Manufacturing Production Associate Jobs in California

Job Title: Production Associate – 1st Shift

Job Description

This role supports the design and manufacture of advanced compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel storage systems and tanks for trucks and large commercial vehicles. As a Production Associate on 1st shift, you will work across multiple production stations to assemble, label, test, and prepare fuel tanks and related components, ensuring that all products meet strict quality, safety, and delivery standards. You will use a variety of tools, machines, and visual work instructions in a clean, modern manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Interpret and follow detailed work instructions, procedures, and visual instruction sheets with accuracy.
• Use assembly tools, fixtures, and specialized equipment to complete mechanical assembly tasks.
• Perform mechanical assembly processes in accordance with established best practices and quality standards.
• Assist with filament winding operations, including resin application, resin squeezing, tool cleaning, and floor mat setup.
• Support rotomolding processes by preparing materials, operating injection mold machines, and performing boss recovery tasks.
• Carry out tank labeling and foam dome installation with precision and attention to detail.
• Assemble and package finished products to meet or exceed quality, safety, and delivery requirements.
• Lift and move raw materials, finished products, and packed items as part of daily production activities.
• Load and provide raw materials such as resin and paxon to support ongoing manufacturing operations.
• Clean and lubricate equipment to maintain optimal performance and reduce downtime.
• Dispose of scrap resin, fiber, cardboard, and other production waste in accordance with facility procedures.
• Maintain housekeeping standards and support 5S practices to keep work areas organized, clean, and safe.
• Work across multiple stations, including Rotomold Operator, filament winding, Trailer Assembler, Tube Bending, and Adapter/Volumetric/EOL Domes and Labels.
• Operate winding machines to wrap tanks with resin and protective layers, including troubleshooting and working with carbon fiber after appropriate training.
• Prepare tanks for installation in trailers and trucks, including performing pressure tests and related checks.
• Install and shape metal tubing around tanks, including safety-related tubing and components.
• Measure tanks, check pressurization, and conduct tests such as lowering tanks into water to check for bubbles and leaks.
• Adhere to all safety protocols and quality procedures while working with resins, epoxies, composites, and pressurized systems.
• Work mandatory overtime as needed, which may include extended shifts up to 12 hours and occasional Saturdays.

Essential Skills

• Prefer at least 1.5 years of machine operating or production/manufacturing experience.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and comfort working with mechanical assemblies and production equipment.
• Experience and proficiency with hand tools and power tools, with the ability to clearly identify common tools in a toolbox.
• Ability to interpret and follow visual instruction sheets, routers, or blueprints (experience is a plus).
• Capability to work with resins, epoxies, composites, and related materials such as kevlar, pre-preg, composite materials, fiberglass, and carbon fiber.
• General production and assembly experience in a manufacturing or construction-related environment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Willingness and ability to work 50–60 hour work weeks when required, including mandatory overtime.
• Reliability and consistency in following safety procedures and quality standards.
• Comfort working with machines, including injection mold and winding equipment, after training.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience using a torque wrench is a plus.
• Experience reading and working from visual routers or detailed visual work instructions is beneficial but not mandatory.
• Familiarity with composite manufacturing processes, including resin application and filament winding, is an asset.
• Ability to perform measurements and basic pressure-related checks on tanks and assemblies.
• Steel-toed boots or the ability to obtain them for use on the production floor.
• Comfort working with pressurized systems and testing processes (experience with pressures is a plus but not required).

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from a comprehensive total rewards package that supports long-term stability and growth, including a full benefits program, paid time off and vacation, and a 401(k) plan. The organization promotes a professional, safety-focused culture in a clean manufacturing setting, offering the opportunity to develop hands-on technical skills with advanced fuel system technologies and grow within a dynamic production environment.

Work Environment

The role is based in a very clean, large manufacturing facility with multiple machines running in a comfortable, well-organized environment that is not overly industrial. Team members work with injection mold machines, winding machines, and other production equipment to build and test fuel storage tanks. The standard schedule is 1st shift, Monday through Friday, typically 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with the possibility of starting at 5:00 a.m. to support overtime. Mandatory overtime may extend shifts up to 12 hours and can include Saturdays. The facility follows 5S and housekeeping practices to maintain a safe and orderly workspace. Appropriate protective footwear, such as steel-toed boots, is required on the production floor.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lake Forest, CA.

The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $24.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Lake Forest,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 17, 2026.

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.