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Machine Shop Lead Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

CNC Machine Shop Lead - 2nd Shift

Santa Ana, CA ยท On-site

$23.76 - $32.68/hr

We are looking for a CNC Machine Shop Lead who will oversee all operations performed by the personnel under their supervision. Job Requirements: * Work safe and maintain an organized, lean work ...

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Director Aerospace Machine Shop

Corona, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

The Director of Aerospace Machine Shop leads a team of 21-50 employees, overseeing all aspects of ... Lead and develop a team of 21-50 employees fostering a high-performance culture * Oversee budget ...

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CNC Machinist A Lead

Placentia, CA ยท On-site

$40 - $47/hr

PURPOSE AND PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITES Reports to Machine Shop Supervision. The primary purpose of the Machinist A Lead role is to provide hands-on leadership, direction, and technical support to ...

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Lead Machinist

Santa Ana, CA ยท On-site

$38 - $45/hr

Machine Shop Manager FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Travel Requirements: NA Work Schedule: 6:00 A.M. - 2:30 P.M. Work Location: Santa Ana, CA POSITION SUMMARY: The Lead Machinist will serve as a technical ...

General Helper Temp to Hire Assist shop personnel with a variety of support tasks that are based on ... Lifts metal part or stock onto machine and secures it on machine table, in chuck, or holding ...

QC Lead

Chino, CA ยท On-site

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in a machine shop environment and is proficient in ... Lead all inspection personnel, manage daily work schedules, and provide performance metrics and ...

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in a machine shop environment and is proficient in ... Lead all inspection personnel, manage daily work schedules, and provide performance metrics and ...

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in a machine shop environment and is proficient in ... Lead all inspection personnel, manage daily work schedules, and provide performance metrics and ...

CNC Lathe Operator

Corona, CA ยท On-site

$18 - $25/hr

... CNC machine shop hiring for a 2nd Shift CNC Lathe Operator . We're looking for experienced ... Clear career path to setup, programming, or lead roles * Clean, organized, team-oriented shop

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Showing results 1-20

Machine Shop Lead information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$38.1K

$79.7K

$124.7K

How much do machine shop lead jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for machine shop lead in Riverside, CA is $79,651.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,500.00 and $93,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Machine Shop Lead, you need solid experience in machining processes, blueprint reading, and shop safety, often supported by a technical diploma or relevant apprenticeship. Proficiency with CNC machines, CAD/CAM software, and familiarity with quality control systems is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help manage teams and coordinate production efficiently. These abilities are crucial for maintaining workflow, ensuring precision manufacturing, and upholding safety and quality standards in a fast-paced environment.

How does a Machine Shop Lead typically balance hands-on technical work with supervisory responsibilities?

As a Machine Shop Lead, you are expected to split your time between overseeing daily shop operations and participating directly in machining tasks. This often means supervising team members, coordinating workflow, ensuring quality standards, and troubleshooting equipment issues, while also stepping in to operate machinery or handle complex jobs when needed. Balancing these duties requires strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively. Leads frequently act as the main point of contact between machinists and management, helping to resolve challenges and facilitate communication across the team.

What does a Machine Shop Lead do?

A Machine Shop Lead oversees daily operations in a machine shop, guiding machinists and technicians to ensure production goals and quality standards are met. They coordinate workflow, assign tasks, and provide technical expertise on the use of machinery and equipment. Additionally, they are responsible for maintaining safety protocols, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring machines are properly maintained. The role often involves training new staff, monitoring inventory, and collaborating with engineers or management to improve processes.

What is the difference between Machine Shop Lead vs Machinist?

AspectMachine Shop LeadMachinist
CredentialsOften requires experience and leadership skills, certifications varyTypically requires technical training or certifications in machining
Work EnvironmentSupervises and coordinates shop activities, oversees teamOperates machines, performs precision machining tasks
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, aerospace, automotive industriesCommon in similar industries, focused on machining tasks

The Machine Shop Lead oversees machining operations and manages team members, while the Machinist focuses on operating machines and producing parts. The Lead has more supervisory responsibilities, whereas the Machinist is hands-on with machining tasks. Both roles are essential in manufacturing environments, but the Lead combines technical skills with leadership.

