Benchwork Technician

Position: Benchwork Technician I
Location: Buellton

POSITION TITLE:

Shop Benchwork Technician

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

MANAGER JOB TITLE:

Senior Operations Manager

FTE STATUS: Full-Time

DEPARTMENT: Shop

ISSUE DATE: May 2026

Excelta

Excelta is a premier manufacturer of precision hand tools, specializing in tweezers, pliers, cutters, and small assembly instruments. With over 60 years of expertise, our tools are engineered to meet the highest standards of precision, reliability, and durability. Trusted by professionals in electronics, aerospace, medical device manufacturing, and other industries, Excelta offers a comprehensive range of products designed for intricate and delicate tasks.

Our commitment to quality ensures that each tool delivers exceptional performance, making Excelta a trusted name in precision hand tools.

JOB SUMMARY/PURPOSE

The Shop Benchwork Technician I role supports prototype and manufacturing operations through hands on bench work, manual machining, metal finishing, and tool modification processes. This position is responsible for precision handwork and manual fabrication tasks involving prototype components, tooling, and specialty manufacturing operations. This role is focused on craftsmanship, detail-oriented bench work, and manual shop operations.

KEY COLLABORATORs

• Shop Manager
• Purchasing Staff
• Customer Service & Sales Staff

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Benchwork & Fabrication

• File, fit, and shape metal components to required specifications
• Perform deburring and edge finishing operations on fabricated parts
• Conduct polishing and buffing operations to achieve quality surface finishes
• Hone cutting edges of blades using hand files and related tools
• Perform manual grinding and surface finishing tasks
• Assist with metal forming and shaping processes
• Assembly of blanks and cutters to following established guidelines and work instructions
• Assembles fabricated parts at different workstations
• Follow work orders and process instructions accurately and efficiently
• Perform small-part precision work requiring strong attention to detail
• Uses hand tools and power tools to assemble units according to product specifications
• Rely on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the job
• Support continuous improvement initiatives
• Inspect goods for non-conformance and communicate any issues to Production Supervisor

Manual Equipment Operation

• Operate manual vertical mills and surface grinding machines with a high degree of precision
• Operate belt sanders and bench grinders for material shaping and finishing
• Use laser marking equipment to mark and identify components according to specifications
• Perform oxy-acetylene torch operations safely and effectively
• Operate welding and spot-welding machines for fabrication and assembly processes
• Perform brazing operations on metal components as required
• Maintain equipment and tools in safe working condition

Safety & Organization

• Maintain safe work practices
• Keep workstations clean and organized
• Follow manufacturing procedures and shop documentation
• Proper handling and storage of tools/materials

Other Duties:

• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• High school diploma or GED preferred.

Experience, Skills, Capabilities:

• 1-2 years of manufacturing, fabrication, benchwork, or related experience preferred. On the job training will be provided.
• Proficient in using standard inspection tools such as calipers, micrometers, high gauges and comparators
• Ability to work with small precision components
• Willingness to learn manual fabrication processes
• Strong understanding of blueprints, part drawings and geometric tolerancing
• Familiarity with quality control standards, documentation practices and shop safety protocols
• Able to follow detailed work instructions and production schedules with minimal oversight
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot minor issues with tooling, offsets or part loading
• Basic computer skills and ability to use shop floor data collection software for job tracking and data entry
• Excellent hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination

TRAITS, ATTRIBUTES & COMPETENCIES

Attention to Detail -Thoroughness in accomplishing a task through concern for all the areas involved, no matter how small. Accuracy is an absolute in this position.

Collaboration - Works with fellow employees, is direct and focused.

Communication - Skilled at focused and direct communication, economy of words.

Drive for results - Demonstrates concern for achieving or surpassing results against an internal or external standard of excellence. Shows a passion for improving the delivery of results with a commitment to continuous improvement.

Initiative - Self-starter, knows what needs to be done and keeps their focus on correctly and accurately moving product out the door.

Problem Solving - Thinks through the situation at hand and draws on past instruction and best practice to try and resolve a problem before asking for help.

Reliability - Demonstrates a high level of dependability in all aspects of the job.

Physical Demands | Work…