Mechanic Assistant

Mechanic Assistant - Entry-Level - Career Opportunity at Camp Pendleton

This role supports mechanics, welders, and fitters by assisting with a wide range of hands-on tasks in an industrial hangar environment. It is an excellent entry-level opportunity for individuals who want to learn a skilled trade and grow into roles such as mechanic, welder, or electrician while working on large hovercraft vessels.

Responsibilities

• Assist mechanics, welders, and fitters with daily tasks on large hovercraft vessels (LCACs).
• Use hand tools and power tools safely and correctly under supervision.
• Support basic mechanical, welding, and fitting activities as directed by skilled tradespeople.
• Move, lift, and position materials, parts, and equipment weighing 50 pounds or more.
• Help set up and organize tools, equipment, and work areas at the start of each shift.
• Clean and maintain work areas, tools, and equipment to ensure a safe and orderly environment.
• Follow instructions from experienced mechanics, welders, and fitters to complete assigned tasks on time.
• Adhere to safety procedures and guidelines while working in a hangar and around industrial equipment.
• Assist with basic inspections and checks on equipment and tools as requested.
• Work additional hours on Fridays and Saturdays as needed to support project schedules.

Essential Skills

• Ability to use basic hand tools safely.
• Ability to use basic power tools safely.
• Capability to lift and carry 50 pounds or more.
• Reliability and strong attendance habits.
• Willingness to work in an industrial hangar environment.
• Openness to learning mechanical, welding, and electrical skills.
• Ability to follow instructions and work as part of a team.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience using hand and power tools is a plus.
• Experience working in a shipyard or similar industrial setting is beneficial.
• Interest in developing a career as a mechanic, welder, or electrician.
• Comfort working around large marine or industrial equipment.

Why Work Here?

• You will join a stable organization that invests in training and developing employees across multiple skilled trades. The culture emphasizes a supportive, family-style environment where you can get your foot in the door, learn on the job, and build a long-term career. There are strong opportunities to convert to a direct role with the company, often with a pay increase, and employees who are hired on typically receive medical benefits. Advancement into other roles is encouraged, giving you room to grow your skills and responsibilities over time.

Work Environment

• You will work in an indoor but open hangar environment, primarily on LCACs, which are 80-foot hovercraft boats. The setting is industrial and hands-on, involving regular use of hand and power tools and work around large equipment. The role follows first-shift schedules, including a 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. shift Monday through Thursday and a 5:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. shift on other assigned days, with frequent work on Fridays and Saturdays. The environment emphasizes safety, teamwork, and reliability, with appropriate work attire required for an industrial shop setting.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $20.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Oceanside, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 12, 2026.