What are popular job titles related to Machine Shop Lead jobs in Riverside, CA? For Machine Shop Lead jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Machine Shop Lead jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Machine Shop Lead jobs in Riverside, CA are:
Infographic showing various Machine Shop Lead job openings in Riverside, CA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $79,651 per year, or $38.3 per hour.

CNC Machine Shop Lead - 2nd Shift

alu

Santa Ana, CA โ€ข On-site

$23.76 - $32.68/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:

We are looking for a CNC Machine Shop Lead who will oversee all operations performed by the personnel under their supervision.


Job Requirements:

  • Work safe and maintain an organized, lean work environment.
  • Strong commitment to good attendance and being on time as it is critical to meet production needs.
  • Ensure adherence to APPโ€™s policies and procedures, including our code of conduct and ethics policy, product safety, employee safety and cultural beliefs.
  • On-the-job training will be provided for this position.
  • Inspect parts visually and by touch and remove flash and excess material by following forging process and work order instructions.
  • Use various surface-grinding tools to remove the defects from manufactured parts.
  • Maintain accurate part and or work piece counts.
  • Assure quality and production requirements are met, as per the job-specific travelers.
  • Review master schedule to determine best use of personnel to achieve On Time delivery.
  • Assign job tasks based on scheduled workload.
  • Work with inspection team and assign priority as necessary.
  • Direct Work flow with tool crib technician daily to ensure we meet our OTD goals.
  • Approve CNC program updates as jobs are completed by maintaining the program files for all CNC equipment.
  • Ensure adherence to all process specifications.
  • Takes strong ownership of work in progress and communicates with co-workers, Leads, Supervisors and Managers (as needed).
  • Assist, as needed, Quality staff by providing administrative support performing tasks related to Internal Specification Reviews, Corrective Actions, Quality Planning, and Assist other Departments.
  • Attend technical meetings to provide support (as needed).
  • Comply with all APP, Inc. safety rules and company policies.ย 
  • Will instruct, train, and motivate machine shop department employees on work to be performed in accordance with Company standards.
  • Provide coverage for machine shop Supervisor or shop foreman when necessary.
  • Communicate Company policy and safety rules.
  • Continually update educational knowledge and best machine practices to enhance the overall production in the shop.
  • Provide input for performance evaluations Checks and answers email in a timely manner.
  • Always consider how decisions will affect our Key Results Goals.
  • Instructs and directs work activities of employees in assigned work areas.
  • Perform any other duties not mentioned above when instructed to do so by the department manager.

Skill Requirements:ย 

  • Must have comprehensive knowledge of all of the equipment being used in the machine shop.
  • High school diploma or GED equivalent.
  • Have at least ten years of CNC and conventional set up knowledge and operation.
  • Should have some vocational training in the machining and manufacturing fields.ย ย 
  • Have excellent blueprint reading skills.
  • First article lay out skills.
  • Good math skills.
  • Microsoft office knowledge.
  • Experience with ERP software.
  • Strong background in inspection of aerospace parts and forgings.
  • Have strong communication skills and work well with others.
  • The ability to edit and write CNC programs.

Why work for APP?

  • On-the-job training and opportunities for advancement with a strong promote within program.
  • Medical, Dental, Vision โ€“ Generous company contribution, low cost to employee
  • Life insurance โ€“ 100% company paid - covers employee, spouse and dependent children
  • Generous Vacation Time
  • 9 Paid Holidays
  • Holiday Shut Down (Christmas thru New Yearโ€™s)
  • Sick Time
  • Annual Bonus (based on company meeting Key Results)
  • 401k (Company matches up to 4%)
  • ESOP Employee Profit Sharing Retirement Plan (100% Company Paid)
  • Tuition reimbursement

ย 

Compensation: $23.76 - $32.68 an hour. This is the lowest to highest hourly starting rate we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted starting range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employeeโ€™s pay within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.