Manufacturing Cell Technician / Operator - First Shift Hardware

Front Door Defense; California, Northern (MO, KY); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

PTO

Stock options

Job summary

Machina Labs is seeking a Manufacturing Cell Technician / Operator to support production in our robotic manufacturing environment. This hands‑on role requires operating equipment, loading and positioning panels, and following documented processes to maintain safety, quality, and on‑time delivery.

The ideal candidate is mechanically inclined, detail‑oriented, comfortable with automated equipment, and collaborative with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance teams.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous experience in manufacturing, fabrication, machining, or industrial production preferred.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and experience using common hand tools.
• Ability to read and follow work instructions, work orders, routers, travelers, and basic manufacturing documentation.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate machinery and associated production equipment.
• Load, unload, position, align, and secure aluminum and steel panels and components.
• Verify material, tooling, fixtures, setup, and orientation before beginning production operations.
• Follow approved work instructions, drawings, routers, travelers, work orders, and standard operating procedures.
• Monitor equipment during operation and identify alarms, defects, abnormal conditions, or process issues.
• Perform basic machine adjustments and troubleshooting within established training and authorization.
• Complete required production and quality documentation accurately and maintain material traceability.
• Perform in‑process inspections and identify and elevate nonconforming material or process conditions.
• Use hand tools, torque tools, fixtures, clamps, and other production equipment safely and correctly.
• Partner with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance to resolve manufacturing and equipment issues.
• Support 5S, Lean Manufacturing, and continuous improvement activities focused on safety, quality, productivity, and material flow.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Attention to detail

Ability to read work instructions

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Hand tools

Torque tools

Job description

Manufacturing Cell Technician / Operator - First Shift

Operate a robotic manufacturing cell to produce aluminum and steel panels per documented instructions

Location: Los Angeles, California

Compensation: $23 - 28 USD / hour

About The Role

Manufacturing Cell Technician / Operator

Machina Labs is seeking a Manufacturing Cell Technician / Operator to support production within our robotic manufacturing environment. This is a hands‑on role responsible for operating manufacturing equipment, loading and positioning material, completing production work according to documented processes, and maintaining high standards for safety, quality, and delivery.

The ideal candidate is mechanically inclined, detail-oriented, comfortable working around automated equipment, and enjoys working closely with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Safely operate machinery and associated production equipment.
• Load, unload, position, align, and secure aluminum and steel panels and components.
• Verify material, tooling, fixtures, setup, and orientation before beginning production operations.
• Follow approved work instructions, drawings, routers, travelers, work orders, and standard operating procedures.
• Monitor equipment during operation and identify alarms, defects, abnormal conditions, or process issues.
• Perform basic machine adjustments and troubleshooting within established training and authorization.
• Complete required production and quality documentation accurately and maintain material traceability.
• Perform in‑process inspections and identify and elevate nonconforming material or process conditions.
• Use hand tools, torque tools, fixtures, clamps, and other production equipment safely and correctly.
• Partner with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance to resolve manufacturing and equipment issues.
• Support 5S, Lean Manufacturing, and continuous improvement activities focused on safety, quality, productivity, and material flow.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.

Required Background & Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous experience in manufacturing, fabrication, machining, assembly, or an industrial production environment preferred.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and experience using common hand tools.
• Ability to read and follow work instructions, work orders, routers, travelers, and basic manufacturing documentation.
• Ability to safely handle and position aluminum and steel panels and components.
• Comfortable working around automated machinery and robotic manufacturing equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety and product quality.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented manufacturing environment.
• Reliable attendance and ability to support production schedules.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in aerospace, defense, precision manufacturing, CNC, fabrication, or high‑mix/low‑volume production.
• Experience operating robotic or automated manufacturing equipment.
• Experience with tooling, fixtures, clamps, machine setups, and torque tools.
• Familiarity with engineering drawings and dimensional requirements.
• Experience working within ISO 9001 and/or AS9100D quality systems.
• Familiarity with 5S, Lean Manufacturing, FOD prevention, and continuous improvement.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems or electronic work instructions.

Physical/Work Environment:

This is a hands‑on manufacturing position that requires the ability to stand and walk for extended periods; bend, reach, push, pull, and position materials; use hand and torque tools; and work safely around machinery and robotic equipment. The role includes handling aluminum and steel panels up to approximately 5 ft. × 7 ft. and wearing required PPE throughout the workday.

Shift: 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM Location: Chatsworth, CA

Candidates must be willing to work overtime, extended hours, schedule changes, or occasional weekends based on production needs.

$23 - $28 an hour Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, skills, qualifications, and geographic location. In addition to the provided base salary range, comprehensive benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision), PTO, and Stock Options.

Machina Labs is an affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity employer and considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or status as a protected veteran in accordance with state and federal law.

We endeavor to make the job application process accessible to any and all users. If you have a disability that impacts your ability to complete the job application process and would like to request assistance or a reasonable accommodation, please contact us at [phone]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only, not to inquire about the status of applications.