Mechanical Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Location: Santa Clara, California
Department: Manufacturing / Box Build
Employment Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Production Supervisor or Manufacturing Manager

The Box Build Mechanical Operator is responsible for assembling mechanical chassis, enclosures, subassemblies, and completed box-build products used in high-reliability Class 3 aerospace applications. This position performs detailed mechanical assembly work in accordance with engineering drawings, bills of material, work instructions, quality requirements, and customer specifications.

The ideal candidate is dependable, detail-oriented, comfortable working with precision hand tools, and capable of consistently following controlled manufacturing processes. This role requires strong workmanship, accurate documentation, and careful handling of high-value aerospace hardware and electronic assemblies.

• Assemble chassis, enclosures, panels, brackets, frames, and other mechanical components according to drawings and work instructions.

• Install printed circuit board assemblies, power supplies, fans, cable assemblies, switches, connectors, displays, and other electronic or electromechanical components into chassis.

• Install mechanical hardware such as screws, nuts, washers, standoffs, spacers, brackets, inserts, clamps, and fasteners.

• Perform proper hardware installation using specified torque values, tightening sequences, thread-locking materials, and witness marking requirements.

• Read and interpret mechanical drawings, assembly drawings, bills of material, visual aids, and manufacturing instructions.

• Verify part numbers, revision levels, quantities, and component orientation before installation.

• Route, secure, and dress cables and wire harnesses according to drawings and workmanship requirements.

• Perform basic mechanical modifications, fitting, alignment, drilling, deburring, or rework when authorized by approved instructions.

• Use hand tools, power tools, torque drivers, torque wrenches, calipers, gauges, and other production equipment safely and correctly.

• Inspect completed work for proper fit, alignment, hardware installation, cosmetic condition, and overall workmanship.

• Identify and report damaged components, drawing discrepancies, missing materials, incorrect hardware, and other production issues.

• Complete route steps, travelers, inspection records, material traceability records, and other production documentation accurately.

• Maintain product identification and traceability throughout the manufacturing process.

• Follow ESD, foreign object debris prevention, material handling, and contamination-control procedures.

• Protect sensitive, high-value, and customer-owned materials from damage.

• Maintain an organized, clean, and safe work area.

• Work with Quality, Engineering, Materials, and Production personnel to resolve assembly or documentation issues.

• Support first-article builds, prototype assemblies, engineering changes, and low-volume/high-mix production.

• Assist with training other operators when qualified and requested.

• Perform other manufacturing and mechanical assembly duties as assigned.

• Perform all work in accordance with applicable Class 3 aerospace workmanship requirements and customer-specific standards.

• Follow approved drawings, procedures, work instructions, and configuration-control requirements.

• Stop work and notify supervision or Quality when documentation is unclear, materials do not match requirements, or a potential quality issue is identified.

• Do not make unauthorized substitutions, modifications, repairs, or process changes.

• Maintain accurate documentation and immediately report errors or discrepancies.

• Support compliance with the company's quality management system, including applicable AS9100, ISO, ESD, and customer requirements.

• Follow all export-control, confidentiality, and information-security requirements applicable to the work area.

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent experience.

• Previous mechanical assembly, box-build, electromechanical assembly, manufacturing, or related production experience.

• Ability to read and understand mechanical drawings, bills of material, assembly instructions, and visual work instructions.

• Experience using common hand tools and powered assembly tools.

• Ability to follow torque specifications and accurately install mechanical hardware.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality workmanship.

• Ability to maintain accurate production and traceability records.

• Ability to communicate production problems clearly to supervisors, Quality, and Engineering.

• Ability to work independently while following established procedures.

• Dependable attendance and the ability to work effectively in a team-based manufacturing environment.

• Basic computer skills for reviewing instructions, recording production activity, and completing electronic documentation.

• Two or more years of mechanical assembly or box-build manufacturing experience.

• Experience building aerospace, defense, medical, industrial, or other high-reliability products.

• Experience working with Class 3 electronic or electromechanical assemblies.

• Familiarity with IPC-A-610, IPC/WHMA-A-620, J-STD-001, or similar workmanship standards.

• Experience working within an AS9100 or ISO 9001 quality system.

• Experience installing printed circuit board assemblies and cable harnesses into chassis.

• Experience using calibrated torque tools, measuring equipment, and controlled assembly materials.

• Familiarity with ESD controls, foreign object debris prevention, first-article inspection, and material traceability.

• Experience with low-volume, high-mix, or prototype manufacturing.

• Precision mechanical assembly

• Chassis and enclosure construction

• Blueprint and drawing interpretation

• Hardware and fastener identification

• Cable routing and wire management

• Torque-controlled assembly

• Visual inspection and defect recognition

• Documentation and traceability

• Problem identification and escalation

• Organization and time management

• Teamwork and communication

• Safety and quality awareness

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods during the workday.

• Ability to use hands and fingers for detailed assembly and repetitive tool operation.

• Ability to lift and move materials, chassis, or assemblies weighing up to 40 pounds, with assistance when required.

• Ability to bend, reach, kneel, and work in positions necessary to access chassis and enclosure components.

• Visual ability sufficient to inspect small hardware, markings, cable routing, alignment, and workmanship details.

• Ability to safely operate hand tools, powered tools, and production equipment.

• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment.

The Box Build Mechanical Operator works in an electronics and mechanical manufacturing environment. The position may involve exposure to production equipment, powered tools, adhesives, thread-locking compounds, cleaning materials, and moderate manufacturing noise. Employees must follow all safety, ESD, FOD-control, and material-handling procedures.

Success in this position will be measured by:

• Quality and accuracy of completed assemblies

• Compliance with drawings and work instructions

• First-pass yield and avoidance of workmanship defects

• Productivity and completion of assigned work

• Accuracy of production documentation

• Proper care of customer materials and equipment

• Dependability, attendance, and punctuality

• Effective communication and teamwork

• Adherence to safety and quality procedures

The company is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.