Machine Shop Assistant-2nd Shift

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

Job summary

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company (EBAD) seeks a Machining Assistant to support daily aerospace production. You will help machinists with tooling preparation, deburring, packaging, laser marking, and assembly in a regulated shop environment.

The role requires a high school diploma or equivalent, basic mechanical skills, and the ability to lift up to 40 lbs. Safety and quality adherence are essential in this fast-paced facility.

Qualifications

• Read and follow work instructions and shop travelers.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and use of hand tools.
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs and stand for extended periods.
• Strong attention to detail in a fast-paced aerospace shop.
• Willingness to follow strict safety and quality requirements.

Responsibilities

• Tooling Support: assist with tool preparation, presetting, cleaning, and organization.
• Deburring & Part Finishing: perform deburring, edge breaking, and basic finishing per work instructions.
• Packaging & Shipping Preparation: package parts per aerospace specs and label documents.
• Laser Marking: operate laser marking equipment and verify markings per drawings.
• Assembly: perform manual/mechanized assembly following work instructions and safety rules.
• Shop Maintenance & Organization: keep area clean and safe; 5S practices.
• Quality & Safety: follow safety rules, report nonconforming parts promptly.
• Additional Responsibilities: support production flow and assist with other tasks.

Skills

Read work instructions

Mechanical aptitude

Hand tools

Attention to detail

Safety compliance

Lift up to 40 lbs

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

At Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company (EBAD), we believe that our strengths are built on our most important resource - our people. Join EBAD and you'll be a part of a team who creates cutting edge technology that will blast us into the future. No other company can match the innovative energetic solutions that we provide. At EBAD you will actively contribute to successful missions putting men, women and satellites into space, and protecting our armed service men and women around the world. If this is the culture and work environment you are seeking, then EBAD is the place for you!

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.

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company (EBAD), headquartered in Simsbury, CT with facilities in Moorpark, CA, and Graham, KY is a global leader of mission-critical hardware and systems solutions including precision energetics systems and innovative explosive solutions. Our capabilities include customized man-portable breaching systems; fully integrated payload system, subsystem or energetic component production; shock tube-based, signal transmission technology integrated with our highly reliable family of detonators; and armored vehicle solutions. EBAD also has extensive satellite/spacecraft and missile/aircraft/launch vehicle manufacturing capabilities for system initiation, signal transfer, separation release, actuation and deployment and flight termination. No matter what the mission, EBAD can provide tailored, customized solutions to address our customers' challenges.

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.