Manufacturing Cell Technician / Operator - First Shift

About Machina Labs:

Engineering moves at software speed. Manufacturing doesn't. Yet.

Machina Labs is changing that. We build intelligent, software-defined factories that produce complex metal structures directly from digital design. By integrating advanced metal forming, robotics, and automated production inside a flexible factory architecture, we enable customers to move from prototype to production in weeks, not years.

Backed by Lockheed Martin, Toyota, and NVIDIA, we're building the manufacturing infrastructure that defense, aerospace, and advanced mobility programs will run on.

If you want to work on hard problems that matter and see them fly, drive, and defend, this is the place.

Job Description:

Machina Labs is seeking a Manufacturing Cell Technician / Operator to support production within our robotic manufacturing environment. This is a hands-on role responsible for operating manufacturing equipment, loading and positioning material, completing production work according to documented processes, and maintaining high standards for safety, quality, and delivery.

The ideal candidate is mechanically inclined, detail-oriented, comfortable working around automated equipment, and enjoys working closely with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Safely operate machinery and associated production equipment.
• Load, unload, position, align, and secure aluminum and steel panels and components.
• Verify material, tooling, fixtures, setup, and orientation before beginning production operations.
• Follow approved work instructions, drawings, routers, travelers, work orders, and standard operating procedures.
• Monitor equipment during operation and identify alarms, defects, abnormal conditions, or process issues.
• Perform basic machine adjustments and troubleshooting within established training and authorization.
• Complete required production and quality documentation accurately and maintain material traceability.
• Perform in-process inspections and identify and escalate nonconforming material or process conditions.
• Use hand tools, torque tools, fixtures, clamps, and other production equipment safely and correctly.
• Partner with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance to resolve manufacturing and equipment issues.
• Support 5S, Lean Manufacturing, and continuous improvement activities focused on safety, quality, productivity, and material flow.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.

*This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required for this role. Duties and responsibilities may change based on business needs.

Required Background & Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous experience in manufacturing, fabrication, machining, assembly, or an industrial production environment preferred.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and experience using common hand tools.
• Ability to read and follow work instructions, work orders, routers, travelers, and basic manufacturing documentation.
• Ability to safely handle and position aluminum and steel panels and components.
• Comfortable working around automated machinery and robotic manufacturing equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety and product quality.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented manufacturing environment.
• Reliable attendance and abilityto support production schedules.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in aerospace, defense, precision manufacturing, CNC, fabrication, or high-mix/low-volume production.
• Experience operating robotic or automated manufacturing equipment.
• Experience with tooling, fixtures, clamps, machine setups, and torque tools.
• Familiarity with engineering drawings and dimensional requirements.
• Experience working within ISO 9001 and/or AS9100D quality systems.
• Familiarity with 5S, Lean Manufacturing, FOD prevention, and continuous improvement.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems or electronic work instructions.

Physical/Work Environment:

This is a hands-on manufacturing position that requires the ability to stand and walk for extended periods; bend, reach, push, pull, and position materials; use hand and torque tools; and work safely around machinery and robotic equipment. The role includes handling aluminum and steel panels up to approximately 5 ft. × 7 ft. and wearing required PPE throughout the workday.

Work Schedule

Shift: 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Location: Chatsworth, CA

Candidates must be willing to work overtime, extended hours, schedule changes, or occasional weekends based on production needs.