AIS 1st Shift Mechanical Assembler

Aerotek; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Job summary

Aerotek in Costa Mesa, CA is seeking a detail-oriented 1st shift Mechanical Assembler to join a defense-focused production line. You will assemble mechanical and electronic components, read blueprints, and perform tests to ensure quality at high output.

Working on 1st shift 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., you will use hand and power tools, soldering where required, and follow strict procedures to meet monthly production targets while adhering to safety standards; overtime may be required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years in a manufacturing setting, preferably aerospace, electronics, or medical industries.
• Proficient with hand tools and power tools, and basic metrology tools.
• Ability to read wiring diagrams, blueprints, and assembly instructions accurately.
• Working knowledge of electrical components in assemblies.
• Basic computer use for documentation and communication.

Responsibilities

• Perform repetitive mechanical assemblies in a high-volume production environment, meeting monthly output goals and quality standards.
• Assemble wire harnesses, test racks, junction boxes, and related components, including soldering and fabrication.
• Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, wiring diagrams, and assembly instructions.
• Use hand and power tools and standard test equipment to assemble and inspect components.
• Conduct validation and testing of electronic components with meters, oscilloscopes, and diagnostic tools.
• Inspect completed assemblies against specifications and quality standards.
• Assist with RF system testing and troubleshooting as needed.
• Document test results and issues, and communicate findings to engineering and production teams.
• Maintain safety by wearing appropriate PPE, including steel/composite toe footwear.

Skills

Mechanical assemblies

Reading schematics & blueprints

Troubleshooting assemblies

RF systems exposure

Tools

Electrical test equipment

Job description

Job Title: 1st Shift Mechanical Assembler Job Description

This role focuses on high-volume mechanical assembly work in a fast-paced military and defense production facility in Santa Ana, CA. You will work on 1st shift from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., assembling mechanical and electronic components to precise specifications and supporting ongoing testing and troubleshooting activities. The position involves highly repetitive tasks with a production goal of approximately 5,000 units per month, requiring strong attention to detail, consistent quality, and comfort with a structured, high-output environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform repetitive mechanical assemblies in a high-paced production environment, meeting monthly output goals and maintaining consistent quality standards.
• Mechanically assemble high-quality wire harnesses, test racks, junction boxes, and associated components, including hand soldering and component fabrication.
• Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, wiring diagrams, and assembly instructions to correctly build and integrate mechanical and electronic assemblies.
• Use common hand tools and power tools such as pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers, depth micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, pressure gauges, multimeters, and specialized test equipment to perform assembly and inspection tasks.
• Conduct validation and testing of electronic components using equipment such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, network analyzers, test racks, and other diagnostic tools.
• Perform inspection of completed assemblies and components to ensure they meet required specifications and quality standards.
• Support electronic box assembly, including troubleshooting issues and writing detailed issue tickets for any failures or nonconformances discovered.
• Run functional checkouts and tests on mechanical and electronic systems, identify issues, and diagnose root causes during these processes.
• Assist with testing and operating RF systems as required, ensuring proper function and performance.
• Apply common air-frame construction techniques such as installing rivets, mechanical fasteners, nut plates, and similar hardware as part of assembly work.
• Troubleshoot extensively at both the mechanical and electronic assembly level, including PCBA-related issues, and implement corrective actions where appropriate.
• Use computers for standard tasks such as accessing browsers, word processing applications, and documenting test results or issue tickets.
• Communicate effectively in verbal and written form with engineering and production teams to clarify requirements, report issues, and support continuous improvement.
• Adapt quickly to changing roles and responsibilities within the production environment while maintaining productivity and quality.
• Participate in overtime and weekend shifts when needed to meet production and delivery schedules.

Essential Skills

• At least 2 years of experience working in a manufacturing setting, preferably in aerospace, electronics, or medical industries, performing mechanical assemblies.
• Proficiency with common hand tools and power tools, including pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers, depth micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, pressure gauges, multimeters, test boxes, and specialized test equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret wiring diagrams, blueprints, and assembly instructions accurately.
• Working knowledge of common electrical components and their application within assemblies.
• Proficiency with basic computer use, including standard web browsers and word processing applications.
• Strong mechanical assembly skills, including repetitive production work while maintaining high quality standards.
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical and electronic assemblies, including PCBA-related issues.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for collaborating with engineering and production teams.
• Ability to rapidly change roles and responsibilities while working in a high-paced, challenging work environment.
• Comfort with highly repetitive tasks and high-volume production goals.
• Must wear steel toe or composite toe shoes or boots while on the production floor.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace, electronics, or medical manufacturing environments is preferred.
• Hands‑on experience with mechanical assembly and electronic assembly, including integration and repair work.
• Ability to perform hand soldering and component fabrication for wire harnesses, junction boxes, and related assemblies.
• Experience with inspection processes and quality checks for mechanical and electronic components.
• Familiarity with air‑frame construction techniques such as installing rivets, mechanical fasteners, nut plates, and similar hardware.
• Experience running functional checkouts and tests on electronic systems and documenting issues in detailed issue tickets.
• Exposure to RF systems, including testing and operating RF equipment in a production or lab environment.
• Troubleshooting experience with electronic box assemblies and complex mechanical‑electronic integration.
• Comfort working with software tools used in testing, diagnostics, and documentation.
• Willingness and availability to work overtime and weekend shifts when required.

Why Work Here?

You will join a rapidly growing organization that offers a long-term career path, ongoing training, and clear opportunities for professional growth. The company invests in its people through strong benefits and the potential for equity when moving into a direct role, creating a sense of shared success and ownership. You will work in an environment that values reliability, skill development, and teamwork, with the stability of an expanding operation supported by new facility funding.

Work Environment

The role is based in a clean, modern manufacturing facility in Santa Ana, CA, focused on military and defense production. You will work 1st shift from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with the possibility of overtime during the week and on Saturdays as production needs require. The environment is high-paced and production-oriented, with a team goal of approximately 5,000 units per month, requiring comfort with repetitive tasks and consistent output. The facility uses a wide range of mechanical and electronic tools and test equipment, including hand and power tools, multimeters, oscilloscopes, network analyzers, test racks, and RF systems. The company is growing and expanding, with funding in place for a new facility, offering a stable and forward-looking workplace. Steel toe or composite toe shoes or boots are required as part of the safety-focused dress code on the production floor.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $35.00/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 jobclassification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may besubject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefitsavailable for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & visionCritical Illness, Accident, and Hospital401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions availableLife Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)Short and long-term disabilityHealth Spending Account (HSA)Transportation benefitsEmployee Assistance ProgramTime Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Costa Mesa,CA.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.