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Machine Tech Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Howmet Aerospace

Machining Tech I

Torrance, CA

$21 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS) is seeking a Machine Tech I in our Torrance, CA location. HFS is a business unit of Howmet Aerospace, headquartered in Torrance, California. We hold the number one ...

Howmet Aerospace

Machining Tech I

Torrance, CA

$21 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS) is seeking a Machine Tech I in our Torrance, CA location. HFS is a business unit of Howmet Aerospace, headquartered in Torrance, California. We hold the number one ...

Howmet Aerospace

Machining Tech I

Torrance, CA

$21 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS) is seeking a Machine Tech I in our Torrance, CA location. HFS is a business unit of Howmet Aerospace, headquartered in Torrance, California. We hold the number one ...

Howmet Aerospace

Machining Tech I

Torrance, CA · On-site

$17.38 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS) is seeking a Machine Tech I in our Torrance, CA location. HFS is a business unit of Howmet Aerospace, headquartered in Torrance, California. We hold the number one ...

Howmet Aerospace

Machining Tech I

Torrance, CA · On-site

$17.38 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS) is seeking a Machine Tech I in our Torrance, CA location. HFS is a business unit of Howmet Aerospace, headquartered in Torrance, California. We hold the number one ...

Howmet Aerospace

Machining Tech I

Torrance, CA

$17.38 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS) is seeking a Machine Tech I in our Torrance, CA location. HFS is a business unit of Howmet Aerospace, headquartered in Torrance, California. We hold the number one ...

Howmet Aerospace

Machining Tech I

Torrance, CA · On-site

$25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Responsibilities Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS) is seeking a Machine Tech I in our Torrance, CA location. HFS is a business unit of Howmet Aerospace, headquartered in Torrance, California. We hold ...

Howmet Aerospace

2nd Shift Machining Tech I

Torrance, CA

$21 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS) is seeking a 2nd Shift Machine Tech I in our Torrance, CA location. HFS is a business unit of Howmet Aerospace, headquartered in Torrance, California. We hold the ...

Howmet Aerospace

2nd Shift Machining Tech I

Torrance, CA

$21 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS) is seeking a 2nd Shift Machine Tech I in our Torrance, CA location. HFS is a business unit of Howmet Aerospace, headquartered in Torrance, California. We hold the ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsMachine Tech JobsMachine Tech Jobs in California

Machine Tech information

See California salary details

$12

$19

$30

How much do machine tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine tech in California is $19.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $22.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a machine tech?

Machine Techs, also known as Machine Technicians, are skilled professionals who install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair mechanical equipment and machinery in manufacturing or industrial settings. Their responsibilities often include performing routine inspections, diagnosing mechanical problems, and ensuring machines operate efficiently and safely. Machine Techs use a variety of tools and technical knowledge to keep production lines running smoothly, and they may also assist with equipment upgrades or modifications as needed.

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

To thrive as a Machine Tech, you need strong mechanical aptitude, troubleshooting skills, and typically a high school diploma or technical certification in industrial maintenance. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), and maintenance management systems is often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication help Machine Techs stand out in their role. These skills ensure machines run efficiently, minimize downtime, and support safe, productive operations.

What are some common challenges machine techs face when troubleshooting equipment, and how can they effectively address them?

Machine Techs often encounter challenges such as diagnosing complex equipment malfunctions, dealing with limited documentation, or working under time constraints to minimize downtime. To address these issues, it's helpful to develop strong problem-solving skills, stay updated with the latest machinery technologies, and maintain clear communication with both operators and engineers. Regular preventive maintenance and thorough documentation of repairs also help reduce future troubleshooting difficulties. Collaborating with colleagues and leveraging manufacturer resources can further improve troubleshooting efficiency.

How to become a machine technician?

To become a machine technician, typically one needs a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by technical training or an associate degree in industrial maintenance, electronics, or a related field. Gaining hands-on experience through apprenticeships or entry-level positions and obtaining certifications such as OSHA safety or equipment-specific credentials can improve job prospects. Strong problem-solving skills and familiarity with tools and machinery are essential for success in this role.
What are popular job titles related to Machine Tech jobs in California? For Machine Tech jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Machine Tech jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Machine Tech jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Machine Tech jobs? Cities in California with the most Machine Tech job openings:
Machine Tech jobs near you
Infographic showing various Machine Tech job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 10% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,822 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Equipment Engineer (Active Alignment Machine)

Lumilens

San Jose, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

ABOUT LUMILENS
At Lumilens we are building the critical photonics infrastructure that powers tomorrow's AI supercomputing. From chip-to-chip optical interconnects to scalable photonic engines, Lumilens is unlocking a new era of computing faster, cooler, and massively more efficient.
We're a well-funded startup backed by Mayfield and led by veterans who've built and scaled some of the most transformative technologies in the industry. This isn't incremental innovation, it's a ground-floor opportunity to rethink the optical layer from the silicon up. You'll work alongside a team of world-class engineers solving some of the hardest challenges in optics, systems, and scale. Every line of code, every design decision, every breakthrough you help deliver will shape the infrastructure of tomorrow.
If you're looking for mission, momentum, and the chance to make an outsized impact jump on the rocket ship. We're just getting started.
Position Overview
We are seeking an Active Alignment Equipment Engineer to serve as the primary equipment engineering interface between Lumilens' optical design team, package design team, manufacturing team and worldwide equipment suppliers.
This role focuses on the active alignment machine for optics such as FAU, lens, isolator, PIC chip, etc. from new machine technology development, process development to qualification of the machines. The candidate must have solid hands-on experience in FAU-PIC alignment machine, very familiar with the key technologies such as stages, controllers, power meters, MPO connectors, laser sources, algorithms, as well as mechanical parts.
Key Responsibilities
• Identify, develop and qualify FAU-PIC equipment suppliers worldwide, for Pluggable/NPO/CPO packages.
• Lead co-design and qualification of the machine, risk analysis and mitigation plan with suppliers for on-time delivery and installation.
• Support active alignment process in mass production line, NPI line and R&D lab.
• Engage with package production teams during the process development and qualification.
Required qualifications
• B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical, Electrical or Optical Engineering.
• 5+ years of working experience in active alignment machine design, assembly or testing, with solid knowledge in coupling efficiency, FAU, PIC, UV epoxy, UPH, and equipment qualification procedures.
• Must be very familiar with the whole active alignment machine industry. Can select and identify different equipment suppliers for different products' production and R&D.
• Familiar with Solidworks, understand circuit schematics and optical simulations.
  • Fluency in English to communicate with English speaking stakeholders
  • 30~50% travel in Asian countries.

Apply