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Powder Metal Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

RTND54600 - General Labor - RTND

Carson, CA · On-site

$16.75 - $21/hr

Load/Unload Parts: Assist in the powder coating process by loading and unloading parts onto the ... Perform deburring tasks to remove sharp edges or imperfections from metal parts using appropriate ...

Sandblaster/ Painter

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$31.60 - $32.76/hr

Operate magnetized powder coating spray booth. * Identify, pick, and return, powder boxes correctly ... Metal painting manufacturing experience, preferred. * Bilingual-Spanish and English speaking ...

Painter

Arvin, CA · On-site

$17 - $18.25/hr

Summary  Prepare paint and powder coating metal parts. Properly load parts on racks to achieve desired finishing results while maintaining safety and quality standards. * Essential Duties and ...

Painter

Arvin, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $24/hr

Summary Prepare paint and powder coating metal parts. Properly load parts on racks to achieve desired finishing results while maintaining safety and quality standards. * Essential Duties and ...

Chemical Technician (Second Shift)

Hollister, CA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.75/hr

Load & unload dry powder milling equipment * Support post operations clean-up activities ... Clean, measure and weigh inert metal tubes * Crimp, point and otherwise prepare inert metal tubes ...

Showing results 41-60

Powder Metal information

See California salary details

$12

$18

$24

How much do powder metal jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for powder metal in California is $18.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $19.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a powder metal job?

Powder metal jobs involve working with powdered metals that are formed into solid metal parts through a process called powder metallurgy. This typically includes tasks such as mixing metal powders, compacting them into molds, and sintering (heating) to bond the particles together. Workers in powder metal jobs may operate machinery, monitor production quality, and perform inspections to ensure products meet specifications. These jobs are common in industries like automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing due to the ability to create complex shapes and reduce material waste.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a powder metal technician?

To thrive as a Powder Metal Technician, you need a solid understanding of metallurgy, powder compaction processes, and quality control, often supported by a technical diploma or relevant manufacturing experience. Familiarity with equipment such as powder presses, sintering furnaces, and measurement tools, as well as quality standards like ISO or Six Sigma, is commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and teamwork are vital soft skills for ensuring consistency and efficiency in production. These abilities are crucial for maintaining product quality, meeting safety standards, and optimizing manufacturing output in the powder metallurgy industry.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in powder metal manufacturing, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in powder metal manufacturing often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent material quality, ensuring precise compaction, and controlling sintering temperatures. These issues can impact product strength and performance, so attention to detail and strict adherence to quality control standards are crucial. Collaborating closely with engineering and quality assurance teams helps identify process improvements, and ongoing training ensures workers stay updated on the latest technologies and best practices in the field.

What is the difference between Powder Metal vs Machinist?

AspectPowder MetalMachinist
CredentialsTypically requires technical training or certification in powder metallurgyRequires technical training, certifications, or machining experience
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, working with powders and pressesMachine shops, manufacturing floors, working with various tools and machines
Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, industrial manufacturingGeneral manufacturing, metalworking, custom fabrication

Powder Metal workers focus on producing metal parts through powder metallurgy processes, involving pressing and sintering. Machinists operate machine tools to shape metal parts, often working on custom or precision components. While both roles are integral to manufacturing, Powder Metal specialists handle material preparation and part formation, whereas Machinists focus on machining and finishing parts.

What are popular job titles related to Powder Metal jobs in California?

For Powder Metal jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Powder Metal jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Powder Metal jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Powder Metal job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,208 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

