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Machine Shop Supervisor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Vast is looking for a Supervisor , E-2 Machine Shop reporting to the Manager, Supply Chain, E-2 , to create the world's highest performing engine for small launchers, while optimizing for production ...

New

Supervisor, Machine Shop

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$99K - $140K/yr

Vast is looking for a Supervisor , E-2 Machine Shop reporting to the Manager, Supply Chain, E-2 , to create the world's highest performing engine for small launchers, while optimizing for production ...

New

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Machinist

Poway, CA · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

They must be able to do everything the Machine Shop Supervisor can do at the machines: set up any job, prove it out, edit a program, troubleshoot a problem, and make the call on whether a part is ...

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Machine Shop Supervisor information

See California salary details

$36K

$75.3K

$117.9K

How much do machine shop supervisor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for machine shop supervisor 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 does a machine shop supervisor do?

A Machine Shop Supervisor oversees the daily operations of a machine shop, ensuring that production runs smoothly and efficiently. They are responsible for managing machinists and technicians, scheduling work orders, maintaining equipment, and enforcing safety standards. Additionally, they monitor the quality of finished products, troubleshoot issues, and implement process improvements to optimize productivity. Effective communication and leadership skills are crucial for coordinating tasks and meeting production goals.

What does a machine shop supervisor do?

Machine shop supervisors coordinate work with managers, machinists, engineers, and other staff in a machine shop to ensure products are created safely and effectively. As a machine shop supervisor, you oversee the setup and operations of the equipment in the shop and develop processes to increase efficiency and ensure that finished products meet all specifications. You may also be responsible for troubleshooting and repairing machinery, such as milling machines or metal lathes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a machine shop supervisor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Machine Shop Supervisor, you need a strong background in machining techniques, production processes, and leadership, typically supported by experience in a manufacturing environment and sometimes a technical degree or certification. Familiarity with CNC machines, CAD/CAM software, and ERP systems is often required for efficient operations and workflow management. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and team management skills help foster a safe and productive work environment. These competencies are crucial for ensuring high-quality output, meeting production deadlines, and maintaining workplace safety.

What are some common challenges faced by a machine shop supervisor, and how are they typically addressed?

Machine Shop Supervisors often encounter challenges such as maintaining equipment uptime, ensuring quality control, and balancing production schedules with workforce availability. They address these by implementing preventive maintenance programs, conducting regular team training on safety and best practices, and closely monitoring workflow to quickly resolve bottlenecks. Effective communication with machinists, engineers, and management is key to proactively identifying issues and ensuring that both productivity and safety standards are consistently met.

What is the difference between Machine Shop Supervisor vs Machinist?

AspectMachine Shop SupervisorMachinist
Primary RoleOversees shop operations, manages staff, ensures safety and qualityOperates machines, fabricates parts, follows technical drawings
CredentialsOften requires supervisory experience, technical knowledge, certificationsTechnical training, certifications in machining or CNC operation
Work EnvironmentShop floor management, administrative tasks, team coordinationHands-on machine operation in manufacturing settings
Industry UsageCommonly employed in manufacturing, metalworking, aerospacePrimarily in machine shops, manufacturing plants, repair shops

The main difference between a Machine Shop Supervisor and a Machinist is that the supervisor manages shop operations and staff, while the machinist focuses on operating machines and fabricating parts. Both roles require technical skills and certifications, but the supervisor's role includes leadership and oversight responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Shop Supervisor jobs in California?

The most popular types of Machine Shop Supervisor jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Machine Shop Supervisor jobs in California?

For Machine Shop Supervisor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Machine Shop Supervisor jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Machine Shop Supervisor jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Machine Shop Supervisor jobs?

Cities in California with the most Machine Shop Supervisor job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Machine Shop Supervisor jobs in CA?

For Machine Shop Supervisor jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Machine Shop Supervisor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,348 per year, or $36.2 per hour.

$32 - $42/hr

Other

Re-posted 5 days ago


Element Materials Technology rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

81st of 121 rated laboratories


Job description

Machine Shop Supervisor
Job Locations US-CA-Duarte
ID 2026-19954
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.


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