Shop Technician

Socket.dev; Buellton (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Socket.dev is seeking a skilled Shop Technician to manufacture custom, high-precision parts in our California shop. You will read blueprints, set up CNC and manual equipment, and perform finishing operations to meet tight tolerances.

The role requires attention to detail, safe work practices, and the ability to adapt to changing priorities in a prototype-focused environment. You will collaborate with shop management, purchasing, and customer service to ensure quality and timely delivery.

Qualifications

• High School diploma required; AA or related field preferred.
• 1–2 years manufacturing/machine operation/assembly experience preferred.
• Read blueprints/drawings and interpret specifications for tolerances.
• Fusion 360 CAD/CAM experience is a plus.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced shop with changing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and specs to manufacture parts to tolerances.
• Set up and operate CNC and manual machine shop equipment.
• Operate CNC machines: load fixtures, run programs, adjust offsets, change tooling, edit programs.
• Perform grinding, filing, fitting, polishing, deburring, drilling, tapping, forming, and surface finishing.
• Inspect and test parts to ensure dimensional and functional requirements.
• Troubleshoot nonconforming parts and rework as needed.
• Maintain documentation and keep work area clean and safe.

Skills

CNC machining

Manual machining

Blueprint reading

Quality inspection

Precision measurement

G-code editing

Tool setup

Grinding

Fitting

Education

High School diploma

Associate's degree preferred

Tools

SysPro ERP

Microsoft Office

Fusion 360 CAD/CAM

Job description

Description

JOB SUMMARY/PURPOSE

The custom Shop Technician is responsible for making the products that are custom-ordered and therefore are specialized products that require additional expertise, attention to detail and high quality each and every time.

DIRECT REPORTS & KEY COLLABORATORS

Direct Reports, if any:

• None

Key Collaborators:

• Shop Manager
• Purchasing staff
• Customer Service & Sales staff

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and product specifications to manufacture parts to required tolerances.
• Set up and operate CNC and manual machine shop equipment.
• Operate CNC machines, including loading fixtures, running programs, adjusting offsets, changing tooling, and making program edits as needed.
• Perform extensive manual operations including grinding, filing, fitting, polishing, deburring, drilling, tapping, forming, and surface finishing.
• Operate equipment including belt and wheel grinders, surface grinders, vertical mills, drilling/tapping equipment, and other shop machinery.
• Assemble, fit, and modify fabricated components using hand and power tools.
• Design and modify jigs and fixtures to support machining, assembly, and prototype work.
• Inspect and test parts to ensure dimensional and functional requirements are met.
• Troubleshoot nonconforming parts and perform adjustments or rework as necessary.
• Develop and improve machining, finishing, assembly, and testing methods for new or non-routine assignments.
• Maintain shop equipment, complete required maintenance logs, and report unsafe or failing equipment.
• Maintain accurate production and material transfer documentation.
• Assist with training and cross-training other shop personnel.
• Work independently on routine assignments with limited supervision.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• High School diploma required; Associate's degree (A. A.) or equivalent in Business, Economics, Supply Chain, or related field strongly preferred
• One to two years manufacturing / machine operation / assembly / hand tools / CNC machines experience strongly preferred
• Basic math and critical thinking skills
• Detail-oriented mindset
• Data entry and computer skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Understanding of safety protocols and requirements
• Experience in a prototype, toolroom, job shop, or low-volume/high-mix manufacturing environment preferred.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and precision handworking skills.
• CNC and manual machining experience preferred.
• Fusion 360 CAD/CAM experience is a plus.
• Ability to work effectively in a shop environment where daily assignments and priorities may change.

TRAITS, ATTRIBUTES & COMPETENCIES

1. Attention to Detail –Thoroughness in accomplishing a task through concern for all the areas involved, no matter how small. Monitors and checks work or information and plans and organizes time and resources efficiently.
2. Collaboration – Works with employees from other functions or departments and gains their cooperation and support. Excellent team player who role models collaborative work behaviors.
3. Communication – Effectively transfers thoughts and expresses ideas verbally in individual or group situations. Shares information openly and frequently and keeps others well informed. Keeps Supervisor well informed of work progress in meeting Objectives. Uses effective listening skills to gain understanding from others. Highly developed written skills.
4. Drive for results – Demonstrates concern for achieving or surpassing results against an internal or external standard of excellence. Shows a passion for improving the delivery of results with a commitment to continuous improvement.
5. Initiative – Does more than what is required or expected in the job; does things that no one has requested that will improve or enhance the operation, avoid problems, or develop opportunities. Plans ahead for upcoming problems and takes appropriate action. Does what it takes to get something done despite resistance from others.
6. Problem Solving – Builds a logical approach to address problems or opportunities or manage the situation at hand by drawing on one’s knowledge and experience base, and calling on other references and resources as necessary.
7. Reliability – Demonstrates a high level of dependability in all aspects of the job.

Physical Demands | Work Environment | Tools

Work Location: 100% onsite

Work Schedule: 40 hours / week

Physical Conditions of Employment:

Sitting, standing and/or walking 80-90% time

1. Kneel, crouch, reach, climb, walk, constant use of hands
2. Reach with hands and arms (the employee frequently is required to stand and use hands to finger, handle, or feel)
3. Ability to work on feet for long hours
4. Normal or better vision and observance, attention to detail is required.
5. Speak, read, write in English
6. Constant use of computer, keyboard and mouse
7. Lift up to 40 pounds occasionally

Tools Utilized:

• Personal computer and software systems such as ERP SysPro, Microsoft Office suite, etc.
• Standard office equipment: telephone, copier/scanner, and others as required.

Environmental Conditions of employment:

The work environment is a manufacturing setting where there is exposure to noise, dust, heat, cold, chemicals and manufacturing equipment.