1

Trainee Precious Metal Refining Jobs in Riverside, CA

Trainee Precious Metal Refining information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$26.6K

$45.4K

$66.2K

How much do trainee precious metal refining jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee precious metal refining in Riverside, CA is $45,414.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,400.00 and $53,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by a trainee precious metal refining, and how can they be overcome?

Trainee Precious Metal Refiners often encounter challenges such as mastering precise handling of chemicals, adhering strictly to safety protocols, and understanding complex refining processes. Adjusting to the strict regulatory and environmental standards can also be demanding. To overcome these challenges, trainees should focus on thorough training, ask experienced colleagues for guidance, and consistently review safety and operational procedures. Building strong attention to detail and maintaining open communication within the team are also key to success in this role.

What does a trainee precious metal refining do?

A Trainee Precious Metal Refining assists in processing and purifying precious metals like gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. They learn to operate specialized equipment, follow safety protocols, and record data during the refining process. The role involves learning about assays, chemical treatments, and quality control to ensure metals meet industry standards. As trainees gain experience, they may take on more responsibilities and advance to higher positions within the refining facility.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a trainee precious metal refining?

To thrive as a Trainee Precious Metal Refining, you need a basic understanding of chemistry, attention to detail, and at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, safety protocols, and possibly certifications in hazardous materials handling are typically required. Strong observational skills, reliability, and willingness to learn help trainees excel in this role. These capabilities ensure safe, precise handling of valuable materials and support efficient, compliant refining processes.

What is the difference between Trainee Precious Metal Refining vs Trainee Jewelry Manufacturing?

AspectTrainee Precious Metal RefiningTrainee Jewelry Manufacturing
Required CredentialsBasic technical knowledge, certifications in metallurgy or refining processesBasic craftsmanship skills, jewelry design certifications
Work EnvironmentRefining labs, industrial facilities, chemical handling areasJewelry workshops, manufacturing floors, design studios
Industry UsageUsed in refining precious metals like gold, silver, platinumUsed in creating jewelry pieces from raw materials

In summary, Trainee Precious Metal Refining focuses on processing and purifying metals in industrial settings, requiring technical certifications. Trainee Jewelry Manufacturing involves crafting jewelry pieces, emphasizing craftsmanship and design skills. Both roles are essential in the jewelry supply chain but differ in skills, environment, and industry focus.

What are popular job titles related to Trainee Precious Metal Refining jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Trainee Precious Metal Refining jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Trainee Precious Metal Refining jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Trainee Precious Metal Refining jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Trainee Precious Metal Refining jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Trainee Precious Metal Refining job openings:

Infographic showing various Trainee Precious Metal Refining job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,414 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Machinist Career Opportunities

Applied Medical

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

$18 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 18 days ago


Applied Medical rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Pilot Metals Development

Machining Career Opportunities

The pilot metals development team supports Applied Medical’s mission to advance minimally invasive surgery by manufacturing precision metal components and tooling used in medical device development and production. These careers contribute directly to product quality, speed to market, and designformanufacture by executing hightolerance work in a vertically integrated environment. Career opportunities align with precision machinist, CNC programmer, EDM machinist, tool and die maker, mold maker, and metal fabrication specialist roles in manufacturing.


Position Description

Our Team Will:

  • Manufacture precision parts for pilot builds and product launch using CNC milling, CNC turning, EDM (wire/sinker), grinding, progressive stamping, and related processes.
  • Program and optimize toolpaths, feeds, speeds, and workholding to achieve quality, throughput, and repeatability targets.
  • Build and maintain tooling, molds, and dies; troubleshoot fit and function to meet dimensional and durability requirements.
  • Interpret engineering drawings and models; apply Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing to ensure design intent and tolerance stackups are met.
  • Collaborate with engineering, quality, and manufacturing teams to translate requirements into manufacturable solutions and support designformanufacturing feedback loops.
  • Inspect parts using precision metrology; document results and maintain records within medical device quality systems.
  • Improve processes through continuous improvement practices that enhance quality, safety, and cycle time.

Career Opportunities Include

  • Machinist Trainee
  • Apprenticeship
  • EDM Wire/Sinker Machinist
  • Grinding Machinist
  • CNC Lathe Machinist
  • CNC Milling Machinist
  • CNC Programmer
  • Tool & Die Maker
  • Mold Maker
  • Project Leader

Success On This Team Looks Like:

  • Delivering tighttolerance parts that meet dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and functional performance requirements.
  • Reducing cycle time and increasing firstpass yield through smart setups, programming, and fixturing.
  • Partnering effectively with crossfunctional teams to accelerate development timelines and derisk scaleup.
  • Documenting work clearly to ensure regulatory compliance and traceability within quality systems.
  • Driving continuous improvement that reduces scrap, improves throughput, and supports costeffective production.

Position Requirements

What We Look For:

  • Foundational machining or fabrication knowledge across CNC milling or turning, EDM, grinding, stamping, toolmaking, or mold making.
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings and use precision measurement tools (for example, micrometers, calipers, height gauges, comparators).
  • Understanding of GD&T principles and follows documented processes within a qualityregulated environment.
  • Effective communication with engineering, quality, and manufacturing partners; documents work accurately.
  • Ability to Operate safely in shop, lab, and clean room environments as required; adheres to company safety rules and policies.

Applied Medical Offers:

  • Vertically integrated development, allowing teams to design, build, test, and refine products within a single organization.
  • Career pathways across technical, operational, and leadership roles, supporting long term growth and skill development.
  • Fast feedback loops between engineering, quality, and manufacturing that accelerate learning and improve execution.
  • Mission driven work that directly supports technologies used in minimally invasive surgical procedures.
  • A collaborative culture that values craftsmanship, accountability, continuous improvement, and shared ownership of results.

Benefits
  • Competitive compensation range: $18 - $30+ / hour (California).
  • Training and mentorship opportunities.
  • On-campus wellness activities.
  • Education reimbursement program.
  • 401(k) program with discretionary employer match.

Please note that the compensation range may be adjusted in the future, and bonus and incentive compensation plans may apply.

Our total reward package reflects our commitment to employee growth and well-being, as we invest in your development and offer a range of benefits designed to enhance your career and life.

All compensation and benefits are subject to plan documents and written agreements.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Applied Medical is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), or sexual orientation, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws in the locations where Applied Medical operates.

Qualifications:

What We Look For:

  • Foundational machining or fabrication knowledge across CNC milling or turning, EDM, grinding, stamping, toolmaking, or mold making.
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings and use precision measurement tools (for example, micrometers, calipers, height gauges, comparators).
  • Understanding of GD&T principles and follows documented processes within a qualityregulated environment.
  • Effective communication with engineering, quality, and manufacturing partners; documents work accurately.
  • Ability to Operate safely in shop, lab, and clean room environments as required; adheres to company safety rules and policies.

Applied Medical Offers:

  • Vertically integrated development, allowing teams to design, build, test, and refine products within a single organization.
  • Career pathways across technical, operational, and leadership roles, supporting long term growth and skill development.
  • Fast feedback loops between engineering, quality, and manufacturing that accelerate learning and improve execution.
  • Mission driven work that directly supports technologies used in minimally invasive surgical procedures.
  • A collaborative culture that values craftsmanship, accountability, continuous improvement, and shared ownership of results.
Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

What Applied Medical employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom