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Automation Machine Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

5th Axis

Automation & Quality Technician

San Diego, CA · On-site

$19 - $25.75/hr

Machine operators or production employees interested in developing CNC, automation, and quality-inspection skills. * Mechanically inclined individuals who enjoy working with equipment, tools, and ...

5TH Axis Inc

Automation & Quality Technician

El Cajon, CA · On-site

$24 - $35/hr

Machine operators or production employees interested in developing CNC, automation, and quality-inspection skills. * Mechanically inclined individuals who enjoy working with equipment, tools, and ...

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Automation Machine Operator information

What is an automation machine operator?

Automation machine operators are skilled workers who oversee the operation and maintenance of automated machinery in manufacturing, production, or industrial settings. Their responsibilities include starting and stopping machines, monitoring production quality, troubleshooting mechanical issues, and ensuring that equipment runs efficiently and safely. They may also perform routine maintenance and make minor repairs as needed. Automation machine operators play a crucial role in maximizing productivity and minimizing downtime in automated processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automation machine operator?

To thrive as an Automation Machine Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or technical certification in manufacturing or related fields. Familiarity with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), automated production equipment, and industrial safety standards is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help operators quickly resolve issues and collaborate with maintenance and engineering staff. These capabilities ensure efficient machine operation, minimize downtime, and maintain product quality in automated manufacturing environments.

How does an automation machine operator typically collaborate with maintenance and engineering teams?

Automation Machine Operators often work closely with maintenance and engineering teams to ensure machines run efficiently and safely. When technical issues or unexpected downtime occur, operators are usually the first to identify and report the problem, providing detailed observations that help maintenance staff diagnose and fix issues quickly. Collaboration may also involve participating in routine equipment inspections, suggesting process improvements, and supporting equipment upgrades or testing. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as these partnerships minimize production delays and contribute to a safer, more productive work environment.

What is the difference between Automation Machine Operator vs Machine Setter?

AspectAutomation Machine OperatorMachine Setter
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications often preferredHigh school diploma; technical training or certifications may be required
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants with automated equipmentFactories, manufacturing lines, setting up and adjusting machinery
Job FocusMonitoring, controlling, and maintaining automated systemsPreparing, installing, and adjusting machinery for production

Automation Machine Operators primarily oversee automated systems, ensuring smooth operation and troubleshooting. Machine Setters focus on preparing and adjusting machines before production. Both roles require technical skills and work in manufacturing environments, but their core responsibilities differ in automation oversight versus machine setup.

What are popular job titles related to Automation Machine Operator jobs in California?

For Automation Machine Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Automation Machine Operator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Automation Machine Operator jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Automation Machine Operator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Automation Machine Operator job openings:

Automation Machine Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automation Machine Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Manufacturing Automation Engineer

