Manufacturing Technician - 1st Shift

Aerotek; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) plan

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Health Spending Account

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Time Off/PTO

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking a Manufacturing Technician for the 1st shift in San Diego, CA. The role focuses on operating and troubleshooting production equipment, performing first article inspections, and following engineering directions.

You will read drawings, apply GD&T, and coordinate with engineers on process improvements while maintaining accurate production records in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Experience operating manufacturing machines in a production environment.
• Ability to interpret manufacturing drawings and diagrams.
• Experience with first article inspections and part verification.
• Proficient with precision measurement tools: calipers, micrometers, pin gauges, microscopes.
• Knowledge of GD&T in inspection and manufacturing.
• Experience with heat treatment parameters and laser welding operations.

Responsibilities

• Operate, set up, and troubleshoot manufacturing machines to meet production needs.
• Perform first article inspections to verify parts meet specifications.
• Read drawings and identify critical features for inspection.
• Apply GD&T to validate components and maintain quality records.
• Collaborate with engineers on new product development and process improvements.
• Maintain documentation and records for production and inspection activities.

Skills

Machine operation

First article inspection

GD&T basics

Heat treatment

Laser welding

Blueprint reading

Metrology tools

Documentation

Communication

Safety compliance

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Pin gauges

Microscopes

Job description

Manufacturing Technician - 1st Shift - $26/hr-$36.50/hr

Job Description

The Manufacturing Technician independently runs production activities, working on a variety of customer-driven projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. At the start of each day, this role reviews pass-down information, emails, and team messages to understand priorities and goals. The technician interprets manufacturing drawings, performs first article inspections, operates and troubleshoots manufacturing machines, and supports product development by following directions from engineers. The role involves heat treatment operations, laser welding, manufacturing and finishing processes, and accurate documentation of all work performed.

Responsibilities

• Work independently to execute daily manufacturing tasks based on customer project requirements and production priorities.
• Review pass-down notes, emails, and team messages at the start of each day to understand current priorities, goals, and any special instructions.
• Interpret and review manufacturing drawings and diagrams, identifying critical features and requirements.
• Perform first article inspections to verify that initial parts meet specifications and quality standards.
• Set up, operate, and troubleshoot manufacturing machines to ensure efficient and accurate production.
• Operate heat treatment equipment, including setting and monitoring appropriate heat treatment parameters.
• Perform laser welding operations, including laser setup and basic adjustments as required.
• Use precision inspection and metrology tools, such as calipers, micrometers, pin gauges, and microscopes, to verify part dimensions and quality.
• Apply principles of metrology and GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) to inspect and validate manufactured components.
• Carry out manufacturing, finishing, and related processes according to engineering instructions and documented procedures.
• Collaborate closely with engineers, following their guidance to support new product development and process improvements.
• Communicate effectively with the team through messaging platforms and other communication tools to coordinate work and address issues.
• Complete all required paperwork and documentation accurately and independently, including inspection records and production reports.
• Monitor equipment performance and report or address basic issues to maintain safe, reliable, and efficient operation.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience operating manufacturing machines in a production environment.
• Experience troubleshooting manufacturing machines to resolve basic operational issues.
• Ability to read, interpret, and review manufacturing drawings and diagrams.
• Hands-on experience with first article inspections and part verification.
• Proficiency using precision measurement tools, including calipers, micrometers, pin gauges, and microscopes.
• Working knowledge of metrology principles for dimensional inspection.
• Understanding and practical use of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) in inspection and manufacturing.
• Experience with laser setups and basic laser welding operations.
• Experience setting and working with heat treatment parameters on heat treatment equipment.
• Ability to follow engineering directions and manufacturing procedures accurately.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for team collaboration and documentation.
• Ability to complete paperwork and records independently with attention to detail.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Background in metrology or formal training in dimensional inspection is beneficial.
• Familiarity with communicating via team messaging platforms in a production setting.
• Comfort working on multiple projects in parallel and adapting to changing priorities.
• Strong problem-solving mindset and willingness to support new product development activities.

Why Work Here?

You will grow your skills in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while working on a wide variety of projects for different customers each week. You will collaborate closely with engineers, gaining exposure to new product development and advanced manufacturing processes such as heat treatment, laser welding, and precision inspection. The role offers opportunities to broaden your technical capabilities, contribute directly to innovative products, and build valuable experience in a dynamic, hands-on production setting.

Work Environment

This role is based in a hands-on manufacturing facility with a regular schedule of 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with optional overtime available. You will work with manufacturing machinery, heat treatment equipment, laser welding systems, and precision inspection tools such as calipers, micrometers, pin gauges, and microscopes. The environment is fast-paced and project-driven, with frequent interaction with engineers and production team members. Standard production-floor attire and appropriate safety gear are expected to support safe and efficient operations.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Diego, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $27.00 - $36.50/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 job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in San Diego,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 18, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

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.

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.

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.