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Automation Machine Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

General Atomics

Systems Architect V

San Diego, CA · On-site

$140K - $252K/yr

... machine learning for manufacturing and QA defect analysis, and GenAI-driven automation for software processes and financial/EVMS reporting. Operating within a highly secure, CMMC-compliant defense ...

Apple

Automation Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

... operating system combines hardware, software, and apps together! You will help develop/maintain ... Practical knowledge of validating machine learning models and algorithms.Strong understanding of ...

Diedre Moire Corp.

Automation Technician

Corona, CA

$80K - $140K/yr

Install, upgrade, license and configure human machine interface software into control panels and ... simulated operating conditions. • Collaborate with engineers and technicians to identify ...

AnDek Staffing Services

Be Seen First

CNC Machinist A Lead

Placentia, CA · On-site

$40 - $47/hr

... and Machine Operators. This position plays a key role in coordinating daily shop floor activities, supporting automation and continuous improvement initiatives, and promoting a productive ...

Cohu

Senior Software Engineer

San Diego, CA

$130K - $171K/yr

... machines, automation systems, and complex electro-mechanical platforms. This role spans full ... experience for operator/service tools (WPF, WinForms, or Qt); ability to build effective ...

Cohu

Senior Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$125K - $165K/yr

... machines, automation systems, and complex electro-mechanical platforms. This role spans full ... experience for operator/service tools (WPF, WinForms, or Qt); ability to build effective ...

Cohu

Senior Software Engineer

San Diego, CA

$125K - $165K/yr

... machines, automation systems, and complex electro-mechanical platforms. This role spans full ... experience for operator/service tools (WPF, WinForms, or Qt); ability to build effective ...

Abbott

Senior Automation Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$112K - $147K/yr

... operating procedures, processes, and task assignments. Maintains positive and cooperative ... Evaluates machine logic, electromechanical systems and process controls to troubleshoot equipment ...

Abbott

Senior Automation Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$112K - $147K/yr

... operating procedures, processes, and task assignments. Maintains positive and cooperative ... Evaluates machine logic, electromechanical systems and process controls to troubleshoot equipment ...

VOLT

Automation Technician

Fremont, CA · On-site

$25/hr

Maintain software, robotics and machinery * Set up, install, and monitor new equipment * Adjust ... Testing and operating automation equipment * Experience troubleshooting automation equipment

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All JobsAutomation Machine Operator JobsAutomation Machine Operator Jobs in California

Automation Machine Operator information

See California salary details

$11

$17

$23

How much do automation machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for automation machine operator in California is $17.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are automation machine operators?

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.

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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Automation Machine Operator, and why are they important?

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.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,331 per year, or $17.9 per hour.
Systems Architect V

Systems Architect V

General Atomics

San Diego, CA • On-site

$140K - $252K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

General Atomics rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 60 rated aerospace companies

Job description

Job Summary
GA-EMS is seeking a Principal Systems Architect to lead the technical direction and execution of our enterprise digital transformation initiatives. This individual will serve as the primary architect bridging the gap between advanced technology (GenAI, Machine Learning, RPA) and critical business operations, targeting the modernization of workflows across Programs, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance (QA), Configuration-Data Management, Finance, and IT Infrastructure.
This is a senior technical role for a high-impact, complex automation ecosystem supporting U.S. Government and commercial programs. The architecture involves real-time data extraction from legacy systems (SAP, PEO, MPM, PLM), predictive machine learning for manufacturing and QA defect analysis, and GenAI-driven automation for software processes and financial/EVMS reporting. Operating within a highly secure, CMMC-compliant defense cloud environment, this system serves a diverse internal user base of program, engineering, manufacturing, material management, and financial managers and executive leadership.
The right candidate is a strong systems thinker, an experienced AI/automation architect, and a credible technical authority who will own the system design from concept to deployment. This person must possess a balance of deep technical depth to architect secure machine learning pipelines across varied data domains, the operational drive to execute projects on schedule, and the executive presence to translate complex technology into clear business ROI (throughput, quality, margin protection) for stakeholders up to the COO level.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Partner with cross-functional leadership to understand manual data extraction chokepoints and architect automated "future state" solutions for the entire product lifecycle.
  • Define and maintain the overall technical architecture of a complex enterprise automation ecosystem spanning RPA, Machine Learning, and GenAI applications across multiple business units.
  • Architect data pipelines that integrate diverse enterprise systems, such as ERP (SAP, Production Engineering and Operations), Quality Management Systems (QMS), Project reporting tools (PowerBI, MPM, Project Server) and Configuration-Data Management/PLM tools (e.g., Windchill, Atlassian).
  • Provide technical leadership to automate complex workflows, such as Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs) routing, automated QA defect prediction, DevSecOps infrastructure monitoring, and predictive financial EVMS reporting.
  • Take ownership of end-to-end system cybersecurity, ensuring all AI and automation initiatives strictly comply with DoD data protection standards, CMMC, and Zero Trust architectures.
  • Proactively identify technical risks, architectural friction points, and integration challenges before they impact project delivery or system accreditation.
  • Exercise sound engineering judgment to evaluate tradeoffs among deployment speed, system resiliency, maintainability, and long-term enterprise health.
  • Represent the digital transformation program as a senior technical leader, confidently presenting strategies, roadmaps, and cross-functional ROI metrics to the COO and other executive stakeholders.
  • Mentor technical team members and help strengthen the digital engineering bench across the GA-EMS organization.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
Job Qualifications
  • Typically requires a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Information Technology or related field and fourteen or more year's progressive experience in designing information technology system architecture. Equivalent professional experience may be substituted in lieu of education.
  • Significant experience architecting and deploying Intelligent Automation (RPA) and Machine Learning/AI addressing workflows and pipelines across a broad enterprise encompassing Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Finance lifecycles.
  • Strong systems engineering mindset with a deep understanding of complex data integration across ERPs (SAP), Configuration-Data Management/PLM (e.g., Windchill, Atlassian), and infrastructure management tools.
  • Deep understanding of cybersecurity principles, specifically securing AI models and data pipelines within Department of Defense (DoD) or heavily regulated environments.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead across organizational boundaries, balancing technical know-how with the execution drive required to push multi-departmental projects across the finish line.
  • Proactive leadership style with a strong sense of ownership, accountability, and the confidence to make bold but disciplined decisions.
  • Exceptional communication skills, including the proven ability to present complex technical concepts to senior business executives (C-suite) and non-technical operational leaders.
Preferred Qualificaitons:
  • An active Security Clearance is preferred, but not required.
  • Experience supporting Department of Defense contractors, with a broad understanding of defense manufacturing standards (MPEO workflows), configuration-data management, and financial compliance (EVMS).
  • Experience with modern software delivery processes, DevSecOps CI/CD pipelines, and infrastructure-as-code automation.
  • Experience integrating Large Language Models (LLMs) or generative AI tools into internal corporate workflows using Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) within secure environments like GCC High or Microsoft Purview.

What General Atomics employees say

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About General Atomics

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world's leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1955

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