1

Machine Shop Jobs in Irvine, CA (NOW HIRING)

Machine Shop Manager

Santa Ana, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Machine Shop Manager

Santa Ana, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Machine Shop Manager

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA ยท On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The machine shop manager partners closely with engineering, quality, and operations teams to support scalable manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives. This position aligns with ...

CNC Machine Shop Lead - 1st Shift

Santa Ana, CA ยท On-site

$23.76 - $32.68/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

CNC Machine Shop Lead - 2nd Shift

Santa Ana, CA ยท On-site

$23.76 - $32.68/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Machine Shop Technician

Anaheim, CA ยท On-site

$25 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Journeyman Tool & Die Maker certification or equivalent formal apprenticeship * 5+ years of precision machining and tool making experience in a manufacturing environment * Proficiency with manual ...

CNC Machine Shop Lead - 2nd Shift

Santa Ana, CA ยท On-site

$23.76 - $32.68/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Machine Shop information

See Irvine, CA salary details

$11

$19

$25

How much do machine shop jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine shop in Irvine, CA is $19.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.48 and $19.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a machine shop?

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 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 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.

Do machine shop machinists make a lot of money?

Machine shop machinists typically earn wages that vary by experience, location, and industry, with median salaries often ranging from $40,000 to $60,000 annually. Skilled machinists who operate CNC machines or hold certifications can earn higher wages, especially in specialized or high-demand environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Shop jobs in Irvine, CA?

The most popular types of Machine Shop jobs in Irvine, CA are:

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

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

What job categories do people searching Machine Shop jobs in Irvine, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Machine Shop jobs in Irvine, CA are:

What cities near Irvine, CA are hiring for Machine Shop jobs?

Cities near Irvine, CA with the most Machine Shop job openings:

Infographic showing various Machine Shop job openings in Irvine, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,634 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Machine Shop Manager

alu

Santa Ana, CA โ€ข On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

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.

ย 

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 APPโ€™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 aย 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.

ย 

Why work for APP?

  • 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: $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 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.