responsible for creating detailed plans for producing parts or products, selecting appropriate materials, setting up and maintaining machinery, and ensuring that safety and quality standards are met. These engineers often collaborate with machinists, technicians, and other engineers to optimize workflow and improve efficiency. Their expertise is vital in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing, where precision and quality are critical.

What are some common challenges faced by a Machine Shop Engineer, and how can they be addressed?

Machine Shop Engineers often encounter challenges such as maintaining precision and quality while meeting tight production deadlines, managing equipment downtime, and ensuring workplace safety. Addressing these issues involves close collaboration with machinists and maintenance teams, implementing preventive maintenance schedules, and continuously monitoring production processes for improvement opportunities. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as is staying updated with the latest manufacturing technologies and best practices to enhance productivity and quality.

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

To thrive as a Machine Shop Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering, machining processes, and manufacturing principles, often supported by a relevant engineering degree or technical certification. Familiarity with CAD/CAM software, CNC machinery, and industry standards like ISO 9001 is critical for designing and optimizing production workflows. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with teams and troubleshooting issues. These competencies ensure efficient production, high-quality output, and the ability to adapt to evolving manufacturing technologies.

What is the difference between Machine Shop Engineer vs Machinist?

AspectMachine Shop EngineerMachinist
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Mechanical or Manufacturing EngineeringHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training or apprenticeship
Work EnvironmentDesign, oversee manufacturing processes, and optimize machining operationsOperate and set up machine tools to produce parts
Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing plants, engineering firms, and product development

While Machine Shop Engineers focus on designing and improving machining processes, Machinists are hands-on workers who operate machine tools to produce parts. Both roles are essential in manufacturing, but they differ in responsibilities, education, and daily tasks.

What are popular job titles related to Machine Shop Engineer jobs in California? For Machine Shop Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Machine Shop Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Machine Shop Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Machine Shop Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Machine Shop Engineer job openings:
Machine Shop Manager

Machine Shop Manager

Applied Medical

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

$80K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Applied Medical rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Applied Medical is a new generation medical device company with a proven business model and commitment to innovation fueled by rapid business growth and expansion. Our company has been developing and manufacturing advanced surgical technologies for over 35 years and has earned a strong reputation for excellence in the healthcare field.  Our unique business model, combined with our dedication to delivering the highest quality products, enables team members to contribute in a larger capacity than is possible in typical positions.


Position Description

The machine shop manager leads Applied Medical’s precision manufacturing operations by driving team performance, production execution, and operational efficiency within a fastpaced, regulated environment. This role is primarily responsible for managing people, processes, and production outcomes to ensure alignment with business objectives, quality standards, and delivery targets.

The machine shop manager partners closely with engineering, quality, and operations teams to support scalable manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives. This position aligns with manufacturing manager, operations manager, and machining manager roles within advanced manufacturing and medical device environments.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead daily manufacturing operations by managing team members, production schedules, staffing, and workflow execution across machining areas.
  • Manage team performance by conducting evaluations, reviewing attendance, approving time records, and driving accountability.
  • Collaborate with engineering, quality, and planning teams to ensure production schedules are achieved and operational goals are met.
  • Resolve production issues by coordinating resources, removing constraints, and driving timely problem resolution.
  • Monitor manufacturing metrics such as labor utilization, efficiency, scrap, and variances to identify improvement opportunities.
  • Ensure compliance with Applied Medical quality systems, safety policies, and manufacturing procedures.
  • Lead and mentor machinists, programmers, inspectors, and technical staff to support engagement, development, and retention.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives across processes, equipment, and workflows to enhance productivity and cost effectiveness.

Success in This Role Looks Like

  • Production goals are consistently met through strong team leadership and effective operational execution.
  • Team members are engaged, developed, and performing at a high level with clear expectations and accountability.
  • Manufacturing efficiency improves through labor optimization, reduced scrap, and streamlined processes.
  • Crossfunctional collaboration enables faster issue resolution and improved manufacturability.
  • Quality and safety standards are maintained, ensuring compliance and operational stability.

Position Requirements

This position requires the following skills and attributes:

  • Brings five years or more of experience leading and leading and managing teams in a manufacturing or operations environment.
  • Demonstrates strong people leadership skills including coaching, performance management, and team development.
  • Applies experience managing production schedules, workforce planning, and operational performance metrics.
  • Communicates effectively with crossfunctional teams and leadership to align priorities and resolve issues.
  • Uses Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
  • Maintains the ability to work in a fastpaced environment while managing competing priorities.
  • Holds a high school diploma or general education degree or equivalent experience.

Preferred

The following skills and attributes are preferred:

  • Brings experience working in a machine shop or precision manufacturing environment.
  • Demonstrates familiarity with machining or production environments such as CNC machining, fabrication, or related manufacturing operations.
  • Exposure to manufacturing technologies such as CNC machining (milling and turning), electrical discharge machining, grinding, progressive stamping, tool and die manufacturing, or mold making.
  • Uses computeraided design tools such as SOLIDWORKS for collaboration with engineering teams.
  • Demonstrates the ability to troubleshoot manufacturing processes, equipment, or tooling challenges.
  • Holds certification from a technical training institution or related program.

Benefits
  • Competitive compensation range: $80000 - $100000 / year (California). 
  • Comprehensive benefits package. 
  • Training and mentorship opportunities. 
  • On-campus wellness activities. 
  • Education reimbursement program. 
  • 401(k) program with discretionary employer match. 
  • Generous vacation accrual and paid holiday schedule. 

Please note that the compensation range may be adjusted in the future, and bonus and incentive compensation plans may apply. 

Our total reward package reflects our commitment to employee growth and well-being, as we invest in your development and offer a range of benefits designed to enhance your career and life. 

All compensation and benefits are subject to plan documents and written agreements. 

Equal Opportunity Employer

Applied Medical is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), or sexual orientation, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws in the locations where Applied Medical operates.

Qualifications:

This position requires the following skills and attributes:

  • Brings five years or more of experience leading and leading and managing teams in a manufacturing or operations environment.
  • Demonstrates strong people leadership skills including coaching, performance management, and team development.
  • Applies experience managing production schedules, workforce planning, and operational performance metrics.
  • Communicates effectively with crossfunctional teams and leadership to align priorities and resolve issues.
  • Uses Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
  • Maintains the ability to work in a fastpaced environment while managing competing priorities.
  • Holds a high school diploma or general education degree or equivalent experience.
Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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