Production Associate

Pankl AG; Cerritos (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Career growth

Medical/dental/vision coverage

Life insurance and 401(k)

Paid time off

Job summary

Pankl Aerospace Systems is seeking a Production Associate in Cerritos, CA to support manual machining and finishing operations in a fast-paced aerospace manufacturing environment.

You will follow detailed plan instructions, perform masking, cleaning, painting, curing, deburring, and polishing, and ensure safety and quality standards are met. A high school diploma and 1 year of shop experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• Mechanical aptitude and the ability to learn to interpret blueprints and sketches.
• Basic math skills with potential to progress to more complex calculations.
• Fluent English communication; Spanish is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Mask parts per plan instructions.
• Clean components for assembly and painting.
• Follow curing processes per plan instructions.
• Deburr and polish components per planning instructions.
• Read and interpret safety rules, instructions, and blueprints.
• Follow PPE rules, HAZMAT rules, and procedures.
• Travel occasionally for training or support.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Blueprint reading

Basic math

English communication

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Production Associate

Full-time Regular Manual Labor Cerritos, CA, US

Salary Range: $20.00 To $24.00 Hourly

About Pankl Aerospace Systems

Pankl Aerospace Systems is a leading manufacturer of high precision aerospace components serving commercial and defense aviation markets worldwide. We are committed to quality, innovation, and continuous improvement, while fostering a culture built on teamwork, respect, and employee growth.

Position Summary

Are you mechanically inclined and looking to build a career in precision manufacturing? As a Production Associate, you will play a key role in performing manual operations across several critical production processes — including masking, cleaning, painting, curing, deburring, and polishing — critical to meet the targets, schedules, and quality standards handed down from the Production Manager and Production Supervisor. Working as part of a collaborative production team, you will follow detailed plan instructions, maintain strict safety and quality standards, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives. If you enjoy hands‑on work, are eager to learn new processes, and thrive in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment,

Key Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum 1 year of manufacturing shop experience
• Experience with painting and curing preferred
• Mechanically inclined
• Ability to learn and interpret blueprints and sketches
• Ability to learn and interpret inspection checklists and required quality documentation
• Basic math skills with the ability to progress to more complex calculations
• Basic understanding of measurement units, including liquids
• Fluent and effective in English written and verbal communication; bilingual in Spanish is a plus

Core Responsibilities

• Mask parts per plan instructions
• Perform detailed cleaning for assembly and painting
• Follow controlled curing processes per plan instructions
• Deburr and polish components per planning instructions
• Rework parts per engineering dispositions
• Set up conventional lathes for OD/ID polishing operations
• Read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operation and maintenance instructions, procedure instructions, complex blueprints, and work order documents
• Follow PPE rules and policies, and HAZMAT rules, policies, and procedures
• Know and execute PAS Management system procedures
• Participate in the cause and corrective action process
• Recommend process improvements and provide feedback on training
• Travel occasionally for training and/or production support as necessary

Soft Skills

• Team-oriented and able to work well in a collaborative environment
• Reliable attendance and punctuality
• Ability to work under pressure to meet schedules in a fast‑paced environment
• Willingness to work long hours and weekends as needed
• Ability to learn new processes, techniques, and measurement tools quickly
• Self‑motivated with a strong safety mindset and a positive, "can-do" attitude

Physical Requirements

• Frequent use of hands and arms
• Ability to stand, walk, and perform repetitive tasks
• Occasional lifting up to 10 pounds
• Strong visual acuity and depth perception
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with moderate noise levels

Why Join Pankl?

At Pankl, your work makes a difference. We invest in our employees through competitive pay, career development opportunities, advanced manufacturing technology, and a supportive work environment focused on safety and success.

• Competitive compensation
• Career growth and advancement opportunities
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Company‑paid and optional life insurance
• HRA and voluntary Aflac plans
• 401(k) with company match
• Employee referral bonus program
• Paid time off and holidays
• Paid meal periods
• Safety boot and safety glasses reimbursement
• Employee training and development programs

Export Compliance Requirement

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.