Mechanic Assistant - Entry-Level - Career Opporunity at Camp Pendleton
Job Description
This role supports mechanics, welders, and fitters by assisting with a wide range of hands-on tasks in an industrial hangar environment. It is an excellent entry-level opportunity for individuals who want to learn a skilled trade and grow into roles such as mechanic, welder, or electrician while working on large hovercraft vessels.
Responsibilities
Assist mechanics, welders, and fitters with daily tasks on large hovercraft vessels (LCACs).
Use hand tools and power tools safely and correctly under supervision.
Support basic mechanical, welding, and fitting activities as directed by skilled tradespeople.
Move, lift, and position materials, parts, and equipment weighing 50 pounds or more.
Help set up and organize tools, equipment, and work areas at the start of each shift.
Clean and maintain work areas, tools, and equipment to ensure a safe and orderly environment.
Follow instructions from experienced mechanics, welders, and fitters to complete assigned tasks on time.
Adhere to safety procedures and guidelines while working in a hangar and around industrial equipment.
Assist with basic inspections and checks on equipment and tools as requested.
Work additional hours on Fridays and Saturdays as needed to support project schedules.
Essential Skills
Ability to use basic hand tools safely.
Ability to use basic power tools safely.
Capability to lift and carry 50 pounds or more.
Reliability and strong attendance habits.
Willingness to work in an industrial hangar environment.
Openness to learning mechanical, welding, and electrical skills.
Ability to follow instructions and work as part of a team.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Previous experience using hand and power tools is a plus.
Experience working in a shipyard or similar industrial setting is beneficial.
Interest in developing a career as a mechanic, welder, or electrician.
Comfort working around large marine or industrial equipment.
Why Work Here?
You will join a stable organization that invests in training and developing employees across multiple skilled trades. The culture emphasizes a supportive, family-style environment where you can get your foot in the door, learn on the job, and build a long-term career. There are strong opportunities to convert to a direct role with the company, often with a pay increase, and employees who are hired on typically receive medical benefits. Advancement into other roles is encouraged, giving you room to grow your skills and responsibilities over time.
Work Environment
You will work in an indoor but open hangar environment, primarily on LCACs, which are 80-foot hovercraft boats. The setting is industrial and hands-on, involving regular use of hand and power tools and work around large equipment. The role follows first-shift schedules, including a 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. shift Monday through Thursday and a 5:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. shift on other assigned days, with frequent work on Fridays and Saturdays. The environment emphasizes safety, teamwork, and reliability, with appropriate work attire required for an industrial shop setting.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Oceanside, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $20.00/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
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)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Oceanside,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 12, 2026.
About Aerotek
Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.
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.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
