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Machine Shop Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Machine Shop Manager

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The machine shop manager partners closely with engineering, quality, and operations teams to ... Lead and mentor machinists, programmers, inspectors, and technical staff to support engagement ...

Manufacturing Engineer, Machine Shop (Starship)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Determine inspection method (e.g. manual inspection, CMMs, Keyance, etc.) that results in maximum utilization, maximize machine uptime and reduce part stagnation * Increase inspection throughput by ...

Manufacturing Engineer, Machine Shop (Starship)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Determine inspection method (e.g. manual inspection, CMMs, Keyance, etc.) that results in maximum utilization, maximize machine uptime and reduce part stagnation * Increase inspection throughput by ...

CNC Machine Shop Lead - 1st Shift

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$23.76 - $32.68/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are looking for a CNC Machine Shop Lead who will oversee all operations performed by the ... Inspect parts visually and by touch and remove flash and excess material by following forging ...

CNC Machine Shop Lead - 2nd Shift

Santa Ana, CA

$23.76 - $32.68/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are looking for a CNC Machine Shop Lead who will oversee all operations performed by the ... Inspect parts visually and by touch and remove flash and excess material by following forging ...

Showing results 21-40

Machine Shop Inspector information

See California salary details

$16

$25

$34

How much do machine shop inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine shop inspector in California is $25.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.90 and $30.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a machine shop inspector?

To thrive as a Machine Shop Inspector, you need a strong understanding of precision measurement, blueprint reading, and machinist principles, often backed by experience in manufacturing or a relevant technical certification. Proficiency with inspection tools such as micrometers, calipers, coordinate measuring machines (CMM), and familiarity with quality management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and strong problem-solving skills help inspectors interact with machinists and supervisors and ensure standards are met. These competencies are essential to maintaining product quality, safety, and compliance in fast-paced machine shop environments.

What is a machine shop inspector?

A Machine Shop Inspector is responsible for ensuring that machined parts and components meet quality and specification standards. They inspect materials, measure dimensions, and verify tolerances using precision tools such as calipers, micrometers, and gauges. Inspectors often interpret blueprints and technical drawings to ensure compliance with engineering requirements. They may also document inspection results, identify defects, and collaborate with machinists to resolve quality issues. This role is crucial in maintaining product integrity and preventing defects in manufacturing.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a machine shop inspector?

As a Machine Shop Inspector, your typical day involves examining machined parts for defects, verifying dimensions and tolerances using various measuring instruments, and documenting your findings. You may conduct in-process and final inspections, review work orders or blueprints, and collaborate closely with machinists to resolve quality issues. Inspectors often play a key role in maintaining compliance with industry standards and company quality protocols. Additionally, you might participate in team meetings or quality improvement initiatives, making the role dynamic and integral to the shop’s production flow.

What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Shop Inspector jobs in California? The most popular types of Machine Shop Inspector jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Machine Shop Inspector jobs in California? For Machine Shop Inspector jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Machine Shop Inspector jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Machine Shop Inspector jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Machine Shop Inspector jobs? Cities in California with the most Machine Shop Inspector job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Machine Shop Inspector jobs in CA? For Machine Shop Inspector jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Machine Shop Inspector job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,999 per year, or $26 per hour.

$32 - $42/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Element Materials Technology rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

76th of 120 rated laboratories


Job description

Overview

Element has an opportunity for a Machine Shop Supervisor to join our rapidly expanding team.  As a member of the operations team, the Machining position performs a variety of routine and non-routine machining assignments within the department assigned and insures timely and accurate test results under direct supervision.  The technician positions must be proficient in a number of core business skills including but not limited to compliance to established safety rules, code of conduct, and company policies and procedures.

Salary: $32 $42/hr DOE 

Responsibilities
  • Ability to mentor and train machinists who have less experience through effective communication of technical data
  • Ability to explain machining techniques and specifications to a larger group drawing from past experience and knowledge as an expert on best practices and customer specifications
  • Supervises a team of machinists across two shifts in support of safe, high quality, on time delivery of customer specimens.
  • Designs, sets-up and performs a majority machining tasks according to customer specifications and requirements
  • Requires little supervision and technical input of a Department Manager, Principal Machinist, Project Coordinator or Engineer
  • Maintains equipment and schedules preventative maintenance
  • Gathers and records dimensions in accordance with quality assurance requirements
Skills / Qualifications
  • Working knowledge of laboratory safety
  • HS diploma or GED certificate preferred. College or vocational school coursework welcomed
  • May possess advanced engineering qualifications, normally at Bachelor degree level and/or 6-8 years of significant experience in a machine shop environment
  • Depth of understanding related to machining concepts, measuring instruments and dimensional concepts. 
  • Working knowledge of machine shop safety protocol
  • Strong computer skills.
  • Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry a plus

Physical Demands:

  • Frequency of required physical force: Moderate
  • Lifting requirements: lifting <50 lbs. often and > 50 lbs. on occasion
  • Ability to stand on feet for long periods of time
  • Ability to lift 50+lbs periodically
Company Overview

Element is one of the fastest growing testing, inspection and certification businesses in the world. Globally we have more than 9,000 brilliant minds operating from 270 sites across 30 countries. Together we share an ambitious purpose to 'Make tomorrow safer than today'.

When failure in use is not an option, we help customers make certain that their products, materials, processes and services are safe, compliant and fit for purpose. From early R&D, through complex regulatory approvals and into production, our global laboratory network of scientists, engineers, and technologists support customers to achieve assurance over product quality, sustainable outcomes, and market access.

While we are proud of our global reach, working at Element feels like being part of a smaller company. We empower you to take charge of your career, and reward excellence and integrity with growth and development.

Industries across the world depend on our care, attention to detail and the absolute accuracy of our work. The role we have to play in creating a safer world is much bigger than our organization.

Diversity Statement

At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming "the world's most trusted testing partner".

All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work related criteria and without regard for the following: age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, or gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.

Employment Type: OTHER

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