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Machine Shop Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Relativity Space

Machine Shop Technician II

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$25.80 - $38.70/hr

Communicate effectively with engineering teams and cross-functional stakeholders to translate ... Develop and enforce standardized workflows for machine shop operations, including shift hand-offs ...

CCS INC

Machine Shop Technician

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Interpret complex engineering blueprints, GD&T callouts, and CAD/CAM models to machine high-precision components * Diagnose and repair worn or broken tooling to restore original specifications with ...

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All JobsMachine Shop Engineer JobsMachine Shop Engineer Jobs in California

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 24, 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 Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Machine Shop Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,083 per year, or $61.1 per hour.
Senior Machinist AS9100 Aerospace Machine Shop

Senior Machinist AS9100 Aerospace Machine Shop

AMERICAN PRECISION TOOL & ENGINEERING, INC.

Pacoima, CA • On-site

$30 - $38/hr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Senior Machinist  AS9100 Aerospace Machine Shop
Location: Pacoima, California
Company: American Precision Tool & Engineering, Inc.
Compensation: Competitive and based on experience. 
American Precision Tool is an AS9100-certified aerospace and defense machine shop seeking an experienced Senior Machinist to join our growing team.
We are looking for a hands-on machinist with strong setup, troubleshooting, and precision machining experience who can help transform engineering drawings into efficient, repeatable manufacturing processes.
Responsibilities
  •  Set up and operate CNC mills and lathes 
  •  Review engineering drawings and specifications 
  •  Work closely with CNC programmers to develop machining strategies and operation sequences 
  •  Determine first, second, and final operation processes 
  •  Recommend tooling, fixturing, and workholding solutions 
  •  Troubleshoot machining and production issues 
  •  Verify dimensional accuracy and maintain tight tolerances 
  •  Support first article inspections and quality requirements 
  •  Assist in improving manufacturing efficiency and reducing setup times 
  •  Help maintain a clean, organized, and professional work environment 
Requirements
  •  Minimum 10 years of machining experience preferred 
  •  Strong CNC setup experience 
  •  Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings 
  •  Solid understanding of GD&T 
  •  Experience holding close-tolerance aerospace components 
  •  Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills 
  •  Ability to work independently with minimal supervision 
  •  Excellent attention to detail and commitment to quality 
Preferred Qualifications
  •  Aerospace and defense manufacturing experience 
  •  AS9100 experience 
  •  Experience with Mastercam or other CNC programming software 
  •  Experience machining aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, Inconel, and other aerospace materials 
  •  Experience with multi-operation precision components 
About Us
American Precision Tool & Engineering has been serving the aerospace, defense, and advanced technology industries for over 17 years. We are committed to delivering precision-machined components that meet the highest standards of quality, performance, and reliability.
We are looking for an individual who takes pride in craftsmanship, values teamwork, and enjoys solving complex manufacturing challenges.
Compensation: Competitive and based on experience.
To Apply: Please send your résumé and work experience for consideration to jobs@ameriprectool.com