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Blade Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Connect Staffing

Saw Operator

Riverside, CA · On-site

$25.68/hr

... blade changes. Training runs on day shift for 1-2 weeks before moving to the regular evening ... Coordinate with forklift operators and stackers to ensure lumber packages are stacked and banded to ...

Connect Staffing

Saw Operator

Riverside, CA · On-site

$25.68/hr

... blade changes. Training runs on day shift for 1-2 weeks before moving to the regular evening ... Coordinate with forklift operators and stackers to ensure lumber packages are stacked and banded to ...

Superior Lithographics Inc

Cutter Operator

Vernon, CA · On-site

$21.50/hr

Cutter Operator Company Information: Superior Lithographics is an award-winning, large-format ... Prepare the machine or each job by loading materials, aligning cutting lines, and adjusting blade ...

Snowline Engineering

CMM Operator

Cameron Park, CA · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

CMM Operator Status: Full Time Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 2:30pm Our Compensation and Benefits ... CMM, blade mics, hole mic, inside-depth mics, flange, thread, gland, multi anvil mics, dial bore ...

Snowline Engineering

CMM Operator

Shingle Springs, CA · On-site

CMM Operator Status: Full Time Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 2:30pm Our Compensation and Benefits ... CMM, blade mics, hole mic, inside-depth mics, flange, thread, gland, multi anvil mics, dial bore ...

Aerotek

Machine Operator

Lake Forest, CA · On-site

$18 - $21.50/hr

Machine Operator The Machine Operator plays a key role in a manufacturing environment producing ... Experience working with metal spools and razor blade manufacturing processes is a strong advantage.

Aerotek

Machine Operator

Irvine, CA

$18 - $21.50/hr

Machine Operator The Machine Operator plays a key role in a manufacturing environment producing ... Experience working with metal spools and razor blade manufacturing processes is a strong advantage.

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Valar Atomics

Thermal Engineer, Turbomachinery

Torrance, CA · On-site

$140K - $215K/yr

Define turbine blade operating temperatures for creep and stress rupture life calculations * Define insulation strategies for the power conversion system to minimize waste heat losses You Will Be ...

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All JobsBlade Operator JobsBlade Operator Jobs in California

Blade Operator information

See California salary details

$17

$25

$35

How much do blade operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for blade operator in California is $25.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.38 and $32.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a blade operator?

Blade Operators are skilled professionals who operate motor graders, commonly known as blades, to spread and level materials such as gravel, dirt, or asphalt on roads and construction sites. They are responsible for ensuring surfaces are smooth, even, and meet project specifications. Blade Operators must understand site plans, perform routine equipment maintenance, and follow safety guidelines to prevent accidents. Their work is essential for road construction, maintenance, and other civil engineering projects.

What does a blade operator do?

A blade operator is a type of construction worker that operates specific construction equipment, such as a finish blade or motor graders. Your responsibilities in this career are to operate your equipment to complete tasks on a construction project. Your specific duties depend on the specifics project. You may need to excavate an area or finish the grade of the surface of a road. You must also regularly inspect your equipment and perform any minor repairs that are needed. You can outsource more extensive repairs to specialty mechanics. However, you should maintain your equipment to avoid costly repairs. Another significant aspect of your work as a blade operator is safety management. You must follow all safety practices to minimize risk on the job site.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a blade operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Blade Operator, you need proficiency in operating heavy machinery, a solid understanding of construction or roadwork processes, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with equipment such as motor graders, GPS or laser-guided systems, and safety protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and good hand-eye coordination are essential soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure efficient, safe, and precise grading work, which is critical for successful project completion.

What are some common challenges a blade operator faces during a typical workday?

Blade Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, maintaining precise control over grading equipment, and coordinating with other crew members to ensure a smooth workflow. Equipment maintenance and troubleshooting can also be demanding, as ensuring machines are in optimal condition is critical for both safety and productivity. Additionally, adapting to different job site requirements and interpreting grading plans accurately are essential skills that help Blade Operators meet project specifications and deadlines.

