Mechanical Laborer / Helper - Entry-Level Career Opportunity at Camp Pendleton Job Description This entry-level Mechanical Laborer / Helper position supports skilled trades professionals working on large hovercraft vessels in an industrial hangar environment. You will assist mechanics, welders, and fitters with a variety of hands-on tasks, including tool handling, basic maintenance, and simple electrical and plumbing support under supervision. This role offers a strong pathway to grow into skilled trades such as mechanic, welder, or electrician while gaining practical experience with hand and power tools in a structured, team-oriented setting. Responsibilities Assist mechanics, welders, and fitters with daily tasks on large hovercraft boats. Handle, organize, and prepare hand and power tools for use by skilled trades personnel. Support basic facilities and maintenance tasks as directed by supervisors or experienced tradespeople. Help with simple electrical and plumbing-related tasks under supervision, following clear instructions. Follow instructions from experienced trades professionals to complete production and repair work safely and efficiently. Lift, move, and position materials and equipment weighing 50 pounds or more as needed to support ongoing projects. Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in and around the hangar and workstations. Use appropriate safety practices and follow all site, equipment, and tool safety procedures at all times. Work frequent overtime on Fridays and Saturdays as part of the regular schedule when needed. Collaborate with team members, communicate clearly about task status, and promptly report any issues or concerns observed on the job. Essential Skills Experience using hand tools and power tools in an industrial, construction, or similar environment. Ability to read and use a tape measure accurately. Ability to lift, carry, and move 50 pounds or more safely and repeatedly. Reliability and strong work ethic, including consistent attendance and punctuality. Willingness to work frequent overtime on Fridays and Saturdays as part of the regular schedule. Ability to follow detailed instructions and safety procedures from experienced tradespeople. Comfort working in an industrial hangar environment around large equipment and vessels. Additional Skills & Qualifications Interest in developing a long-term career in a skilled trade such as mechanic, welder, or electrician. Willingness to learn new tools, equipment, and processes in a hands-on setting. Strong teamwork and communication skills to coordinate tasks with mechanics, welders, fitters, and other helpers. Attention to detail when handling tools, measuring materials, and supporting production work. Positive attitude toward working in a structured, safety-focused industrial environment. Why Work Here? You join a stable organization that invests in teaching and developing employees in various skilled trades, providing a strong pathway for career growth. The culture emphasizes a supportive, family-type environment where team members help each other succeed and new employees can get their foot in the door of the skilled trades industry. There is a strong opportunity to transition from this role into a direct position with the company, often accompanied by a pay increase and access to comprehensive medical benefits. As you gain experience and demonstrate strong performance, you can move into other roles and responsibilities, building a long-term, rewarding career. Work Environment You work in a large hangar that is indoors but open, providing a mix of sheltered and open-air conditions. The primary work involves supporting projects on LCACs, which are 80-foot hovercraft boats, creating a unique and dynamic industrial setting. You regularly use hand tools, power tools, and measuring tools such as tape measures while working around large mechanical systems and equipment. The environment emphasizes safety, organization, and teamwork, with an expectation that employees maintain a clean and orderly work area and follow all safety procedures while working in and around the hangar and hovercraft vessels. 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. 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 Jun 23, 2026. About Aerotek 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.
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.