Machine Shop Assistant-2nd Shift

Ensign-Bickford Industries; Moorpark (CA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company is seeking a Machining Assistant to support a regulated aerospace machine shop. You will assist machinists with tooling preparation, deburring, packaging, laser marking, assembly, and shop maintenance while ensuring safety and quality compliance.

Ideal candidates read and follow work instructions, handle basic measuring tools, lift up to 40 lbs, and maintain a clean 5S workspace in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Candidate must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to read and follow work instructions and shop travelers.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and hand tool experience.
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs and stand for extended periods.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to follow strict safety and quality requirements.

Responsibilities

• Assist machinists with tool preparation, presetting, cleaning, and organization.
• Maintain tooling inventory and report worn or damaged tools.
• Package machined parts per aerospace specifications to prevent damage or contamination.
• Operate laser marking equipment under established procedures and verify markings.
• Perform manual/mechanized assembly operations and follow work instructions.
• Assist with machine cleaning, chip removal, and coolant maintenance; maintain 5S workspace.
• Follow safety rules, PPE requirements, and aerospace quality standards (AS9100, ITAR).
• Support production flow and assist with other shop tasks as needed.

Skills

Basic mechanical aptitude

Hand tool experience

Read & follow work instructions

Lift up to 40 lbs

Detail oriented

Safety & quality compliance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Measuring tools

GD&T understanding

Job description

This opportunity is located within our Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company business, a global leader of mission-critical hardware and systems solutions including precision energetics systems and innovative explosive solutions.

Job Description

The Machining Assistant supports daily production activities in an aerospace machine shop. This role is responsible for assisting machinists with tooling preparation, part handling, deburring, packaging, equipment maintenance, and laser marking. The ideal candidate is detail oriented, safety-conscious, and capable of working in a regulated aerospace manufacturing environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Tooling Support

Assist machinists with tool preparation, presetting, cleaning, and organization

Help maintain tooling inventory and report worn or damaged tools

Ensure tooling is properly labeled, stored, and handled

Deburring & Part Finishing

Perform manual deburring, edge breaking, and basic finishing per work instructions

Use hand tools, abrasives, and pneumatic tools safely and effectively

Ensure parts meet dimensional, visual, and cosmetic requirements

Packaging & Shipping Preparation

Package machined parts per aerospace specifications to prevent damage or contamination

Apply proper identification, labeling, and documentation

Assist with kitting and preparation for internal or external processing

Laser Marking

Operate laser marking equipment under established procedures

Verify part orientation, marking location, and content per drawings or customer requirements

Inspect marked parts for clarity, accuracy, and compliance

Assembly

Performs manual/mechanized assembly operations

Responsible for adhering to all safety and quality requirements

Process specifications using hand tools, machinery, air presses, jigs and other equipment and tooling

Must be able to follow work instructions

Shop Maintenance & Organization

Assist with machine cleaning, chip removal, and coolant maintenance

Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area (5S practices)

Perform basic preventive maintenance tasks as directed

Quality & Safety

Follow all safety rules, PPE requirements, and shop procedures

Comply with aerospace quality standards (AS9100, ITAR, customer requirements)

Report nonconforming parts, damaged equipment, or safety concerns promptly

Additional Responsibilities

Support production flow and meet delivery schedules

Assist with other shop tasks as needed

Required Qualifications:

* High school diploma or equivalent

* Ability to read and follow work instructions and shop travelers

* Basic mechanical aptitude and hand tool experience

* Ability to lift up to 40 lbs and stand for extended periods

* Strong attention to detail and ability to work in a fast-paced environment

* Willingness to follow strict safety and quality requirements

Preferred Qualifications:

* Previous experience in a machine shop or manufacturing environment

* Familiarity with aerospace parts and documentation

* Experience with deburring, laser marking, or packaging precision components

* Basic understanding of blueprints and GD&T

* Forklift or shop equipment experience (a plus)

Compensation:

Hourly Range: $28.00 - 35.00 per hour. Salary is determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, internal equity, and alignment with market data.

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.