General Labor / Helper

AP Precision Metals, Inc; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 24,796 - 33,062; Full time

Job summary

AP Precision Metals, Inc. in San Diego is seeking a General Labor / Production Associate to join our production team.

The role covers grinding, deburring, finishing metal parts, and installing PEM hardware, with hands-on duties across material handling and light assembly. You will stage jobs for fabrication and shipping, operate pallet jacks or forklifts (training provided), and help maintain quality and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Manufacturing, warehouse, or industrial experience preferred.
• Entry-level applicants with a strong work ethic encouraged to apply.
• Ability to safely use hand tools and basic shop equipment.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to follow written and verbal work instructions.
• Forklift experience or certification is a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

• Grind, deburr, edge-break, and finish metal parts using hand tools and powered equipment.
• Install PEM hardware using Pemserter, Haeger, or similar insertion equipment.
• Countersink, drill, and prepare parts according to work instructions.
• Assist with light assembly of manufactured components.
• Package, label, and prepare finished products for shipment.
• Move raw materials, work-in-process, and finished products throughout the facility.
• Stage production jobs for fabrication, welding, powder coating, assembly, and shipping.
• Assist with loading and unloading materials and delivery vehicles.
• Operate pallet jacks, forklifts, and other material handling equipment (training provided if qualified).
• Perform basic visual inspections of finished parts to ensure quality standards are met.
• Follow work instructions, quality standards, and production schedules.
• Maintain clean, organized work areas in accordance with company housekeeping and 5S standards.
• Follow all safety procedures and properly use required PPE.
• Assist multiple departments as production needs change.
• Participate in cross-training opportunities to expand manufacturing skills.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with supervisors and fellow production employees.

Skills

Hand tools usage

Mechanical aptitude

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Willingness to learn

Tools

Forklift

Pallet jack

Shop equipment

Job description

Job Title: General Labor / Production Associate

Department: Production

Reports To: Production Supervisor

Pay Rate: $18-$24 per hour

Job Description – General Labor / Production Associate

Production Support

• Grind, deburr, edge‑break, and finish metal parts using hand tools and powered equipment.
• Install PEM hardware using Pemserter, Haeger, or similar insertion equipment.
• Countersink, drill, and prepare parts according to work instructions.
• Assist with light assembly of manufactured components.
• Package, label, and prepare finished products for shipment.

Material Handling

• Move raw materials, work-in-process, and finished products throughout the facility.
• Stage production jobs for fabrication, welding, powder coating, assembly, and shipping.
• Assist with loading and unloading materials and delivery vehicles.
• Operate pallet jacks, forklifts, and other material handling equipment (training provided if qualified).

Quality & Safety

• Perform basic visual inspections of finished parts to ensure quality standards are met.
• Follow work instructions, quality standards, and production schedules.
• Maintain clean, organized work areas in accordance with company housekeeping and 5S standards.
• Follow all safety procedures and properly use required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Team Support

• Assist multiple departments as production needs change.
• Participate in cross‑training opportunities to expand manufacturing skills.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with supervisors and fellow production employees.

Requirements

Experience & Skills

• Manufacturing, warehouse, construction, automotive, or industrial experience is preferred but not required.
• Entry‑level applicants with a strong work ethic and willingness to learn are encouraged to apply.
• Ability to safely use hand tools and basic shop equipment.
• Mechanical aptitude and the ability to follow written and verbal work instructions.
• Forklift experience or certification is a plus but not required.

Personal Qualifications

• Reliable, punctual, and dependable.
• Positive attitude with a willingness to learn new skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing quality work.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Ability to maintain productivity in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to safely perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to regularly lift, carry, and move materials weighing up to 25 pounds, and occasionally up to 50 pounds with assistance or appropriate lifting equipment.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, kneel, and move throughout the manufacturing facility for extended periods during scheduled shifts.
• Ability to safely use hand tools and perform repetitive production tasks throughout the workday.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, steel‑toe footwear, and respirators where required.
• Ability to safely work around industrial equipment, forklifts, cranes, sheet metal, and moving machinery.
• Ability to work in a typical manufacturing environment with varying temperatures, industrial noise, dust, and exposure to metal fabrication processes.