Position Title: Machine Shop Technician
Position Description: Protingent has an exciting contract opportunity for a Machine Shop Technician with our client in North Hollywood, CA.
Job Responsibilities:- Set up and operate CNC mills/lathes and manual machines (mills, lathes, drill presses, saws, etc.).
- Load, secure, and prepare raw materials; select tooling, fixtures, and work holding as required.
- Program CNC equipment as needed using existing models, drawings, or process instructions.
- Operate waterjet and other cutting equipment to rough cut and profile parts.
- Perform part cleaning, deburring, fitting, minor rework, and basic assembly operations.
- Inspect work using standard metrology tools; verify dimensions against drawings and specifications.
- Support general machine shop operations, fabrication, and hardware preparation for prototype, test, and production hardware.
- Maintain shop organization and cleanliness in accordance with 5S and safety practices.
- Perform basic maintenance on tools and equipment and assist with troubleshooting machining issues.
- Collaborate with engineers, technicians, and production staff to meet quality, cost, and schedule targets.
Job Qualifications:- 5+ years experience with 3, 4 and 5 axis CNC machining.
- Demonstrated experience in a machine shop environment operating mills, lathes, drill presses, saws, and other standard shop tools.
- Proficiency with part fitting, deburring, assembly, and rework.
- Working knowledge of shop safety practices, lockout/tagout, and proper use of PPE.
- Experience with tool and equipment care/maintenance and 5S or similar lean practices.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, work instructions, and basic GD&T.
- Proven ability to support prototype, test, and/or production machining with minimal supervision.
- Working with engineering to document and standardize production processes
- Partner with leadership and engineering to prioritize work based on production schedule and organizational goals. This role will impact space flight programs and objectives!
- Ensure product quality and conformance to engineering specifications.
Desired Job Qualifications:- Hands-on CNC programming experience (conversational control and/or CAM).
- Advanced CNC operation and setup skills, including fixture design and tool selection.
- Experience operating waterjet or similar CNC cutting equipment.
- Experience with exotic material, ceramics, and delicate parts.
Job Details:- Job Type: Contract
- Location: North Hollywood, CA (Onsite).
- Pay rate: $47-$52/hr.
- ITAR obligations are associated with this role, U.S. citizenship, U.S. legal permanent resident status, or protected person status under 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a) (1), (3) is required.
Benefits Package: Protingent offers competitive salaries, insurance plan options (HDHP plan or POS plan), education/certification reimbursement, pre-tax commuter benefits, Paid Time Off (PTO) and an administered 401k plan.
About Protingent: Protingent is an Award-Winning provider of top-tier Engineering and IT talent, trusted by companies at the forefront of innovation — from Software and Aerospace to AI, Clean Tech, Medical Devices, and Connected Technologies. We’re passionate about making a positive impact by connecting exceptional talent with meaningful opportunities and helping our clients build the future.