Entry Level Process Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Are you looking for an opportunity to make a difference? At Mesa Labs we’re passionate about protecting the vulnerable by enabling scientific breakthroughs, ensuring product integrity, increasing patient and worker safety, and improving quality of life around the world.

At Mesa Labs we offer competitive wages, including potential bonus opportunities, equity awards, commission, and a comprehensive benefits package based on the position.

Base Compensation Range: $19.59 - $24.52
*In addition, you qualify for:

• Annual bonus opportunity of 10% based on company performance

Outstanding Benefits and Perks
We are proud to offer a variety of benefits that meet the diverse needs of our employees:

• Eligible for benefits the first day of the month after you start
• Tiered Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance options, Health savings (HSA), healthcare & dependent care flexible spending (FSA) accounts
• Company paid short term and long-term disability (unless covered by a state disability plan)
• Company paid life insurance and AD&D
• Flexible Time Off Policy
• Paid sick leave of 48 hours per calendar year
• Eligible employees may receive four (4) weeks paid Care Giver leave after 1 year of service or in accordance with state leave laws
• 401(k) plan that provides a 4% Safe Harbor company match on a 4% employee contribution that begins on Day 1
• Employee Wellness and Financial Assistance Resources through Cigna and NY Life
• Nine (9) paid company holidays per year

Agena Bioscience® empowers research laboratories worldwide to deliver scalable targeted genomic data. Our open, advanced platform, the MassARRAY® System, provides researchers with insights through a highly multiplexed solution in the areas of mutation profiling, liquid biopsy, pharmacogenetics, and more.

Job Summary

The Production Process Operator II is an intermediate-level role responsible for the efficient and safe operation of production machinery, ensuring the quality of the products, and supporting the production process. The individual in this role will be expected to independently operate equipment, perform routine and intermediate-level maintenance, troubleshoot production issues, and support the training of entry-level operators. Works closely with the Production Supervisor and other team members to meet production goals, ensure safety, and maintain high standards of quality.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Machine Operation and Maintenance:
  
  • Independently operate production machinery, including complex equipment (e.g., filling, capping, labeling, and packaging machines).
  • Set up and adjust machinery settings for different production runs, ensuring all equipment is operating within specified parameters.
  • Perform intermediate troubleshooting on production equipment to identify issues and resolve them with minimal downtime.
  • Conduct regular maintenance and calibration of equipment, including cleaning, lubricating, and replacing parts as needed.
  • Assist with changeovers between production batches, ensuring machine adjustments are made efficiently and properly.
  • Perform machine diagnostics and escalate complex issues to maintenance or higher-level operators, as necessary.
• Quality Control and Product Inspection:
  
  • Perform intermediate-level quality inspections on finished products, including checking dimensions, appearance, weight, labeling, and packaging.
  • Monitor the production process to ensure that products meet company specifications and regulatory requirements.
  • Identify and report any deviations from quality standards and take corrective actions to minimize defects.
  • Use measuring tools and devices (e.g., calipers, scales) to verify product specifications and quality attributes.
  • Maintain accurate records of quality checks, defects, and production data for reporting and analysis.
• Material Handling and Inventory Management:
  
  • Assist in managing raw materials and supplies, ensuring the correct materials are available for production and reducing material waste.
  • Load and unload materials for production, ensuring materials are correctly prepared and staged for use.
  • Work with the inventory team to track material usage, ensuring proper levels of consumables and packaging materials are available.
  • Ensure proper handling and storage of materials to avoid contamination, damage, or loss.
• Safety and Workplace Standards:
  
  • Adhere to all safety protocols and ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, company safety policies, and industry standards.
  • Monitor the work area for safety hazards and ensure that safety equipment, such as PPE (personal protective equipment), is always used.
  • Maintain a clean and organized work area, following 5S or other workplace organization standards.
  • Participate in regular safety meetings and contribute to the safety culture of the workplace.
  • Support the supervisor in conducting safety inspections and identifying potential risks.
• Training and Support:
  
  • Provide on-the-job training and guidance to junior operators (Level I) and new team members on machinery operation, safety protocols, and quality control procedures.
  • Assist in the development of training materials and help conduct training sessions for less experienced operators.
  • Offer guidance and support to team members, ensuring they adhere to proper procedures and work efficiently.
  • Act as a mentor for less experienced team members, helping them troubleshoot equipment and production issues as they arise.
• Documentation and Reporting:
  
  • Record daily production data, including machine performance, production output, and downtime, using company systems or paper logs.
  • Document any maintenance performed, product defects, and quality control checks, ensuring accurate and timely reporting.
  • Report production progress, issues, and discrepancies to the Production Supervisor or Shift Lead.
  • Ensure compliance with all documentation requirements for regulatory or internal audits.
• Process Improvement and Optimization:
  
  • Identify opportunities for process improvement and suggest ways to increase production efficiency, reduce waste, and improve product quality.
  • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives, including Lean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen activities, to optimize the production process.
  • Work with the team to implement and evaluate process changes, ensuring that changes lead to measurable improvements.
• Collaboration and Teamwork:
  
  • Collaborate with other team members, supervisors, and maintenance personnel to ensure smooth production operations.
  • Work as part of a team to meet daily production targets, while maintaining high standards of quality and safety.
  • Assist in troubleshooting and resolving issues in a team environment, sharing insights and knowledge to improve production efficiency.

Experience/Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of 1 - 2 years of experience in a production or manufacturing environment.

Knowledge & Skillsets Required:

• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills, with the ability to operate and troubleshoot a wide range of production equipment.
• Familiarity with basic manufacturing processes, machinery, and tools.
• Strong attention to detail, with an emphasis on product quality and safety.
• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), safety protocols, and regulatory compliance standards (e.g., FDA, OSHA).
• Ability to read and interpret work instructions, technical manuals, and blueprints.
• Proficiency in basic computer skills for data entry, reporting, and documentation.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, for reporting and collaborating with team members and supervisors

Physical Demands:

• Standing or walking: Frequently during production processes and equipment operation.
• Lifting: Handling and moving materials or products, sometimes heavy.
• Manual dexterity: Using tools and operating machinery with precision.
• Bending and crouching: 

Environmental Conditions:

• Workspace: Climate control (air conditioning or heating) to ensure comfort.
• Lighting: Artificial lighting
• Noise Levels: Light to moderate
• Ventilation: Good ventilation to ensure a comfortable working environment, though this can vary

Mesa Labs is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Mesa Labs prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment against applicants or employees based on age, race, sex, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, disability, military status, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law.  Please note that Mesa Labs conducts criminal background checks upon offer acceptance.