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Machine Shop Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

alu

Machine Shop Manager

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

The Machine Shop Manager oversees the machine shops in the Susan St/Warner, as well as Alton facilities. The Machine Shop Manager plans, schedules, and manages all production activities and works to ...

Endologix

Machine Shop Supervisor

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

Manage external suppliers and machine shops as needed, ensuring alignment on requirements, responsiveness, and the consistent delivery of quality components. * Program, set up, and operate CNC lathes ...

Endologix

Machine Shop Supervisor

Santa Rosa, CA

Manage external suppliers and machine shops as needed, ensuring alignment on requirements, responsiveness, and the consistent delivery of quality components. * Program, set up, and operate CNC lathes ...

Endologix

Machine Shop Supervisor

Santa Rosa, CA

Manage external suppliers and machine shops as needed, ensuring alignment on requirements, responsiveness, and the consistent delivery of quality components. * Program, set up, and operate CNC lathes ...

MLOPTIC CORP

Machine Shop Lead

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Machine Shop Lead / Manager (Prototype Machining) We are seeking a Machine Shop Lead / Manager for our new prototype shop in Sunnyvale, CA. This person will report to the Director of Operations and ...

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All JobsMachine Shop JobsMachine Shop Manager JobsMachine Shop Manager Jobs in California

Machine Shop Manager information

See California salary details

$36K

$75.3K

$117.9K

How much do machine shop manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for machine shop manager in California is $75,348.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,200.00 and $88,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

Machine Shop Managers often encounter challenges such as maintaining production schedules, ensuring equipment reliability, and managing a diverse team of machinists and technicians. Balancing quality control with productivity demands can be particularly demanding, especially when dealing with tight deadlines or unexpected equipment failures. Effective communication, proactive maintenance planning, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement are key strategies for overcoming these challenges. Additionally, staying updated on the latest manufacturing technologies can help streamline operations and boost team efficiency.

What does a Machine Shop Manager do?

A Machine Shop Manager oversees the daily operations of a machine shop, ensuring that production schedules are met, equipment is maintained, and safety standards are followed. They are responsible for managing staff, coordinating workflow, and optimizing manufacturing processes. Additionally, they handle budgeting, inventory control, and quality assurance to maintain efficient and cost-effective operations. The role often involves liaising with other departments to meet production goals and address any technical challenges.

What is the difference between Machine Shop Manager vs Machinist?

AspectMachine Shop ManagerMachinist
Primary RoleOversees shop operations, manages staff, and ensures production efficiencyOperates machine tools to produce precision parts
CredentialsOften requires management experience, technical skills, and certificationsTypically needs technical training or certifications in machining
Work EnvironmentOffice and shop floor management, supervisory tasksHands-on machine operation in manufacturing settings
Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, metalworking, and industrial facilitiesCommonly found in machine shops, manufacturing plants

The main difference is that a Machine Shop Manager oversees the entire operation, including staff and workflow, while a Machinist focuses on operating machines to produce parts. Both roles require technical knowledge, but the manager's role is more supervisory and administrative.

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

To thrive as a Machine Shop Manager, you need strong expertise in machining processes, production management, and a background in mechanical engineering or manufacturing, often supported by relevant degrees or certifications. Familiarity with CNC machines, CAD/CAM software, ERP systems, and safety regulations is typically required. Leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving skills are crucial for managing teams and driving continuous improvement. These competencies ensure efficient operations, high-quality output, and a safe, productive work environment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Shop jobs in California? The most popular types of Machine Shop jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Machine Shop Manager jobs in California? For Machine Shop Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Machine Shop Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Machine Shop Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Machine Shop Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Machine Shop Manager job openings:
Machine Shop Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Machine Shop Manager job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,348 per year, or $36.2 per hour.