Kalon Executive Search

San Diego, CA • On-site

$91K - $117K/yr

Contractor

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Manufacturing and Automation Engineer
Kalon Executive Search is partnering with a growing organization in the manufacturing and consumer products industry to identify an experienced Manufacturing and Automation Engineer. This role is ideal for an engineering professional with strong hands-on automation and controls experience who enjoys improving manufacturing processes, leading capital projects, and implementing innovative technologies to increase efficiency and reliability.
The Manufacturing and Automation Engineer will support manufacturing and packaging operations by evaluating, designing, implementing, and optimizing automated systems and equipment. This position will play a key role in improving throughput, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), equipment reliability, product quality, and operational efficiency while reducing downtime and waste.
***This is an onsite position in San Diego, CA.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead automation, controls, and systems engineering initiatives across manufacturing and packaging operations.
  • Evaluate, specify, procure, install, commission, optimize, and support the lifecycle management of manufacturing, packaging, automation, and robotics equipment.
  • Partner with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, and other cross-functional teams to improve equipment reliability, product quality, throughput, and operator effectiveness.
  • Analyze equipment and manufacturing performance to identify bottlenecks and implement improvements that increase throughput, improve OEE, reduce downtime, and minimize waste.
  • Troubleshoot complex manufacturing and packaging equipment issues involving PLCs, HMIs, vision systems, sensors, servo systems, robotics, industrial networks, and machine communications.
  • Lead root cause analysis and corrective action initiatives while developing standardized troubleshooting procedures and technical documentation.
  • Support integration and communication between manufacturing equipment, packaging systems, OEE platforms, MES, SCADA, and enterprise reporting systems.
  • Develop and maintain SOPs, work instructions, troubleshooting guides, startup and shutdown procedures, equipment manuals, and other technical documentation.
  • Create and maintain equipment setup, changeover, inspection, cleaning, and preventive maintenance procedures and checklists.
  • Develop and maintain automation standards, controls documentation, network architecture diagrams, equipment specifications, and system validation records.
  • Provide technical training and support to operators, mechanics, technicians, and engineering personnel on automation systems and equipment.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, OEE, and other manufacturing methodologies to improve reliability, productivity, and operational performance.
  • Develop and implement changeover reduction strategies to improve manufacturing flexibility and line efficiency.
  • Lead automation and controls activities associated with capital projects, new equipment installations, facility expansions, utility upgrades, and manufacturing line improvements.
  • Develop project scopes, budgets, schedules, technical specifications, and commissioning plans while coordinating contractors, vendors, OEMs, and system integrators.
  • Support Industry 4.0 initiatives, including connected equipment, machine data collection, smart factory technologies, predictive maintenance, cloud-based analytics, and data-driven manufacturing solutions.
  • Develop and maintain machine-to-machine and machine-to-system connectivity using industrial communication protocols such as OPC UA, MQTT, Ethernet/IP, Profinet, and Modbus TCP.
  • Identify opportunities to improve automation, manufacturing processes, equipment reliability, and overall operational performance.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related engineering field.
  • Seven or more years of hands-on experience with production and packaging automation systems, preferably within pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, supplement, food, or other regulated manufacturing environments.
  • Hands-on experience with bottling lines, liquid filling equipment, labeling systems, case packers, conveyors, and other downstream packaging equipment.
  • Experience with vision inspection systems, servo drives, robotics, palletizers, pick-and-place systems, and automated material handling equipment.
  • Strong PLC programming experience with platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar systems.
  • Experience configuring and troubleshooting HMI and SCADA systems.
  • Strong understanding of industrial networking and communication protocols, including Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP, or similar technologies.
  • Experience integrating and programming robotic systems such as ABB, FANUC, Yaskawa, or similar platforms.
  • Experience with automated Clean-In-Place (CIP) systems, including programming, validation, optimization, and troubleshooting preferred.
  • Experience with Industry 4.0, industrial IoT, smart manufacturing, machine data collection, and manufacturing analytics preferred.
  • Experience supporting capital equipment projects from specification and procurement through installation, commissioning, and optimization.
  • Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, OEE, continuous improvement, and root cause analysis.
  • Lean certification, such as Green Belt or Black Belt, highly preferred.
  • Experience working with PLC programming software such as Rockwell Studio 5000, Siemens TIA Portal, or Schneider EcoStruxure.
  • Experience with HMI/SCADA platforms such as FactoryTalk View, Ignition, Wonderware, or similar systems.
  • Familiarity with robotics programming and simulation platforms.
  • Experience reviewing mechanical and electrical layouts using CAD software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks Electrical, or EPLAN.
  • Experience with data acquisition, SQL databases, advanced Excel, MES, ERP, or manufacturing analytics systems preferred.
  • Strong project management, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, IT, and other cross-functional teams.
  • Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Compensation: $124,000-$150,000 base salary, depending on experience
If this sounds like the position you have been waiting for, please apply using the online application or the link below - all inquiries are strictly confidential. Our focus is to assist you to make your best next career move, and we will not use your information for any other purpose.
Kalon Executive Search is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
www.KalonSearch.com

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