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Machine Shop Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

EnCore

Machine Shop Manager

Seal Beach, CA

JOB SUMMARY The Machine Shop Manager is responsible for managing the throughput and personnel of the Haas machine shop. They are responsible for managing the Machinists' performance; leading training ...

Wilcox Machine Company

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Purchasing Manager - Machine Shop

Bell Gardens, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Wilcox Machine Company, a Los Angeles based machine shop, is seeking an experienced individual to purchase materials, tooling, outside processing services, etc in support of our machine shop ...

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Machine Shop information

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How much do machine shop jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine shop in California is $17.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical day look like working in a machine shop?

A typical day in a machine shop involves setting up and operating various machines to manufacture or modify metal parts according to precise specifications. You'll often read blueprints or instructions, measure dimensions with specialized tools, and perform quality control checks on finished products. Collaboration with engineers, supervisors, and fellow machinists is common to troubleshoot issues and maintain smooth production. Safety is a top priority, and you may be responsible for maintaining equipment and keeping your workspace organized. The work is often hands-on and requires a focus on accuracy and efficiency throughout the shift.

What is a Machine Shop job?

A machine shop job involves operating, maintaining, and programming machines such as lathes, milling machines, and grinders to manufacture metal or plastic parts. Workers in a machine shop may have roles like machinist, CNC operator, or tool and die maker. They follow blueprints and technical drawings to create precise components for industries like aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing. Strong attention to detail, mechanical skills, and knowledge of machining processes are essential for success in this role.

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

To thrive in a Machine Shop, you need strong mechanical aptitude, proficiency in operating machining equipment (such as lathes, milling machines, and grinders), and a solid understanding of safety protocols; a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required, with additional technical certifications being highly beneficial. Familiarity with CNC programming, blueprint reading, precision measurement tools, and shop management software is often sought after. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication set standout candidates apart. These skills are essential to ensure high-quality production, prevent safety incidents, and maintain efficient workflow in a demanding manufacturing 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 jobs in California? For Machine Shop jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Machine Shop jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Machine Shop jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Machine Shop jobs? Cities in California with the most Machine Shop job openings:
Machine Shop jobs near you
Infographic showing various Machine Shop job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,360 per year, or $18 per hour.
Machine Shop Supervisor

Machine Shop Supervisor

Element Materials Technology

Duarte, CA

$32 - $42/hr

Other

Posted 8 days ago

Element Materials Technology rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 103 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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