RTND53200 - General Labor - RTND

Fairbanks Morse Defense

Carson, CA • On-site

$16.75 - $21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Mission-Driven. Honor-Bound. Fairbanks Morse Defense. What's your calling? For the men and women of Fairbanks Morse Defense it's the rapid and effective support of the fleets that entrust us to design, develop, and deliver the best naval power technology on the planet. We're one of the nation's leading marine defense contractors because of the highly trained and dedicated teams that provide reliable power systems, parts, and aftermarket services to the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and Canadian Coast Guard. When you join Fairbanks Morse Defense, you join a legacy of commitment that spans 150 years. Fairbanks Morse Defense offers competitive benefits with a wide range of training and development opportunities. Our world-class teams are dedicated to helping every individual achieve their full potential. Discover what it's like to be a part of the Fairbanks Morse Defense team here: https://www.fairbanksmorsedefense.com/careers
Job Description
Job Title: General Labor
Reports To: Manufacturing Supervisor
Summary
Research Tool & Die Works powered by Fairbanks Morse Defense is seeking a general laborer. As a General Laborer, you will be responsible for various tasks to support the efficient operations of the production facility. Your main duties will include cleaning designated areas, assisting in powder coating operations, spot welding, and performing basic press operator tasks. Your role will be crucial in maintaining a clean and safe work environment and ensuring smooth production processes.
Principle Duties and Responsibilities
  • Perform regular cleaning duties in all areas of the facility, including production floors, workstations, common areas, and restrooms. Ensure cleanliness and orderliness are always maintained.
  • Load/Unload Parts: Assist in the powder coating process by loading and unloading parts onto the conveyor system, ensuring proper placement and handling to achieve high-quality results.
  • Conduct spot welding operations as required, following safety guidelines and maintaining welding equipment in good condition.
  • Assist in basic press operation tasks by operating push-button controls for the press machine, maintaining proper settings, and performing quality checks on produced parts.
  • Perform deburring tasks to remove sharp edges or imperfections from metal parts using appropriate tools and techniques.
  • Adhere to all safety guidelines and regulations, wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) when required, and reporting any safety hazards or incidents to supervisors promptly.
  • Keep work areas clean and organized, and participate in routine equipment maintenance, such as cleaning machinery and tools.
  • Work cooperatively with other team members to achieve production goals, assist colleagues when necessary, and maintain a positive and productive work environment.
  • Other Duties assigned by the supervisor

General Labor 1:
Cleaning: Perform regular cleaning duties in all areas of the facility, including production floors, workstations, common areas, and restrooms. Ensure cleanliness and orderliness are maintained at all times.
Powder Coat - Load/Unload Parts: Assist in the powder coating process by loading and unloading parts onto the conveyor system, ensuring proper placement and handling to achieve high-quality results.
General Labor 2:
Cleaning: Perform regular cleaning duties in all areas of the facility, including production floors, workstations, common areas, and restrooms. Ensure cleanliness and orderliness are maintained at all times.
Powder Coat - Load/Unload Parts: Assist in the powder coating process by loading and unloading parts onto the conveyor system, ensuring proper placement and handling to achieve high-quality results.
Spot Welding: Conduct spot welding operations as required, following safety guidelines and maintaining welding equipment in good condition.
General Labor 3:
Cleaning: Perform regular cleaning duties in all areas of the facility, including production floors, workstations, common areas, and restrooms. Ensure cleanliness and orderliness are maintained at all times.
Powder Coat - Load/Unload Parts: Assist in the powder coating process by loading and unloading parts onto the conveyor system, ensuring proper placement and handling to achieve high-quality results.
Spot Welding: Conduct spot welding operations as required, following safety guidelines and maintaining welding equipment in good condition.
Press Operator Basics: Assist in basic press operation tasks by operating push-button controls for the press machine, maintaining proper settings, and performing quality checks on produced parts.
Deburring: Perform deburring tasks to remove sharp edges or imperfections from metal parts using appropriate tools and techniques.
Qualifications and Educational Requirements
  • Prior experience in a manufacturing or similar environment is preferred but not mandatory.
  • Ability to lift and move heavy objects and perform physically demanding tasks as needed.
  • Basic understanding of safety protocols and the ability to follow instructions carefully.
  • Willingness to learn and adapt to different tasks in a dynamic work setting.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing quality work.
  • Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment

This position includes access or potential access to export-controlled data. Therefore, you will need to qualify as a U.S. Person, which is defined as a U.S. Citizen, a U.S. Permanent Resident, or a political asylee in compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Acceptable proof of this status includes a US Passport, Permanent Resident Card, US birth Certificate, or Naturalization Certificate. Maintenance, including renewal, of licensing authorization is a condition of employment. Government authorization may be a suitable alternative after review on a case-by-case basis.
This is a full-time 40-hour-per-week position; however, overtime will be scheduled as needed. The standard shift is from 7:00 AM-4:15 PM Monday-Thursday and 7:00 AM-12:00 PM on Friday. Research Tool & Die Works provides an extensive benefits package in which employees can participate, including, but not limited to, medical, dental, and life insurance, paid vacation, 401K with employer contributions, and transportation assistance. This is an outstanding opportunity for someone looking to grow within a great organization!
This specification is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions that will be given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. Ability to competently perform all the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, demonstrated commitment to effective customer service delivery, and the ability to work productively as a member of a team or work group are basic requirements of all positions at Fairbanks Morse Defense.
Fairbanks Morse Defense offers a competitive benefits package including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances, and 401k retirement plan with employer match. In addition, we offer paid time off, paid holidays, paid parental leave, and tuition reimbursement.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled