Shop Helper

The Shop Helper supports general shop operations across sheet metal, machining, and welding areas in a contract manufacturing environment. This role assists with operating basic shop equipment, performing miscellaneous labor tasks, and supporting inventory activities such as issuing materials and cycle counting. The Shop Helper works closely with welders, machinists, and other shop staff to ensure efficient, safe, and high-quality production.

Responsibilities

• Support daily operations in sheet metal, machining, and welding areas by performing general labor tasks as needed.
• Run various shop operations and equipment that have been previously set up by more experienced team members.
• Read and interpret prints and basic drawings to understand job requirements and specifications.
• Follow router sequences accurately and perform secondary operations as directed.
• Assist in inventory-related activities, including issuing materials and participating in cycle counting when required.
• Use hand tools and power tools safely to support metal work and fabrication tasks.
• Handle and move materials, parts, and components throughout the shop as needed to support production flow.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, following shop standards and safety guidelines.
• Adapt to changing workloads and priorities while following instructions from supervisors.
• Perform other related tasks and duties as assigned to support overall shop efficiency.

• 2–5 years of experience in a related metal shop, fabrication, machining, or welding environment.
• Ability to read and understand prints and basic technical drawings.
• Ability to follow router sequences and perform secondary operations accurately.
• Some skill and familiarity with sheet metal equipment and its capabilities.
• Experience performing general labor in a metal shop or fabrication setting.
• Proficiency using hand tools and power tools in a metalworking environment.
• Ability to speak and understand English to follow instructions and safety guidelines.
• Capability to change pace and adapt to workload demands while following supervisor instructions.
• Reliability and attention to detail in a fast-paced production environment.

• Previous experience working in a welding, fabrication, or machining department.
• Hands-on experience with metal work and metal shop operations.
• Ownership of personal tools and a toolbox suitable for shop work.
• Comfort working around heavy machinery, equipment, and moderate noise levels.
• Strong teamwork skills and willingness to assist different departments as needed.

This opportunity offers the chance to work in a clean, well-organized fabrication environment that supports a wide range of industries, including semiconductor, electronics, automation, life sciences, and medical devices. You will collaborate with a skilled team of welders, machinists, and other shop professionals, gaining exposure to diverse projects and processes. The environment emphasizes safety, quality, and continuous workflow, providing a solid platform to develop and refine your fabrication and metalworking skills.

Work Environment

The role is based in a manufacturing facility with a dedicated Welding and Fabrication Department that includes approximately 10 welders, 3–4 machinists, and several deburrers and shop helpers. The shop is described as a cleaner fabrication environment compared to many traditional metal shops. While performing duties, you may be exposed to current weather conditions because the facility gate often remains open. The work setting includes moderate noise levels, heavy machinery, and equipment in a fast-paced operation. Standard metal shop tools, hand tools, and power tools are used regularly, and employees are expected to bring and use their own personal tools and toolbox as part of their daily work.

Job Type & Location

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

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $24.00/hr.

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Newark,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on May 8, 2026.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

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.