What is the difference between Blade Operator vs Excavator Operator?

AspectBlade OperatorExcavator Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, OSHA safety trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent, OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, roadwork, landscapingConstruction sites, excavation, demolition
Industry UsageHeavy civil construction, landscapingHeavy civil construction, mining, demolition

Both Blade Operators and Excavator Operators require similar certifications and often work in construction environments. The main difference lies in the equipment used: Blade Operators primarily operate bulldozers with blades for grading and moving earth, while Excavator Operators handle excavators for digging and lifting tasks. Understanding these distinctions helps employers and workers choose the right role based on project needs.

How much do blade operators make?

Blade operators typically earn an average annual salary of around $45,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, location, and the specific industry. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in operating heavy machinery may earn higher wages and additional benefits.
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Blade Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Blade Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,322 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Bandsaw Operator (Friday - Sunday)

Element Materials Technology

Huntington Beach, CA • On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Element Materials Technology rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

75th of 120 rated laboratories

Job description

Bandsaw Operator (Friday - Sunday)
Job Locations US-CA-Huntington Beach
ID 2026-19767
Overview

We are looking for a skilled and safety-conscious Bandsaw Operator to join our machine shop team. In this role, you will be responsible for accurately cutting metal alloys using industrial bandsaws in preparation for machining and fabrication processes. The ideal candidate will have experience working in a metal shop environment, be detail-oriented, and understand the handling of various alloy materials.

Shift: 4:00 - 4:30pm Friday to Sunday

Compensation: $22.00 - 25.00/hour + $5.00 Shift Differential

Responsibilities

    Operate horizontal and/or vertical bandsaws to cut a wide range of metal alloys (e.g., steel, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium) according to production requirements.

  • Read and interpret cut lists, blueprints, and job orders to determine cutting dimensions and tolerances.

  • Measure and mark raw stock accurately using measuring tools such as tape measures, scales and squares.

  • Select and install appropriate blades based on material type and thickness.

  • Adjust machine settings (blade speed, feed rate, tension) for optimal performance with different alloys.

  • Perform first-piece inspections and monitor cutting accuracy during runs.

  • Maintain equipment cleanliness and perform routine maintenance, including blade changes and lubrication.

  • Safely handle, stack, and label cut materials for efficient flow to downstream machining operations.

  • Comply with all safety protocols and maintain a clean, organized workspace.

Skills / Qualifications
  • High school diploma or GED is a plus.
  • 1+ year of experience operating a bandsaw in a metalworking or fabrication environment.
  • Familiarity with metal alloys and their properties (e.g., hardness, machinability, grain direction) is a plus.
  • Ability to read technical drawings and use precision measuring tools.
  • Solid understanding of shop math and cutting tolerances.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety.

Work Environment:

  • Regular standing, bending, reaching, and lifting up to 50 lbs.
  • Use of hands and manual dexterity for precise machining and tool work.
  • Exposure to loud noises, coolant, sharp tools, and metal shavings.
  • Mandatory use of PPE (safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection).
  • Fast-paced, team-oriented environment with a focus on safety and quality.
Company Overview

Element is one of the fastest growing testing, inspection and certification businesses in the world. Globally we have more than 9,000 brilliant minds operating from 270 sites across 30 countries. Together we share an ambitious purpose to 'Make tomorrow safer than today'.

When failure in use is not an option, we help customers make certain that their products, materials, processes and services are safe, compliant and fit for purpose. From early R&D, through complex regulatory approvals and into production, our global laboratory network of scientists, engineers, and technologists support customers to achieve assurance over product quality, sustainable outcomes, and market access.

While we are proud of our global reach, working at Element feels like being part of a smaller company. We empower you to take charge of your career, and reward excellence and integrity with growth and development.

Industries across the world depend on our care, attention to detail and the absolute accuracy of our work. The role we have to play in creating a safer world is much bigger than our organization.

Diversity Statement

At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming "the world's most trusted testing partner".

All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work related criteria and without regard for the following: age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, or gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.

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