Machine Shop Assistant

Manufacturing Shop Assistant | 1st Shift | Carlsbad, CAThe Machine Shop Assistant supports daily operations in a regulated aerospace and defense manufacturing environment by performing light shop work, material expediting, coordination of outside processes, and administrative tasks. This role requires a working understanding of basic machine shop practices and strong mechanical aptitude, but does not involve independent setup, programming, or operation of CNC or critical precision machines. Work is performed under the guidance of experienced machinists and shop leadership, offering an excellent opportunity to learn and grow into a machine shop career.Schedule:Monday - Friday7:30AM - 4PMMust be open to starting as early as 5AM for overtimeMust be open to occasional Saturday overtimeResponsibilities:Perform light shop operations including manual deburring, edge breaking, hand grinding, and cleaning of parts in accordance with work instructions and visual and cosmetic standards.Use hand tools, abrasives, and light pneumatic tools safely and correctly while handling and finishing parts.Stage, clean, and organize parts and tooling for machinists to ensure efficient workflow and timely job completion.Inspect and report worn or damaged tools to shop leadership so that tooling can be repaired or replaced promptly.Maintain 5S standards in assigned areas by removing chips, checking coolant levels, and performing basic equipment wipe-downs as directed.Expedite raw material, tooling, and in-process parts within the machine shop and from inventory locations to support production schedules.Coordinate outside processes such as plating, heat treat, and coating by preparing paperwork, tracking status, arranging shipments and pickups, and confirming receipt against traveler or ERP records.Update job status, quantities, and location notes in the ERP system as directed to keep production and inventory information accurate and current.Assist with shop documentation including work travelers, inspection records, tool logs, and basic data entry to support traceability and compliance requirements.Identify and flag missing paperwork, material shortages, or process delays to the shop lead so that issues can be resolved quickly.Support inventory counts or cycle counts of shop consumables and tooling when assigned to help maintain accurate stock levels and availability.Essential Skills:Working knowledge of basic machine shop practices and processes in a manufacturing environment.Mechanical aptitude and basic mechanical skills, including comfortable use of hand tools and light pneumatic tools.Basic data entry and computer skills, including the ability to update records and job status in an ERP or similar system as directed.Ability to follow detailed work instructions and visual standards for part finishing and cleanliness.Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining quality and cosmetic standards on finished parts.Ability to work safely around manufacturing equipment, tooling, and materials while following established safety procedures.Organizational skills to stage, clean, and organize parts and tooling for machinists and maintain 5S standards in assigned areas.Clear communication skills to report tool issues, paperwork gaps, shortages, and process delays to shop leadership.Reliability and willingness to support first-shift hours and occasional early starts or weekend work when needed.Additional Skills & Qualifications:Eagerness to learn and grow into a more advanced machine shop role over time.Comfort working in a regulated aerospace and defense manufacturing environment with documented processes and standards.Ability to assist with inventory and cycle counts of shop consumables and tooling.Willingness to coordinate outside processes such as plating, heat treat, and coating, including handling paperwork and logistics.Interest in developing deeper knowledge of ERP systems and production documentation.Experience in light shop operations or manufacturing support is beneficial but not strictly required if mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn are strong.Why Work Here?This contract-to-hire opportunity offers a clear pathway into a skilled machine shop career, providing hands-on experience under the guidance of seasoned machinists and shop leadership. You gain exposure to a regulated aerospace and defense manufacturing environment, learn industry-standard practices, and build foundational skills that can lead to long-term growth. The role combines stable first-shift hours with occasional overtime opportunities, allowing you to develop your career while maintaining a predictable schedule. You will join a team that values safety, organization, and continuous improvement, and supports employees who are motivated to learn and take on increasing responsibility.Work Environment:This role is based in a regulated aerospace and defense manufacturing shop environment that emphasizes safety, cleanliness, and adherence to documented processes. Work is performed on a first shift schedule, Monday through Friday, typically from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with occasional opportunities for overtime. You must be open to early start times, potentially as early as 5:00 a.m., and some Saturday work when production needs require it. The dress code is manufacturing casual, including closed-toed shoes, pants, and a shirt suitable for shop work. You will work around machine tools, hand tools, abrasives, and light pneumatic tools, and will regularly handle metal parts, tooling, and shop consumables. The environment follows 5S principles, with expectations for maintaining organized work areas, managing chips and coolant, and keeping equipment and stations clean and orderly.Job Type & Location:This is a Contract to Hire position based out of CARLSBAD, CA.Pay and Benefits:The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $23.00/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)