Machine Shop Manager

Aluminium Precision Products

Santa Ana, CA • On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Aluminum Precision Products (APP) is an international leader in manufacturing aluminum forgings. We offer you the opportunity to be a part of a globally recognized organization that enjoys an unparalleled reputation for quality. Here you'll be challenged on a daily basis, tasked with solving problems, working with smart, energetic, and dedicated people with an opportunity to grow and learn.
Job Summary:
The Machine Shop Manager oversees the machine shops in the Susan St/Warner, as well as Alton facilities. The Machine Shop Manager plans, schedules, and manages all production activities and works to ensure that all workers meet the performance, productivity, efficiency, process reliability, and quality goals of Aluminum Precision Products.
Job Requirements:
  • Work directly with programmer(s), machinist(s), and craftsmen to ensure collaborate to create the most efficient programs/processes to reduce the amount of set-ups, scrap, cost of tooling being used, and increase throughput.
  • Ensures all production is performed in a timely manner.
  • Evaluate planned production and make changes as needed to ensure the department is working to achieve departmental and company KPIs.
  • Work on projects to assure continuous improvement.
  • Instructs and directs work activities of employees in assigned work area.
  • Promote and maintain a safe work environment.
  • Perform personnel functions such as selection, training, or evaluation.
  • Ensure adherence to APP's policies and procedures, including our code of conduct and ethics policy, product safety, employee safety and cultural beliefs.
  • Ensure adherence to all process specifications.
  • Support the Plant quality system goals / improvements & productivity goals / improvements within the scope of the job.
  • Must be willing to help our operators execute the setting up and running of parts
  • Determining best method for producing parts from blueprints including: order of operations, tooling, speeds and feeds, work-holding, and programming
  • Ensuring we are on track to meet our delivery dates and communicating any potential problems, including the need for overtime
  • Setting up, proofing out, and running parts as necessary
  • Continuously implementing improvements to operational efficiency and quality of work
  • Assisting in the designing of fixtures and tooling needs
  • Performing root-cause analysis on equipment, tooling, fixtures, processes, and material to determine the cause of non-conformances and defects. Adjust and reprograms controls, adjust feed and speeds, replace worn tooling
  • Diagnosing machine tool malfunctions to determine the need for adjustments or repairs
  • Must be able to plan and execute the machining of a part from a blueprint with minimal guidance or supervision
  • Interfaces with customers and other third-party auditors
  • Root Cause / Corrective Action
  • Justify and recommend capital equipment and tooling
  • Ability to troubleshoot, diagnose, and recommend suggestions to team
  • Ensure preventative maintenance policies are adhered to and that unscheduled repairs take place in a timely and cost-efficient manner
  • Oversee the process to ensure maximum utilization of equipment.
  • Maintain manufacturing work-flow daily by reviewing jobs, requirements, troubleshooting and resolving daily manufacturing opportunities
  • Ensure that machine shop personnel consistently meet or exceed deadlines while maintaining a high standard of quality.
  • Ability to drive continuous improvement in CNC machining operations, including ability to train on advanced machining techniques
  • Ability to read and comprehend product specifications, blueprints, drawings, models, operation sheets and part lists
  • Define all training, machinery, tooling, and process needs of the department.
  • Perform any other duties not mentioned above when instructed to do so by the department manager.

Skill Requirements:
  • 8+ years of experience in a leadership role within a Machine Shop or Die Shop environment.
  • Must have experience with 3- & 4-axis CNC Mill & 2-axis Lathe set-up and programming (Haas & Okuma mills, Mazak lathe experience helpful).
  • Must be able to effectively communicate effectively orally and in writing. This includes communication with customers, management and employees.
  • Must have experience in all aspects of product machining, including industrialized equipment, and technologies.
  • Aerospace experience preferred.
  • LEAN conceptual training preferred.
  • Experience with both CNC and conventional machine tools with experience/knowledge programming and operating CNC lathes, mills, muti-axis machining centers.
  • Advanced Blueprint Reading.
  • In compliance with ITAR regulations, must be a US Citizen or US Person.

Why work for APP?
  • Medical, Dental, Vision - Generous company contribution, low cost to employee
  • Life insurance - 100% company paid - covers employee, spouse and dependent children
  • Generous Vacation Time
  • 9 Paid Holidays
  • Holiday Shut Down (Christmas thru New Year'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

Compensation: $100,000 - $125,000 annually. This is the lowest to highest hourly 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 range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employee'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.
APP is an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) Company and we are committed to the long term growth of our organization and employees. We offer an excellent benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and 401k plan.
APP, Inc. engineers and manufactures certain products that are considered ITAR-controlled items under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Consistent with ITAR, any position at APP, Inc. that involves work with the engineering or manufacturing functions of the Company may only be filled by a candidate who is (i) a citizen of the United States, or (ii) a person who has been accorded the privilege of residing permanently in the United States as an immigrant in accordance with the immigration laws. Are you a U.S. Citizen or U.S. Person? (U.S. Person = a natural person who is a lawful permanent resident as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) or who is a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).)
Accessibility:If you need help accessing this page please contact us by Email: apphr@aluminumprecision.com
Aluminum Precision Products, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and vets.
If you want to view the EEO is the Law poster in English, Spanish, Arabic, and Chinese please click here.

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