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Machine Shop Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Eaton

Machine Shop Lead - 2nd Shift

Camarillo, CA · On-site

The Machine Shop Team Lead is responsible for leading day-to-day machine shop operations to ensure ... Support first-article and in-process inspections; work with Quality to resolve NCRs and implement ...

Conesys

Be Seen First

Maintenance - Machine Shop

Torrance, CA · On-site

CA$22 - CA$26/hr

The Preventive Maintenance Technician is responsible for performing scheduled preventive maintenance, inspections, troubleshooting, and repairs on machine shop equipment to maximize uptime, improve ...

alu

CNC Machine Shop Lead - 2nd Shift

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$23.76 - $32.68/hr

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 ...

alu

CNC Machine Shop Lead - 1st Shift

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$23.76 - $32.68/hr

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 ...

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All JobsMachine Shop Inspector JobsMachine Shop Inspector Jobs in California

Machine Shop Inspector information

See California salary details

$16

$25

$34

How much do machine shop inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 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.

Is it hard to become a quality inspector?

Becoming a machine shop inspector typically requires technical knowledge of manufacturing processes, attention to detail, and familiarity with measurement tools like calipers and gauges. Many inspectors obtain certifications such as the Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) to improve job prospects, but the difficulty varies based on prior experience and training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Machine Shop Inspector position, and why are they important?

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 qualifications do I need to be a quality inspector?

A machine shop inspector typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent, along with technical training or certification in quality control or inspection. Relevant skills include knowledge of measurement tools like calipers and micrometers, understanding of manufacturing processes, and attention to detail. Certifications such as ASQ Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) can enhance job prospects.

What is the highest paid machinist job?

The highest paid machinist roles are often advanced positions such as CNC programmer or precision machinist, especially those with specialized skills, certifications, and experience. These roles can earn significantly higher salaries, particularly in industries like aerospace, defense, or oil and gas, where complex machining and strict quality standards are required.

What is a Machine Shop Inspector job?

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 some 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 type of inspectors make the most money?

In the manufacturing industry, senior or specialized machine shop inspectors who have advanced certifications, extensive experience, and expertise in precision measurement tools tend to earn higher salaries. Inspectors working in high-demand sectors such as aerospace or with advanced non-destructive testing skills generally have higher earning potential.
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:
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Machine Shop Inspector jobs near you
Materials Characterization Technician II, Machine Shop

Materials Characterization Technician II, Machine Shop

Relativity Space

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$25.80 - $38.70/hr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

At Relativity Space, we're building rockets to serve today's needs and tomorrow's breakthroughs. Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, meeting the growing demand for launch capacity. But that's just the start. Achieving commercial success with Terran R will unlock new opportunities to advance science, exploration, and innovation, pioneering progress that reaches beyond the known.
Joining Relativity means becoming part of something where autonomy, ownership, and impact exist at every level. Here, you're not just executing tasks; you're solving problems that haven't been solved before, helping develop a rocket, a factory, and a business from the ground up. Whether you're in propulsion, manufacturing, software, avionics, or a corporate function, you'll collaborate across teams, shape decisions, and see your work come to life in record time. Relativity is a place where creativity and technical rigor go hand in hand, and your voice will help define the stories we're writing together. Now is a unique moment in time where it's early enough to leave your mark on the product, the process, and the culture, but far enough along that Terran R is tangible and picking up momentum. The most meaningful work of your career is waiting. Join us.
About the Team:
The Materials and NDE (Non-Destructive Evaluation) team plays a central role in enabling Terran R to fly, re-fly, and scale: developing, characterizing, and inspecting materials and processes across all parts of the vehicle. From welding and additive manufacturing to advanced composites, the team works at the intersection of innovation and execution, balancing performance and reliability with cost, quality, and schedule. As we move toward first flight and beyond, the challenges become more exciting, offering opportunities to shape how we design and develop for re-use. With ownership across products, systems, and disciplines, engineers gain broad exposure and drive key decisions across design, manufacturing, and operations.
About the Role:
  • Operate and program CNC lathes, mills, and wire EDM machines, ensuring precision in machining aerospace metal alloys
  • Utilize CAD software to create and modify designs, implementing CNC programs (G-code) for producing materials test coupons
  • Maintain, troubleshoot, and calibrate machining equipment, ensuring compliance with aerospace industry standards
  • Communicate effectively with engineering teams and cross-functional stakeholders to translate project requirements into machining solutions
  • Work collaboratively with teams of varying technical expertise to optimize machining processes and troubleshoot manufacturing challenges
  • Develop and enforce standardized workflows for machine shop operations, including shift hand-offs and documentation of machining procedures

About You:
  • 2+ years of hands-on machining experience operating or programming CNC lathes, mills and/or EDM machines
  • Experience in machine maintenance, troubleshooting, and calibration to ensure optimal performance
  • Experience in using common inspection tools (calipers, micrometers, dial indicators, etc.)
  • Ability to interpret and verify engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical specifications using precision measuring instruments
  • Ability to adapt in fast paced environments

Nice to haves but not required:
  • Proficiency in CAD/CAM software and G-code programming
  • Solid understanding of machining best practices for aerospace materials
  • Strong oral and verbal communication skills
  • Strong understanding of tolerancing and measurement techniques in accordance with GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) standards

At Relativity Space, we are committed to transparency and fairness in our compensation practices. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors.
Compensation is only one part of our total rewards package. Relativity Space offers competitive salary and equity, a generous PTO and sick leave policy, parental leave, an annual learning and development stipend, and more! To see some of the benefits & perks we offer, please visit here.
Hiring Range:
$25.80-$38.70 USD
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact us at accommodations@relativityspace.com.

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